Remember the glory days of South by Southwest in Austin, when it wasn't one of the busiest weeks of the year? Traffic wasn't as much of a nightmare, and all of your favorite hangout spots weren't crowded with startup entrepreneurs and influencers.

From a local art pop-up to a Hill Country crawfish boil, we've got several ideas on how to escape the crowds and craziness of SXSW. Here are our 10 top picks for non-SXSW haunts and events to look forward to for the next week.

If you happen to be downtown…

Otopia Rooftop Lounge at The Otis Hotel
Open daily for lunch until late, operating hours vary
We get it – sometimes downtown Austin can't be avoided for a full week. But that doesn't mean you can't make it work to your advantage during late afternoon traffic hours. Otopia Rooftop Lounge hosts a "golden hour" starting one hour before sunset every Monday through Thursday with discounted signature cocktails and half-off select appetizers. Plus, you can enjoy watching a beautiful sunset over the Austin skyline while sitting poolside, all without major crowds getting in the way.

Uptown Sports Club
March 7-8
This East Austin hangout is partnering with Pinthouse for a tap takeover March 7 and 8, featuring four iconic Pinthouse brews: The Burro's Breakfast Mexican Lager, Magical Pils, Scorpion Disco IPA, and Training Bines Hazy IPA. The restaurant will also celebrate the launch of its brand new late-night menu that will be available from 11 pm to 1:30 am every Friday and Saturday. The "Nite Moves" menu is loaded with discounted drinks, beer pitchers, and late night foodie favorites like smashburgers and hand pies à la mode.

Even when Uptown Sports Club is busy, it's still cozy. Photo by Nick Simonite

Affordable Art Fair pop-up experiences
March 7-9
Affordable Art Fair Austin is hosting three unique (and free) pop-up experiences during the first weekend of SXSW, featuring local artist talks, gallery exhibitions, and immersive activities. Visitors can catch a live painting event by She Wolf Gallery, participate in an artwork scavenger hunt, and more. These events will be held at various locations in East Austin and downtown. RSVP via Eventbrite.

What to do outside downtown

The Austin Flea at Still Austin Whiskey Co.
March 8
Visitors can pick up some handmade goodies and support local businesses during the Austin Flea market at Still Austin Whiskey Co. from 12-5 pm on Saturday, March 8. Artisan wares that can be found often include jewelry, glasswork, home goods, and much more. Don't forget to try some great cocktails from one of Austin's favorite distilleries. The Austin Flea is free and open to the public.

Tancho Sushi
Open daily for lunch and dinner
Tancho Sushi's unique "everyday omakase" experience is both trendy and affordable, all while being conveniently located just 15 minutes from central Austin. Both locals and SXSW visitors will delight in taking a break away from the downtown madness to revel in the restaurant's easygoing atmosphere while indulging in high quality sushi. We've also tried their omakase to-go boxes, which are an ideal option for busy individuals and introverts who want a nice meal without any extra fuss.

Meanwhile Brewing Co.
March 12-15
Meanwhile Brewing has an impressive lineup for this year's Out By South East events, including musicians like Vanessa Zamora, Joseon, Dead Gowns, Ribbon Skirt, Fake Dad, and more. And you can't go wrong with Meanwhile's refreshing boozy drinks, five on-site food trucks, and a vintage market on Saturday, March 15. Visitors can also enjoy the shade provided by the brewery's sprawling oak trees. If you start wanting to brave the busier venues but don't have festival credentials, try one of these free outdoor concerts.

Explore the ‘burbs and beyond

Crawfish and Cocktails at Desert Door Distillery
March 9 from 12-3 pm
Locals can escape the city buzz by taking a day trip to the Hill Country for an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil at Desert Door Distillery in Driftwood on Saturday, March 9. The distillery is partnering with Eastside Boilers to serve up Louisiana-style crawfish with all the fixins', plus bold Cajun spice and flavor. There will be an abundance of new spring cocktails on the menu, including a Sotol Sangria, Ube Sour, and more. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

It's crawfish season, y'all.Photo courtesy of Desert Door Distillery

Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion 2025
March 12-14
Willie Nelson's famous Luck Reunion and Potluck, held at his own Spicewood ranch just 45 minutes from Austin, is is bringing together a long and diverse lineup of musicians and chefs. Nelson himself will be taking the stage at the Potluck on March 12, followed by Austin's own Shane Smith & The Saints and Charley Crockett on March 13, plus Waxahatchee and Lucinda Williams on March 14 and many others in between. Though the Potluck is currently sold out, tickets for the March 14 show are still available on Etix.

Saturday Night Concert Series at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave
Every Saturday in March from 6-8 pm
The Hill Country Galleria's popular Saturday Night Concert Series has returned for a five-week lineup of spring performances this month, including a special unofficial SXSW showcase on Saturday, March 15. SXSW Down Under will feature local bands Borderline, Frankie Venter, and Bakers Eddy. Other local talent that will perform throughout the month include Bob Schneider (March 8), Gunnar Latham (March 22), and Tristan Tritt (March 29). Admission is free.

Spring Fest at Historic Market Square in San Antonio
March 8-16, programming begins at 10 am each day
Disgruntled Austinites can forgo this city altogether during SXSW with a weeklong excursion to San Antonio to explore Spring Fest at the Historic Market Square. Visitors can expect to find plenty of live music, dancing, delicious food, and a vibrant celebration of San Antonio's culture and community. Throughout the week, 90 bands are expected to perform including Los Garcia Bros. (March 9), EZ Band (March 14), La Fiebre (March 15), and many more. All events are free to the public, and more information about the festival can be found on marketsquaresa.com.