Free SXSW

5 days, 5 shows: Free official SXSW showcases you shouldn't miss

Complain about the traffic and influx of visitors all you want, but don't forget that SXSW provides a host of free official programming for locals and out-of-towners alike. Even if you didn't grab a music wristband, you've got plenty of chances to catch official SXSW artists at free shows around town. There's a full list of free events available on the SXSW website, but we thought we'd narrow it down for you.

Here are our picks for five days of free music — the local and international shows you shouldn't miss.

Tuesday, March 12: Austin Music Showcase at The Parish

Take some time Tuesday night to stop by The Parish and sample some Austin's best homegrown talent, brought to you by the ATX Music Office. Shakey Graves' one-man band will blow you away; Jess Williams' haunting folk will soothe your soul; Mother Falcon's youthful orchestra will amp you up for The Band of Heathens and Austin's favorite rock act, Quiet Company. Want to get ahead? Download our Texas Showcase Sampler and check out a few of the sounds you'll hear Tuesday night.

Wednesday, March 13: International Showcase at City Hall

Cut out early on Wednesday, grab a spot at City Hall, and check out the International Showcase from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Featuring bands from Sweden, Taiwan, France and Italy, this showcase runs the gamut of pop to electronic. Immanu El kicks things off at 3 p.m., bringing what Rolling Stone calls "Swedish postrock romanticism or hauntingly whispering hover-pop" to the Lone Star State.

Thursday, March 14: Second Play at the Omni

Catch fiddle phenom Warren Hood and the UK's five-piece folk ensemble, Skinny Lister at the Omni for an early evening that will ease you into a full weekend of music. Looking for more diversity? Check out the full Second Play schedule; all performances open to the public.

Friday, March 15: The Flaming Lips at Auditorium Shores

The Flaming Lips are known for epic displays of music and oddity. What better setting to catch the masters of psychedelic rock than outside on a warm March evening with the Austin cityscape as a backdrop? Divine Fits and Jim James (My Morning Jacket) open.

Saturday, March 16: Levon Helm Tribute at Auditorium Shores

The late, great drummer of The Band will be memorialized in a fitting tribute featuring a full day of music at Auditorium Shores. The event benefits Keep It Goin', the initiative to continue Levon Helm's legacy and create a musical landmark at his barn in Woodstock. Performers include Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Los Lonely Boys, JJ Grey & Mofro, Steve Earle and more. Helm's daughter, Amy, will perform with headliner, The Midnight Ramble Band, singing the best of Levon Helm and The Band.

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Lights Up

Top holiday tradition Trail of Lights illuminates Zilker Park for 2024

Trail of Lights/austintrailoflights.org

One of Austin's top events is coming back soon.

For a city that barely has seasons, Austin really has its seasonal traditions on lock, and none as strongly as the Trail of Lights. This holiday happening, which features more than two million lights in festive displays along a driving and walking trail at Zilker Park, is returning for its 60th year from December 10-23.

Half of the 14 nights will be free to the pubic, and children under 12 will get in for free every night. Although the light show was temporarily drivable during pandemic shutdowns, it is back to being a walking trail only. That means visitors can stroll along the 1.25-mile path (or 2.5 miles total, an FAQ estimates, with all the meandering factored in).

The lights are spread across 96 trees and 70 "festive displays" including the famous tunnel draped in lights and stars that visitors love to take photos in.

Trail of Lights tunnel This light tunnel is a popular place for a photo op.Trail of Lights/austintrailoflights.org

Besides enjoying the visual effects, trail-walkers will also have plenty of other entertainment. There's Candy Cane Lane, which includes food and beverage vendors, restrooms, and the ZIP Lounge, which is like a VIP lounge with complimentary cookies, cocoa, and more but...at the end of the alphabet. Then there's also the North Pole at the center, featuring Santa's House and Santa's Workshop, plus more festival attractions like food, carnival rides (a ferris wheel and carousel), shopping, and live music.

Food vendors haven't been shared yet, but will eventually be listed on the event's website. Musical artists: applications are open now to play during the 2024 season.

Trail of lights fanatics have other options for getting involved, like an exclusive Night Lights Preview Party ($100) on December 6, which will feature food from Austin restaurants, complimentary beverages, and free rides. There's also a Fun Run the next day, December 7. (Okay, fine, holiday lights do make running sound fun.) Finally, guests can even book private events including, for the first time, weddings.

Tickets (free, or starting at $8) are available at austintrailoflights.org. An interactive calendar makes it easy to see which days include free entry. Some proceeds and donations support the Stars at the Trail program, which divvies up funds to nonprofits around Central Texas.

trail of lights holidays