Free Stuff to Do at SXSW 2024
Party at the post-apocalypse, smell good doing it
By Kimberley Jones and Naina Srivastava, Fri., March 8, 2024
Film / TV Tie-ins
Wasteland of the Fallout
Friday 8, noon-6pm, Saturday 9, 10am-6pm, Hotel San JosÉ
Prime Video puts down stakes in Hotel San José’s parking lot for an activation hyping new streaming series Fallout, based on the hit game and coming to Prime on April 12. The concept? You’ll be moving through a “bustling wasteland shanty-town outside of the Vaults that appears to be the result of nuclear fallout.” Activities include a scavenger hunt, shell game, wasteland creature lasso’ing, shooting gallery, and themed comestibles including “ass jerky.” Warning: Feral ghouls ahead.
The First Omen: Confessional Booth
Friday 8 - Sunday 10, noon-8pm; 712 Congress, 310 E. Second
Been racking up the sins lately? Fess up at this activation promoting April 5 horror The First Omen, conveniently located at two different locations. Attendees should expect a two-minute immersive experience and a “creepy Polaroid photo.” SXSW badge holders get priority access.
Cultural / Educational / Political
Black Future House
Friday 8 - Sunday 10, Downtown
Reprising last year’s inaugural event, Black Future House gathers – in their own sterling words – “Good People. Great Ambitions. Immaculate Vibes.” The three-day affair gathers Black futurists, creators, and entrepreneurs to chew on the impact of hip-hop on brands, cultivating capital investors, activism and advocacy, and more. Free, but you’ll need to register online: blackfuturehouse.com
Hook ’Em House
Friday 8 - Saturday 9, Antone’s
The University of Texas at Austin’s Hook ’Em House will feature programming on AI, robotics, science, health care, and the creator economy. The event will also include performances from musical guests – including Dayglow, Ghostland Observatory, and student artists West 22nd and Ella Castaldo – and basketball watch parties. RSVP here.
Freedom Forum’s 1A House
Friday 8 - Sunday 10, Café Blue (240 E. 2nd St.)
Learn about fundamental freedoms through Freedom Forum’s First Amendment programs, which include multiple screenings of Yours to Lose, an immersive theatre experience, live music, and conversations with experts including writers and activists, including a “Drag and the First Amendment” talk with Austin badass Brigitte Bandit on Saturday (RSVP here).
Working Families Presents Politics House
Monday 11 - Tuesday 12, Parish
In this most sweaty of election seasons, why not surround yourself with folks trying to effect positive change? Rub elbows with progressive politicians and organizers, enjoy a drag show hosted by Brigitte Bandit, dive into a cumbia dance party featuring DJ Sizzle of L.A.-based collective Cumbiatón, and more. RSVP here.
Art / Commerce
Eclipsing
Saturday 9 - Tuesday 12, The Long Center
Artists Andrew Schneider and Annie Saunders of POINT A partnered with the Long Center and Simons Foundation for this soundwalk along the trail of Lady Bird Lake, a collaboration with astrophysicist Katie Breivik to explore the concepts of the relativity of simultaneity, deep time, eclipse cycles, and star formation in advance of April’s total solar eclipse. Go to the Long Center site to reserve a free ticket.
POP!
Friday 8 - Friday 22, Republic Square Park
The Downtown Austin Alliance hosts this award-winning interactive art display designed by Montreal firm Gentilhomme. The goal is to lure five POP! creatures out of the giant, brightly colored monoliths they live in.
Camp Funk
Wednesday 13 - Saturday 16, Fifth & Trinity
Rolling Stone and ~Pourri – the maker of the spray Poo~Pourri – collaborate for a week of fragrance-fueled events, including the Funk Factory (a speakeasy combining live music and podcast tapings with ~Pourri CEO Suzy Batiz) and the March 15 Future of Funkindustry mixer. But only one activation includes a 30-foot inflatable poop, and that’s Camp Funk.
