Unofficial SXSW 2020 Events
The Show Must Go On
Words by Alison Bryce
For those who have been hiding from the news or refusing to believe it, SXSW has officially been cancelled. But nothing will stop these local venues from having a good time. Check back daily for updates about Unofficial SXSW events.
Photo by Nathan Beels
Crawfish Boil at Revelry Kitchen & Bar
March 14, 2-6pm
Join Chef Dom as he makes his family recipe spicy crawfish during the annual Crawfish Boil. The recipe calls for andouille sausage, corn, potatoes, cajun butter and hand-picked crawfish up to chef Dom’s standards. The event is $20 and includes two pounds of crawfish, live music, and drink specials.
1410 E 6th St | https://www.facebook.com/events
Mindfulness in Music
March 16, noon-3pm
Did someone mention a panel discussion that hasn’t been canceled? Yes! And this one even has featured EASTside Magazine artist Reggie DeVore on the panel! Mindfulness in Music is a free 3 hour conference to bring attention to the importance of building inclusive, sustainable relationships that provide support in the competitive nature of our business. The best part is that the conference will have the panel discussion live streamed so everyone can watch.
606 E 7th St | https://www.facebook.com/events
Photo by Nathan Beels
St. Patrick’s Day Limo Bus Bar Crawl
March 17, 1-8pm
After all of the news lately, we all need a day of fun. Start at Revelry on the Boulevard with all day happy your, then board the limo bus to an afternoon of specialty shots and cocktails. The limo bus ticket is $20. Food and drinks are available for purchase at each stop.
6215 N Lamar Blvd | https://www.facebook.com/events
The Cathedral Presents: Art + Music Spring Fest ATX
March 18-19 & 21, 6:30-11pm
Make your way to The Cathedral, as it is transformed for three days into a unique art & music house featuring art from emerging local female artists and local musicians. Performances include Lend Me Your Ear, Drew Davis Band, The Woulds, and more. Tickets start at $25 and include open bar.
2403 E 16th St. | https://www.eventbrite.com
Mr. Birthday’s Unofficial SX
March 18, 3-11pm
You can’t have an unofficial SXSW experience without a day full of live shows. Enjoy an all day lineup of live music and DJs including Sasha and the Valentines, Have to Have, and Carinae at Drink Lounge.
2001 E Cesar Chavez St | https://www.facebook.com/events
SKYLAB 2020
March 19-20, 11am-2am
Spaceflight Records and Mosaic Sound Collective are combining their interstellar powers to host the inaugural liftoff of SKYLAB 2020, a day and night party featuring a line up of 29 of Austin’s top artists. The all-ages event is free with RSVP and open to the public.
1607 San Jacinto | https://2020.do512.com/skylab2020
Western Grace Tiki Takeover
March 19, 7pm-12am
Western Grace Brandy is taking over The Cavalier with a night of featured tiki cocktails by guest bartenders Matt Le and Jake Finley and free bites from Mama Kong. Enjoy go-go dancers and DJs John Schooley and Mark A all night long.
2400 Webberville Rd, Ste A | https://www.facebook.com/events
SaulPaul’s Parks, Rec and Chill Music and Arts Festival
March 19, 11am-6pm
Though it has had to change locations after the cancellation of SXSW, SaulPaul’s Parks Rec and Chill Music and Arts Festival has not missed a beat. Instead, it’s been upgraded! With an amazing lineup of artists, speakers, and activities, the festival is a perfect location for families to enjoy Spring Break.
111 Red River | https://saulpaulspringbreak.splashthat.com
Distortion House 2020
March 20, 2pm-midnight
Western Grace Brandy and Earth Child Inc. present a lineup of SXSW’s most promising official artists of 2020. Enjoy a rare face-to-face experience with bands the whole industry is watching this year. RSVP for free entry and open bar.
2228 S Lamar Blvd | https://www.eventbrite.com
Last People Standing
March 21, 8pm-1am
Weather the storm the Austin music scene is facing during Nine Mile’s Last People Standing. The night will be filled with musicians such as The Deer
Sarah Burton, and featured EASTside Magazine artist, Sydney Wright.
711 Red River St | beerlandaustin.com
Karaoke Underground
March 19, 8pm-2am
Become part of the performance at Drinks Lounge during Karaoke Underground. Belt out your favorite classic indie and punk songs for everyone to hear. There is no cover charge to get in.
2001 E Cesar Chavez St | drinkslounge.bar
Blanton Block Party
March 28, 11am-11pm
Enjoy a free day-to-night festival featuring art, music, food, and fun, including free admission to all galleries and “Austin” by Ellsworth Kelly. Live performances from Carrie Rodriguez, Esquina Tango Austin, and featured EASTside Magazine’s artist Reggie DeVore with DUB EQUIS
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd | https://www.facebook.com/events
