For most locals, shelling out a thousand bucks on a ticket to SXSW is as ridiculous as the traffic the festival brings to Austin every year. Most locals, however, know that the best part of the festival isn’t always the curated Southx shows, it’s the ones on the fringes: the free, promotional events at smaller venues known for featuring some of the most talented artists from around the world. Keeping up with these unofficial shows, however, can sometimes be a struggle considering how, well, unofficial they are. Here are some of the things a master SXSW cheapskate keeps in mind when making the most out of festival week.

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Since there is no one comprehensive website that organizes all of Austin’s unofficial SXSW shows, social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are the best bet in keeping track of shows that are yet to be announced. Groups like The Dirty Team on Facebook and websites like Showlistaustin and unofficialsxguide.com post event info and RSVP links for free concerts, parties, showcases, speakers and more as they’re announced.

YOUR FAVORITE VENUES:
While we’re on the subject of social media, make sure you’re also checking in with your favorite Austin music venues so you’re the first person to know when they announce unofficial shows and parties. Among the crowd favorite Austin venues that host these unofficial shows are Waterloo Records, Hotel Vegas, The North Door, and Urban Outfitters. These unofficial shows have showcased everyone from ASAP Rocky, Khalid, Gus Dapperton, and more. After you’ve found a show, just make sure to register for a ticket, as most free shows require you to RSVP beforehand.

SXSW GUEST PASS
What better way to take advantage of the official SXSW festival without having to drop your hard earned cash on a badge? A SXSW guest pass gets you access to all of the public giveaways, parties and shows the festival has to offer, most importantly, for free. The pass includes entrance to the SXSW Outdoor Stage, the largest stage of the festival which holds three days of concerts on Lady Bird Lake and has been played by the likes of Childish Gambino, The Strokes, Garth Brooks, Public Enemy, and more. You will also get access to SXSW’s Wellness Expo, the Flatstock 69 poster expo and SXSW Marketplace. To get your pass, all you have to do is register an account on the official SXSW website. For more information about all of the free stuff the festival has to offer, make sure to check your email for updates on where to use your guest pass. Volunteering for SXSW is also a good way to take advantage of the festival, for volunteers can earn a festival pass after working a number of hours. After a total of 48+ hours of work, volunteers can earn either a Music, Film, or Interactive festival badge to use throughout the week. Volunteers can even earn an all access Platinum pass after 64+ hours of work.

GETTING THERE:
Now that you’ve figured out when and where you are going to be spending SXSW, it’s time to think about how to get there. For most, driving is out of the question when considering the overwhelming traffic surrounding the festival and often non-existent parking downtown. The Capital Metro system is the most cost-efficient way to get to and from the festival, while ride-sharing apps, rental scooters and bikes like Bird and Lime bikes are also efficient transportation. Luckily, most of the venues you’ll be hopping between during the festival are mostly within walking distance.

Free SXSW Events

Ready to party at SXSW without breaking the bank? Below are some events being held during the festival that won’t cost a fortune to get into.

Create and Cultivate Austin Pop-Up

Sunday, March 10: This pop-up, hosted by media company Create and Cultivate, features a lineup of female panelist entrepreneurs, brand designers, and tech professionals, along with free food, all at the historic Allen House. Free with RSVP.

Balanced Breakfast Showcase:

Monday-Wednesday, March 11-13 at the Jackelope. This free “unofficial” showcase features 32 bands from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Austin and more.

Black Girl Venture Pitch:

Monday, March 11. This event supports women of color entrepreneurs by showcasing their business as they pitch them to the audience. Then, participants can show their support by voting on their favorite business. Eight winners will be awarded for the event, and the first prize will receive $5,000 in funding. Donations not required, but you’re gonna want to show some support. Free with RSVP.

FLATSTOCK POSTER SHOW:

Thursday-Saturday, March 14-16. This official SXSW exhibit presented by The American Poster Institute is displaying more than 60 of the worlds most talented gig poster artists and their works. Visitors can also enjoy live music from the Flatstock Stage as they shop. Free with an official SXSW Guest Pass.

Songwriting Showcase at Mozart’s:

Friday, March 15. With Lady Bird Lake as a backdrop, music lovers can enjoy and support local songwriters during this free showcase/songwriting competition at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Free with RSVP.

Final Altercation Punk Rock BBQ:

Saturday, March 16. Kick Butt Coffee and Deep Eddy’s Vodka is hosting a day of punk music and free food, featuring lineup performances from Sabbath Crow, Steadfast, Heels, From Parts Unknown, and more, along with two secret headlining acts yet to be announced. Free with an RSVP.

Trapapalooza:

Saturday, March 16. Enjoy upcoming indie hip-hop acts like Troy Ave and Soldier Kidd and more at Trapapalooza’s third annual outdoor stage just off of Red River St. This event will have food tents and trucks and is free with an RSVP.

SXSW Outdoor Stage:

Attracting more than 50,000 attendees daily, the Outdoor Stage is the largest stage at SXSW and holds the festivals biggest concerts right on Lady Bird Lake. Although a full lineup of performances is yet to be announced, past performances have included Childish Gambino, The Strokes, Iggy Pop and more. The three day charity event is completely open to the public and free with an Official SXSW Guest Pass.