5 FREE SXSW Activations You Won’t Want To Miss!
Austin, TX.
SXSW runs from March 7th to March 15th, and while a badge isn’t required, it does grant priority access. The good news? Plenty of free events are happening throughout the festival! Here are some must-see activations to check out.
1. WHATABURGER Museum of Art Gallery
Locations: Wanderlust Wine Co. - Downtown
When: March 8-9
Details: This limited-time exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the WMOA collection, showcasing over 200 original pieces all with a “Whataburger twist”. *On Saturday, March 8, attendees can also get a free Monterey Melt!
Link: https://stories.whataburger.com/wmoa-at-sxsw-2025/
2. HOOK ‘EM HOUSE
Location: Antone's Nightclub
When: March 7th to 8th
Details: Join The University of Texas at Austin for two days of SXSW panels, pop-ups & musical performances, featuring the Longhorn Podcast, panels on content creation, and musical performances from artists like Mobley and Brooke Michelle
Link: https://utatsxsw.utexas.edu/
Registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hook-em-house-at-antones-ut-at-sxsw-2025-tickets-1246355846889?aff=oddtdtcreator
3. The Museum of the Future
Location: 3rd Street & Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
When: March 7-11 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Details: Making its SXSW debut, the Museum of the Future is set to take visitors on a journey from outer space to inner space and into the world of tomorrow. This immersive experience showcases how Dubai’s iconic institution blends art, technology, and storytelling to captivate and inspire.
More info? https://museumofthefuturesxsw.com/
4. Energia Pura Vida hosted by Essential Costa Rica
Location: 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: March 7-8 from 12 pm to 5 pm
Details: An immersive AR experience that brings the beauty and culture of Costa Rica to life. Costa Rican coffee will be served, relaxing massages will be offered, and you share your thoughts on our gratitude wall.
Link: https://woobox.com/n9ggno
5. Pop up Grocer
Location: 513 E. 6th
When: March 7th to April 6th
Details: A New York-based store with a variety of unique items for sale!
Link: https://popupgrocer.com/