By: Anne Marie Totah
Editor’s Note: We love hearing what your favorite SXSW parties and artists are for this years fest. Our latest Best Of SXSW submission comes from Anne Marie, who has been attending SXSW for 6 years. If you’d like to submit your own list, drop us a line. View our party calendar to see more unofficial events and sign up now and we’ll auto-RSVP to the best parties.
It’s nearly March in Austin and that means South By Southwest is quickly approaching! While there are many official parties and showcases that are only open to official badge or wristband holder, there are also many free events that don’t require a badge. Throughout the nine-day festival, some even include free food and/or drinks. Many companies come back to SXSW year after year, but the 2018 festival includes some exciting new contenders.
While having a badge is the best way to enjoy SXSW, you can definitely have fun and attend many shows without one. Now is the time to RSVP to as many events as possible, even if you are not sure if you will attend. Luckily, RSVPster will RSVP you to the best unofficial parties, you just need to show up! Below is my list of the top ten parties to attend at SXSW this year.
SX San Jose
South By San José returns to the Hotel San José and Jo’s parking lot with live music, local
vendors and good times. Music starts at noon each day, rain or shine, and the party is always and
forever free to attend.
101X day parties
The 101X crew holds it down, chatting it up with showcasing SXSW artists. Don’t miss your shot
to rub elbows, 21+ enjoy BUD LIGHT specials, and participate in the fun! Thursday and Friday,
we’re kicking our party into high gear with two full days of music showcases!
Mash Bash
Join Mashable for a night of good drinks, killer music, funky dance moves, and maybe a few
surprises as we celebrate another epic weekend at SXSW!
She Shreds
We said we wouldn’t, but it’s too fun to stop. So here we are: our 5-year anniversary of throwing
unofficial and underground shows during SXSW plus our literal 5-year anniversary of existing.
We’re going all out this time with some of our favorite bands and companies joining us. This is a
safe space where people can come together to celebrate the impact of women and nonbinary
people shredding (whatever that might mean to you!)
Floodfest
FLOODfest is an annual event series across various cities in the US created, curated and
produced by FLOOD Magazine. FLOOD brings often-overlooked culture and entertainment to
the forefront. In a noisy world, we highlight the best and most intriguing players in pop culture
through engaging media, intelligent op-eds, and thought-provoking interviews and features. For
the past three years at the Cedar Street Courtyard we’ve featured the likes of Run the Jewels,
Spoon, Peaches, Vince Staples, Black Lips, Frenship, and many more.
Peligrosa
More info: “We’re baaaack! Peligrosa House 2018 is upon us and we’re back with another 4-night party at the
Northdoor. RSVP and stay tuned for more tips, treats and that’s. Come see familiar friends and up
and coming superstars. Un poquito de todo!”
Magic Hours
Get ready for another electrifying showcase from Splash! They got their start at SXSW, so of
course they had to throw their own party. This year their lineup will consist of Glassio, Rick Feds,
MIEARS, Mobley, The Disfunction, and Yellow Shoots.
Amplify Philly
2018 represents the third year of the Amplify Philly — a concerted initiative that aims to spotlight
the talent and companies coming out of the city. This year the initiative has locked down an
“Amplify Philly House.” From 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on March 11 and 12, the space will host Philly
programming including panel discussions and startup exhibits. The house will also be the site of
Philly-run parties and concerts.
WeDC House
We’re showcasing the best of Washington, DC tech, business and culture. Experience the
#WeDC House for all the ways you can work, live, and play in the District. I have gone to the
#WeDC House over the past two years and it is always one of my favorites.
Do512 Strangebrew
For the 7th year in a row, no less! For the better part of a decade now, Strange Brew has been the
epicenter for what we’re fond of calling, The Best Monday of the Year. As it has been in the past,
so shall it be on Monday, March 12th, 2018 at Hotel Vegas. Prepare your body for an all-day
party stocked with Karbach Beer, Deep Eddy Vodka, Mike’s Harder, and a whopping 28 bands
worth of live music lasting from early afternoon ’til late, late, late into the night.
