Top Free SXSW Concerts

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Updated: February 20, 2007

Short on cash but don't want to miss out on the fun? Check out our list of the top free shows in Austin, from down-home country acts to psychedelic rock bands, and everything in between.

On this page:More Live Music, The Top Spots.

More Live Music

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Stubb's Jr. - Indoor Stage
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    801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Continental Club
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    1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

    A favorite South Congress spot for local music, inexpensive drinks and Austin history.

The Top Spots

  1. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Beerland
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    711 1/2 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

    Stop by this laid-back bar for a "garage band" concert atmosphere on Saturday night, with performances by Easy Action, Brutal Knights, Hit by Flying Glass, and Nothing People.

  2. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Trophy's
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    2008 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

    No wristbands needed for Go Girls Music's nightly showcase of more than 40 artists (Thursday through Saturday, 9pm to 2am).

  3. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Auditorium Shores
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    950 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

    Free shows through the weekend. Thursday: Grupo Fantasma, Del The Funky Homosapien and Spoon. Friday: The Sadies, Eliza Gilkyson, The BoDeans. Saturday: Super Pal Universe, Rachel Trachtenburg, Christian Scott, Lyrics Born, Strong Arm Steady, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli and Ice Cube.

  4. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Carousel Lounge
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    1110 E 52nd St, Austin, TX 78723 (map)

    This funky, circus-theme fittingly hosts psychedelic rock band Spain Colored Orange for a night of indie music Wednesday night.

  5. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Headhunter
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    720 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

    Grab a cheap Lone Star ale and rock out to Cat Party, Ghost Buffalo, and more performances sans cover on both indoor and outdoor stages, Friday noon.

  6. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Plush
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    617 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

    Beginning at 2pm Saturday, this club-crawling dance club will venture into daylight with free shows by Git Some, Kill California, and Sofakingdom.

  7. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Yard Dog Folk Art
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    1510 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

    Catch Portland-based musical clan Blitzen Trapper at this eclectic art gallery open to all ages, Thursday from noon to 7pm.

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