SXSW's Can't Miss Showcases That Don't Require A Badge

Were you like me and decided way late in the game to pull the trigger on attending this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin? Fear not. We’ve got a list of some of the best showcases that are open to non-SXSW badgeholders (usually with an RSVP). But remember to get there early kids because most of these WILL reach capacity early in the day.

— Hype Hotel —
Tuesday, March 17 to Saturday, March 21
RSVP

Always one of the more popular unofficial showcases at SXSW, Hype Hotel definitely brought it with this year’s lineup. With both day (noon to 5 PM) and night (8 PM to 1 AM) showcases throughout the week, you get an opportunity to see a range of acts. Standouts on Tuesday include the transcendent Hundred Waters (4 PM), lo-fi Canadian rockers Alvvays (5 PM), Milo Greene (11 PM), and Spoon (1 AM). Wednesday features rising folk singer Natalie Prass (noon), King Tuff (2 PM), Twin Shadow (5 PM), burgeoning LA pop singer Ryn Weaver (10 PM), LA chill vibe providing Best Coast (11 PM) and British rockers Wolf Alice (midnight). On Thursday, don’t miss Gorgon City (3 PM) or ILoveMakonnen (5 PM). Friday features Hudson Mohawke (5 PM) and Seinabo Sey (11 PM). The party closes Saturday with sets from Ryan Hemsworth (12 AM) and Earl Sweatshirt(1 AM)

— Rdio Presents SXSW Showcase —
Sunday, March 15
RSVP

Getting things started early in Austin is Rdio, who has a killer showcase for Sunday featuring headliners King Tuff and Heartless Bastards, and also features San Fermin and Twilight Sad to name a few. Also make sure to check the sessions that Rdio will be streaming of performances they are holding throughout the week. Acts include Wolf Alice, Ryn Weaver, and Joywave, among others.

— Rolling Stone Stage —
Tuesday, March 17
RSVP

Rolling Stone is doing SXSW short but sweet but their lone day and night showcases each pack a punch. TV On the Radio, Best Coast, and Alex Winston are among those performing during the day showcase. Tove Lo, The Zombies, and Fetty Wap will close the show. Don’t miss out!

— Waterloo Records —
Wednesday, March 18
RSVP

Waterloo Records’ awesome showcase doesn’t require an RSVP and features a number of must-see bands that are in town. On Wednesday, don’t miss Will Butler (6 PM), who will be playing from his recently released debut album that kicks all sorts of ass. Thursday, singer-songwriters Elle King (5 PM) and Ryan Bingham (6 PM) perform. On Friday, METZ (5 PM) and Big Data (6 PM) close the night, and Saturday is jam-packed, with The Church (2 PM), Alvvays (3 PM), and Joey Bada$$ (4 PM) playing sets. Click here for the full lineups.

— House of Vans at Mohawk —
Tuesday, March 17
RSVP

Vans has put together one of the deepest lineups for their House of Vans showcase at Mohawk. On Tuesday night, indie folk favorite Angel Olsen (1 AM) closes the night. On Wednesday, Courtney Barnett (4:15 PM) will perform songs from her new album that just dropped. Later that night, Girlpool (8 PM), Alvvays (9 PM), and Future Islands (1 AM) will perform. On Thursday, Arcade Fire’s Win Butler (4:45 PM) will DJ as Windows98 with his brother Will Butler (2:15 PM) performing a few hours earlier. Migos (5:15) closes the Thursday day showcase. Laura Marling (1 AM) is the Thursday night closer. On Friday, don’t miss BORNS (3:30 PM), Wolf Alice (4 PM), or ODESZA (5:20 PM) during the day and Dilated Peoples (11:45 PM) and Atmosphere (12:15 AM) when it gets dark. Saturday night has Shlomo slated for a midnight set with a special guest to be announced closing the event at 1 AM. Surprises are always big at SXSW, keep in mind. Click here for the full schedule.

— Spotify House —
Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20
RSVP

Another regular favorite at SXSW, Spotify House is stacked for 2015. Run the Jewels (5 PM) closes the first night on Monday. BORNS (1 PM), Ryn Weaver (2:30 PM), and ODESZA (5 PM) will be there on Tuesday. On Thursday, a stellar one-two punch of James Bay (1 PM) and Tobias Jesso Jr. (2:30 PM) leads into MisterWives (6 PM) later on with a special guest to close at 7:45 PM. Click here for the complete schedule.

— CouchTrippin ’15 —
Wednesday, March 18
RSVP

A one-day event presented by the awesome Culture Collide music festival in partnership with Lagunitas Brewing Co., CouchTrippin’ is a unique event that pairs kick-ass music with drinking high-quality beer while sitting on some comfortable couches. Headliners for this event are the indispensable soul man Charles Bradley and King Tuff. Bradley is one of the most gifted live performers, a man who recorded his debut album in his mid-sixties and puts 150% into his live show. Do not miss him if you can help it.

— RepublicSX Class of 2015 —
Wednesday, March 18 to Friday, March 20
RSVP

Republic Records will be showcasing some of their hottest talent during SXSW. On Wednesday, Jamestown Revival (7 PM) and MisterWives (8 PM) will perform. Thursday, Clairity (7PM) and James Bay (8 PM) will take part. Friday sees Dotan (6:30 PM), The Mowglis (7:30 PM) and Charles Hamilton (8:30 PM) performing. Check it out!