SXSW Final Weekend in Austin: Free Events, Big News Headlines, New Restaurant Openings

It’s a big weekend in Austin as we wrap up SXSW, and we’ve got the Scoop for everything you need to stay in the know!

NEWS:

• The World’s First Pay-Per-Flight Air Taxi Takes Off at SXSW – LIFT Aircraft made history at SXSW, offering festival-goers a chance to be the pilot. More Details

• Barton Springs Pool Reopens Tomorrow – After its annual spring cleaning, Barton Springs Pool will reopen on March 15, 2025, with admission fees resuming. More Details

• Bungalow Returns to Rainey Street – The beloved bar is reopening on March 23 at 83 Rainey St. (exactly 3 years after they closed down in 2022), taking over the former Icenhauer’s spot. More Details 

• Texas Basketball Faces Tennessee Today in SEC Tournament – After a 94-89 double-overtime win against Texas A&M, the Longhorns will play No. 8 Tennessee in the quarterfinals.

• Goodyear Blimp Returns to Austin – The iconic airship flies over Austin for the first time in 10 years to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

• PepsiCo Nears $1.5 Billion Acquisition of Poppi / The Austin-based prebiotic soda brand is in talks to be acquired by PepsiCo, with a deal expected to be finalized soon. More Details

• Bathe Austin debuted their new 8,000 sq ft Outdoor Garden in East Austin, showing their plans for Phase 2 of development with an indoor bathe house. More Details

EVENTS:

• March 14: FREE YETI Music Showcase / Noon - 6PM / YETI Flagship Store

• ​March 14: ​Antone's 50th x Austin Blues Fest SXSW Day Party / 12 PM-5 PM / Antone's Nightclub / Celebrate Antone's 50th anniversary with live blues performances, featuring Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas. ​FREE ​

• ​March 14: The Austin Chronicle Hair of the 3-Legged Dog Day Party Vol. 10 / 12 PM-4 PM / Hotel Vegas / Enjoy live performances by J'cuuzi, Tomar and the FCs, Skateland, and J Soulja. Complimentary tacos available while supplies last. FREE with RSVP (21+) (RSVP Here)​

• ​March 14: Waterloo Records Day Parties (Day Four) / Starting at 5 PM / Waterloo Records / Live performance by Charley Crockett. FREE (Details)​

• March 14-29: Rodeo Austin / All Day / Rodeo Austin Fairgrounds / ProRodeo events, live music, and carnival fun. (Details)

• ​March 14-15: ​South by San José / 12 PM-10 PM / Hotel San José / Annual event featuring live music, local vendors, and food trucks. (Details)

• March 14-15: KUTX Live at Scholz Garten / 8 AM-12 PM / Scholz Garten / Morning showcase with live music benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank

• ​March 14-16: ​Cosmic Saltillo's Wellness Market & Yoga / 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM / Cosmic Saltillo / Enjoy free rooftop yoga sessions each morning during SXSW, followed by a wellness market.

• ​March 15: John Summit Performance / 7:00 PM / Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park / Electronic music artist John Summit performs live as part of Billboard's THE STAGE at SXSW.

• March 15: FREE St. Patty’s Showdown Rooftop Party / 6-10PM / Vanta Rooftop Downtown / (details)

• March 18: Bike Night at COTA / Evening / Circuit of The Americas / Ride your bike around the iconic 3.41-mile F1 track. (Details)

• ​March 22: ​STRENGTH IN THE CITY Wellness Fest / All Day / Austin Guitar Pool Mansion / Participate in a full day of health and wellness classes, including yoga, HIIT, dance, and meditation. ​(Details)

• ​March 23: Austin FC vs. San Diego FC / 7:00 PM / Q2 Stadium / Austin FC returns home to face San Diego FC in an MLS regular-season match. ​

FOOD & DRINKS SPOTLIGHT:

New Restaurant Openings:

• Haywire (The Domain) – A Texas-proud steakhouse by FB Society, bringing upscale Southern hospitality and bold flavors. Cuisine: Steakhouse. Opening: March 25, 2025.

• Twin Isle (Central East Austin) – Chef Janelle Romeo introduces Austin to Trinidadian flavors with vibrant Caribbean dishes. Cuisine: Trinidadian. Opening: Spring 2025.

• Fish Shop (East Sixth Street) – A seafood lover’s paradise featuring a raw bar, fresh catches, and coastal-inspired dishes. Cuisine: Seafood. Opening: Spring 2025.

• Paperboy (South Lamar) – The popular brunch spot expands south, serving signature breakfast and lunch favorites. Cuisine: Brunch. Opening: Early 2025.

• Radius Butcher Shop (East Austin) – A modern butcher shop offering locally sourced meats and artisanal products. Cuisine: Specialty Meats. Opened this Week.

• Gina's on Congress (Downtown Austin) – An Italian bistro with a charming dining room and ample bar, offering dishes like little gem Caesars, croque madame, and handmade conchiglie pasta with pork sausage. Cuisine: Italian. Opened: March 2025. ​

ON THIS DAY IN AUSTIN HISTORY:

• On March 14th, 1839, the tiny village of Waterloo, located on the Colorado River, was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," and designated as the capital of the Republic of Texas.