SXSE
[SOUTH BY SOUTHEAST]
Austin spirit, East Side soul
Tuesday, March 3 – Saturday, March 7, 2026
Various times | Some events ticketed, many free
SXSE (South by SouthEast) is our East Side reimagining of the big Austin conference and festival SXSW.
Over five days, we’re turning our spot on the East Side into a hub for music, film, art, and agave culture, all rooted in local talent, collaboration, and neighborhood energy.
From open mics and cult cinema to tequila education and creative pop-ups, SXSE builds all week toward a high energy Saturday finale. It’s Austin vibes, Madison creativity, and Tex Tubb’s at the center of it all.
EVENT SCHEDULE
East Side Sessions Open Mic Kickoff
Tuesday, March 3
SXSE Film Night curated by Four Star Video
Wednesday, March 4
Agave Academy + 4-Course Dinner
Thursday, March 5
Art Night Street Meets Studio
Friday, March 6
Live bluegrass music with Father Leroy
Saturday, March 7
East Side Sessions Open Mic Kickoff
Tuesday, March 3
SXSE kicks off by handing the mic to the East Side. Local musicians, poets, comedians, and storytellers take the stage in a no cover, community-first open mic night hosted by Cooper Smith.
Sign ups start at 6 pm, with performances beginning at 7 pm.
SXSE Film Night Curated by Four Star Video
Wednesday, March 4
Film: Slacker, 7 pm start time
Our back room transforms into a pop up theater for a curated screening of Slacker, the iconic 1990 Austin-shot film directed by Richard Linklater.
Presented in partnership with Four Star Video, this intentional film night leans into cult cinema and creative credibility.
Tickets are $5 to reserve a seat, with the cost applied toward food or beverage.
TEQUILA DINNER
Thursday, March 5
$85 for a 4-course dinner with cocktails
Agave Academy shifts SXSE into full immersion with a ticketed, four course cocktail paired dinner featuring LALO Tequila. This guided experience highlights agave education, brand storytelling, and thoughtful pairings, reinforcing Tex Tubb’s agave forward roots.
Book Your Ticket (opens in a new tab)Art Night Street Meets Studio
Friday, March 4
Art Night brings visual energy into the restaurant with pop up installations and creative retail from local artists.
Texas color meets Madison creativity as the space transforms into a living gallery that blends street art and studio work.
Live Music
Saturday, March 7 | 3 – 9 pm
SXSE wraps up with live afternoon music from Father Leroy, a local bluegrass band of neighborhood dads, playing bluegrass and Americana standards alongside their own originals.
It’s the kind of easy listening that pairs perfectly with a margarita in hand, made by musicians who live just blocks from Tex Tubb’s and who’ll probably just walk on over.