SXKids: Rock Out With Your Kid Out

Hey SXSW attendees, did you arrive in Austin with family in tow? Is your wife burning through that coveted music badge while you’re on baby-wearing duty? We’ve got you covered with family friendly music events that prove you can still party with a cross-body diaper bag.

All rocked out. (Photo by Terry Woodroffe)

The Family Music Meltdown is gearing up to be the ultimate kiddo party. Family radio phenomenon, Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child has teamed up with The Orange Wall Collective, Clamorhouse Kids and the Thinkery to bring a sweet lineup of performers that kids will love and grown folks can't help but (happily) dance along to. Koo Koo Kangaroo, Lloyd H. Miller (of The Deedle Deedle Dees) with the Austin Phonebook, The Que Pastas, Haley Bonar, Tom Freund and Elizabeth McQueen perform. Free with an RSVP on their Facebook event page. They say, “No sleep ‘til Mueller!” We say, tire the tykes out and get yourself a good night’s sleep. The Thinkery, Wednesday, March 12, 5-8pm.

Indie babies are the new hipsters. (Photo via familymusicmeltdown.com)

If your littles are making their way to bed by 5pm, many of the same bands will perform at Whole Foods at the Domain Saturday, March 15, 11am-2pm. Sara Hickman, The Que Pastas, Tom Freund, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, Lloyd H. Miller & the Austin Phonebook are all on the bill, making this stopover a well-timed, pre-nap dance party.

Fannypack Magic (Photo via kookookangaroo.com)

My all-time favorite event is the Bring Your Own Chair concert March 15, 12-6pm. at the Pedernales Lofts. This event, in its ninth year, is free, super-family friendly, with no RSVP necessary. I’ve been every year, and I’ve only had a kid for the last two. Bring your own chair (or blanket), sunscreen, and refillable water bottle. Hat Creek will be on site flipping burgers and Dripping Springs Vodka is a sponsor, but by all means pack a lunch and a cooler if you want to make a day of it. Every year this outdoor event brings in world-class talent, and this year is no exception. The legendary Fleshtones will be performing a set, as will the not-to miss Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans. Jungles, the all-girl punk group from Osaka, Japan, and The Jones Family Singers round up this amazing lineup. Details and performance times expected soon on their event page.

BYOC #9 (Photo via BYOC event page)

Enjoying the best of what SXSW week brings to the city is 100% doable (and 100% enjoyable) with your littles in tow. You pack the snacks, sunscreen and water, and these kiddo-friendly events will deliver the sweet, sweet sounds of music and revelry. When the kids have been thoroughly rocked out, tuck them in, call a sitter and get back out there – the night is young, and the grown-ups' party is just getting started.