Overview The Do512 Smoke Show is a free SXSW kick-off party at East End Ballroom in East Austin built on three things Do512 names itself: music, BBQ and THC. In 2026 that meant seven acts from Bikini Beach to Tropa Mágica, THC treats, and brisket rice bowls from KG BBQ, a James Beard semifinalist, free to the first 100 guests. It runs on the Thursday of festival week, needs no SXSW badge or wristband, and is 21 and over. Do512, Austin's events guide, calls itself the unofficial guide to SXSW, and by 2026 it had been throwing free SXSW parties for 17 years, the Smoke Show among them. On site In 2026 doors opened at 4 p.m., bands played on the hour from 5 to 10, and DJ Double AA closed from 11. Do512 books the party across two stages and runs a VIP pre-party on the side, catered by KG BBQ's chef Kareem El-Ghayesh. After the first 100 free bowls, the brisket was sold through the night. Entry is free with an RSVP but first come, first served, and the RSVP does not guarantee a spot; Do512 says the party runs at capacity with a line down the street. Audience Do512 puts about 70% of the crowd as Austin residents, and the party opens their SXSW week. Guests find it through Do512's own SXSW guide and RSVP there, and the ballroom holds 600 at a time across an eight-to-ten-hour day. Talent and Influencers The 2026 bill ran Bikini Beach, Haunted Youth, The Sophs, Sunshine Spazz, Sun Atlas, Tropa Mágica and DJ Double AA. Do512's deck describes the booking as SXSW bands and comedians. Brand presence The presenting sponsor is billed as "[Brand] Presents: The Do512 Smoke Show," sponsors the VIP pre-party, takes a 20-by-10 activation space, main-stage signage and top billing on the lineup posters, and can sell or feature product at the bar. Do512 shoots the day and sends a photo and video recap plus a recap email to every RSVP. A supporting tier gets a 10-by-10 space and poster logos. T.H.C. Dispensary and Wild Blood coconut water were the 2026 partners.