The Working Families Party will return to Austin, Texas during SXSW for the third year in a row, hosting an eclectic and high-energy evening of music to foster connection and build cultural coalitions during a vital time of immense political uncertainty. Today, Politics House reveals the lineup for its one-day takeover of landmark Austin venue Cheer Up Charlie’s with New Orleans bounce legend Big Freedia set to headline alongside underground rap hero billy woods, rising Houston hip-hop star Sunnitharapper, alternative/industrial Reggaeton artist PIERI, Austin-based hip-hop band Magna Carda, and a drag show hosted by local Austin drag artist Brigitte Bandit.
The event will also feature free tattoos sponsored by Caring Across Generations, a national organization working to transform cultural norms surrounding aging, disability and caregiving, as well as a crafting station, carnival games and raffle prizes from Captured Tracks, Fat Possum, Partisan Records, Beggars Group, Sylvan Esso, and more.
This year’s event follows 2024’s two-day takeover of Parish that brought together Cumbia star Estevie, acclaimed neo-soul artist Yaya Bey and Austin-based bilingual dream pop band Luna Luna for a music showcase alongside Austin’s preeminent queer country night Neon Rainbows with DJ Boi Orbison featuring Brigitte Bandit, live podcast tapings of Rachel Bilson’s Broad Ideas and Toure Show, and a special event with model and inclusivity activist Tess Holliday. Last year’s event was cited as one of the best events at SXSW by Rolling Stone, People, Nylon, Remezcla and more.
2023’s inaugural event brought together the likes of Bartess Strange and Madison McFerrin alongside political powerhouses like Congressman Greg Cesar, one of the youngest members of Congress and a fierce champion of workers’ rights, reproductive rights, and working families in Texas. Rolling Stone named 2023’s event one of the festival’s highlights proclaiming “if this is what the future of progressive politics sounds like, bring it on!”
Politics House by the Working Families Party will take place at Cheer Up Charlie’s on March 12, bringing together world class creative communities to fight for a better future for the multiracial working class during one of the most vital political moments in recent history. RSVP here.
