Our next showcase is this Friday! Click the poster (designed by CiA’s own Eric Pulsifer) to RSVP on Facebook.


Wednesday, Feb. 1
Wine Down Wednesday
6–8pm • DuO, 225 West 2nd St. • Free
Complimentary glass of wine from Cru wine bar while you shop at DuO. Afterwards, head to Cru with your DuO receipt and get 20% off your meal.

Living Record Music Documentary Night Presents “Don’t Look Back”
7pm • Jo’s Coffee, 242 W. 2nd St. • Free
Free screening of DA Pennebaker’s documentary about Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England, hosted by the Austin Film Festival.

Tom Waits Hoot Night
8pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th St. • $5
A Tom Waits tribute night with performances by Shakey Graves, Charlie Faye, Rob Franco of the Venus Illuminato, Johnny Dango of The Memphis Strange, Jack Wilson, Kurt McMahan of King Biscuit, members of Cowboy and Indian, Shane Bartell, Taber Maine, and others.


Thursday, Feb. 2
Anthony Green In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free show + free Shiner.

Groundhog Day Happy Hour
5–8pm • Mohawk • Free
Drink specials + Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day on repeat.

Big-Ass Social Happy Hour (BASHH)
6pm • The Ranch, 710 West 6th St. • Free
Laid-back happy hour with all kinds of cool folks from Austin’s social media community and beyond. If you get there early enough, you can get a free drink ticket.

First Thursday: February Fun
7–10pm • Goodie Two Shoes, 1111 S. Congress Ave. • Free
Complimentary drinks, snacks, styling and sales.

Thursday Night Social Club: Great Comedy, Free Beer
8pm • ColdTowne Theater, 4803-B Airport Blvd. • $5
Every Thursday in January, ColdTowne is opening early to provide free beer and snacks before the improv comedy show.

DJ Honeycomb and Malverde Present: Shuffle Shuffle
10pm–2am • Malverde, 400 W. Second, Ste. 400-B • Free
Every Thursday this month, DJ Honeycomb and Malverde present Shuffle Shuffle. This week’s guest DJ is DJ Chicken George.


Friday, Feb. 3
Free Wine Tasting with Esprit du Vins
4-8pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Ave. • Free
Free tasting featuring: Trimbach Pinot Blanc ’07, Lamarque Grande Cabanes Rose 2010, Ch. De la Chaize Brouilly ’09, Lamargue Syrah Les Grand Cabanes ’08, and Trimbach Gewurztraminer Vendage Tardives ’01.

The Asteroid Shop @ Fox on First
5pm • Fox on First, 1906 S. 1st St. • Free
Free show by the Asteroid Shop + free food + free beer.

Beauty Goes Red: Austin Beauty Week Kickoff Party
6:30–9:30pm • Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave. • Free w/ RSVP
A red-themed party with complimentary red drinks provided by Bacardi Dragon Berry and sweet treats by Sara Belle’s Bakery. Plus: swag bags for the first 50 guests, silent auction, chair massages, and music by DJ Big Rich. Benefits Central Texas Go Red for Women.

Art Opening — Dimensions: Constructed Exploration & The Painted Print
7–10pm • Gallery Black Lagoon, 4301 A. Guadalupe St. • Free
Complimentary drinks (Deep Eddy Vodka) and food (The Parlor & Austinuts) at a gallery reception featuring new works by Jonathan Sanders and David Lujan.

CoolinAustin & Austin Writes Music Present: Shot Through the Heart   **Event of the Week**
9pm–2am • Frank, 407 Colorado St. • $6
That’s right: It’s time for another CiA/AWM showcase. The all-local lineup features Royal Forest, Your Friendly Ghost, Dead Black Hearts, and Little Radar. We hope to see you out there!


Saturday, Feb. 4
Independence Brewing Co. Brewery First Saturday Tour and Beer Tasting
1–3pm • Independence Brewing Co., 3913 Todd Lane #607 • Free
Free tour and tasting. Bring cash if you want to buy merchandise.

Be Our Valentine: Annual Valentine’s Trunk Show
2–7pm • Plain Ivey Jane, 408 W 2nd St. • Free
Complimentary drinks, treats from Sugar Pop Sweet Shop, and local shopping.

We’ll Go Machete, Cabra, Aetherhawk, Honey & Salt
6–10pm • Trailer Space Records, 1401 Rosewood Ave. • Free
Free show + free beer.

Red Bull Skooled Tour
8pm–2am • Scoot Inn, East 4th @ Navasota • Free
Texas indie rap groups A.Dd+, The Niceguys, Worldwide, Kydd, and DJ Sober
make a stop in Austin on their six-city tour through Texas. The free show features Cold Cris.

Good Field Album Release Party w/ Jesse Woods and Sleep Good
8pm–2am • Baby Blue Recording Studio, 1522 E. 12th St. • $5
Cover includes free keg beer.


Sunday, Feb. 5
“Material Girl” Super Bowl Party
5pm • Side Bar, 602 E. 7th St. • Free
Madonna-themed Super Bowl party with complimentary food and Corona for the first 50–100 people. Plus: best dressed Madonna talent competition (with prizes), projections of the game, and a Material Girl after-dance party with music by DJ Czech One.

Super Bowl Watch Party at The ND
5pm • The ND, East 5th St. at Brushy St. • Free
Watch the game, supplemented with music by DJ Orion.

Airplanes Above Us with the Madisons
7pm–2am • Red Eyed Fly, 715 Red River St. • $5
Also featuring Kiddoo & The Dude, The Holler Time, and Tippus.

Plugs: PSST! We’re up for a Statesman Social Media Award — if you’re a fan of what we do, we’d be eternally grateful if you could throw a vote our way!

Also: Like us on the Facebook, Tweet at us on the Twitter

Shoutouts: Amber, Partay Peeps, Do512 Free, Austin Free Events

Party arty, dudes.

Wednesday, Nov. 9
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Live music by a fun band in a cool record store.

Free Wine Tasting at Cool River Café
5–6:30pm • Cool River Café, 4001 W. Parmer Lane • Free
Complimentary tastings of Chappellet Mountain Cuvee and William Hill Chardonnay, plus free hand-passed appetizers.

arkFit at Gallery D Launch Party
6–9pm • Gallery D, 436 W. 2nd St. • Free
Cocktails by Tito’s Vodka, bites by Buenos Aires Café, raffle and live music. Benefits Citizen Generation.

Cookies & Champagne
7–9pm • Plain Ivey Jane, 408 W 2nd St. • Free
Free cookies and champagne. Bring items to donate to SafePlace and get 10 percent off any apparel purchase.

Lustre Pearl’s 360 Hula Hoop Happy Hour
10pm–Midnight • Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey St. • Free
360 Vodka samples, $3 cocktails, and hula hoop lessons.


Thursday, Nov. 10
Free Sparrow Hawk Wine Tasting
5–6:30pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Ave. • Free
Free tastings of Sparrow Hawk 2009 Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2009 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, and Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma 2007.

Scott + Cooner Cocktail Party
5:30–7:30pm • Scott + Cooner, 115 W. 8th St. • Free
Complimentary cocktails and catering by Ranch 616.

Cautiously Feral: Group Exhibition Opening Reception
7–9pm • Paloma Botanical Beauty Parlour, 4600 Mueller Blvd. #1005 • Free
Wine, appetizers, door prizes, and art by Texas-based artists.

Prom Night 80s Style
8pm • Gibson Bar, 1109 S Lamar Blvd. • Free
Trash-can punch, drink specials, DJ, 80s-themed bingo hosted by Trevin from 101X, and a costume contest with prizes.


Friday, Nov. 11
Switched On: In-Store Party
Noon–9pm • Switched On / Take Heart Shop, 1111 11th St. • Free
How could you miss an opportunity to celebrate 11/11/11 at 1111 11th St.? Take Heart is offering wine and snacks from 6–8pm, and Switched On staff will be DJing throughout the day.

Yellowcard In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Live music and free beer from Shiner.

.36 Release Beer and Bourbon Tasting at the Whip In
5–7pm • Whip In, 1950 South I-35 (near Oltorf) • Free
Free bourbon samples, $3 pints of Ranger Creek beer, and live music.

Bar 96’s 1-Year Anniversary Party
6–9pm • Bar 96, 96 Rainey Street • Free
Free appetizer buffet and live music by The Soldier Thread, The Preservation, Blank Slate, and Minor Mishap marching band.

Nigel Tufnel Day
7–10pm • North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery, 10010 Capital of TX Hwy N. • $2 donation
NXNW celebrates 11/11/11 with a tribute to Spinal Tap lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel, whose amp infamously “goes to 11.” The night starts with a screening of “This Is Spinal Tap” at 7, followed with performances by Iron Menorah and a Spinal Tap cover band. NXNW will also tap a special cask of its “Spinal Hop” brew. Costumes are encouraged, and proceeds benefit Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).

Karaoke Apocalypse at Frontier Bar
9pm • Frontier Bar, 2421 Webberville • Free
Live-band karaoke, no cover.

Old Men w/ Fuzz Pedals: A Benefit for Family Eldercare
9pm–2am • Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe • $5 donation
Music by The Midgetmen, Teen Noir, The Distant Seconds, and We’ll Go Machete. Proceeds benefit Family Eldercare’s Holiday Giving Drive. Get free admission if you donate a gift card from HEB, Target, Walmart, or Randalls. Donate extra cash and you could win free haircuts from Birds Barbershop.

The Black Light Masquerade
9pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • Free (?)
Hosted bar courtesy of Sailor Jerry from 9–10pm, plus screen printing, mask making, body painting, and live music.

11/11/11 Playboy Party
10pm–2am • The Madison, 307 West 5th St. • Free
Complimentary drinks from 10–11pm, with music by Playboy Playmate DJ Kay Jay.


Saturday, Nov. 12
East Austin Studio Tour
Nov. 12, 13, 19, 20 (hours vary) • See map for locations • Free
Hundreds of local artists open their doors and show off their works to the public. All of the studios celebrate E.A.S.T. in their own way, so you never really know what kind of interesting things you’ll find. Pick up a catalog at any Austin public library and plan your own route. In the mean time, check out the map and some recommendations from CultureMap Austin.

Storied Firearms Christmas Bazaar
10am–2pm • Storied Firearms, 9300 Hwy. 290 West • Free
Festive food and drinks, shooting competitions, giveaways, and other activities.

Artpost Austin
11am–6pm (Saturday and Sunday) • Artpost Austin, 4704 E. Cesar Chavez • Free
Texas Pitmasters BBQ, Progress Coffee, and Sweet Leaf Tea. Works by more than 35 artists on display. Swing by Sunday afternoon for Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches.

The Revival
3pm–2am • Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe • Free
Free show with 18 bands performing, including Clyde and Clem, Franny & Zooey, The Eastern Sea, and others. Benefits The Revival Fund, a local nonprofit that aids local Austin musicians who are in need.

6th Annual Backyard Art Show   **Event of the Week**
4pm–Midnight • Green House, 701 E. 53rd Street • Free
Beer from Independence Brewing Co.; music by Seven Itch Stitch, Shootin’ Pains, Black Salve, Rabbit Fist and Talmadge D’Amor; art by more than 20 local artists.
 
Handshakes Grand Opening
4pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E 6th St. • Free
A 90s-themed milkshake social with Thanksgiving shakes (pumpkin pie, cranberry, and other deliciousness), plus music by Hot Britches & uLovei.
 
“West of East” Opening Reception at Gallery Black Lagoon
6–9pm • Gallery Black Lagoon, 4301 A. Guadalupe St. • Free
“West of East” is a group art exhibition with works by 17 Austin artists on display for the next two weekends. The opening reception on Saturday features complimentary cocktails by Deep Eddy Vodka, coffee from Cuvee Roasting Co., and snacks by Beanitos. The exhibition is open from 11am–8pm each day, including Cocktail Social Hours with free Deep Eddy cocktails from 6–8pm.

E.A.S.T. Victory Lap Art Exhibit
6–10pm (Saturday and Sunday) • The Historic Victory Grill, 1104 E 11th • Free
E.A.S.T. after-party with food, drinks, music, dancing, and art.
 
Cobra Show: E.A.S.T. Party
6–11pm • Cobra Studios, 902 Gardner Road • Free
Complimentary cocktails from Dripping Springs Vodka, with live music by Lost Soul Revue and Channel 13.
 
ShowGO!
7:30pm • 29th Street Ballroom • $6
Stand-up comedy, short films, music videos and other entertainment. Benefits victims of the Bastrop wildfires.

VJ Showcase Night at The Highball
10pm–2am • The Highball • Free w/ RSVP
Video remixes, mash-ups, and classic cuts performed live on stage by DJ Orion, Kid Slyce, DJ Ding, and VJ 4th Wall. RSVP on Do512 to get in for free.


Sunday, Nov. 13
Second Sunday Sock Hop
9pm–Midnight • Shangri-La, 1016 E. 6th Street • $5
The monthly dance party at ‘Shang’ features DJs Shorty Stump, TiMurphy and Second Line Social spinning the best of the 50s, 60s and 70s, in genres including R&B, vintage rock n’ roll, doo woop, girl groups, rockabilly, and soul.


Shoutouts ‘n Plugs: Amber, Jeremiah, The Facebook, The Twitter

This week you can celebrate the Day of the Dead, sip some free Shiner, test your Sunny knowledge, and party at the moontower. And that’s not even counting the hijinks related to Fun Fun Fun! More on that later this week … but until then, check out Ultra8201’s recommendations, and get started on the fun early at the parties below.

Tuesday, Nov. 1
Dia De Los Muertos Happy Hour
6–9pm • Takoba, 1411 E. 7th St. • Free; RSVP Required
Free appetizers, beverages, and models in traditional Dia de los Muertos costumes. Review your favorite spooky Austin locales on Google Places to guarantee your spot.

Around the World Coffee Celebration
7pm • Austin Java, 1206 Parkway • Free
Free appetizers, live music, samples of the new coffee of the month, and Q&A with the master roaster.

Tito’s Hometown Shindig  **Event of the Week**
8:30pm–Midnight • The Moody Theater at ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd. • Free; RSVP Required
Complimentary cocktails from 8:30–9:30; music by Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears and Table Manners Crew DJs.


Wednesday, Nov. 2
The New Mastersounds In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Live music and refreshments provided by Shiner.

Texas Tribune Fall Membership Drive Member Happy Hour
5:30–7:30pm • Malverde, 400 B West 2nd Street • Free; RSVP Required
Texas Tribune kicks off its Fall Membership Drive and will buy you a cocktail in celebration of its second anniversary. Click the link for RSVP details.

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Pub Quiz
8–10pm • The Brixton, 1412 E. 6th Street • Free
Test your knowledge of dumpster babies, greenmen, troll tolls and milk-steak. It’ll be even more fun than a game of Chardeemacdennis. Make sure to get there early because seating is limited.


Thursday, Nov. 3
“Cool Pop”: The Art of Jenny Meyer
6–8pm • Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th Street • Free
Complimentary appetizers from Sushi Zushi and Deep Eddy Vodka cocktails.

Friends of Barton Springs Fall Social
6–9pm • Torchy’s Tacos, 1207 South 1st Street • Free
Free Torchy’s appetizers, beverages from Austin Beerworks, Barton Springs trivia pub quiz, and a chance to socialize with fellow Barton Springs enthusiasts.
 
Lomography World Premiere
6–8pm • Lomography Gallery Store Austin, 912 Congress Avenue • Free
Food, drinks, entertainment, and prizes. Come dressed in your “finest suits and dresses.”

Clothing Swaperooni And Cocktails
7–9:30pm • Hearts & Robots Hair Studio, 1401 Chestnut Ave. • Free
Complimentary cocktails and refreshments. Bring a bag or two of clothes, shoes and accessories to swap.

First Thursday Fashion Fall Out
7–10pm • Goodie Two Shoes, 1111 South Congress Ave. • Free; RSVP Requested
Free drinks and food, discounts, and prize drawings (RSVP to enter).


Friday, Nov. 4
GroupCharger Launch Party
6–8pm • Cospace, 911 W. Anderson Lane • Free; RSVP Required
Complimentary Bacardi cocktails and delicacies.


Saturday, Nov. 5
Independence Brewing Co. Brewery First Saturday Tour and Beer Tasting
1–3pm • Independence Brewing Co., 3913 Todd Lane #607 • Free
Free tour and tasting. Bring cash if you want to buy merchandise.

Fun(draising) Party
8pm–2am • Tiniest Bar in Texas, 817 W. 5th St. • Free
Free DJ dance party. Proceeds from drink sales and a silent art auction go toward building a public library in Busia, Kenya.

Cup Cup Cup Cakes
9pm • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E. 6th St. • Free
Free cupcakes and music by La Snacks, We Were Wolves, ADD, and The Cocker Spaniels.

“Party at the Moontower” Bike Ride
Midnight • Lamar Pedestrian Bridge • Free
Tour Austin’s landmark moontowers in this annual 20-mile bike ride.


Sunday, Nov. 6
Holiday in the Courtyard
1–7pm • Studio Downtown, 608 East 3rd Street • Free
Live music, shopping, fashion, food and cocktails. Benefits Capital Area Food Bank.


Shoutouts ‘n Plugs: Amber, Jeremiah, The Facebook, The Twitter

Weekend Flow: Sept. 3-6
Another weekend full of variety here in the ATX, complete with free beer at a taco joint, partying at a Spanish villa and sampling free beer at a brewery tour. And then, of course, there’s tailgating for the long-anticipated kickoff of UT’s new football season.

THURSDAY, Sept. 3
Torchy’s Tacos Third Birthday Party
Free keg beer and fiddle music by The Ruby Jane Show. You’ll probably want to come early to this one.
7-10pm
Free, No RSVP
Torchy’s Tacos, 2809 S. 1st St.

Cream Vintage SoCo Grand Opening
Free Lone Star, live music by The Tunnels, DJ set by Glynn Wedgewood
5-9pm
Free, No RSVP
1714-A S. Congress Ave.

’90s Dance Party at Beauty Bar
Featuring DJ Orion and Doneski
10pm
Free, No RSVP
Beauty Bar, 7th and Red River


FRIDAY, Sept. 4
Classy party at a Spanish Villa (NOTE: RSVP now CLOSED - bummer!)
Free cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a party sponsored by Tribeza magazine, Bentley, Aston-Martin and Spanish Oaks Golf Club, benefiting the Austin Children’s Shelter.
6-9pm
Free
RSVP required: Call Keri at (512) 533-2370 or email khoelscher@spanishoaks.com.
11917 Musket Rim


SATURDAY, Sept. 5
Independence Brewing Co tasting and tour
Drink free samples and take a grand tour of the brewery. Show up on time!
1-2pm
Free, No RSVP
3913 Todd Lane, Ste. 607

Tailgating for the University of Texas football home-opener vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Even non-football fans (and non-UT alums such as myself) can feel the love in the campus area on this day of days, the inaugural kickoff of the Horns’ season. So if you enjoy daytime drinking and/or grilling outdoors, I highly recommend braving the crowds to take part in celebrating the season debut of Austin’s “professional” sports team. There are several parks and parking lots within walking distance of the field, although it may be tough to stake out a spot this weekend because so many fans show up just for the tailgate with no intention of going to the game. Jump on that bandwagon.
The game is at 6pm, but show up mid-day to have a chance to set up a home base. Or just park, walk around and practice your mooching skills. Come say hi to the CoolinAustin gang; we’ll post when we know our location.


SUNDAY, Sept. 6
WOXY Party at Scoot Inn
$5 admission gets you free Tito’s Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea, BBQ, drink specials and live music from Black Before Red (members of Okkervil River and Shearwater), TV Torso (new SOUND Team project), Martin Crane (of Brazos) and English Teeth.
6pm
$5, No RSVP
Scoot Inn

Austin Handmade Post-Screening Shabang
Free drinks by Treaty Oak Rum, snacks by NadaMoo (dairy free ice cream) and a DJ.
The film Handmade Nation is premiering this Sunday in Austin at 1:30 and 4:10pm, and Austin Handmade is hosting the after party at its new location just around the corner from the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar.
6:30-9:00pm
Free, No RSVP
2009 S. 1st St.

Lots of stuff going on this week! Enjoy it and let us know if you hear about anything else.

Wednesday

Sagra del Lavender Pig Roast
Free meal featuring roast pig; discounted wines
Sagra Trattoria, 1610 San Antonio St.
Free. No RSVP. 4pm.

Splish Splash Spring Bash at Spring Condominium
Free margaritas, beer, pina coladas, and food
5th and Lamar
Free. No RSVP. 6-8pm.


Thursday

Software Advice’s 1st Annual Summer Bash
Free beer from Independence Brewing Co., appetizers
714 Congress Ave, Ste. 200
Free. No RSVP. 6-8pm.

Cuts and Cocktails at Bird’s SoCo
Free Bacardi drinks and a live DJ
1902 S. Congress
Free. No RSVP. 5-8pm.

French Horn Rebellion at Beauty Bar
An excellent pop-synth-dance-brass band that blew it out at SxSW and is sure to start the dance revolution at Beauty Bar.
617 E. 7th St.
$5. No RSVP. 10pm-2am.


Friday

NickNack and DJ Power Tripp at Backspin Records
Free beer and live in-store performances
4631 Airport Blvd., Ste. 110-A

Austin Handmade artist reception
Free drinks from Dripping Springs Vodka and a live DJ at a reception for artist Beverly Satch Mangham
2009 S. Lamar
Free. No RSVP. 7-9pm.

Outdoor movie screening: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Whole Foods, 5th and Lamar
Free. No RSVP. 7:30pm


Saturday

Slow Down Lady
Come see the band that Do512 called “a vast talent that ranges from high-energy wailin’ to sweet, slowed down acoustic,” for free at the Saxon Pub
Saxon Pub, 1320 S. Lamar
Free. No RSVP. 3pm.

Austin Ice Cream Festival
All-day event featuring music, contests, games and tons of ice cream
$5 adults, free for kids 12 and under
Waterloo Park, 15th and Trinity