Wednesday, Feb. 29
CityBidz.com Happy Hour Mixer
6–8pm • Draft Pick, 1620 E. Riverside • Free; RSVP requested
CityBidz.com hosts a happy hour with food, beer and networking.

Macallan Whisky Tastings
Wed. 6:30–8pm / 8:30–10pm; Thu. 6:30–8pm • The Marchesa, 6406 N. IH-35, Ste. 3100 • Free; RSVP required
Private tastings of The Macallan Single Malt.

Top Chef: Texas Finale Viewing Party
9–11:30pm • Uchiko, 4200 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 140 • Free
Watch Uchiko chef Paul Qui compete in the finale of “Top Chef: Texas,” with a special menu for the occasion. (Get there really early — like 7pm — to have any chance of getting seated).

Bleach Online Issue Launch
9pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • $3 before midnight, $5 after
Free popcorn from Cornucopia, drink specials, giveaways, and DJ sets by Grimes, Markus Diffee, and DJ Forever 21.


Thursday, March 1
Ultra8201 6th Anniversary Party
10pm–2am • Swan Dive, 615 Red River • $5
Performances by TV Torso, Politics and Young Girls, plus photos and DJ set by ULOVEI. Sign up here for a chance to win a pair of tickets.


Friday, March 2
Austin Monthly Music Issue Release Party
7:30pm–2am • Emo’s East, 2015 E. Riverside • $5 suggested donation; RSVP requested
Music by Wiretree, Dana Falconberry, Marmalakes, Not In The Face, Soul Track Mind, Graham Wilkinson, and Akina Adderley & The Vintage Playboys. Benefits Help Clifford Help Kids (American Youthworks).

Represent Austin’s Texas Independence Day Party
8pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • Free until 10pm; $5 after
$1 Lone Stars and music by Guns of Navarone, Este Vato, So Long Problems, Tiger Waves, and JD Clark.

Total Crush 2 
8:30pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E 6th St. • Free
Free show by The White White Lights, New Roman Times, Magnificent Snails, and Boy + Kite.

Less Volume — More Valium
9pm–2am • Dive Bar & Lounge, 1703 Guadalupe St. • Free
Free show with The Pons, DJ Czech One, and Bravo, Max!


Saturday, March 3
Thirsty Planet Brewery Tour
11am and 1:30pm • Thirsty Planet Brewing Co., 11160 Circle Drive • Free; RSVP required
Brewery tour and tasting.

Independence Brewing Company’s Texas Independence Day Party
1–3pm • Independence Brewery, 3913 Todd Lane • Free
Show up early to get a wristband good for three complimentary beer samples. Live music by Sam Sliva and BBQ from Smokin’ Rose of Texas.

Good Libations Brewing Co. Beer Tasting
3–5pm • Old Koenig Engraving & Gifts, 900 Old Koenig Lane #114 • Free
Several Good Libations beers available for sampling, including: Kolsch Style, Chocolate Porter, Honey Pale Ale, and IPA. Co-hosted by PubGlasses.com.

CoolinAustin Presents: All My Friends, Knifight, Media, and DJ Geoff Millions
9pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • $5 if you Like us on Facebook; $7 if not
Celebrate the weekend before SXSW with an all-local lineup including Austin’s favorite LCD Soundsystem tribute band. Get there early to score some beverages sponsored by Cinco Vodka! Don’t forget to head over to our Facebook page and Like us to get the discounted cover.


Sunday, March 4
The Contest: The 3rd Annual Seinfeld Quiz
7pm • The Highball, 1142 S Lamar Blvd. • $5
Teams of up to six players vie to become master of the Seinfeld trivia domain. Winners take home cash prizes of up to $500.


Monday, March 5
Michael Ian Black at BookPeople
7pm • BookPeople, 6th and Lamar • Free
Make it your beeswax to attend this talk and book-signing. Black will speak and sign copies of his collection of essays, “You’re Not Doing It Right: Tales of Marriage, Sex, Death and Other Humiliations.”



**Make sure to check out our list of SXSW open bar RSVPs, and stay tuned to this site for even more leading up to the fest**

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

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

Better late than never, the Beauty Ballroom, a spinoff of the Beauty Bar on 7th Street, is celebrating its grand opening tonight with Theophilus London, Treasure Fingers, L.A.X, Vegas Banger and Rickey Jean Francois.

We stopped by last Saturday during the soft opening to catch RAC (Remix Artist Collective), a group of DJs who put a slick, often minimal dance twist on indie rock tunes. It ended as all good Beauty Bar sets do with a majority of the crowd on the stage. Good times.

But what did we think of the heir apparent to that glittery Red River District staple, the Beauty Bar?

The Good
• Cheap drinks: Drinks are reasonably priced. When we were there, 16 oz. cans of Tecate were $3 and some abysmal-tasting lager out of Pennsylvania we had never encountered before called Stoneys was free while it lasted. They also offered well drinks for $2 from midnight to 2 a.m.

• Smart layout: There’s a long list of things I like about the 7th Street Beauty Bar, but size and stage visibility have always been a big negative. The Ballroom is much larger without suffering from the same boxy warehouse vibe of Emo’s East. There are tables and chairs on a slightly raised level at the back wall from the stage, perfect for chatting with friends while keeping an eye on the action. The bar and bathrooms are easily accessible near the entrance and their lines never poured into the crowd. While the upstairs area was roped off, I can envision a nice VIP vibe similar to the upstairs viewing area at Dallas venue Trees.

• Fun crowd: The dance floor, which is probably about as big as the entire floorspace of Beauty Bar, was lively as far back as I could see from near the stage. Highlights included: two guys rubbing their shirtless abs together, a girl sitting down on a dirty-dancing hipster (not in a sexual way, but rather sitting down on him like he was a chair), and the aforementioned stage rushers. From everything I witnessed, folks were having a good time and inhibitions were low.


The Not So Good
• Location: The new venue shares a parking lot with Emo’s East at 2015 East Riverside, and while there’s no place in Austin I’d rather be than neighboring Rosita’s Al Pastor, I rarely find myself in that neck of the woods, especially on the weekend.

• The look: While the interior is much better than Emo’s East, it’s still a little off. The glitter on the walls looks a little cheap and the color scheme just doesn’t feel right to me. I want the pink and gold sparkles of the Beauty Bar, not primary colors and sickly orange-colored wood.


The Bad
• Parking problems: While there appears to be ample parking outside of Beauty Ballroom and Emo’s and in neighboring lots, if there’s a show going on in both spaces, as there is bound to be on most Fridays and Saturdays, those spaces get snagged up quick. We arrived at 9 p.m. and circled the lot twice before looking elsewhere. Many neighboring lots have signs promising to tow, reading, “No Emo’s parking.” (And as much as I’d love to argue with a tow-truck driver that I was technically parking for Beauty Ballroom, I have a feeling it won’t get me out of that fat towing fee.) The big, mostly empty lot just west of the building is reserved for Bingo parking. Try going south on any of the residential streets and you’ll find most of the space is off limits. We managed to grab a questionably legal spot curbside just in front of the club. Hopefully the owners can work with nearby businesses to make sure there’s enough parking space to accommodate the Ballroom’s 700-person capacity.


The Verdict
The Beauty Ballroom isn’t quite ready for full-time drunken revelry just yet, as it’s only open on a show-to-show basis, but it makes me a little more confident about the future of Riverside as a destination for live music. There will be no replacing the Beauty Bar, which is reported to be closing some time after SXSW 2012, but the Ballroom definitely offers some big improvements over the original. Now to see how these guys handle SXSW.


—Eric Pulsifer

Holiday party season is in full swing. This week you can make your own chocolate martinis, stumble around East Austin dressed as C-3PO, and squeeze back into that ugly Christmas sweater for another year of yuletide festivities.

Monday, Dec. 12
Dub Academy’s First Annual Christmas Party
8pm–Midnight • Parkside, 301 East 6th St. • Free; RSVP required
Complimentary drinks and raffle tix for people who wear ugly holiday sweaters; photo booths; games with prizes; live music.


Tuesday, Dec. 13
Candy Lane Cocktail Party
6–9pm • Langford Market, 249 West 2nd Street • Free
Complimentary candy-inspired cocktails and mini-candy bar. Accepting donations for the Capital Area Food Bank.

Austin Chronicle Presents: Paper Cuts
7–9pm • The Palm Door, 401 Sabine St. • Free; RSVP required for priority admission
Complementary Shock Top beer, desserts from the Frisco Shop, and Bacardi Oakheart Rum. Music by Marmalakes. RSVP to reserve your spot; additional guests will be allowed in starting at 7:30 if the party isn’t at capacity.

It’s Made Of People: One Year Anniversary Variety Show
9pm • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • Free
Free variety show featuring sketches, comedians, and bands.

Coal Vines Wine-Down Holiday Bash
6–10pm • Coal Vines, 314 W. 2nd St. • Free; RSVP requested (RSVP Email)
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine specials, and live music. Bring a wrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.


Wednesday, Dec. 14
Austin Social Affair Holiday Launch Party
6–9pm • TenOak, 409 Colorado St. • $5 minimum donation
Free Grey Goose cocktails from 6–7; $5 after that. Benefits the Wrapped in Love Foundation.

Gabrieldoes: A Christmas Party
6–10pm • Cazamance Café, 1102 E. Cesar Chavez • Free
Free drinks while they last + food, and holiday music. Feel free to BYOB.

2011 Austin Holiday Formal    ***Event of the Week***
9:30pm–2am • American Legion Hall, 2201 Veterans Drive • $10 donation
Free drinks include Fireman’s 4, Sierra Nevada, 360 Vodka, Wiser’s Canadian Whiskey, and El Zarco Tequila. Also: make-your-own chocolate martini bar, live music, photo booth, and raffle. Dress fancy! Donations benefit Austin’s Children’s Shelter.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Santy Panty Party
10pm–1am • Nomad Bar, 1211 Corona Dr. • Free
Complimentary drinks for anyone who dresses up. Featuring comedian James Patrick Robinson, DJ sets, and dancin’.


Thursday, Dec. 15
The Liberty 3rd Annual Christmas Party
4pm–2am • The Liberty, 1618 E. 6th St. • Free
Details TBA.

Beer O’Clock – Austin Community Happy Hour hosted by The Daily Dot
5:30–8pm • Clive Bar, 609 Davis St. • Free
Have a drink or two on The Daily Dot, “the hometown newspaper of the World Wide Web.”

Social Media Club Austin Holiday Party 2011
6:30-8:30pm • Molotov, 719 West 6th Street • Free; RSVP required
Free food from Roll on Sushi + drink specials. Dress “holiday fancy” and bring a new toy to donate to the Toy Drive for Austin.

Beer Society Strikes Back
8–11pm • Jackalope, 404 East 6th • Free; RSVP required
Free pints of Boulevard IPA, courtesy of The Onion Society for Beer Enjoyment.

Volstead Lounge at Hotel Vegas Holiday Party
9pm • Volstead Lounge at Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th Street • Free w/ RSVP; $5 without
Free beer and egg nog while it lasts, plus music by Alpha Rev, Levi Weaver, and Saints of Valory. Christmas sweaters encouraged. RSVP for free admission.


Friday, Dec. 16
Film Night at Green House
8pm–Midnight • Green House, 701 E 53rd St. • Free
Movies, free cocktails and popcorn.

Qua 4th Anniversary Party
9–11pm • Qua, 213 W. 4th St. • Free
Complimentary cocktails from 9–11, half-price bottles all night.

Christmas Sweater Party Champagne Jam
10pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • $2 if you wear a holiday sweater; $5 if not
Champagne, photo booth, live improv holiday karaoke by Zorch; DJ sets by Kon Karne, Lee Roi, and Butcher Bear.


Saturday, Dec. 17
Thirsty Planet Brewery Tour
11am and 1:30pm • Thirsty Planet Brewing Co., 11160 Circle Drive • Free; RSVP required
Free tour and beer tasting. Make sure to reserve a spot online.

The Backyard Bizarre Bazaar Bizart Show
6pm–Midnight • Green House, 701 E 53rd St. • Free
Art show, fashion show, live music, drinks and food.

I Wanna Be Your Dog II
8pm • 29th Street Ballroom, 2906 Fruth St. • $5 donation
Free food from Frank; music by The Fleshlights, John Wesley Coleman, Bad Lovers, Foreign Mothers, Dead Space, and Sweat Lodge; raffle to win SXSW wristbands; silent auction. Benefits Austin Pets Alive.

Han Shots First Pub Crawl
8pm–2am • Starts at The Liberty, 1618 E. 6th St. • $5 suggested donation
Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and go out drinkin’ on the east side. The crawl (which also features games, a raffle and Star Wars trivia) will have stops at The Liberty, Rio Rita, The Brixton, Violet Crown, and Shangri-La. See the event page for schedule info. Benefits Child’s Play.

Secret Show at Hotel Vegas
9pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th Street • Free w/ RSVP, $5 without
Music by Stereo is a Lie, The Boxing Lesson, and a mystery headliner. RSVP for free admission.



**SAVE THE DATE: January 2** CoolinAustin’s very first Free Week showcase is set for Monday, Jan. 2 at Swan Dive. We’ll announce the details later this week, but suffice it to say, it will rock yo socks off.

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

Shoutouts: Amber, Jeremiah, Do512 Free, Austin Free Events

Friday, Dec. 9:
W Hotel 1st Anniversary Celebration
3–10pm • W Hotel, 200 Lavaca Street • Free
Happy hour with $1.29 specialty cocktails from 3-5pm; champagne toast at 6; disco dance party at 9.

Free Spanish Wine Tasting
4pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Ave. • Free
Five wine selections to taste.

Aussie’s Beach Bar Customer Appreciation Party
6pm • Aussie’s Grill & Beach Bar • Free
Complimentary food and drinks.

701 & 705 South Lamar Block Party
6pm • Howl Interiors, 705 South Lamar Boulevard, Ste. A • Free
Anniversary party for Moss Boutique and Howl Interiors with free drinks, live music, door prizes, shopping, and a raffle.

CsillaWear Holiday Soiree
6–11pm • The Mosaic, 4600 Mueller Blvd. • Free (RSVP required: Email)
Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Raffle benefits People’s Community Clinic of Austin.

Drought/Fire/Ash and Pattern Lands Opening Reception
7-10pm • Gallery Black Lagoon, 4301A Guadalupe • Free
Local artists Marjorie Moore and Callen Thompson celebrate the opening of their new exhibits. Complimentary drinks by Dripping Springs Vodka, Texas Tea and Wunder-Pilz Kombucha Tea. Cheese provided by Antonelli’s Cheese Shop.

Film Night at Green House
8pm–Midnight • Green House, 701 E 53rd St. • Free
Screenings of “Meet the Feebles” and “Another Stakeout” with free cocktails and popcorn

90s Cuisine: Bayside High Homecoming
9pm–2am • The ND, East 5th at Brushy Street • $5 / $3 with costume
90s dance party with specialty drinks, friendship bracelets, and a photo booth.

BackSpin Records Closing Festivities    **Event of the Week**
Fri. 10:30pm–1:30am; Sat. 1–7:30pm, Sun. 11am–5pm • BackSpin Records, 4631 Airport Blvd., Suite 110-A • Free
BackSpin goes out in style with a three-day party featuring more than 30 DJs and MCs — and free beer. See the event page for full lineup.


Saturday, Dec. 10
Thirsty Planet Brewery Tour
11am • Thirsty Planet Brewing Co., 11160 Circle Drive • Free (RSVP required)
Free tour and beer tasting. Make sure to reserve a spot online.

Live Oak Brewery Tour
11:30am–2pm • Live Oak Brewery, 3301 East 5th Street • Free (RSVP required)
Free tour and beer tasting. Make sure to reserve a spot online.

Big Medium presents “Fumes” — An Art Show by Doug Pollard
7pm-Midnight • Big Medium Gallery, 5305 Bolm Rd. #12 • Free
Free food & booze.

The Vagabond Collectives Ultimate Christmas party
8pm–Midnight • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • $5
Music by Driver Friendly (aka Driver F), White White Lights, Major Major Major, and Glitta.

Ray Prim CD Listening Party
8pm–Midnight • One 2 One Bar, 121 East 5th St. • $5
Free Lone Star Tallboys while they last. Listen to the album and check out live performances by Kalu James and Ray Prim.

Trinity Hall Grand Opening: A Skank Family Affair
8pm–2am • Trinity Hall, 401 E. 6th St. • Free
Free show with performances by Mother Falcon, Little Lo, Marmalakes, Cryin’ Cole Wilson & Those Miserable Cowboys, and Dog Gone Dead.


Sunday, Dec. 11
“Office Christmas Party” Swing Dance with the Austin Swing Orchestra
9–11pm • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • $5
The Austin Swing Orchestra plays classics from the ’30s and ’40s as well as some holiday favorites, followed by a set by Heaven for Betsy.


Tuesday, Dec. 13
Austin Chronicle Presents: Paper Cuts
7–9pm • The Palm Door, 401 Sabine St. • Free; RSVP required for priority admission
Complementary Shock Top beer, desserts from the Frisco Shop, and Bacardi Oakheart Rum. Music by Marmalakes. RSVP to reserve your spot; additional guests will be allowed in starting at 7:30 if the party isn’t at capacity.


SAVE THE DATE: CoolinAustin’s very first Free Week showcase is set for Jan. 2 at Swan Dive. We’ll announce the details next week, but suffice it to say, it will rock yo socks off.

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

Shoutouts: Amber, Jeremiah, Do512 Free, Austin Free Events

Hey, it’s the first wave of holiday parties! If you’re not into the whole eggnog and ugly sweater thing, you can still sip cocktails, watch some silent films with a live soundtrack, dance through the decades, and play with puppies while drinking beer.

Tuesday, Nov. 29
Moonshine Molly Tuesdays
6pm • The North Door, 501 N. IH-35 • Free
First 25 people get a free sample of Moonshine Whiskey and a free Tamale Molly tamale.

Austin Chronicle Presents: Paper Cuts
7–9pm • Palm Door • Free; RSVP required for priority admission
Free food from Chedd’s, drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Shiner, and music by The Tiny Adventurers. RSVP to reserve your spot; additional guests will be allowed in starting at 7:30 if the party isn’t at capacity.

Transistor Six Presents: Heartless Bastards, Moonlight Towers, and Ume
8:30–11:30pm • Frank, 407 Colorado St. • Free
Free show.


Wednesday, Nov. 30
Frock on Vintage Movember Party
5-8pm • Frock On Vintage, 3016 Guadalupe St., Ste. A101 • Free
Complimentary beverages and food; Burt Reynolds photo booth; music by Ripe, Starma, and Gauche.

Violet Crown Cinema Trivia Night
7–10pm • Violet Crown Cinema, 434 W. 2nd Street • Free
Film trivia with free bottomless popcorn and drink specials.


Thursday, Dec. 1
The Driskill Tree Lighting and 125th Anniversary Celebration
6:30–11pm • Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos Street • Free
Celebrate the lighting of the Driskill tree with treats from 1886 Café & Bakery, champagne, apple cider, hot chocolate and coffee. Live music by Dale Watson, Tje Austin, Betty Soo, Erin Ivey, Sahara Smith, and The Carper Family.

Celluloid Salon    **Event of the Week**
7pm • The ND, East 5th and Brushy St. • Free; RSVP required
Complimentary Drambuie cocktails and silent films scored live by This Will Destroy You.

Santa Crawl
8pm • Shangri La, 1016 E 6th St. • Free
Bar crawl through East Austin with a mob of people dressed like Santa, starting at Shangri La and ending up at Hotel Vegas.

Before Dawn CD Release Party
9pm–2am • Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St. • $5
Before Dawn celebrates the release of their new album, Brush with Greatness. Also features performances by KNIFIGHT and Red Cadet. Free CDs and posters while they last.

Back in Time: Throwback Record Dance Party
10pm–2am • Beauty Bar • Free
Go Go Garcia plays some sweet 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s jams.


Friday, Dec. 2
B Scene: Holiday Lounge
6pm • Blanton Museum of Art, 200 East MLK Jr. Blvd. • Free
Free snacks, swing music by The Lucky Strikes, ugly sweater contest, museum tours, cash bar.

Totally Awesome ’80s Karaoke Bash
9–11pm • The Highball, 1142 S. Lamar Blvd. • Free; RSVP required
Retro karaoke with free cocktails by 42Below Vodka.

Customer Appreciation Days at Vanity Salon and Day Spa
10am–7:30pm (Fri. and Sat.) • Vanity Salon and Day Spa, 2118 Oxford Ave. • Free
Free mudslides with Honest Tea and Dripping Springs Vodka, apple cider gingerbread men, and chocolate chip cookies.

Pop Tarts: Pop Music Dance Party with Kid Slyce
10pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • Free
Self explanatory!


Saturday, Dec. 3
Silver Whisk Holiday Bash
10am–4pm • Silver Whisk Cooking School, 1501 RR 620 N., Ste. C, Lakeway • Free
Free holiday appetizers, wine, cookie decorating, mimosas, and activities.

Thirsty Planet’s Silverback Pale Ale Launch Party
11am • Thirsty Planet Brewing Co., 11160 Circle Drive • Free
Thirsty Planet Brewery taps the first keg of Silverback Pale Ale in honor of the Austin Gorilla Run. The event features a beer tasting, brewery tour, and discounted Gorilla Run registration.

Pints for Pups
Noon–3pm • Hops and Grain Brewery, 507 Calles Street • $10 donation
Fundraiser to benefit local dog rescues, featuring music, food, and dogs available for adoption. Donation includes beer!

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.

Barebones Orchestra’s Annual Holiday Happy Hour
5–8pm • Skinny’s Ballroom, 115 San Jacinto Blvd. • Free
Holiday potluck with burlesque performances and music by Barebones Orchestra and Elephant M. Bring canned goods for Austin Food Bank, and feel free to bring a snack to share.

“A Winter Eden” Group Art Opening at Orbit Salon
7–10pm • Orbit Salon, 1607 E. Cesar Chavez • Free
Free eggnog, desserts, and drinks provided by Bombay Sapphire.

End of Night: Dog & Pony Release Party with Xavier Schipani
10pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • $3
Holiday ice cream by Wanderlust Ice Cream, music by Boy Friend and Feathers, projections by Bleach Online.

Karaoke Underground
10pm–2am • Nomad, 1213 Corona Drive • Free
Free karaoke night with more than 500 punk and indie classics to choose from.


Sunday, Dec. 4
HAAM Benefit Concert at Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace
8pm–Midnight • Stephen F. Austin Hotel, 701 Congress Ave. • Free; donations accepted
Music by Del Castillo, Dale Watson, Ghosts Along the Brazos, Shinny Ribs and Bettysoo. Donations accepted at the door. Sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and Austinontherocks.com.

The Green Door Record Party
10pm–2am • Rio Rita, 1308 E. 6th St. • Free
Dance party with DJs Von Trapp, Apopalipstick, and Scotty Upton.


Monday, Dec. 5
Mohawk Home 4 the Holidays Ho-Down
8pm • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • Free
Featuring Johnny Hottub, Xmas karaoke, ATX Facial Hair Club kissing booth, mistletoe lounge, photo booth, fire, hot toddies, eggnog, and other festivities. Bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.


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

Shoutouts: Amber, Jeremiah, Do512 Free, Austin Free Events

It’s Thanksgiving week, so most of this week’s events are related to food and/or shopping. Now get out there and chow down on some fried turkey, mac n’ cheese, BBQ or anthropomorphized liquor-soaked hams.
 

Wednesday, Nov. 23
Tasting: Food Wines for Thanksgiving
4–7pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Ave. • Free
Free tasting of Il Cavaliere Pinot Grigio ‘09, Mont Tauch Grenache Blanc Garrigues ‘09, Prieure Bourgogne Rouge ‘08, and Arroba Pinot Noir ‘08.
 
Mac & Cheese
10pm–3am • Barbarella, 615 Red River • Cover?
Knuckle Rumbler hosts a dance party with cheesy pop anthems selected by DJ Ding.

Beauty Bar Turkey Fry
10pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • “Donations accepted”
Fried turkey, drink specials, and music by Not in the Face, John-David Clark, East Cameron Folkcore, and I’d Die For Lo Fi.


Thursday, Nov. 24
Happy Thanksgivin’, fool!


Friday, Nov. 25
A Night at the Cabana: Austin Shop Crawl Kick Off After Party
9pm–2am • Tacos and Tequila • $5; Free with Shop Crawl badge; RSVP requested
Tequila tastings, cocktails, cigar rolling, and music by Oliver Rajamani. Admission is free with a Shop Crawl badge, which you can get by Liking this Facebook page.

Nite School
10pm–2am • Beauty Bar • $3
Music by Ode To Oscillator, Bali Yaaah, DJs Geoff Millions & Scorpio.


Saturday, Nov. 26
Austin Vintage Style Fest 2011 
10am–7pm, Sat. and Sun. • Various locations • Free; wristbands $5/advance, $10/day of event
Weekend vintage clothing tour with 40 participating shops and boutiques. The event is free to attend, but if you buy a wristband, you get free beverages and food; discounts at most locations; giveaways; a Movember goodie bag; and free entry to Slacker Magazine’s “Run Hammie Run” Movember party.

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market
11am–6pm, Sat. and Sun. • Palmer Events Center • Free
Crafts by 150 local artists, workshops, crafting activities, and demonstrations. Food and booze available for purchase.

Cho Sushi 2nd Anniversary Celebration
11am–11pm • Cho Sushi, 4300 Quinlan Park Road, Suite 105 • Free
Sake tasting, free raffle, half-price sushi, and drink specials.

Art of Texas - Xmas Season Kickoff
11am–6pm • Art of Texas Studio and Gallery, 812 Brentwood Street • Free
Gallery open house with BBQ by Stiles Switch BBQ and live acoustic music.

Rum Hammie Rum Movember Party   **Event of the Week**
8pm–2am • Red 7 • $5 donation
Complimentary beverages and baked rum ham contest from 8–10. Stick around for mustache and costumes contests, giveaways, and music by THAT Damned Band, The Crooks, and DJ Scorpio. Benefits Movember.

The Wizard Album CD Release Party
9pm • Salvage Vanguard Theater • $5
Manateemann celebrates the release of “The Wizard Album.” Cover includes beer, Tito’s Vodka cocktails, the album, and a performance by Manateemann.


Sunday, Nov. 27
Pachanga Latino Music Festival Presents: Tex-Mex Tardeadas
3:30-5pm • Plaza Saltillo, 412 Comal St. • Free
Music by Conjunto Romo “Lost Little Rascals”


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

Shoutouts: Amber, Jeremiah, Do512 Free

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

The Week Ahead: December 15–19
The lowdown on the free and cheap fun to be had this week.

Wednesday, Dec. 15
Torchy’s Holiday Trailer Bash
7pm • Free
Free beer and hot chocolate, live music and a visit from Santa
Torchy’s Tacos, 1311 S. 1st Street

Aussie’s Pre-Christmas Social
6-9pm • Free
Complimentary appetizer buffet, $3 Tito’s vodka, $2 Lone Star tallboys.
Aussie’s Grill and Beach Bar, 306 Barton Springs Road


Thursday, Dec. 16
Sip. Shop. Sweet!
6-9pm • Free
Music, drinks, desserts and holiday shopping at several businesses in the 2nd St. District.

Merry Martinis: Customer Appreciation Party
7-9pm • Free
Complimentary cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres.
Imperia, 310 Colorado

Study Breaks Holiday Bash
10pm • Free (RSVP is required)
Free cocktails by Famous Vodka.
Qua, 213 W. 4th St.

Learning Secrets Annual Holiday Party
10pm • Free
Free party with special guest JDH. 
Malverde, 400 W 2nd St.

Christmas Sweater Champagne Jam
10pm-2am • $5 cover
Champagne toast, music by Magnifico, and a complimentary drink for anyone wearing a holiday sweater.
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.


Friday, Dec. 17
Waterloo Ice House Remodel Celebration: The Happiest Hour
5-6pm • Free
Waterloo celebrates the completion of its renovations with free cocktails by Deep Eddy Vodka.
Waterloo Ice House, 38th St. at Lamar Blvd.

Joie de Vie Holiday Happy Hour
6-8pm • Free
Complimentary wine and beer, free chair massages and salon discounts.
Joie de Vie Salon and Spa, 713 E. 6th St.

PRINT+addiction presents: Two Dude Stew
6-9pm • Free   
Free beer and music at a T-shirt print party sponsored by Industry Screenprint. Screen print press will be set up for guests to create custom shirts ($20 for blank shirt, or $10 if you bring your own).
Industry Screenprint, 2503-B E. 6th St.

Social Media Mosh Pit
9pm • Free
Free party with cocktails, door prizes and comedy sets that “poke fun at the social media of 2010.”
Side Bar, 602 E. 7th St.


Saturday, Dec. 18
Trailer of Lights — CANCELED
 
(512) Brewing Company Winter Open House
2-5pm • Free
Three free tastes of (512) brews. Or, buy a 2nd anniversary pint glass for $5 and use it as your (larger) tasting glass.
407 Radam, F200 (between South 1st & South Congress, one block south of Ben White)

Modesty Masquerade Holiday Party
7:30-10:30pm • Free
Free food and cocktails, door prizes and music by DJ Ben Blackout.
Modesty Hair Studio, 1200 E. 11th Street, Suite 102

Guns N Roses (Sagittarius vs. Capricorn) Birthday Bash
10pm-2am • Free before 11pm (RSVP required)
Complimentary UV Vodka and no cover until 11pm. Music by DJ Kurupt (R&B, Top 40, Hip Hop, Old School).
Canvas Bar and Gallery, 105 E. 5th Street
 
Austin Variety Show Premiere Party
11pm-1am • Free
Free food from Freddie’s Place and cheap booze at a screening of a new episode of Austin Variety Show. (Recurring event each Saturday in December).
Crow Bar, 3116 S. Congress


Sunday, Dec. 19
Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing’s One Year Anniversary
3pm • Free
Free beer, barbecue and live music.
Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing, 4507 Airport Blvd.
 
The Liberty Christmas Party
5pm-2am • Free
Free beer (while it lasts), liquor samples, tamales, DJ music, photo booth with Alison Narro and “the most amazing Santa ever.”
 

(Photo)

The Weekend Flow: January 8-10
It’s a new year, and it’s time to get down.


FRIDAY, JANUARY 8
Grand Opening Art Bash of D’Monstrative Studios
7pm-Midnight
Free booze. Bring your own shirt for $5 screen printing. Photobooth.
Free, no RSVP
D’Monstrative Studios, 209 E. Ben White Blvd, Suite.213

L.A.X, Auto Body, Freshmillions, GOBI and DJ Thibault
Free Week show at The Parish
Doors at 8pm
Free, no RSVP
The Parish, 214 E. 6th St.

The Laughing, Low Line Caller, Motel Aviv
Free Week Show at Mohawk
Doors at 9pm
Free, no RSVP
Mohawk, 10th and Red River

Corto Maltese, Candi & The Strangers, She Sir
Free Week show at Club DeVille
Doors at 9pm
Free, no RSVP
Club Deville, 900 Red River St.

Slow Down Lady and Jesse Woods
Free Week show at Stubb’s
Doors at 9pm; Slow Down Lady at midnight
Free, no RSVP
Stubb’s, 801 Red River


SATURDAY, JANUARY 9
Flying Saucer 2nd Anniversary Party
2-10pm
Tapping special kegs each hour: St. Arnold Divine # 9, 2007 Dogfish Head 120, Dogfish Head Pangea, Sierra / Dogfish Life & Limb, Allagash Victor, Sierra Nevada Edge of Darkness (Cask), (512) Whiskey Pecan
Double Porter, Stone Double Bastard, Randalized Breckenridge 471, with Fresh Pineapple & Mango
Entry is free, no RSVP
Flying Saucer, 815 W. 47th St.

Bijou Studio’s Grand Opening Party
7pm-2am
Free beer and finger foods. Other cool stuff: door prizes, raffle, photo booth with Alison Narro, and gift bags for the first 50 people in the door.
Free, no RSVP
Bijou Studio 1618 E. 6th St.

T-Bird and the Breaks, The Carrots, The Ugly Beats, The Hi-Tones, Missions, Clouds are Ghosts, Death is Not a Joyride
Free Week show at Mohawk, featuring live performance art, compilation CD for first 100 people, prizes and more
Doors at 9pm
Free, no RSVP
Mohawk, 10th and Red River

Bright Light Social Hour w/ The Frontier Brothers, Dertybird, Motel
Aviv, DJ Billy Q
Free Week show at The Parish
Doors at 8pm
Free, no RSVP
The Parish, 214 E. 6th St.

DJ Car Stereo (Wars) w/ All My Friends / Mothfight / The Laughing
Free Week show at Beauty Bar
Doors at 9pm
Free, no RSVP
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 6th St.


Image credit: The Daily Green
http://www.thedailygreen.com/

The Weekend Flow: December 17-20
Boy, ugly sweaters are back in style this winter. Sure, parties celebrating the brightly colored wool abominations were called out last year by Stuff White People Like, but that didn’t stop them from coming back in force in ‘09, dammit. (One wonders if there’s someone out there with a sweater so horrible that they’d be able to sweep *every* Ugly Sweater Contest — the Chris Floyd of the sweater world, if you will). Fortunately for everyone, there’s plenty of cool n’ free stuff going on this weekend to make the whole thing easier to stomach. Stay warm, Austin!

THURSDAY, DEC. 17
Austin Post Citywide White Elephant Party
6-9pm
Free cocktails, pizza, sushi, and other crazy stuff. Bring a wrapped gag gift for swappin’.
Lanai Rooftop Lounge, 422 Congress Ave.

Tje Austin at Cedar Street Courtyard
6-8pm
Cedar Street Courtyard, 208 W. 4th St.

Do512 Holiday Party
7-10pm
Free Fireman’s #4 beer while it lasts; $3 Tito’s drinks. Music by All My Friends
Black Sheep Lodge , 2108 South Lamar Blvd.
Free, RSVP REQUIRED

Bright Pink Charity Launch Party / X-Mas Sweater Party
7-10pm / 10pm-2am
Free vodka 7-10. Benefits Bright Pink, a non-profit organization
that provides education and support to women who are at risk for breast and ovarian cancer. The X-Mas Sweater Party starts after the launch party and features a “champagne jam,” music by the New Drugs and photos with Santa courtesy of Alison Narro.
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
No RSVP

Charity Bash Appreciation Party
8-10pm
Free drinks by Grey Goose.
Free with RSVP

The Liberty’s First Holiday Party
9pm-2am
Free homemade food; drink specials. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Salvation Army.
The Liberty, 1618 1/2 E. 6th St.
Free, no RSVP

Crystal Antlers, Audacity, Harlem @ The Mohawk
10pm-2am
Mohawk, 11th and Red River


FRIDAY, DEC. 18
The Saggi Ball
8pm-2am
Free Dripping Springs Vodka from 8-10 with toy donation, plus: photos by Trevor Ray, Inebriated Santa Costume Contest and the 817th ugly sweater contest of the season. Music by The Pons, The Boom Boom Box, Ripe, Ok Sweetheart, DJ Czech One and the ubiquitous DJ Prince Klassen.
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
$5, no RSVP

No Sleep Til Brooklyn
9pm-2am
Free vodka from 9-11:30pm. Bring 5 canned food items for free shots. Free champagne all night for the ladies.
Gruv, 101 W. 5th St.
Free, no RSVP


SATURDAY, DEC. 19
Santa vs. Satan Soiree
8pm-2am
Hosted By TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls, the soiree will feature music by local bands Whiskey Business and Petals and a raffle, as well as “tinsel-covered pillow fighting” (I’m intrigued…).
$3 if you dress in Santa or Satan attire, or $5 if you decide not to dress up for some reason
Tiniest Bar in Texas, 817 W. 5th Street
No RSVP.

Swerve! Reunion
9pm-2:30am
Free Sailor Jerry rum from 11:30pm-12:30am. Mike from @ThePeenScene and DJ Orion are bound to go all out for their birthdays, so this should be a wild one. Music by: Ocelot, Bird Peterson, Go Go Garcia and Prepmode
Barcelona, 209 E. 6th St.
$3, no RSVP

Saturday Night Afterparty
12-5am
Assuming Mike “Peen” Hernandez survives his birthday party at Swerve, the rager will continue into the wee hours on East Sixth.
$5 donation gets you all the beer you can drink
Music Gym, 815 E. 6th St. (just east of IH 35)


SUNDAY, DEC. 20
Sideshow Grand Opening Party
2-6pm
Free beer and bands at the grand opening of the new tattoo shop
Airport and 45th St.
Free, no RSVP


MONDAY, DEC. 21
Octopus Project, Neiliyo, and Sunset at Tibaut’s 30th
Doors at 7:30pm
Mohawk
$10/presale, $12/door

Rat Trap Ball
10pm-2am
Free beer at a crazy dance party featuring a selection of rock n’ roll 45s.
Trophy’s
Free, no RSVP


Plug zone:
- Check out @SupercoolEric’s predictions of music critics’ picks for the best albums of 2009.
- Be our fan on Facebook. We’ll be your best friend.
- Give us a holler if you’re at La Zona Rosa tonight for the much anticipated Phoenix show. À bientôt!