By our count, there are 17 ways to get free drinks this week. Good luck out there…

Tuesday, Jan. 24
Kenichi VIP Event
5–7pm • Kenichi, 419 Colorado St. • Free; RSVP requested
Complimentary cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Text your name and phone number to 512-430-4339 to join the VIP List; then RSVP by emailing: marketing@kenichiaustin.com

Paper Cuts Live Music Series: Not In the Face!
7–9pm • The Palm Door, 401 Sabine St. • Free; RSVP required for priority admission (closed)
Free tacos from Tacos and Tequila, vodka from Deep Eddy Vodka, and Sapporo beer. Music by Not in the Face! RSVP was required to reserve a spot, but additional guests will be allowed in starting at 7:30 if the party isn’t at capacity.

The South Austin Social Club Monthly Meet-Up
7pm • Crow Bar, 3116 South Congress • Free
Meet-up for the Austin creative community, featuring music by Christy Claxton Band and Noelle Hampton.


Wednesday, Jan. 25
Glitz and Glam Happy Hour
4–7pm • Frock On Vintage, 3016 Guadalupe, Ste. A101 • Free
Complimentary wine and cocktails, plus free hairstyling and makeup by Waterstone Aesthetics.

EPIC’s 4th Anniversary Happy Hour
5:30-7:30pm • Delta Millworks, 4701 East 5th St. • Free
Appetizers from Salt Lick, cocktails by Dripping Springs Vodka, and music by Eagle Eye Williamson.

40 Con Queso
5:30-9pm • Hotel Vegas, 1500 East 6th St. • Free
Free show by Best Fwends and Chablis.

Weird Coupons Launch Party     ***Event of the Week**
6–9pm • GSD&M, 828 W. 6th • Free; RSVP requested
Offerings from How Do You Roll Sushi, The Pie Society, Austin East Ciders, Deep Eddy Vodka, The Tamale Hut, and Z Tequila.

Gabrieldoes Wednesdays
6-10pm • CTC Garden, Cazamance Café, 1102 E Cesar Chavez • $5 suggested donation
Complimentary vodka courtesy of 360 Vodka, food from Cazamance Café, and live music. Feel free to BYOB.

Kim Simpson Book Signing
7pm • BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd. • Free
Musician & KUT Radio Host Kim Simpson will speak and sign copies of her book “Early ’70s Radio: The American Format Revolution.” Free beer from Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

There Will Be Cake
10pm • Coldtowne Theatre, 4803-B Airport Blvd. • $5
Comedy show with free cake from our friends at SugaPlump Pastries.


Thursday, Jan. 26
Lomographic Safari New Product Release Party
6–9pm • Lomography Gallery Store, 912 Congress Ave. • Free
Food, drinks, and music.

Austin Beer Guide Winter Edition Release Party
7-11:30pm • Draught House, 4112 Medical Pkwy. • Free
Celebrate the release of the Winter issue of the guide with a keg of Bourbon Barrel Night RYE-der.

Airbnb airAmbassador Launch Party
8–11pm • Hangar Lounge, 318 Colorado • Free; RSVP required
Drinks, treats, photo booth and music by DJ Mighty Mike. First 50 people in the door receive free gift bags.

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.

Block Party: A Comedy Mixtape
9:30pm • The New Movement Theatre, 1819 Rosewood Ave. • Free
Try out some improv (or any kind of performance) for 5 minutes in front of a live audience.


Friday, Jan. 27
Remember Dublin Dr Pepper
11am–11pm • All P. Terry’s locations
Free Dublin Dr Pepper T-shirts all day with the purchase of a large Dublin Dr Pepper.

The Preservation In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
The Preservation celebrates the vinyl release of their album Two Sisters with a free show and free Shiner.

PRINT+addition Presents: Michael Seiben
6–9pm • Industry Screenprint Studio, 618-C Tillery St. • Free
Free beer from Austin Beerworks and music by DJ Gibb. Create your own shirt with the screen press — $20 to buy a blank shirt, or $10 if you bring your own.

MysteryPeople Presents: R.J. Ellory
7pm • BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd. • Free
R.J. Ellory will speak and sign copies of his book “A Quiet Vendetta”. Free beer, wine, and snacks.


Sat., Jan. 28
EastSide Bikini Company Grand Opening
Noon–9pm • EastSide Bikini Company, 2502 Webberville Rd. • Free
Food, drinks, music, door prizes, giveaways, and discounts on all bikinis.

Splendor Boutique Launch Party
7–10pm • Splendor Boutique, 100 W. North Loop, Unit H • Free
Complimentary cocktails and discounts to celebrate the relaunch of Splendor’s online store.

Austin Variety Show’s 2nd Anniversary Bash
8pm • Highland Mall, 6001 Airport Blvd. • $10
Cover includes an open bar, food from Rockin’ Tomato, and entertainment by host Troy Dillinger, radio personality Charlie Hodge, comedian Ramin Nazer, Mistress Stephanie and Her Melodic Cat, and two new episodes of The Austin Variety Show.

A Day Show For Esme
1–7pm • Beerland, 711 Red River St. • $10
Benefit show with music by Ted Leo, Knife in the Water, The December Boys, Simple Circuit, and Literature — buy tickets in advance; it is likely to sell out. Proceeds benefit the family of Esme Barrera.

Austin Vida Showcase
9:30pm–2am • Frank, 407 Colorado St. • $6
Music by Hydra Melody, Ex Machina, and The Sounds of Curve

Sweetmeat CD Release Party
10pm–2am • The Highball, 1142 S. Lamar Blvd. • Free
Free show with music by Foot Patrol and Sweetmeat — which includes members of Austin bands Opposite Day, the Invincible Czars, and Mostly Dead/Mistress Stephanie.


Sunday, Jan. 29
Twin Sister In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free show, free Shiner — not a bad combo.


Monday, Jan. 30
SXSW Interactive ATX Community Meet Up
6–8pm • Swan Dive, 615 Red River St. • Free; RSVP requested
SXSW will buy you a drink at this happy hour and networking event for anyone interested in the Interactive fest.


Tuesday, Jan. 31
Party and Event Guide’s Throwback Launch Party
6:30–9pm • The Highball, 1142 S. Lamar Blvd. • Free
Complimentary drinks by Tequila Avion, food by Peachie Pastry, body painting, photo booth, door prizes, and dancing. Mad Men–style attire encouraged.


**SAVE THE DATE**
CoolinAustin / Austin Writes Music Present: Shot Through the Heart
Friday, Feb. 3 • Frank, 407 Colorado St.
That’s right — it’s time for another showcase. This one features music by Dead Black Hearts, Your Friendly Ghost, Little Radar, and Royal Forest. We’ll announce more details soon, so stay tuned, and we hope to see you there!

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

Shoutouts: Amber, Jeremiah, 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

Whether you want to enhance your ACL experience or avoid the fest altogether, here are some events that will let you keep your party going and cost little or nothing to attend.

Thursday, Sept. 15
Grand Opening of Prize
5–8pm • Prize, 202 Colorado St. • Free, RSVP required
Complimentary cocktails and sushi. RSVP by emailing info@prizeaustin.com

LePA Grand Re-Opening Cocktail Party
7–10pm • LePA Skincare, 2520 Longview St. #314 • Free
Complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres, treats, and giveaways.

Art Disaster 15
8pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th Street • $3 RSVP / $5 Door
Eight bands and three DJs on two stages: Crooks, Wild Child, SORNE, The White White Lights, Schmillion, Boyfrndz, Sleep Good, Sundress; DJ sets by Thick as Thieves and DJ Orion; Miller Lite drink specials all night.

Free ACL Kick Off Show at The Parish
9pm–2am • The Parish, 214 East 6th Street • Free
Free show with performances by Eyes Burn Electric, Electric Touch, The Canvas Waiting, Bk and Mr E.

The Soapbox Spellbinders Live at Red Eyed Fly
11:30pm–2am • Red Eyed Fly, 715 Red River • $5
Full disclosure: These guys are friends of ours. But we’ll be damned if Tristan Shinnick is not the best guitarist in Austin right now. Prove us wrong.


Friday, Sept. 16
Deep Eddy Vodka Garden (Event of the Week)
11am-Midnight; Friday, Saturday, Sunday • 1707 Barton Springs Rd. • Free, RSVP required
This one is not to be missed – a three-day, all-day party with free cocktails, snacks, live music, and god knows what else. For now, all you have to do is Like the Deep Eddy page on Facebook and you’re on the list. We’ll update with more details as they become available.

On the WAYCL
Time TBD; Friday, Saturday, Sunday • 1800 Barton Springs • Free
Free shows all weekend long, including: FM Campers, Knifight, The Nouns, Bali Yaaah (Friday); Diagonals, Kay Leotard, Sleep Good, Night Viking (Saturday); Shakey Graves, Holy Wave, The Act Rights, Zoltars (Sunday) — plus several others.

GAYCL: The Independent Alternative
6pm–Midnight • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th St. • Free; donations welcome
Free show with performances by Follow That Bird, Rickey Jean Francois, Boy Friend, Kay Leotard, Agent Ribbons, and The Great Aware. All proceeds benefit Equality Texas.

Peligrosa with Chief Boima
9pm • Scoot Inn, 1308 East 4th St. • $5
Even more dance party goodness.

Disco Dive Party ACL Edition
10pm–2am • Dive Bar & Lounge, 11th and Guadalupe • Free
DJs Czech One and Zack Highwire playing Indie Rock/Pop, 80’s, Old School Hip Hop, R&B, Nu Wave.

80s Dance Party at The Highball
11pm–2am • The Highball, 1142 S. Lamar • Free
A free 80s party for those who didn’t get their fill of dancing on ACL Day 1.


Saturday, Sept. 17
Shiner Biergarten
10am–3pm, Saturday and Sunday • Flipnotics parking lot, Barton Springs Road @ Kinney • Free
Live music, $2 Shiners, and a chill place to hang out when you need a break from the fest.

Ditch the Fest Fest 2
2pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, Red 7, Beauty Bar, Scoot Inn & Club De Ville • $2 at each venue or $5 for a wristband to get into all venues
Ridiculous amount of bands for ridiculously little money. Free Shiner Bock (while it lasts). Video games, black light painting, performance art, photobooth, screen printing… is this real life?!

Echotone Remix: A Louder Fight for a Louder Night
9pm–2am • The ND at 501 Studios, East 5th and Brushy St. • Free
Three teams of DJs and VJs remix footage and music from the film on a 25-foot screen. Featuring: DJ Orion, 4th Wall, Manolo Black, Jay Smith, and Kid Slyce

Learning Secrets and Silverton Partners Present: Metro Area
10pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 East 7th St. • $5 RSVP / $8 Door
Dance party with Metro Area DJ set; performances by Indian Jewelry and Rickey Jean Francois; photo booth

Karaoke Underground Post-ACL Party
10pm–2am • Dive Bar & Lounge, 1703 Guadalupe St. • Free
Free karaoke night with more than 500 punk and indie classics to choose from


Photo by Kevin H. (Flickr)