The (Mini) Week in Cool: April 12-14 The list is short but sweet this week. Enjoy!Friday, April 12Firehouse Lounge 1st Anniversary Party / Firehouse Hostel Grand Opening5pm–2am • Firehouse Hostel and Lounge, 605 Brazos St, Ste 100 • FreeComplimentary beer and snacks while they last. Live music and entertainment in the Lounge.Saturday, April 13Austin Handmade Arts Market Grand Opening WeekendSaturday 10am–7pm; Sunday 11am–5pm • Vuka Co-op, 411 Monroe St. West • FreeExhibit and sale of handmade works by 40+ local artists. Complimentary wine, beer and mimosas on Sunday.Art City AustinSaturday 10am–6pm; Sunday 11am– 6pm • Along Cesar Chavez St. between Lamar and Lavaca, incl. the 1st Street bridge) • $8 for single-day pass; $15 for 2-day pass; free if you park your bike at the bike valet (1st Street bridge and Lavaca at 2nd) or show your Capital Metro passArt festival and block party with local food and drinks for sale, plus live music and interactive projects.Real Ale Anniversary PartyNoon–5pm • Real Ale Brewing Co., 231 San Saba Ct., Blanco, TX • Free; parking $5Sample more than 30 Real Ale brews, with food available for purchase benefitting PAWS Animal Shelter.Oat Willie’s 45th Anniversary Party 2-8pm • Oat Willies, 617 W. 29th St. • FreeFood, drinks, music, glassblowers, prizes & more.Sunday, April 14Wonder Space Monthly Bazaar Grand Opening10am–10pm • Spider House, 2908 Fruth St. • FreeVintage clothing, artisan vendors, live music, art projects, photobooth and more.(Also on Sunday: Day 2 of the Art City and Austin Handmade Arts Market parties listed above)
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The (Mini) Week in Cool: April 12-14

The list is short but sweet this week. Enjoy!


Friday, April 12
Firehouse Lounge 1st Anniversary Party / Firehouse Hostel Grand Opening
5pm–2am • Firehouse Hostel and Lounge, 605 Brazos St, Ste 100 • Free
Complimentary beer and snacks while they last. Live music and entertainment in the Lounge.


Saturday, April 13
Austin Handmade Arts Market Grand Opening Weekend
Saturday 10am–7pm; Sunday 11am–5pm • Vuka Co-op, 411 Monroe St. West • Free
Exhibit and sale of handmade works by 40+ local artists. Complimentary wine, beer and mimosas on Sunday.

Art City Austin
Saturday 10am–6pm; Sunday 11am– 6pm • Along Cesar Chavez St. between Lamar and Lavaca, incl. the 1st Street bridge) • $8 for single-day pass; $15 for 2-day pass; free if you park your bike at the bike valet (1st Street bridge and Lavaca at 2nd) or show your Capital Metro pass
Art festival and block party with local food and drinks for sale, plus live music and interactive projects.

Real Ale Anniversary Party
Noon–5pm • Real Ale Brewing Co., 231 San Saba Ct., Blanco, TX • Free; parking $5
Sample more than 30 Real Ale brews, with food available for purchase benefitting PAWS Animal Shelter.

Oat Willie’s 45th Anniversary Party
2-8pm • Oat Willies, 617 W. 29th St. • Free
Food, drinks, music, glassblowers, prizes & more.


Sunday, April 14
Wonder Space Monthly Bazaar Grand Opening
10am–10pm • Spider House, 2908 Fruth St. • Free
Vintage clothing, artisan vendors, live music, art projects, photobooth and more.

(Also on Sunday: Day 2 of the Art City and Austin Handmade Arts Market parties listed above)

The Week in Cool: April 4–10Thursday, April 4Holly Williams In-Store Performance5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • FreeFree Shiner.Free Beer @ Kung Fu Saloon5–7pm • Fans Kung Fu Saloon, 510 Rio Grande • FreeFree Lone Star while it lasts — just tell the door guy he’s awesome.Lonestar Round Up Weekend Party5–7pm • Gateway Motor Club, 3700 Thompson St. • FreeFree beer + food.Wine About Cancer6–9pm • Twin Liquors Hancock, 1000 E. 41st Street, Suite 810 • Free; donations acceptedTasting with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres at a benefit for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. There’s also a silent auction and a raffle.Recommended Show: Shivery Shakes / Tiger Waves / She Sir / Shrines9pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • $6A Suit & Tie Event: Justin Timberlake vs. Usher Party10pm • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th St. • FreeDance party with jams by DJ Sir.Friday, April 5Vuka Monthly Art Party6pm • Vuka, 411 W. Monroe St. • FreeComplimentary wine and cheese at a showcase featuring four local artists and photographers.MysteryPeople Presents: Todd Robinson, Matthew McBride, and Jesse Sublett7pm • BookPeople, 6th and Lamar • FreeHave a few drinks and listen to three mystery writers read from and talk about their books.Cheer Up Charlie’s 3rd Anniversary Party8pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th St. • FreeDance party DJ’d by Flying Turns, with treats, a cake walk, and other fun stuff.Recommended Show: Gobi / The Shears / End Wave / DJ Set by Atticus9pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • $6Free Show: Soul Night Under the Stars at The Blackheart, Featuring Roxy Roca 10pm–Midnight • Blackheart, 86 Rainey St. • FreeNever-Ending Comedy Contest at New Movement Theater10:30pm • New Movement Theater, 616 Lavaca St. • $5Standup comics battle for no prize or goal. Hosted by Dan French. BYOB.Saturday, April 6Texas VegFest11am–6pm • Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. • $5 suggested donationAustin’s first vegan festival will feature food samples, craft beer, speakers, cooking demos, kids’ activities, vendors and live musicThe Kids Are Alright Fest Noon–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • $8 donation/online; $10/doorAll-day event featuring skating, gaming, and music by Marmalakes, The Sour Notes, Holiday, Residual Kid, and many others. Benefits Families Living with Autism. Forty Acres Fest, featuring Chiddy Bang 2–10pm • The UT Tower, 2300 Inner Campus Drive • FreeGames, prizes and music by Chiddy Bang, Akina Adderley & the Vintage Playboys, Blue Bear, Jonathas, The Followthrough, Ben Baxter Band, and Suite 709.Third-Annual Crawfish Boil at Black Sheep Lodge2pm • Black Sheep Lodge, 2108 S. Lamar • Free entry; $6/pound of crawfishGet about a pound of crawfish for six bucks. Specials on Deep Eddy Vodka Ruby Red Grapefruit, Abita Purple Haze and Abita Amber.Marshall Anderson CD Release Party3pm • Carousel Lounge, 1110 E. 52nd St. • FreeFree BBQ and music by Marshall Anderson and special guests.Austin Pets & Arts Alive!7–10pm • Bay 6 Gallery, 5305 Bolm Rd. #6 • Donations acceptedAn evening of art, drinks and music, featuring a performance by Treachery of Others. Benefits Austin Pets Alive.Free Show: Muchos Backflips / Dead Tree Duo / Rollfast Ramblers / Migrant Kids8pm–1am • Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St. • FreeSunday, April 7Sunday Sociale at Bungalow2–6pm • Bungalow, 92 Rainey St. • Free$1 mimosas, $5 Bloody Mary bar, and $2 domestics — plus free tacos with the purchase of a drink. Music by DJ I Wanna Be Her and Kid Slyce, hosted by Zeale.Groovy Sunday at South Austin Brewing Co. 3–7pm • South Austin Brewing Co., 415 East Saint Elmo, # 1D • FreeOpen house with beer samples and live music by La Tampiqueña.Monday, April 8Free Show: The Sour Notes / Letting Up Despite Great Faults10pm–Midnight • Stubb’s Indoors, 801 Red River St. • FreeTuesday, April 9Free Show: Mrs. Glass Live Music Video Filming9:30–11:30pm • The White Horse, 500 Comal St. • FreeFree Lone Star beer from 9:30 to 10pm.Wednesday, April 10The Wine Down, featuring Sideshow Tragedy5–7pm • ACL Live at the W Hotel, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. • FreeBites from Cantina Laredo, happy hour wine specials, and music by Sideshow Tragedy.
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The Week in Cool: April 4–10

Thursday, April 4
Holly Williams In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free Shiner.

Free Beer @ Kung Fu Saloon
5–7pm • Fans Kung Fu Saloon, 510 Rio Grande • Free
Free Lone Star while it lasts — just tell the door guy he’s awesome.

Lonestar Round Up Weekend Party
5–7pm • Gateway Motor Club, 3700 Thompson St. • Free
Free beer + food.

Wine About Cancer
6–9pm • Twin Liquors Hancock, 1000 E. 41st Street, Suite 810 • Free; donations accepted
Tasting with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres at a benefit for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. There’s also a silent auction and a raffle.

Recommended Show: Shivery Shakes / Tiger Waves / She Sir / Shrines
9pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • $6

A Suit & Tie Event: Justin Timberlake vs. Usher Party
10pm • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th St. • Free
Dance party with jams by DJ Sir.


Friday, April 5
Vuka Monthly Art Party
6pm • Vuka, 411 W. Monroe St. • Free
Complimentary wine and cheese at a showcase featuring four local artists and photographers.

MysteryPeople Presents: Todd Robinson, Matthew McBride, and Jesse Sublett
7pm • BookPeople, 6th and Lamar • Free
Have a few drinks and listen to three mystery writers read from and talk about their books.

Cheer Up Charlie’s 3rd Anniversary Party
8pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th St. • Free
Dance party DJ’d by Flying Turns, with treats, a cake walk, and other fun stuff.

Recommended Show: Gobi / The Shears / End Wave / DJ Set by Atticus
9pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • $6

Free Show: Soul Night Under the Stars at The Blackheart, Featuring Roxy Roca
10pm–Midnight • Blackheart, 86 Rainey St. • Free

Never-Ending Comedy Contest at New Movement Theater
10:30pm • New Movement Theater, 616 Lavaca St. • $5
Standup comics battle for no prize or goal. Hosted by Dan French. BYOB.


Saturday, April 6
Texas VegFest
11am–6pm • Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. • $5 suggested donation
Austin’s first vegan festival will feature food samples, craft beer, speakers, cooking demos, kids’ activities, vendors and live music

The Kids Are Alright Fest
Noon–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • $8 donation/online; $10/door
All-day event featuring skating, gaming, and music by Marmalakes, The Sour Notes, Holiday, Residual Kid, and many others. Benefits Families Living with Autism.

Forty Acres Fest, featuring Chiddy Bang
2–10pm • The UT Tower, 2300 Inner Campus Drive • Free
Games, prizes and music by Chiddy Bang, Akina Adderley & the Vintage Playboys, Blue Bear, Jonathas, The Followthrough, Ben Baxter Band, and Suite 709.

Third-Annual Crawfish Boil at Black Sheep Lodge
2pm • Black Sheep Lodge, 2108 S. Lamar • Free entry; $6/pound of crawfish
Get about a pound of crawfish for six bucks. Specials on Deep Eddy Vodka Ruby Red Grapefruit, Abita Purple Haze and Abita Amber.

Marshall Anderson CD Release Party
3pm • Carousel Lounge, 1110 E. 52nd St. • Free
Free BBQ and music by Marshall Anderson and special guests.

Austin Pets & Arts Alive!
7–10pm • Bay 6 Gallery, 5305 Bolm Rd. #6 • Donations accepted
An evening of art, drinks and music, featuring a performance by Treachery of Others. Benefits Austin Pets Alive.

Free Show: Muchos Backflips / Dead Tree Duo / Rollfast Ramblers / Migrant Kids
8pm–1am • Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St. • Free


Sunday, April 7
Sunday Sociale at Bungalow
2–6pm • Bungalow, 92 Rainey St. • Free
$1 mimosas, $5 Bloody Mary bar, and $2 domestics — plus free tacos with the purchase of a drink. Music by DJ I Wanna Be Her and Kid Slyce, hosted by Zeale.

Groovy Sunday at South Austin Brewing Co.
3–7pm • South Austin Brewing Co., 415 East Saint Elmo, # 1D • Free
Open house with beer samples and live music by La Tampiqueña.


Monday, April 8
Free Show: The Sour Notes / Letting Up Despite Great Faults
10pm–Midnight • Stubb’s Indoors, 801 Red River St. • Free


Tuesday, April 9
Free Show: Mrs. Glass Live Music Video Filming
9:30–11:30pm • The White Horse, 500 Comal St. • Free
Free Lone Star beer from 9:30 to 10pm.


Wednesday, April 10
The Wine Down, featuring Sideshow Tragedy
5–7pm • ACL Live at the W Hotel, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. • Free
Bites from Cantina Laredo, happy hour wine specials, and music by Sideshow Tragedy.

The Week in Cool: March 28–April 3Time to crawl out from under your post-SXSW rock, dust yourself off, and venture back into the world. Here are this week’s picks of the best free and cheap fun to be had in this time of rebuilding.Thursday, March 28Infamous Brewing Company Launch Party6–11pm • Banger’s Sausage House, 79 Rainey St. • FreeBeer samples (7–10pm), food pairings, and live music.Austin Beauty Week Kickoff Party & Salon Showcase7pm-2am • Speakeasy, 412 D Congress Ave. • Free w/ RSVPKick off Austin Beauty Week with complimentary Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka beverages (for the first hour), a fashion show, hair & makeup exhibit, and other festivities. RSVP requested.Grizzly Adams Family / Holiday / The Gents @ Swan Dive9pm–1am • Swan Dive, 615 Red River St. • $5The New Movement Block Party9:30pm • The New Movement Theater, 616 Lavaca St. • FreeAn “anything-goes” open-mic party hosted by Rob Gagnon, featuring standup, sketch comedy, and performance art.Free Show: Sour Bridges @ The Rattle Inn11pm–1:30am • The Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St. • FreeFriday, March 29Lerin Spanish Wine Tasting4–8pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Ave. • FreeFree tasting of four types of Spanish wine.Free Show: Shakey Graves @ The White Horse 5pm • The White Horse, 500 Comal • FreeWake for Lomography Austin6–10pm • Lomography Gallery Store, 912 Congress Ave. • FreeThe gallery is closing, so it’s time for everyone to drown their sorrows with the help of complimentary drinks and live music.Free Screening: “Beetlejuice” 25th Anniversary Party7–9:30pm • The ND, East 5th @ Brushy St. • FreeFree Fireman’s 4 while it lasts at this free screening.Fatback Circus / Empire Machines / Shiny Empire @ Frank9pm • Frank, 407 Colorado St. • $6Mr. Mustache: A Tribute to Nirvana 9pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • Free w/ donation to Austin Pets AliveMusic by Mr. Mustache (Nirvana cover set by members of Goodnight Goddess and Dynamite Boy), Power Chief, Del Vipers, and Residual Kid. Donate at least $3 and get a free drink ticket. All proceeds go to Austin Pets Alive.Saturday, March 30Jo’s 14th Annual Pet Parade and Costume ContestNoon • Jo’s Coffee, 1300 S. Congress Ave. • Free to watch; parade registration is $10/advance, $15/day of eventA swarm of costumed pets will parade down South Congress with a marching band, followed by a costume contest, live music, and other festivities. Proceeds from the parade will benefit Austin Pets Alive.Texas Football Fan Fest and Orange-White Scrimmage4–8pm • Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, 23rd and San Jacinto • FreeIt’s finally time for a break from the springtime college football drought. Watch the Longhorns stampede into the stadium at 4:15, try your luck at some tailgate games, and check out the Orange-White Scrimmage at 6:30, with open seating on the north and east sides of the stadium. Everything is free and open to the public.Craft Pride’s Live Music Debut & Divine Reserve Tapping6–10pm • Craft Pride, 61 Rainey St. • FreeCraft Pride is tapping a cask of Saint Arnold’s Divine Reserve No. 13 at this party featuring music by Sour Bridges, Patrick’s Beard & The Rusty Razors, and MaryAnn.March Scootenanny8pm • Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St. • FreeFree show with music by Clyde and Clem’s Whiskey Business, Sour Bridges, and Southern Renaissance.Red River Noise Presents: Future of Indie Vol. III9pm • Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe • $3 with Facebook RSVP / $5 doorNew showcase series featuring music by Knifight, Pop Pistol and End Wave.Megafauna Tour Kickoff & Vinyl Release Party9pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • $6With The Boxing Lesson, Future Humans, and The Couch.Sphynx / Bobby Jealousy / Sip Sip / Growl @ Hotel Vegas9pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1502 E. 6th St. • (Cover?)Free Show: East Cameron Folkcore / Cunto! / Black Eyed Vermillion @ The White Horse9:30pm • The White Horse, 500 Comal St. • FreeSunday, March 31Easter Brunch Party @ Yellow Jacket11am • Yellow Jacket Social Club, 1704 East 5th St. • FreeSpend Easter on the east side at Yellow Jacket’s annual brunch, which will involve a petting zoo and washers tournament.Sunday Sociale at Bungalow 2–6pm • Bungalow, 92 Rainey St. • Free$1 mimosas, $5 Bloody Mary bar, and $2 domestics — plus free tacos with the purchase of a drink. Music by Chorizo Funk & DJ Fndomntl. Matthew’s Easter Circus 5pm • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th St. • FreeCircus-themed party with music by Holiday, Leopold and His Fiction, and DJ ulovei.“Game of Thrones” Season Premiere Party @ The ND7–10pm • The ND, East 5th @ Brushy St. • FreeWatch last season’s finale and this season’s premiere on the big 25-foot projection screen, with $1 Shiners.Monday, April 1Opening Day at Bar 96Noon • Bar 96, 96 Rainey St. • FreeFree batting cage with prizes, plus drink specials and ballpark snacks.April Fool’s Day Bash with Hops & Grain Brewery6pm • Banger’s Sausage House, 79 Rainey St. • FreeTry some special Hops & Grain brews with food pairings by Banger’s. Music by Wood & Wire from 7-9pm.Tuesday, April 2The Black Angels In-Store Performance5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • FreeFree Shiner.Wednesday, April 3Sons of Fathers In-Store Performance5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • FreeThe Wine Down at ACL Live5–7pm • ACL Live at the W Hotel, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. • FreeBites from III Forks, happy hour wine specials, and music by Omar and the Howlers.
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The Week in Cool: March 28–April 3

Time to crawl out from under your post-SXSW rock, dust yourself off, and venture back into the world. Here are this week’s picks of the best free and cheap fun to be had in this time of rebuilding.

Thursday, March 28
Infamous Brewing Company Launch Party
6–11pm • Banger’s Sausage House, 79 Rainey St. • Free
Beer samples (7–10pm), food pairings, and live music.

Austin Beauty Week Kickoff Party & Salon Showcase
7pm-2am • Speakeasy, 412 D Congress Ave. • Free w/ RSVP
Kick off Austin Beauty Week with complimentary Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka beverages (for the first hour), a fashion show, hair & makeup exhibit, and other festivities. RSVP requested.

Grizzly Adams Family / Holiday / The Gents @ Swan Dive
9pm–1am • Swan Dive, 615 Red River St. • $5

The New Movement Block Party
9:30pm • The New Movement Theater, 616 Lavaca St. • Free
An “anything-goes” open-mic party hosted by Rob Gagnon, featuring standup, sketch comedy, and performance art.

Free Show: Sour Bridges @ The Rattle Inn
11pm–1:30am • The Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St. • Free


Friday, March 29
Lerin Spanish Wine Tasting
4–8pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Ave. • Free
Free tasting of four types of Spanish wine.

Free Show: Shakey Graves @ The White Horse
5pm • The White Horse, 500 Comal • Free

Wake for Lomography Austin
6–10pm • Lomography Gallery Store, 912 Congress Ave. • Free
The gallery is closing, so it’s time for everyone to drown their sorrows with the help of complimentary drinks and live music.

Free Screening: “Beetlejuice” 25th Anniversary Party
7–9:30pm • The ND, East 5th @ Brushy St. • Free
Free Fireman’s 4 while it lasts at this free screening.

Fatback Circus / Empire Machines / Shiny Empire @ Frank
9pm • Frank, 407 Colorado St. • $6

Mr. Mustache: A Tribute to Nirvana
9pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • Free w/ donation to Austin Pets Alive
Music by Mr. Mustache (Nirvana cover set by members of Goodnight Goddess and Dynamite Boy), Power Chief, Del Vipers, and Residual Kid. Donate at least $3 and get a free drink ticket. All proceeds go to Austin Pets Alive.


Saturday, March 30
Jo’s 14th Annual Pet Parade and Costume Contest
Noon • Jo’s Coffee, 1300 S. Congress Ave. • Free to watch; parade registration is $10/advance, $15/day of event
A swarm of costumed pets will parade down South Congress with a marching band, followed by a costume contest, live music, and other festivities. Proceeds from the parade will benefit Austin Pets Alive.

Texas Football Fan Fest and Orange-White Scrimmage
4–8pm • Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, 23rd and San Jacinto • Free
It’s finally time for a break from the springtime college football drought. Watch the Longhorns stampede into the stadium at 4:15, try your luck at some tailgate games, and check out the Orange-White Scrimmage at 6:30, with open seating on the north and east sides of the stadium. Everything is free and open to the public.

Craft Pride’s Live Music Debut & Divine Reserve Tapping
6–10pm • Craft Pride, 61 Rainey St. • Free
Craft Pride is tapping a cask of Saint Arnold’s Divine Reserve No. 13 at this party featuring music by Sour Bridges, Patrick’s Beard & The Rusty Razors, and MaryAnn.

March Scootenanny
8pm • Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St. • Free
Free show with music by Clyde and Clem’s Whiskey Business, Sour Bridges, and Southern Renaissance.

Red River Noise Presents: Future of Indie Vol. III
9pm • Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe • $3 with Facebook RSVP / $5 door
New showcase series featuring music by Knifight, Pop Pistol and End Wave.

Megafauna Tour Kickoff & Vinyl Release Party
9pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • $6
With The Boxing Lesson, Future Humans, and The Couch.

Sphynx / Bobby Jealousy / Sip Sip / Growl @ Hotel Vegas
9pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1502 E. 6th St. • (Cover?)

Free Show: East Cameron Folkcore / Cunto! / Black Eyed Vermillion @ The White Horse
9:30pm • The White Horse, 500 Comal St. • Free


Sunday, March 31
Easter Brunch Party @ Yellow Jacket
11am • Yellow Jacket Social Club, 1704 East 5th St. • Free
Spend Easter on the east side at Yellow Jacket’s annual brunch, which will involve a petting zoo and washers tournament.

Sunday Sociale at Bungalow
2–6pm • Bungalow, 92 Rainey St. • Free
$1 mimosas, $5 Bloody Mary bar, and $2 domestics — plus free tacos with the purchase of a drink. Music by Chorizo Funk & DJ Fndomntl.

Matthew’s Easter Circus
5pm • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th St. • Free
Circus-themed party with music by Holiday, Leopold and His Fiction, and DJ ulovei.

“Game of Thrones” Season Premiere Party @ The ND
7–10pm • The ND, East 5th @ Brushy St. • Free
Watch last season’s finale and this season’s premiere on the big 25-foot projection screen, with $1 Shiners.


Monday, April 1
Opening Day at Bar 96
Noon • Bar 96, 96 Rainey St. • Free
Free batting cage with prizes, plus drink specials and ballpark snacks.

April Fool’s Day Bash with Hops & Grain Brewery
6pm • Banger’s Sausage House, 79 Rainey St. • Free
Try some special Hops & Grain brews with food pairings by Banger’s. Music by Wood & Wire from 7-9pm.


Tuesday, April 2
The Black Angels In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free Shiner.


Wednesday, April 3
Sons of Fathers In-Store Performance
5–6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free

The Wine Down at ACL Live
5–7pm • ACL Live at the W Hotel, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. • Free
Bites from III Forks, happy hour wine specials, and music by Omar and the Howlers.

The Week in Cool: June 27-July 1


Wednesday, June 27
Blues on the Green with Ben Kweller and Amy Cook
7:30pm • Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road • Free

 
Thursday, June 28
Kick Butt Coffee Music & Booze: Open Mic & Beer Tasting
6:30pm • Kick Butt Coffee, 5775 Airport Blvd. • Free
Open mic night with tastings of beer from Rahr Brewing Co.

Austin Beer Guide Summer Issue Release Party
7pm • Billy’s on Burnet, 2105 Hancock Dr. • Free
Celebrate the release of the new issue of ABG with special brews from Austin Beerworks, Hops & Grain, Jester King, and Live Oak. Buy a beer on the patio and keep the pint glass.

XRay Love Trunk Show at Charm School Vintage
7:30–10:30pm • Charm School Vintage, 2109 E. Cesar Chavez • Free
Free cocktails from Dripping Springs Vodka.

Little Mikey and the Soda Jerks / The Bonfire Choir / Airplanes above us / The Rollfast Ramblers
9pm–2am • Frontier Bar, 2421 Webberville Road • Free
Free show with complimentary vodka cocktails from 9–10.

The Shake’s First Year Anniversary with Christian Bland & The Revelators
9pm–2am • Volstead Lounge, 1500 East 6th St. • Free
Free beer.

Viva Big Bend Launch Party
9pm–2am • The White Horse Saloon, 500 Comal St. • Free
Free show with giveaways and music by Graham Wilkinson, Colin Gilmore, The Lonesome Heroes, and Mike & The Moonpies.


Friday, June 29
Rodney Crowell In-Store Performance
5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free show and free Shiner.

The Good Music Club #6
7pm • The ND, East 5th at Brushy Street • Free
Live taping of sets by Slowtrain, Scorpion Child, Melogrand, and My Jerusalem.


Saturday, June 30
Real Ale’s 16th Anniversary Party
Noon–5pm • Real Ale Brewing Co., 231 San Saba Ct., Blanco • Free admission, $5 parking
Beer, food, music, tours and special surprises.

Tiki Block Party   ***Party of the Week***
6–9pm • Noble Pig Sandwiches, 11815 620 N., Suite 4 • Free; RSVP required
Complimentary rum cocktails and Polynesian sandwich specials. To RSVP, email rsvptiki@gmail.com.

Strange Brew’s 2nd Birthday Party
6pm–1am • Strange Brew Coffee, 5326 Manchaca Rd. • Free
Free food, free beer, and live music by Dick Walker, Kacy Crowley, Chris Gates, and Bandhaus.

The Mind of Adi’s Wimbledon Night Birthday Party
8pm–Midnight • Club de Ville, 900 Red River • $5
Tennis-themed party with music by Neiliyo, Cover Girl, Froetzel and Dubwerth. Tennis outfits encouraged!

Ladies Night: T Bird & the Breaks / Speak / Whitman / Major Major Major
8pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River • Free for ladies, $10 for dudes
Very cool local lineup.

Zlam Dunk / The Sour Notes / Mobley / Stand-up Comedy
9pm–2am • The Parish, 214 E. 6th St. • $5


Sunday, July 1
Chedd’s Cheesy Brunch in the Triangle
10am–2pm • Chedd’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese, 4601 N. Lamar • Free
Free mimosas.

2nd Annual Splash Mob Flash Mob
2:30–3pm • Corner of 6th and Trinity • Free
Flashmob water fight in the middle of downtown — bring your water guns, water balloons, and a bathing suit. Check out the Facebook page for more instructions.

Fantastic Arcade presents Juegos Rancheros: God of Blades
4–6:30pm • The Highball, 1142 S. Lamar • Free
Local indie game studio White Whale Games debuts its new game, God of Blades. Compete for a chance to win T-shirts, limited edition prints and other cool stuff.

L Style G Style’s Bowlorama Issue Release Party
6–9pm • Dart Bowl, 5700 Grover Avenue • Free; RSVP required
Free evening of bowling with prizes for highest and lowest score, best outfit and most dynamic socks. Reserve your free tickets online in advance of the event.

Sun Records Sunday Dance Party, featuring The Derailers
7–10pm • Antone’s, 213 W. 5th St. • Free
Get your two-step on to songs by classic Sun Records artists including Roy Orbison, Elvis, and Jerry Lee Lewis, performed by Austin’s own Derailers.

The Green Door Record Party: Soul Twistin’
10pm–2am • Rio Rita, 1308 E. 6th St. • Free
Vinyl selections by DJs Samantha Wendel (Crooked Bangs) and Cody Leitholt (Crisis Hotlines).

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Shoutouts: Amber Demure, Do512 Free, Austin Free Events

The Week in Cool: June 13-16


Wednesday, June 13
Chedd’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese Game Night
6–10pm • Chedd’s, 4601 N. Lamar Blvd. #504 (in the Triangle) • Free
Game night with free beer.

Blues on the Green with Rhett Miller and Wheeler Brothers
7:30pm • Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Spring Road • Free

Funny Haha: Austin’s Best Comedy
9:30pm • Beauty Ballroom, 2015 E. Riverside Dr. • Free
Free comedy show featuring Chris Cubis, Jake Flores, Maggie Maye, Roxy Castillo, Ryan Cownie and others.


Thursday, June 14
Flag Day Film Party
4pm–2am • Frontier Bar, 2421 Webberville Rd. • Free
Complimentary beverages from 9–10pm, plus hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages early in the evening. Also: movie screenings, live music and special Captain America drinks.

Hill Country Galleria Wine Walk
5–9pm • 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave • Free
Pick up a map at Twin Liquors and sample wines at several Galleria businesses.

A Truly Enormous Party at Lomography Austin
6–9pm • Lomography Gallery Store, 912 Congress Ave. • Free
Beverages from Little Kings Beer, gigantic Easy Tiger pretzels, and music by one of the Second Sunday Sock Hop DJs.

Big Ass Social Happy Hour (BASHH)
7pm • The Ranch, 710 W. 6th St. • Free
Get there early and score some free drink tickets.

Movie Night at Jessie Street Eats: “The Goonies”
8:30pm • Jessie Street Eats, 415 Jessie St. • Free
Outdoor screening of “The Goonies” with free beer.


Friday, June 15
The Dunwells In-Store Performance
5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free show and free Shiner.

Texas Craft Beer Week: Independence Brewing Co.
6–8pm • Flying Saucer, 815 W. 47th St. • Free
Independence brewers will discuss their brews and offer samples as part of the Flying Saucer’s weeklong celebration of craft beers.

Free Show: Digital Antique / Little Radar / Auroravore / Summer Swells
7:30pm–Midnight • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E 6th St. • Free

Exploded Drawing XV
9pm–2am • Baby Blue Studio, 1522 E. 12th St. • $5
Cover includes beer for the night, with six 20-minute sets of original electronic music.


Saturday, June 16
Hot off the Grill                            ***Party of the Week***
Noon–4pm • Breed & Co., 718 W. 29th St. • Free
Food and drinks from Brooklyn Brewery, Zhi Tea, Lick Honest Ice Creams, and Delysia Chocolatier, as well as summer sliders made by chef Joel Welch of Kerbey Lane Café.

Karaoke Underground
10pm–2am • Dive Bar, 1703 Guadalupe • Free
Free karaoke night with more than 600 punk and indie classics to choose from.

403 Whataparty
5–11:45pm • 403 Lightsey • Free
Free beer, BBQ, and music by The Sweet Nuthin, Human the Robot, Trans Continental Trip, From The Inside Out, Young Thaddeus, Chris Hello, Cnicole, Bad News Brown, and Devante Marshall.


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Shoutouts: Amber Demure, Do512 Free, Austin Free Events

Cool at SXSW: Saturday, March 17

Happy St. Patty’s Day!


Reverb Party
11am–5pm • Dirty Dog Bar, 505 E. 6th St. • RSVP requested; still open
Free Colorado craft beer. Music by Typhoon, Bass Drum of Death, and Com Truise.

Do512 and Shiner Present: The Big One 2012
Noon–?? • The Belmont, 305 W. 6th St. • Free with RSVP
Free Shiner Beer, Deep Eddy Vodka, Jack Daniels, and Southern Comfort.  Music by Bright Light Social Hour, Dead Confederate, The Features, and others. Get TabbedOut on your iPhone or Android to get priority entry.

MPressFest SXSW 2012
Noon–5pm • Soho Lounge, 217 E. 6th Street • RSVP requested; now closed
Free drinks, food, and giveaways.

Ticketometer Double Down Day Party
12-5:30pm • Skinny’s Ballroom, 115 San Jacinto St. • RSVP requested; still open
Free drinks and food.

AV Club’s March Into Softness Party
Noon–6pm • Club De Ville, 900 Red River St. • Free; no RSVP
Music by White Rabbits, The War On Drugs, We Were Promised Jetpacks, etc. Hosted by Andrew WK   

MWTX 2012
Noon–6pm • East Side Drive-In, 1100 E. 5th St. • No RSVP required
A$AP Rocky, Tan Lines, Deerhoof, Crystal Castles, and others.

Spotify House
Noon–6pm • 1010 E. Cesar Chavez • RSVP required; still open
Free drinks and food + music by Of Monsters and Men, Fanfarlo, and St. Lucia.

Paste Magazine Party
Noon–6pm • The Stage on 6th, 508 E. 6th St. • Free; no RSVP required
Free beer, wine, and gin.

The 100 Bands You Need to Know SXSW 2012 Day Party   
12-6pm • Red 7, 611 East 7th St. • Free; no RSVP
Breathe Carolina, The Used, Forever the Sickest Kid, Cancer Bats, and others.

Showlush Presents the 3rd Annual Ramble Creek Backyard Day Show
Noon–7pm • Ramble Creek, 1704 Kinney • RSVP requested; now closed
Free Lone Star, PBR, and cocktails.

McNally Smith College of Music Presents: Rock the Cause
Noon–8pm • The Liberty Bar, 1618-1/2 East 6th St. • RSVP requested; now closed
Free beer, food from East Side Kings, and music by Astronautalis and others.

Fader Fort
Noon–8pm • 1101 E. 5th St. • RSVP required; now closed
Free booze + music by Darkside, Pure X, Kindness, Dive, and “special guests.”

The Future of Music Showcase
Noon-midnight • Shiner’s Saloon, 422 N. Congress • Free; no RSVP
Great local lineup.

MidCoast Takeover
Noon–Midnight • Shangri La, 1016 E. 6th St. • No RSVP required
Free beer from Boulevard Brewery.

Rollo & Grady Productions and The Electric Company Present: The Symphony Square Party
Noon-Midnight • Symphony Square, 11th and Red River • RSVP requested; still open
Music by The Strange Boys, Turbo Fruits, Futurebirds, TV Torso and others.

Check Yo Ponytail / Fools Gold / Mad Decent Super Party
Noon–2am • Emo’s East / Beauty Ballroom, 2015 E. Riverside • RSVP requested; now closed
A-Trak, Diplo, The Drums, Andrew WK, Digitalism, Wavves, Trash Talk, and lots of others.

Hype Hotel
1–7pm, 10pm–4am • 504 Trinity St. • RSVP required; now closed
Free Tito’s Vodka, Miller Lite, and Taco Bell. Day party: Tennis, Clock Opera, Niki & The Dove, and Body Language. Night party: The Knocks, Mujuice, XV, Wavves, Best Coast, and Fanfarlo.

Red Bull THRE3STYLE
7pm–2am • 8th & Trinity • Free; no RSVP
Z-Trip, Erykah Badu, The Crystal Method, DJ Jazzy Jeff and others — plus some surprise guests.

Starving Artist Showcase
9pm-2am • Peckerheads • RSVP requested; still open
Free beer and food.

Cool at SXSW: Wednesday, March 14

Here’s our list of the best free stuff going on today at SXSW. Note the RSVP status for each event, as some parties have closed their lists. (“Free with RSVP” usually means RSVP is not required, but do it if you can just in case.) As always, keep an eye on our Twitter feed for more party info as it comes in.

The Good Danny’s + Navigational Society Day Party
10am–6pm • Parish, 214 E. 6th • Free with RSVP
Free coffee, Sailor Jerry’s Rum and drink specials. Music by Shearwater, What Made Milwaukee Famous, and The Frontier Brothers.

Consequence of Sound’s COSIGNS
11:30am–6pm • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • Free with RSVP
Music by Cloud Nothings, Titus Andronicus, and others.

Spotify House
Noon–6pm • 1010 E. Cesar Chavez • RSVP required; still open
Free drinks and food + music. Watch the @SpotifySouth Twitter account for lineup updates.

Fader Fort
Noon–8pm • 1101 E. 5th St. • RSVP required; now closed
Free booze + music by Danny Brown, Santigold, Oberhofer, 2 Chainz, Friends, Young L and others. Badge pickup runs from noon–7pm.

France Rocks Austin 2012
Noon–5pm • Brush Square Park, 5th & Neches Streets • RSVP requested; still open
Free drinks, food, and French delicacies.

Hotel Vegan
Noon–6pm • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th St. • Free; no RSVP
Free beer, music by Frankie Rose, Japandroids, Bear in Heaven, and others.

Goodnight Records Day Party
Noon–5:30pm • Bar 96, 96 Rainey St. • RSVP requested; still open
Free beer + music by …Trail of Dead and others.

Paste Magazine Party
Noon–6pm • The Stage on 6th, 508 E. 6th St. • RSVP required; still open
Free beer, wine, and gin, plus music by Ben Kweller, Caveman, Tennis, and others.

IODA at SXSW Opening Day Bash 2012 
Noon–6pm • Red Eyed Fly, 715 Red River St. • RSVP requested; still open
Free beer. Music by Oddisee, Thee Oh Sees, and The Wedding Present.

DC Does Texas SXSW 2012 Day Party
Noon–6pm • Lovejoy’s, 604 Neches St. • RSVP required; now closed
Free beer. Hume, Soccer Team, Deleted Scenes

The Portland Party
Noon–2am • The Grackle, 1700 E. 6th St. • RSVP requested; still open
Free beer from 6–7pm. Music all day.

State of Music Showcase
Noon–2am • Molotov, 719 W. 6th St. • Free with RSVP
Music by Vox & The Hound, Flashbulb Fires, Houndmouth, Little Brave and others.

Hype Hotel
1–7pm, 10pm–4am • 504 Trinity St. • RSVP required; now closed
Free Tito’s Vodka, Miller Lite, and Taco Bell. Day show features Blitzen Trapper, Big Deal, and Micah P. Hinson. Night party: Penguin Prison, Madeon, Miike Snow, Pond, and Friends. Pick up Hype Hotel badge from 1–9pm.

Party Ends Showcase
1–10pm • The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar • Free with RSVP
Featuring music by Astronautalis, Bleubird, Nervous Curtains, and Tiger Waves. Sponsored by Brooklyn Brewery.

Eventbrite Arcade Party
1:30–6pm • BandPage HQ; 604 E 7th St. • RSVP required; now closed
Free drinks, food, music and arcade games.

GigaCrate SXSW Party
8:30pm–2am • Beso Cantina, 307 W. 5th St. • RSVP required; still open
Music by Flosstradamus, Tittsworth, Eh Team and more.

PureVolume House
Midnight–4am • 2nd and Trinity Street • RSVP required; still open
Open bar + music by Cher Lloyd, Penguin Prison, and Wallpaper. Badge pickup runs from 2–10pm.

SXSW RSVP Roundup 2012: Free Drinks Edition, Part 2

It’s not too late! Here is the RSVP info for 22 more SXSW parties with free booze, plus 12 other shows we think are worth going to. As with the first batch of RSVPs (31 parties), all of these are free and open to those without badges or wristbands. Keep an eye on the CoolinAustin Twitter feed for even more party updates from now through festival week. Home stretch!


Multiple Days
PureVolume House
Sun. 3/11–Sat. 3/17 • Various times • 2nd and Trinity Street
Open bar + music — check the website for details throughout the festival.

Hype Machine’s Hype Hotel
Tue. 3/13–Sat. 3/17 • Various times • 504 Trinity St.
Free Tito’s Vodka, Miller Lite, and Taco Bell, plus a pretty ridiculous lineup. (If you’d prefer not to RSVP through Facebook, click the “Enter the slow way” link to type in your info.)

Core Power Day Party
Thu. 3/15–Fri. 3/16 • Noon–5:30pm • Skinny’s Ballroom, 115 San Jacinto St.
Free drinks, food, and music.

MidCoast Takeover
Fri. 3/16–Sat. 3/17 • Noon–Midnight • Shangri La, 1016 E. 6th St.
Free beer from Boulevard Brewery.
 
Starving Artist Showcase
Fri. 3/16 & Sat. 3/17 • 8pm–2am • Peckerheads, 402 E. 6th St.
Free music, beer and food.
 

Wednesday, March 7
Gabrieldoes Presents: South by Southeast
6–10pm • CTC Garden, 1102 E Cesar Chavez St.
Free booze (Hops & Grain beer, Republic Tequila, 360 Vodka), prizes, swag, massages, and desserts; food at a discounted price; music by Driver Friendly, The Please Please Me, Atlas Maior, Garrett T. Capps, and Bud Cahill.


Friday, March 9
TaskRabbit Park Kickoff Backyard BBQ
4:30–8:30pm • 307 E. 2nd St.
Free Franklin BBQ + beer.


Sunday, March 11
Glomper Recharge Hangover Party
3–7pm • Launch787, 606 E. 3rd St.
Free cocktails by Treaty Oak Distilling and kebabs by Verts.

Fluent Party Rock
7–11pm • Maria Maria Cantina, 415 Colorado St.
Open bar + cupcakes by Hey Cupcake! RSVP email


Monday, March 12
Thrillist Presents: Rocktails
10pm–2am • Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St.
Free drinks, live band karaoke hosted by Asher Roth, and music by Hood Internet, Brenton Duvall, and Valida.


Tuesday, March 13
Jansport Bonfire
1–6pm • Mohawk, 912 Red River St.
Free drinks, snacks and giveaways. Music by White Denim, Strange Boys, Bear Hands, and Fly Golden Eagle.

DMX Party featuring Pandora for Business
2–6pm • Clive Bar, 609 Davis St.
Free drinks, contests and live screen printing. To RSVP, text DMXRSVP to 70626


Wednesday, March 14
Goodnight Records Day Party
Noon–5:30pm • Bar 96, 96 Rainey St.
Free beer + music by …Trail of Dead and others.

The Portland Party
Noon–2am • The Grackle, 1700 E. 6th St.
Free bloody marys and coffee from noon–1pm. Free beer from 6–7pm. Music all day.

BAMM.tv SXSW Riverboat Music Showcase
12:30–3pm and 3–5:30pm • Lonestar Riverboat Dock, 50 S 1st Street (behind the Hyatt)
Free Laguinitas Brewing Company beer and snacks + live music. Benefits Blue Dog Rescue.

Eventbrite Arcade Party
1:30–6pm • Side Bar, 604 E 7th St.
Free drinks, food, music and arcade games.


Thursday, March 15
Bloody Mary Morning
10am–Noon • ACL Live at Moody Theater, 310 W. 2nd St.
Bloody Marys by Tito’s Vodka; tacos by Tacodeli; music by Ben Kweller and others.

Relix / Creative Allies SXSW Party
Noon–5:30pm • Maggie Mae’s, 323 E. 6th St.
Free BBQ & booze.

BlackBird Records + SPACE Showcase
8pm–2am • Tap Room @ Six Lounge, 311 Colorado St.
Hosted bar.


Friday, March 16
SpokesBUZZ Showcase
11am–6pm • 512 Bar, 408 E. Sixth St.
Free beer.

Rhapsody Rocks Austin 2012
Noon–6pm • Club De Ville, 900 Red River
Free Red Stripe & Guinness; solid lineup.

Greetings From … Noise Pop
Noon–6pm • Red Eyed Fly, 715 Red River St.
Sponsored by Wente Vineyards.



Best of the Rest: No (Confirmed) Open Bars, but Pretty Damn Cool Anyway
Girl+Guy Party SXSW 2012
Sat. 3/10 • 6pm–Midnight • Stubb’s, 801 Red River
Music by Quiet Company, The Tontons, UME, Wild Moccasins, Dave Wrangler, and The Kingston Springs.

Art Disaster No. 14
Tue. 3/13 • 8pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
Music by Boy + Kite, The White White Lights, Cotton Mather, White Mystery, and others. Skip the line with free VIP back-alley entrance by Liking Bleach’s Facebook page.

Consequence of Sound’s COSIGNS, Presented by Knuckle Rumbler and Forecastle Festival
Wed. 3/14 • 11:30am–6pm • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
Music by Cloud Nothings, Titus Andronicus, and others.
 
Party Ends Showcase
Wed. 3/14 • 1–10pm • The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar
Featuring music by Astronautalis, Bleubird, Nervous Curtains, and Tiger Waves. Sponsored by Brooklyn Brewery.
 
Sony Electronics + ‘Stache Media SXSW Showcase
Wed. 3/14 • 7:45pm–2am • Red 7, 611 East 7th Street
Music by Eve 6, Say Anything, and others.

GigaCrate SXSW Party
Wed. 3/14 • 8:30pm–2am • Beso Cantina, 307 W. 5th St.
Music by Flosstradamus, Tittsworth, Eh Team and more.

Sonicbids Official SXSW party
Thu. 3/15 • 11:30am–5:30pm • Maggie Mae’s, 323 E. 6th St.
Music by ANR, Clock Opera, and others.   
 
Playing in Traffic Records SXSW Day Party
Thu. 3/15 • Noon–5pm • Whole Foods Rooftop, 6th and Lamar
Music by Speak, Hudson Moore, The Dunwells, and Michelle Armstrong. Sponsored by Thirsty Planet Brewing Co. and Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.

MWTX Party
Thu. 3/15–Sat. 3/17 • Noon–6pm • East Side Drive-In, 1100 E. 5th St.
Killer lineup!
 
Polyvinyl Showcase
Thu. 3/15 • 8pm–2am • Emo’s East, 2015 E. Riverside
Featuring Of Montreal, Deerhoof, Japandroids, and others.

Scion Presents: Fools Gold Austin Party
Thu. 3/15 • 8pm–2am • Beauty Ballroom, 2015 E. Riverside
Featuring A-TRAK, Flosstradamus, and others.
 
Workaholics House Party
Fri. 3/16 • 1pm–2am • Icenhauer’s, 83 Rainey Street
Let’s get weird! Music by Reptar (total Tommy move!), Youngblood Hawke, Party Supplies, Action Bronson, Freddie Gibbs, Cool Kids, Statik Selektah, Trash Talk and Wavves — with a special performance by the gangsta-rapping wizards themselves.



Photo by Jared Polin (via Flickr)

The Week in Cool: Feb. 29 – March 5


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

SXSW RSVP Roundup 2012: Free Drinks Edition


If you’re planning to head to SXSW 2012, you’ve probably spent the last few weeks getting bombarded with party info. How do you sort it all out? In our opinion, the best place to get started is by RSVPing for the open bar parties. It’s hard to go wrong with free booze.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of the 31 best open bars that have been announced thus far. All of the events below are open to the badgeless and wristbandless, and all of them require you to RSVP. As a bonus, at the bottom of this post, we’ve also thrown in a few other cool events that require an RSVP but aren’t advertising open bars, because hey, you gotta catch your breath sometime. We will post even more useful info in the coming days — including the elusive Fader Fort and Pure Volume invites when they become available — so keep checking back.

Pro tips:
1) RSVP for everything, even if you think you won’t go. It’s good to have flexibility. 
2) We think these parties will be awesome, but we can’t guarantee that they will deliver on everything they promise in the invite. Show up early to increase your chances of getting the good stuff and to avoid having to stand in line forever. Have backup options in case your first choice is already at capacity.
3) If you’d like a more comprehensive list of RSVPs, we recommend signing up for SXShhh.com — for $5 you get access to a very slick database of 400+ parties and the ability to keep track of everything you’ve RSVP’d for.

Good luck out there!


Multiple Days
Party at Trover’s Live Graffiti Gallery
Fri. 3/9, Sat. 3/10, Sun. 3/11, Mon. 3/12 • 6–9pm • East Side Drive In, 1001 E. 6th
Free drinks and a graffiti wall.
 
Paste Magazine Party: The Stages on 6th
Wed. 3/14, Thu. 3/15, Fri. 3/16 • Noon–6pm • The Stage on 6th, 508 E. 6th St.
Free beer, wine, and gin, plus a great lineup.
 

Friday, March 9
Do512 and AirCover Present: Epic Interactive
7pm–1am • The Belmont, 305 W. 6th St.
Complimentary cocktails from Deep Eddy Vodka, Jack Daniels, and Southern Comfort. Music by Delta Spirit and Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr. Download the AirCover or the TabbedOut app on your iPhone or Android and show it at entry to get in the “fast lane” through the line.

GuideHop Party at the Jackalope
9–11pm • Jackalope, 404 E. 6th St.
Free drinks.


Saturday, March 10
JunJuntoBox Films at Hangar Lounge
11am–4pm • Hangar Lounge, 318 Colorado St.
Open bar, a DJ, and discussions about independent film.

SpareFoot + Uncle Bob’s present: Spare Beats
2pm–2am • Molotov, 719 West 6th Street
Free Sailor Jerry’s Rum and food from Dogwood.

Copyblogger Media Presents: The Computer Blue Party
8–10pm • The Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St.
Open bar from 8:30-9:30pm.

Ask.com Bash
8pm • Hangar Lounge, 318 Colorado St.
Free drinks.

SXSW House Party, Hosted by Crosswalk
8pm–Midnight • Big Red Sun, 1311 E Cesar Chavez St.
Drinks by Deep Eddy Vodka and Dos Equis. Music by RAC.

Vivogig & DejaSet’s Mobile Music Invasion
8pm–2am • Swan Dive, 615 Red River St.
Free drinks + music by Octopus Project, Fresh Millions, Art Verses Industry, and Sphynx.


Sunday, March 11
Stick Your Finger in It!
11am–3pm • Love Goat, 2716 Guadalupe St.
Bottomless mimosas and free food.

Get Down Party
8–11pm • Pure Volume House, 504 Trinity
Free drinks + music by Bright Light Social Hour and RAC.

Yelp’s Interactive Event & Mobile Lounge Launch
9pm • Violet Crown Social Club, 1111 E. 6th St.
Free Maker’s Mark and beer from Independence Brewing Co. Read RSVP instructions carefully — requires a Yelp account.

HGTVGardens.com Launch Party
9pm–1am • 304 W 4th St.
Open bar + food from The Peached Tortilla.


Monday, March 12
White Whale Games Presents: The God of Blades SXSW Party
7pm • Shangri-La, 1016 E. 6th St.
Drinks, video games, music, and prizes.


Wednesday, March 14
IODA at SXSW Opening Day Bash 2012 
Noon–6pm • Red Eyed Fly, 715 Red River St.
Free beer.

I Blame Yoko: Heave Media Day Party Showcase
Noon–6pm • BD Riley’s, 208 E. 6th St.
One drink ticket for the first 250 people.

DC Does Texas SXSW 2012 Day Party
Noon–6pm • Lovejoy’s, 604 Neches St.
Free beer.


Thursday, March 15
Tijuana Gift Shop & Sideways Media present: Manic Fest Destiny
Noon–6pm • Rusty’s Austin, 405 E. 7th St.
Free wine.

Pop is Serious Day Party
Noon–6pm • Venue TBA
Free booze for the first 150 people.

The 17th Street Party at the Rail
Noon–7pm • PeopleFund, 2921 E. 17th St. Bldg D, Ste 100 (next to the 17th Street MetroRail stop)
Free beer from Live Oak Brewing Co., free margaritas courtesy of Sabor Azul and free appetizers supplied by La Madeline.


Friday, March 16
SxSeattle 2012 
11am–5pm • Palm Door, 401 Sabine St.
Free drinks. (The Facebook invite is actually official for this one.)

The Midgetmen’s Texas Jumpstart 5 
12–6pm • Lovejoy’s, 604 Neches St.
Free beer; music by The Midgetmen, Ezra Furman, and others.

Requiemme Mgmt and Devil Dolls Booking SXSW Day Party
Noon–6pm • Jackalope, 404 E. 6th St.
Free beer.

Badass Rock Party Presented by The Boxing Lesson & Slacker Magazine
Noon–10pm • Guero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S. Congress
Free Don Julio tequila 6-9pm.

Yelp’s Backyard Austin Blowout
2–6pm • The Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd.
Beverages by Enchanted Rock Vodka, Waterloo Gin, Treaty Oak Rum, Firefly Sweet Tea, Rebecca Creek Whiskey, .36 Ranger Creek Bourbon, Crispin Cider, Independence Brewing Co., 512 Brewing, and Freixenet. Food by Batter Blaster, Coreanos, and Pirate’s Booty. Read RSVP instructions carefully — requires a Yelp account.


Saturday, March 17
Reverb Party
11am–5pm • Dirty Dog Bar, 505 E. 6th St.
Free food and Colorado craft beer. Music by Typhoon, Bass Drum of Death, and Com Truise.

MPressFest SXSW 2012
Noon–5pm • Soho Lounge, 217 E. 6th Street
Free drinks, food, and giveaways.

McNally Smith College of Music Presents: Rock the Cause
Noon–8pm • The Liberty Bar, 1618-1/2 East 6th St.
Free beer, food from East Side Kings, and music by Astronautalis and others.

Do512 and Shiner Present: The Big One 2012
Noon • The Belmont, 305 W. 6th St.
Free Shiner Beer, Deep Eddy Vodka, Jack Daniels, and Southern Comfort.  Music by Bright Light Social Hour, Dead Confederate, The Features, and others. Get TabbedOut on your iPhone or Android to get priority entry.

Showlush Presents the 3rd Annual Ramble Creek Backyard Day Show
Noon–7pm • Ramble Creek, 1704 Kinney
Free Lone Star, PBR, and cocktails.


Best of the Rest: Not Open Bars, but Pretty Damn Cool Anyway
The Wind and The Wave + Vivogig present: The Second Annual Matchbox Showcase
Thu. 3/15 • Noon • Dirty Dog Bar, 505 E. 6th St.
Music by The Soldier Thread, Zeale, Saints of Valory, The Burning Hotels, and others.

Dickies @ SXSW 2012
Thu. 3/15, Fri. 3/16, Sat. 3/17 • 2–7pm • Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey St.
If you RSVP it’s possible to get in without a badge, but you have to get there very early.

Filter Magazine’s Showdown @ Cedar Street
Thu. 3/15, Fri. 3/16, Sat. 3/17 • 11am–6pm • Cedar St. Courtyard, 208 W. 4th St.
If you RSVP it’s possible to get in without a badge, but you have to get there very early.

Filter Magazine Presents: S.O.Terik
Thu. 3/15, Fri. 3/16, Sat. 3/17 • 2–7pm • Clive Bar, 609 Davis St.
If you RSVP it’s possible to get in without a badge, but you have to get there very early.

The Aussie BBQ
Sat. 3/17 • Noon–2am • Maggie Mae’s, 323 East 6th Street
Free BBQ starting at noon. Badges/wristbands only after 7pm.



For up-to-the-minute SXSW coverage, make sure to check us out on Twitter and Facebook. And for those of you who will be around Austin this weekend, we’re hosting a showcase at Beauty Bar this Saturday, March 3, with drinks sponsored by Cinco Vodka. Hope to see y’all there!


Photo by Kris Krüg (via Flickr)