The Week Ahead: December 15–19The lowdown on the free and cheap fun to be had this week.Wednesday, Dec. 15Torchy’s Holiday Trailer Bash7pm • FreeFree beer and hot chocolate, live music and a visit from SantaTorchy’s Tacos, 1311 S. 1st StreetAussie’s Pre-Christmas Social6-9pm • FreeComplimentary appetizer buffet, $3 Tito’s vodka, $2 Lone Star tallboys.Aussie’s Grill and Beach Bar, 306 Barton Springs RoadThursday, Dec. 16Sip. Shop. Sweet!6-9pm • FreeMusic, drinks, desserts and holiday shopping at several businesses in the 2nd St. District.Merry Martinis: Customer Appreciation Party 7-9pm • FreeComplimentary cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres.Imperia, 310 ColoradoStudy Breaks Holiday Bash10pm • Free (RSVP is required)Free cocktails by Famous Vodka.Qua, 213 W. 4th St.Learning Secrets Annual Holiday Party10pm • FreeFree party with special guest JDH.  Malverde, 400 W 2nd St.Christmas Sweater Champagne Jam10pm-2am • $5 coverChampagne toast, music by Magnifico, and a complimentary drink for anyone wearing a holiday sweater.Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.Friday, Dec. 17Waterloo Ice House Remodel Celebration: The Happiest Hour5-6pm • FreeWaterloo 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 Hour6-8pm • FreeComplimentary wine and beer, free chair massages and salon discounts. Joie de Vie Salon and Spa, 713 E. 6th St.PRINT+addiction presents: Two Dude Stew6-9pm • 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 Pit9pm • FreeFree 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. 18Trailer of Lights — CANCELED (512) Brewing Company Winter Open House2-5pm • FreeThree 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 Party7:30-10:30pm • FreeFree food and cocktails, door prizes and music by DJ Ben Blackout.Modesty Hair Studio, 1200 E. 11th Street, Suite 102Guns N Roses (Sagittarius vs. Capricorn) Birthday Bash10pm-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 Party11pm-1am • FreeFree 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. CongressSunday, Dec. 19Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing’s One Year Anniversary3pm • FreeFree beer, barbecue and live music.Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing, 4507 Airport Blvd. The Liberty Christmas Party5pm-2am • FreeFree beer (while it lasts), liquor samples, tamales, DJ music, photo booth with Alison Narro and “the most amazing Santa ever.” (Photo)
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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: November 5-8What can I say? It’s gonna be a fun weekend. THURSDAY, Nov. 5Do512’s Pre Bleet-Up Happy Hour5:30-8pmThe Do512 folks are offering up some of the free Dos Equis left over from their recent fiestas in a warmup to the big Bleet-Up this evening.$5 suggested donation to the Groundwork Music Project gets you free beer. RSVP required.Do512 HQ, 2208 S. LamarAustin Bleet-Up: Meet Your Bloggers8:30pmFree drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf Tea, free food from Mama Fu’s. Music by Corto Maltese, Built By Snow, The Lennings, The Great Nostalgic, Sad Accordions, Politics and a Learning Secrets DJ set.$7, RSVP required by 3pm today!!Mohawk , 912 Red RiverWhole Foods’ Taste of Thanksgiving6-8pmWhole Foods at 6th and Lamar will offer samples from departments throughout the store—think baked goods, wine, you name it—as part of the store’s annual Thanksgiving tasting.Free, no RSVPWhole Foods, 6th and LamarFRIDAY, Nov. 6After the Jump: FunFunFun Fest panel discussionDoors at 5:30pm, panel at 6:30pmMaura Johnston (Idolator), Justin Gage (Aquarium Drunkard), Peter Gaston (SPIN), David Prince (Billboard, Daily Swarm), Joe Gross (Austin American-Statesman) and Paige Maguire (Austinist, WOXY) will discuss the ever-thinning line between new media and the mainstream. There will be a question period and cocktails after the panel.Free. No RSVP.Mohawk , 912 Red RiverLocal Music is Sexy: Official FunFunFun Fest Kickoff PartyMusic starts at 8pmBeautiful Supermachines, My Milky Way Arms, Air Traffic Controllers, Distant Seconds, the Low Lows, TV Torso, Black Before Red, Silent Land Time Machine, Manikin, The Authors, Watch Out for Rockets and International Waters will all perform, and there will be a special presentation by the Minor Mishap Marching Band. You can also pick up your FFF wristbands at the event.Free. No RSVP.Mohawk , 912 Red RiverThe Combo Plate8pm-2amFFF pre-party with music by The Hood Internet, Neiliyo, Zlam Dunk, Colourmusic, a photo booth with Annie Ray and custom screen tee shirts created on site by Under Pressure$5 w/ RSVP, $8 at the doorScoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.Up the Antics9pm-2amMusic by Yeasayer, Learning Secrets DJs, Totally Michael, Best Fwends and Mission, plus some giveawaysFree. RSVP required.Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th StreetSATURDAY, Nov. 7FunFunFun Fest!!!Okay, so it’s not free. And you probably know whether you’re going or not. But boy, its it gonna be fun (x3), and there’s a lot going on for those who aren’t going to be day-drinking in Waterloo Park. For the scoop on all the weekend parties, check out these killer lists of goings-on from my boy Ultra8201 as well as the dance party/photog power-couple The Peen Scene.Draught House Pub 41st Anniversary Celebration1pmRare draught and cask beers will be offered for sampling. DJ Jubal will spin a soul set and Texas BBQ will be served.Free, no RSVPDraught House Pub & Brewery, 4112 Medical Pkwy.First Saturday on South FirstFor those who decide to opt out of the daytime FFF shenanigans (and like to shop), First Saturday on South has a number of options to meet your free afternoon cocktail needs. There’s lots of stuff going on, so check their Facebook page for the full list. Here are the events with free stuff: Lovely Austin - Couture, Consignment, Fashion2-4pmEnjoy live acoustic entertainment from 2-4pm and a complimentary beverage while you browse. Free, No RSVP.Lovely Austin, 1106 South 1st St.Envy Clothing StoreFree Shiner while you shop. No RSVP.Envy, 507 W. Mary St.Amelia’s Retrovogue and Relics and Moxie a go-go2-6pmFree beer and wine at a fundraiser for the Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption. No RSVP.2213 S. 1st St.SUNDAY, Nov. 8Shop 787Noon-6pm$5 donation to Dell Children’s Medical Center gets you free drinks by Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf, as well as an opportunity to shop at dozens of local boutiques. $5 online, $10 at the doorMosaic at Mueller, 4600 Mueller Blvd. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to tweet us @coolinaustin if you’re out at the Fest. And we need more fans on Facebook, so tell your pals what’s up!
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The Weekend Flow: November 5-8
What can I say? It’s gonna be a fun weekend.

THURSDAY, Nov. 5
Do512’s Pre Bleet-Up Happy Hour
5:30-8pm
The Do512 folks are offering up some of the free Dos Equis left over from their recent fiestas in a warmup to the big Bleet-Up this evening.
$5 suggested donation to the Groundwork Music Project gets you free beer. RSVP required.
Do512 HQ, 2208 S. Lamar

Austin Bleet-Up: Meet Your Bloggers
8:30pm
Free drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf Tea, free food from Mama Fu’s. Music by Corto Maltese, Built By Snow, The Lennings, The Great Nostalgic, Sad Accordions, Politics and a Learning Secrets DJ set.
$7, RSVP required by 3pm today!!
Mohawk , 912 Red River

Whole Foods’ Taste of Thanksgiving
6-8pm
Whole Foods at 6th and Lamar will offer samples from departments throughout the store—think baked goods, wine, you name it—as part of the store’s annual Thanksgiving tasting.
Free, no RSVP
Whole Foods, 6th and Lamar


FRIDAY, Nov. 6
After the Jump: FunFunFun Fest panel discussion
Doors at 5:30pm, panel at 6:30pm
Maura Johnston (Idolator), Justin Gage (Aquarium Drunkard), Peter Gaston (SPIN), David Prince (Billboard, Daily Swarm), Joe Gross (Austin American-Statesman) and Paige Maguire (Austinist, WOXY) will discuss the ever-thinning line between new media and the mainstream. There will be a question period and cocktails after the panel.
Free. No RSVP.
Mohawk , 912 Red River

Local Music is Sexy: Official FunFunFun Fest Kickoff Party
Music starts at 8pm
Beautiful Supermachines, My Milky Way Arms, Air Traffic Controllers, Distant Seconds, the Low Lows, TV Torso, Black Before Red, Silent Land Time Machine, Manikin, The Authors, Watch Out for Rockets and International Waters will all perform, and there will be a special presentation by the Minor Mishap Marching Band. You can also pick up your FFF wristbands at the event.
Free. No RSVP.
Mohawk , 912 Red River

The Combo Plate
8pm-2am
FFF pre-party with music by The Hood Internet, Neiliyo, Zlam Dunk, Colourmusic, a photo booth with Annie Ray and custom screen tee shirts created on site by Under Pressure
$5 w/ RSVP, $8 at the door
Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.

Up the Antics
9pm-2am
Music by Yeasayer, Learning Secrets DJs, Totally Michael, Best Fwends and Mission, plus some giveaways
Free. RSVP required.
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th Street


SATURDAY, Nov. 7
FunFunFun Fest!!!
Okay, so it’s not free. And you probably know whether you’re going or not. But boy, its it gonna be fun (x3), and there’s a lot going on for those who aren’t going to be day-drinking in Waterloo Park. For the scoop on all the weekend parties, check out these killer lists of goings-on from my boy Ultra8201 as well as the dance party/photog power-couple The Peen Scene.

Draught House Pub 41st Anniversary Celebration
1pm
Rare draught and cask beers will be offered for sampling. DJ Jubal will spin a soul set and Texas BBQ will be served.
Free, no RSVP
Draught House Pub & Brewery, 4112 Medical Pkwy.

First Saturday on South First
For those who decide to opt out of the daytime FFF shenanigans (and like to shop), First Saturday on South has a number of options to meet your free afternoon cocktail needs. There’s lots of stuff going on, so check their Facebook page for the full list. Here are the events with free stuff:

Lovely Austin - Couture, Consignment, Fashion
2-4pm
Enjoy live acoustic entertainment from 2-4pm and a complimentary beverage while you browse. Free, No RSVP.
Lovely Austin, 1106 South 1st St.

Envy Clothing Store
Free Shiner while you shop. No RSVP.
Envy, 507 W. Mary St.

Amelia’s Retrovogue and Relics and Moxie a go-go
2-6pm
Free beer and wine at a fundraiser for the Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption. No RSVP.
2213 S. 1st St.


SUNDAY, Nov. 8
Shop 787
Noon-6pm
$5 donation to Dell Children’s Medical Center gets you free drinks by Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf, as well as an opportunity to shop at dozens of local boutiques.
$5 online, $10 at the door
Mosaic at Mueller, 4600 Mueller Blvd.

Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to tweet us @coolinaustin if you’re out at the Fest. And we need more fans on Facebook, so tell your pals what’s up!

The Weekend Flow: October 14-17Told you there was some wild stuff this week.Like it? Seems like a good opportunity to shamelessly plug our Facebook page! Become a fan. Do it for America.WEDNESDAY Oct. 14Fierce Fest6-9pmHappy hour at Lustre Pearl featuring feats of strength including thumb wars, staring contests, wall sits, arm wrestling and more. All drink purchases benefit SafePlace Women’s Shelter. Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey StreetFree, No RSVPCatherine Nicole 2010 Collection Launch6-9pm    Cocktails, food from Sullivan’s, performances by Zach Scott Theater & a fashion showBeyond Tradition, 221 West 2nd St.Free, No RSVP Cocktails at PerriBerri6-9pmFree hors d’ oeuvres and drinks will be provided by Garrido’s, The Grove and Tito’s Handmade VodkaPerriBerri boutique (formerly OHbaby!), 2805 Bee Caves Rd. #414RSVP requestedRock Out Cook Out9pm-2amFree burgers and hotdogs, with a ZZ Top cover band (with members of the SWORD, Those Peabodys & Attack Formation)Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.Free, No RSVPFree Stoli drinks at Speakeasy8pm-midnightSpeakeasy, 412 Congress Ave.RSVP REQUIRED: Email Stoli.RSVPAustin@Gmail.comTHURSDAY Oct. 15Life’s a Stitch5-8pmFree beer with DJs: DEEJAY YAYYAY, Blake Brandon, DJ Teenage Wolf and Hot BritchesTripp Tees, 2405 NuecesFree, no RSVPGame On Austin7-10pm Video game tournaments (including Rock Band) with prizes, game demonstrations & a raffle, sponsored by SxSW Interactive and the Austin ChronicleMohawk, 912 Red RiverNo RSVPPlatinum Realty Launch Party 7-10pmFree Grey Goose vodka Malverde, 400 W. 2nd St.New Belgium’s Bike-In Cinema presents Bottle Rocket7-9pmC’mon. It’s Bottle Rocket.$2 admission, & all beer sales benefit the League of Bicycle VotersNo RSVPFRIDAY Oct. 16Beard Folks Art Show 6:30-9:30pmFree drinks from Saint Arnold Brewery & Treaty Oak Rum, plus cakes from Sugar Mamma’s BakeshopFeaturing the work of Corinne Loperfido and other artists along with DIY demos by The Wondercraft & music from Team FabricationRaffle & Giveaways, first come first servedAustin Handmade, 2009 South First StreetSATURDAY Oct. 17Oh Snap!Doors at 2pmFree beer by Real Ale Brewing Company at an all-day benefit show featuring more than 18 acts, including Bright Light Social Hour. Proceeds support a scholarship to bring more international students to Texas.Pine Street Station, 1101 E. 5th St.$7 online, $10 at the doorNotorious Funk9pm-2amPrince Klassen & DJ Orion spin some James Brown & Notorious B.I.G. mixups at what will surely become another classic Scoot Inn dance party$3 with RSVP, $5 at the doorScoot Inn, 1308 E. Fourth St.
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The Weekend Flow: October 14-17
Told you there was some wild stuff this week.
Like it? Seems like a good opportunity to shamelessly plug our Facebook page! Become a fan. Do it for America.


WEDNESDAY Oct. 14
Fierce Fest
6-9pm
Happy hour at Lustre Pearl featuring feats of strength including thumb wars, staring contests, wall sits, arm wrestling and more. All drink purchases benefit SafePlace Women’s Shelter.
Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey Street
Free, No RSVP

Catherine Nicole 2010 Collection Launch
6-9pm    
Cocktails, food from Sullivan’s, performances by Zach Scott Theater & a fashion show
Beyond Tradition, 221 West 2nd St.
Free, No RSVP

Cocktails at PerriBerri
6-9pm
Free hors d’ oeuvres and drinks will be provided by Garrido’s, The Grove and Tito’s Handmade Vodka
PerriBerri boutique (formerly OHbaby!), 2805 Bee Caves Rd. #414
RSVP requested

Rock Out Cook Out
9pm-2am
Free burgers and hotdogs, with a ZZ Top cover band (with members of the SWORD, Those Peabodys & Attack Formation)
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
Free, No RSVP

Free Stoli drinks at Speakeasy
8pm-midnight
Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave.
RSVP REQUIRED: Email Stoli.RSVPAustin@Gmail.com


THURSDAY Oct. 15
Life’s a Stitch
5-8pm
Free beer with DJs: DEEJAY YAYYAY, Blake Brandon, DJ Teenage Wolf and Hot Britches
Tripp Tees, 2405 Nueces
Free, no RSVP

Game On Austin
7-10pm
Video game tournaments (including Rock Band) with prizes, game demonstrations & a raffle, sponsored by SxSW Interactive and the Austin Chronicle
Mohawk, 912 Red River
No RSVP

Platinum Realty Launch Party
7-10pm
Free Grey Goose vodka
Malverde, 400 W. 2nd St.

New Belgium’s Bike-In Cinema presents Bottle Rocket
7-9pm
C’mon. It’s Bottle Rocket.
$2 admission, & all beer sales benefit the League of Bicycle Voters
No RSVP


FRIDAY Oct. 16
Beard Folks Art Show
6:30-9:30pm
Free drinks from Saint Arnold Brewery & Treaty Oak Rum, plus cakes from Sugar Mamma’s Bakeshop
Featuring the work of Corinne Loperfido and other artists along with DIY demos by The Wondercraft & music from Team Fabrication
Raffle & Giveaways, first come first served
Austin Handmade, 2009 South First Street


SATURDAY Oct. 17
Oh Snap!
Doors at 2pm
Free beer by Real Ale Brewing Company at an all-day benefit show featuring more than 18 acts, including Bright Light Social Hour. Proceeds support a scholarship to bring more international students to Texas.
Pine Street Station, 1101 E. 5th St.
$7 online, $10 at the door

Notorious Funk
9pm-2am
Prince Klassen & DJ Orion spin some James Brown & Notorious B.I.G. mixups at what will surely become another classic Scoot Inn dance party
$3 with RSVP, $5 at the door
Scoot Inn, 1308 E. Fourth St.

Weekend Flow: Sept. 3-6Another weekend full of variety here in the ATX, complete with free beer at a taco joint, partying at a Spanish villa and sampling free beer at a brewery tour. And then, of course, there’s tailgating for the long-anticipated kickoff of UT’s new football season.THURSDAY, Sept. 3Torchy’s Tacos Third Birthday PartyFree keg beer and fiddle music by The Ruby Jane Show. You’ll probably want to come early to this one.7-10pm Free, No RSVPTorchy’s Tacos, 2809 S. 1st St.Cream Vintage SoCo Grand OpeningFree Lone Star, live music by The Tunnels, DJ set by Glynn Wedgewood5-9pmFree, No RSVP1714-A S. Congress Ave.’90s Dance Party at Beauty BarFeaturing DJ Orion and Doneski10pmFree, No RSVPBeauty Bar, 7th and Red RiverFRIDAY, Sept. 4Classy party at a Spanish Villa (NOTE: RSVP now CLOSED - bummer!)Free cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at a party sponsored by Tribeza magazine, Bentley, Aston-Martin and Spanish Oaks Golf Club, benefiting the Austin Children’s Shelter.6-9pmFreeRSVP required: Call Keri at (512) 533-2370 or email khoelscher@spanishoaks.com.11917 Musket RimSATURDAY, Sept. 5Independence Brewing Co tasting and tourDrink free samples and take a grand tour of the brewery. Show up on time!1-2pmFree, No RSVP3913 Todd Lane, Ste. 607Tailgating for the University of Texas football home-opener vs. Louisiana-MonroeEven non-football fans (and non-UT alums such as myself) can feel the love in the campus area on this day of days, the inaugural kickoff of the Horns’ season. So if you enjoy daytime drinking and/or grilling outdoors, I highly recommend braving the crowds to take part in celebrating the season debut of Austin’s “professional” sports team. There are several parks and parking lots within walking distance of the field, although it may be tough to stake out a spot this weekend because so many fans show up just for the tailgate with no intention of going to the game. Jump on that bandwagon. The game is at 6pm, but show up mid-day to have a chance to set up a home base. Or just park, walk around and practice your mooching skills. Come say hi to the CoolinAustin gang; we’ll post when we know our location.SUNDAY, Sept. 6WOXY Party at Scoot Inn$5 admission gets you free Tito’s Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea, BBQ, drink specials and live music from Black Before Red (members of Okkervil River and Shearwater), TV Torso (new SOUND Team project), Martin Crane (of Brazos) and English Teeth.6pm$5, No RSVPScoot InnAustin Handmade Post-Screening Shabang Free drinks by Treaty Oak Rum, snacks by NadaMoo (dairy free ice cream) and a DJ.The film Handmade Nation is premiering this Sunday in Austin at 1:30 and 4:10pm, and Austin Handmade is hosting the after party at its new location just around the corner from the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. 6:30-9:00pmFree, No RSVP2009 S. 1st St.
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Weekend Flow: Sept. 3-6
Another weekend full of variety here in the ATX, complete with free beer at a taco joint, partying at a Spanish villa and sampling free beer at a brewery tour. And then, of course, there’s tailgating for the long-anticipated kickoff of UT’s new football season.

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

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

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


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


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

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


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

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

The Weekend Flow, August 27-30: Cheap Tunes edition About this week’s schedule: This week you might notice that there are a few events that are awesome—but not *quite* free. Don’t panic. Number one, you’ve still got the Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop birthday bash on Saturday to meet all of your free drinking (and cupcake-eating) needs. Number two, simmer down and check out as many of these shows as possible. They’re all $5 or less and worth every penny. Thursday, Aug. 27Thunderheist, presented by Turn2Live and Knuckle Rumbler9pm, Emo’s, 603 Red River $5 w/ online RSVP, $10 at the doorBacardi Thursdays at Bird’s BarbershopFree drinks by Bacardi and live DJ, No RSVP5-8:30pm, Bird’s SoCo, 1902 S. CongressSouled Out at Victory Grill, featuring Tje AustinI met Tje at the notoriously awesome CherryPeel launch party last Friday and, I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what he meant when he described his sound as “neo-soul/indie R&B”. Check out his MySpace page, though, and it all makes sense. He’s got an incredible voice — as an example of the kid’s range, check out his groovy, laid-back covers of “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon and even “Hey Ya” by Outkast (!). He pulls it off and then some.9:30pm, Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11 St.$5, No RSVPFriday, Aug. 28Neiliyo and Prince Klassen at Beauty BarFresh off his journey to represent Austin as a finalist in the Dell Lounge contest in Chicago (after being voted #1 DJ in the “world” category!), Neiliyo will straight up tear the roof off the Beauty Bar this Friday. Just the right mix of energy, funk, novelty, neo-geek humor and just plain FUN, he’ll get the whole room dancing and, before you know it, you’ll be a Neiliyoficionado like the rest of us!11pm, Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.$3, No RSVPBlack and White Years, The White White Lights, Bad Veins, Built By Snow10pm, Emo’s, 603 Red River$5 for 21+, $8 under 21, No RSVPSaturday, Aug. 29Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop First Birthday PartyFREE: Birthday cake & cupcakes, drinks compliments of Tito’s Vodka, food compliments of Casserole Queens, ice cream compliments of Nadamoo, music by Team Fabrication DJs, and a pie-eating contest3-7pm, 1905 S. 1st StFree, No RSVPUT Back to School Day FestThree stages, 20 bands and DJs. Swag from Bird’s Barbershop, Sweet Leaf, and Discount ElectronicsFeaturing DJ Mel, Deathray Davies, Quiet Company and Your Kisses Cause Crashes - and many othersBenefits Charity Music Inc.Free until 7pm, $5 from 7-10pm, $10 from 10pm-2am. No RSVP.2pm-2am, Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe St.Cornucopia Popcorn Birthday PartyFree Sangria, 20 new kinds of popcorn6-9pm, 1914 GuadalupeFree, No RSVPSunday, Aug. 30Austin Chronicle’s Hot Sauce FestivalTaste a huge variety of hot sauces - More than one hundred gallons of hot sauce are consumed at the event every year. 11am-5:30pm, Waterloo Park, 12th and Red RiverFree, with a donation of three non-perishable food items for the Capital Area Food Bank of TexasReally, Really Free MarketBring food, music, clothes, furniture, toys — anything you want to give, share, trade or barter1-4pm, E. 16th at Chestnut AvenueFree, No RSVP
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The Weekend Flow, August 27-30: Cheap Tunes edition

About this week’s schedule: This week you might notice that there are a few events that are awesome—but not *quite* free. Don’t panic. Number one, you’ve still got the Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop birthday bash on Saturday to meet all of your free drinking (and cupcake-eating) needs. Number two, simmer down and check out as many of these shows as possible. They’re all $5 or less and worth every penny.

Thursday, Aug. 27
Thunderheist, presented by Turn2Live and Knuckle Rumbler
9pm, Emo’s, 603 Red River
$5 w/ online RSVP, $10 at the door

Bacardi Thursdays at Bird’s Barbershop
Free drinks by Bacardi and live DJ, No RSVP
5-8:30pm, Bird’s SoCo, 1902 S. Congress

Souled Out at Victory Grill, featuring Tje Austin
I met Tje at the notoriously awesome CherryPeel launch party last Friday and, I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what he meant when he described his sound as “neo-soul/indie R&B”. Check out his MySpace page, though, and it all makes sense. He’s got an incredible voice — as an example of the kid’s range, check out his groovy, laid-back covers of “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon and even “Hey Ya” by Outkast (!). He pulls it off and then some.
9:30pm, Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11 St.
$5, No RSVP


Friday, Aug. 28
Neiliyo and Prince Klassen at Beauty Bar
Fresh off his journey to represent Austin as a finalist in the Dell Lounge contest in Chicago (after being voted #1 DJ in the “world” category!), Neiliyo will straight up tear the roof off the Beauty Bar this Friday. Just the right mix of energy, funk, novelty, neo-geek humor and just plain FUN, he’ll get the whole room dancing and, before you know it, you’ll be a Neiliyoficionado like the rest of us!
11pm, Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
$3, No RSVP

Black and White Years, The White White Lights, Bad Veins, Built By Snow
10pm, Emo’s, 603 Red River
$5 for 21+, $8 under 21, No RSVP


Saturday, Aug. 29
Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop First Birthday Party
FREE: Birthday cake & cupcakes, drinks compliments of Tito’s Vodka, food compliments of Casserole Queens, ice cream compliments of Nadamoo, music by Team Fabrication DJs, and a pie-eating contest
3-7pm, 1905 S. 1st St
Free, No RSVP

UT Back to School Day Fest
Three stages, 20 bands and DJs. Swag from Bird’s Barbershop, Sweet Leaf, and Discount Electronics
Featuring DJ Mel, Deathray Davies, Quiet Company and Your Kisses Cause Crashes - and many others
Benefits Charity Music Inc.
Free until 7pm, $5 from 7-10pm, $10 from 10pm-2am. No RSVP.
2pm-2am, Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe St.

Cornucopia Popcorn Birthday Party
Free Sangria, 20 new kinds of popcorn
6-9pm, 1914 Guadalupe
Free, No RSVP


Sunday, Aug. 30
Austin Chronicle’s Hot Sauce Festival
Taste a huge variety of hot sauces - More than one hundred gallons of hot sauce are consumed at the event every year.
11am-5:30pm, Waterloo Park, 12th and Red River
Free, with a donation of three non-perishable food items for the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

Really, Really Free Market
Bring food, music, clothes, furniture, toys — anything you want to give, share, trade or barter
1-4pm, E. 16th at Chestnut Avenue
Free, No RSVP

(Click calendar to enlarge) Wednesday: Julie & Julia Movie Launch Party. Free desserts. Cissi’s Market & Wine Bar, 1400 S Congress Ave. 7-10pm. RSVP to info@mannalifestylemarketing.com. Thursday: Beat the Heat Cocktail Party. Free cocktails and appetizers. Rae Cosmetics, 1206 W. 38th St. 6:30-8:30pm. No RSVP. Thursday: Most Interesting DJ in the World Party. Free Dos Equis (for those not boycotting, anyway). Long Center City Terrace, 701 W. Riverside. 8-10:30pm. RSVP to catalyst8@thelongcenter.org. [Update - I’m told that this is not actually the Castle Apology party, since it was scheduled before the fiasco unfolded. Stay tuned in case a new party pops up.]
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(Click calendar to enlarge)

Wednesday: Julie & Julia Movie Launch Party. Free desserts. Cissi’s Market & Wine Bar, 1400 S Congress Ave. 7-10pm. RSVP to info@mannalifestylemarketing.com.

Thursday: Beat the Heat Cocktail Party. Free cocktails and appetizers. Rae Cosmetics, 1206 W. 38th St. 6:30-8:30pm. No RSVP.

Thursday: Most Interesting DJ in the World Party. Free Dos Equis (for those not boycotting, anyway). Long Center City Terrace, 701 W. Riverside. 8-10:30pm. RSVP to catalyst8@thelongcenter.org. [Update - I’m told that this is not actually the Castle Apology party, since it was scheduled before the fiasco unfolded. Stay tuned in case a new party pops up.]

Austin Fashion Week highlights: free beverages!

Austin Fashion Week

Here’s a list of some notable events during AFW that happen to involve free drinking and eating. Click the image for the complete schedule and more info.

Tuesday

La Vida Local. Texas wines, snacks. 221 West 2nd St. 5-8pm.

Dean Frederick Studio. Wines, champagne, appetizers, live music, Annie Ray photo booth. 902 E. 5th Street. 5-9pm.

Feathers Boutique Blog Launch Party. Custom cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, DJ. 1700 B South Congress Ave. 6-9pm.

Sirens Salon / Tasty Jewelry AFW Cocktail Hour. Cocktails. 4207 Medical Parkway. 6:30-8:30pm.


Wednesday

Soigne’ Boutique Heats up Summer. Cocktails by Cover 3, sushi by Kenichi Austin. 4800 Burnet Rd, Ste. 420. 6-8pm.

Pearl Studio Happy Hour. Cocktails, cupcakes, giveaways. 29th and West. 6-8pm.


Thursday

Sangria & Sales at Sanctuary. Sangria. 3663 Bee Caves Rd., behind Breed and Co. 5-8pm.

12th Street Happy Hour and Block Party. Dripping Springs Vodka. 12th and Lamar. 5-8pm.

Studio 3 + Finch Austin Fashion Week Party. Local food and drink sponsors (21+ Only). 417 W 2nd St. 6-9pm.

Missbehave Boutique Grand Opening Party. Hors d’oeuvres & wine. 237 W 2nd Street. 6-9pm.

People for Fresh Designer Launch Party. Cocktails and appetizers from Santa Rita Cantina. 1206 W. 38th St., Ste. 4104. 6-8pm.

Yelp StyleXplosion. Cocktails, beer, snacks. Mohawk, 912 Red River. 7-11pm.

Austin Handmade Grand Re-Opening Party + Fashion Show. Treaty Oak Rum, Sweet Leaf Tea. 2009 S. First St. 8-11pm.

Latin Dance Night. Drinks, appetizers, DJ. Studio 563 202 Colorado St. 8-11pm.


Friday

Urban Groove Salon Wine Tasting. Complementary wine tasting of select wines. 4301 West William Cannon Dr. 9am-6pm.


Saturday

Prints for Nonprofit. Lone Star beer, Sweet Leaf Tea, Amp Energy, live music. Tripp Custom T-Shirts. 2405 Nueces St., Ste. H. 6-9pm.

Live Mannequin Model Party. Free Beer and a live DJ spinning in the store. Cream Vintage. 2532 Guadalupe. 8-10pm.

Sparkles and Sweets Soiree. Tito’s Vodka, cupcakes, DJ. Urban Betty Salon, 1206 West 38th St. Suite 1201. 8:30-10pm.