The Week in Cool: Free Week 2013 EditionThe first few weeks of the new year are jam-packed with chances to see some of Austin’s best musicians performing together, all for free. We’re doing our part to keep that spirit alive in 2013 by co-hosting a show with our friends at Austin Writes Music on Friday, Jan. 4, at Swan Dive on Red River. The lineup features local powerhouses The Baker Family, The Couch, and Your Friendly Ghost, as well as The Collection, an orchestral folk group out of North Carolina. The show is totally free and will include a silent auction benefiting The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, with items from the Alamo Drafthouse and Austin photographers Pooneh Ghana and Katherine Squier. This is guaranteed to be the best possible way to celebrate the first Friday of 2013, so come on out and bring your pals!Oh, and there are plenty of other cool things worth checking out in the days ahead. Here are a few highlights of the shows we’d recommend — including set times where available — for anyone who wants to live Free Week(s) to the fullest. We’ll have even more highlights for you in Part 2 next week. Thursday, Jan. 3Hydra Melody / Megafauna / O Conqueror/ The Baker Family/ Featherface8pm–2am • Holy Mountain, 617 E. 7th St. 8:30pm - Featherface 9:30 - The Baker Family 10:30 - O Conqueror 11:30 - Megafauna 12:30am - Hydra Melody Politics / Digital Antique / My Education / Magnet School / Oh Look Out / Beat Imprint DJ set8pm–2am • Beauty Ballroom, 2105 E. Riverside9pm - Oh Look Out 9:45 - Magnet School 10:45 - My Education (w/Beat Imprint)11:45 - Digital Antique 12:45am - Politics Driver Friendly / Tallhart (Acoustic) 9pm–Midnight • Stubb’s Indoors, 801 Red River10pm - Driver Friendly 11pm - Tallhart SuperLiteBike / Growl / Gorgeous Hands / Bipolar Bears / The Nouns9pm–2am • The Parish, 214 E. 6th St.9pm - The Nouns 9:45 - Biopolar Bears 10:30 - The Gorgeous Hands 11:15 - Growl 12:15am - SuperLiteBike Friday, Jan. 4CoolinAustin & Austin Writes Music Present: The Collection / The Baker Family / Your Friendly Ghost / The Couch 8:30pm–2am • Swan Dive, 615 Red River9:30pm - The Collection 10:30 - The Baker Family11:30 - Your Friendly Ghost12:30 - The CouchWith a silent auction benefitting The Health Alliance for Austin MusiciansSaturday, Jan. 5SHMU / Royal Forest / Sour Notes / Gorgeous Hands / Preservation / Boxing Lesson / Plastic Habit / Three Leaf / Coast of Nebraska3pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E. 6th St.6:30pm – Coast of Nebraska7:20 – Three Leaf8:10 – Plastic Habit9 – Boxing Lesson9:50 – Preservation10:40 – Gorgeous Hands11:30 – Sour Notes12:20am – Royal Forest1:10am – SHMUMarmalakes / Whiskey Shivers / Cartright / Little Lo8pm–Midnight • Mohawk (Outside), 900 Red River St.8pm - Little Lo9 – Cartright10 – Whiskey Shivers11 – Marmalakes Sphynx / Native America / Ghostbunny / Waldo and The Naturals / Lomelda 8pm–2am • Mohawk (Inside), 900 Red River St.8:30pm – Lomelda9:30 – Waldo and The Naturals 10:30 – Ghostbunny11:30 – Native America12:30am – SphynxSoul Track Mind / Hard Proof Afrobeat / Larry g(EE)8:30pm–12:30am • Antone’s, 213 W. 5th Street9:30pm – Larry g(EE)10:30 – Hard Proof Afrobeat11:30 – Soul Track MindVitera / Vallejo / Patricia Vonne / La Division del Norte9pm–1am • Stubb’s Indoors, 801 Red River9pm – La Division del Norte 10pm – Patricia Vonne 11pm – Vallejo Midnight – ViteraWhitman / Stereo is a Lie / The Baker Family / Antiques9pm–2am • Frank, 407 Colorado St.Lost Soul Revue / Think No Think / Bumping Uglies / Kinky Machine/ DJ Chorizo Funk9pm–2am • The ND, East 5th at Brushy StreetSunday, Jan. 6Beats, Rhymes, and Free Week: League of Extraoridinary G’z / SiP SiP / The Triggermen / p-TEK / Space Camp Death Squad / Secret Levels9pm–2am • Red 7, 611 E. 7th St.Monday, Jan. 7Fatback Circus / Muchos Backflips / Chris Holland / Sour Bridges / Serafia Jane / The Skyliners / T Jarrod Quartet7pm • Club De Ville, 900 Red River St.7:30pm – T Jarrod Quartet8:15 – The Skyliners9 – Serafia Jane10 – Fatback Circus11 – Sour BridgesMidnight – Muchos Backflips1am – Chris HollandMake sure to tune in next week for the second batch of Free Week highlights!
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The Week in Cool: Free Week 2013 Edition

The first few weeks of the new year are jam-packed with chances to see some of Austin’s best musicians performing together, all for free. We’re doing our part to keep that spirit alive in 2013 by co-hosting a show with our friends at Austin Writes Music on Friday, Jan. 4, at Swan Dive on Red River. The lineup features local powerhouses The Baker Family, The Couch, and Your Friendly Ghost, as well as The Collection, an orchestral folk group out of North Carolina. The show is totally free and will include a silent auction benefiting The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, with items from the Alamo Drafthouse and Austin photographers Pooneh Ghana and Katherine Squier. This is guaranteed to be the best possible way to celebrate the first Friday of 2013, so come on out and bring your pals!

Oh, and there are plenty of other cool things worth checking out in the days ahead. Here are a few highlights of the shows we’d recommend — including set times where available — for anyone who wants to live Free Week(s) to the fullest. We’ll have even more highlights for you in Part 2 next week.


Thursday, Jan. 3
Hydra Melody / Megafauna / O Conqueror/ The Baker Family/ Featherface
8pm–2am • Holy Mountain, 617 E. 7th St.
8:30pm - Featherface
9:30 - The Baker Family
10:30 - O Conqueror
11:30 - Megafauna
12:30am - Hydra Melody

Politics / Digital Antique / My Education / Magnet School / Oh Look Out / Beat Imprint DJ set
8pm–2am • Beauty Ballroom, 2105 E. Riverside
9pm - Oh Look Out
9:45 - Magnet School
10:45 - My Education (w/Beat Imprint)
11:45 - Digital Antique
12:45am - Politics

Driver Friendly / Tallhart (Acoustic)
9pm–Midnight • Stubb’s Indoors, 801 Red River
10pm - Driver Friendly
11pm - Tallhart

SuperLiteBike / Growl / Gorgeous Hands / Bipolar Bears / The Nouns
9pm–2am • The Parish, 214 E. 6th St.
9pm - The Nouns
9:45 - Biopolar Bears
10:30 - The Gorgeous Hands
11:15 - Growl
12:15am - SuperLiteBike


Friday, Jan. 4
CoolinAustin & Austin Writes Music Present: The Collection / The Baker Family / Your Friendly Ghost / The Couch
8:30pm–2am • Swan Dive, 615 Red River
9:30pm - The Collection
10:30 - The Baker Family
11:30 - Your Friendly Ghost
12:30 - The Couch
With a silent auction benefitting The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians


Saturday, Jan. 5
SHMU / Royal Forest / Sour Notes / Gorgeous Hands / Preservation / Boxing Lesson / Plastic Habit / Three Leaf / Coast of Nebraska
3pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E. 6th St.
6:30pm – Coast of Nebraska
7:20 – Three Leaf
8:10 – Plastic Habit
9 – Boxing Lesson
9:50 – Preservation
10:40 – Gorgeous Hands
11:30 – Sour Notes
12:20am – Royal Forest
1:10am – SHMU

Marmalakes / Whiskey Shivers / Cartright / Little Lo
8pm–Midnight • Mohawk (Outside), 900 Red River St.
8pm - Little Lo
9 – Cartright
10 – Whiskey Shivers
11 – Marmalakes

Sphynx / Native America / Ghostbunny / Waldo and The Naturals / Lomelda
8pm–2am • Mohawk (Inside), 900 Red River St.
8:30pm – Lomelda
9:30 – Waldo and The Naturals
10:30 – Ghostbunny
11:30 – Native America
12:30am – Sphynx

Soul Track Mind / Hard Proof Afrobeat / Larry g(EE)
8:30pm–12:30am • Antone’s, 213 W. 5th Street
9:30pm – Larry g(EE)
10:30 – Hard Proof Afrobeat
11:30 – Soul Track Mind

Vitera / Vallejo / Patricia Vonne / La Division del Norte
9pm–1am • Stubb’s Indoors, 801 Red River
9pm – La Division del Norte
10pm – Patricia Vonne
11pm – Vallejo
Midnight – Vitera

Whitman / Stereo is a Lie / The Baker Family / Antiques
9pm–2am • Frank, 407 Colorado St.

Lost Soul Revue / Think No Think / Bumping Uglies / Kinky Machine/ DJ Chorizo Funk
9pm–2am • The ND, East 5th at Brushy Street


Sunday, Jan. 6
Beats, Rhymes, and Free Week: League of Extraoridinary G’z / SiP SiP / The Triggermen / p-TEK / Space Camp Death Squad / Secret Levels
9pm–2am • Red 7, 611 E. 7th St.


Monday, Jan. 7
Fatback Circus / Muchos Backflips / Chris Holland / Sour Bridges / Serafia Jane / The Skyliners / T Jarrod Quartet
7pm • Club De Ville, 900 Red River St.
7:30pm – T Jarrod Quartet
8:15 – The Skyliners
9 – Serafia Jane
10 – Fatback Circus
11 – Sour Bridges
Midnight – Muchos Backflips
1am – Chris Holland


Make sure to tune in next week for the second batch of Free Week highlights!

Source: facebook.com

The Week in Cool: Nov. 29 – Dec. 3Thursday, Nov. 29Restaurant Jezebel/Bar Mirabeau Grand Opening6pm • Bar Mirabeau, 800 W. 6th St. • FreeFree appetizers and live music on the terrace.It Could Happen to Me, It Could Happen to You: A Benefit for Brian Lindquist7pm • Elysium, 705 Red River St. • $10 donationBenefit for injured Austin cyclist Brian Lindquist, with music by James McMurtry, The Rollfast Ramblers, The Bandulus, Nowherebound, and Wood and Wire.TNM Tonight8pm • The New Movement Theater, 616 Lavaca St. • FreeFree comedy and music show, free beer from Indio.Free Show: She, Sir / Letting Up Despite Great Faults @ Holy Mountain9pm–2am • Holy Mountain, 617 E. 7th St. • FreeFree Show: Bobby Jealousy / ELVIS / Feral Future / Tijuana Bible @ Frontier9pm–2am • Frontier Bar, 2421 Webberville Road • FreeTransmission Events Appreciation Party10pm–2am • Red 7, 611 E 7th St. • FreeQueen cover band Magnifico, Austin comedian Chris Cubas & DJ Weston Borghesi of Second Sunday Sockhop fame. Also – hosted bar!Friday, Nov. 30Free Tasting: Texas Sake Company 4–8pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Avenue • FreeMovember Mustache Happy Hour6–8pm • Urban Betty, 1206 West 38th St., Ste. 1107 • $5 suggested donation (online or at the door)Complimentary whiskey n’ gingers from Drambuie and cupcakes from Lick It, Bite it, or Both; plus a photobooth, mustache contests and more. Proceeds go to Movember and Sons.Strange Beasts: A Tribute to the Japanese Kaiju Phenomenon7–10pm • Guzu Gallery, 5000 N. Lamar Blvd. • FreeFree drinks the opening reception for a new themed art show.Naughty or Nice Toys for Tots Collection Drive8pm–2am • Rusty’s, 405 E. 7th St • Free w/ toy donationFree cupcakes, boozy sno-cones, fire dancers, facepainters and a bunch of other crazy things. Benefits Toys for Tots.The FeedBak 2 Year Anniversary: The GiveBak10pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th St. • $5 (general admission) – $15 (VIP)Benefit for the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Campaign, with music by DJ Chicken George & DJ Kid Slyce and other entertainment. VIP tickets include dinner from Cazamance.Saturday, Dec. 1Art From The Streets Show and Sale11am–4pm • St. David’s Trinity Center, 7th & Trinity • $4 suggested donationBrowse more than 2,000 works by homeless artists at the 20th anniversary of this very cool fundraiser, which helps the artists get off the streets and into stable homes.Free Show: Justin Bankston’s Birthday Party, with Tia Carrera / The Damn Times @ Red 79pm–2am • Red 7, 611 E 7th St. • FreeFree Show: East Cameron Folkcore / Power Chief / Transmography @ White Horse10pm–2am • The White Horse, 308 Comal St. • FreeFree Show: Wes Davis of The Rollfast Ramblers / Airplanes Above Us @ Gypsy Lounge11pm–2am • Gypsy Lounge, 1504 E. 6th St. • FreeSunday, Dec. 2Write Bloody Grand Opening Party and Beer MagicNoon–5pm • Write Bloody, 2306 E. César Chavez (next to Juan in a Million) • FreeFree beer and cupcakes from Sugar Mamas at the opening of Austin’s first poetry shop.Kathy Murray CD Release Party3pm • Antone’s Record Shop, 2928 Guadalupe • FreeFree beer and live music by Kathy Murray.Monday, Dec. 3Mohawk’s 2nd Annual Holiday Ho-Down8pm–2am • Mohawk, 900 Red River St. • FreeFree party with eggnog, hot toddies, karaoke, giveaways, a photobooth, and, of course, a drunken Santa brought to you by the Austin Facial Hair Club.
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The Week in Cool: Nov. 29 – Dec. 3

Thursday, Nov. 29
Restaurant Jezebel/Bar Mirabeau Grand Opening
6pm • Bar Mirabeau, 800 W. 6th St. • Free
Free appetizers and live music on the terrace.

It Could Happen to Me, It Could Happen to You: A Benefit for Brian Lindquist
7pm • Elysium, 705 Red River St. • $10 donation
Benefit for injured Austin cyclist Brian Lindquist, with music by James McMurtry, The Rollfast Ramblers, The Bandulus, Nowherebound, and Wood and Wire.

TNM Tonight
8pm • The New Movement Theater, 616 Lavaca St. • Free
Free comedy and music show, free beer from Indio.

Free Show: She, Sir / Letting Up Despite Great Faults @ Holy Mountain
9pm–2am • Holy Mountain, 617 E. 7th St. • Free

Free Show: Bobby Jealousy / ELVIS / Feral Future / Tijuana Bible @ Frontier
9pm–2am • Frontier Bar, 2421 Webberville Road • Free

Transmission Events Appreciation Party
10pm–2am • Red 7, 611 E 7th St. • Free
Queen cover band Magnifico, Austin comedian Chris Cubas & DJ Weston Borghesi of Second Sunday Sockhop fame. Also – hosted bar!


Friday, Nov. 30
Free Tasting: Texas Sake Company
4–8pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Avenue • Free

Movember Mustache Happy Hour
6–8pm • Urban Betty, 1206 West 38th St., Ste. 1107 • $5 suggested donation (online or at the door)
Complimentary whiskey n’ gingers from Drambuie and cupcakes from Lick It, Bite it, or Both; plus a photobooth, mustache contests and more. Proceeds go to Movember and Sons.

Strange Beasts: A Tribute to the Japanese Kaiju Phenomenon
7–10pm • Guzu Gallery, 5000 N. Lamar Blvd. • Free
Free drinks the opening reception for a new themed art show.

Naughty or Nice Toys for Tots Collection Drive
8pm–2am • Rusty’s, 405 E. 7th St • Free w/ toy donation
Free cupcakes, boozy sno-cones, fire dancers, facepainters and a bunch of other crazy things. Benefits Toys for Tots.

The FeedBak 2 Year Anniversary: The GiveBak
10pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th St. • $5 (general admission) – $15 (VIP)
Benefit for the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Campaign, with music by DJ Chicken George & DJ Kid Slyce and other entertainment. VIP tickets include dinner from Cazamance.


Saturday, Dec. 1
Art From The Streets Show and Sale
11am–4pm • St. David’s Trinity Center, 7th & Trinity • $4 suggested donation
Browse more than 2,000 works by homeless artists at the 20th anniversary of this very cool fundraiser, which helps the artists get off the streets and into stable homes.

Free Show: Justin Bankston’s Birthday Party, with Tia Carrera / The Damn Times @ Red 7
9pm–2am • Red 7, 611 E 7th St. • Free

Free Show: East Cameron Folkcore / Power Chief / Transmography @ White Horse
10pm–2am • The White Horse, 308 Comal St. • Free

Free Show: Wes Davis of The Rollfast Ramblers / Airplanes Above Us @ Gypsy Lounge
11pm–2am • Gypsy Lounge, 1504 E. 6th St. • Free


Sunday, Dec. 2
Write Bloody Grand Opening Party and Beer Magic
Noon–5pm • Write Bloody, 2306 E. César Chavez (next to Juan in a Million) • Free
Free beer and cupcakes from Sugar Mamas at the opening of Austin’s first poetry shop.

Kathy Murray CD Release Party
3pm • Antone’s Record Shop, 2928 Guadalupe • Free
Free beer and live music by Kathy Murray.


Monday, Dec. 3
Mohawk’s 2nd Annual Holiday Ho-Down
8pm–2am • Mohawk, 900 Red River St. • Free
Free party with eggnog, hot toddies, karaoke, giveaways, a photobooth, and, of course, a drunken Santa brought to you by the Austin Facial Hair Club.

Source: Flickr / guvnah

The Week in Cool: November 2-6Friday, Nov. 2Free Wine Tasting with New Vintage & Liber & Co.4–8pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Avenue • Free Feliz Meet and Greet Party 6–8pm • West Elm Austin, 1011 W. 5th Street • FreeFree refreshments, live leather tooling and a preview of the Sunday sale.Dia De Los Muertos at Rattle Inn8pm • Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St. • FreeFree party with drink specials, costumes and music by Kiko y la Banda. A portion of proceeds benefits Futuro Fund.  Free Show: Woodgrain, Megazilla, White Powder @ Hotel Vegas9pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th Street • FreeHoly Underground & Guns in the Sun Present: A Free Fun Fun Fun Fest Afterparty10pm–4am • Kingdom, 103 E. 5th Street • FreeFree late-night shindig with music by Flying Turns, Flashlights, Option4, Steffi Graf, and Guns in the Sun DJs.’80s Dance Party @ Highball11pm–2am • Highball, 1142 S. Lamar • FreeSaturday, Nov. 3Mellow Swap 20129am-4pm • Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 400 Nueces St. • FreeFree beer from Hops and Grain, music, and a bike gear swap-meet.Thirsty Planet Brewery Tour11am or 1:30pm • Thirsty Planet Brewing Co., 11160 Circle Drive • Free; RSVP requiredFree tour and tastings. Reserve your spot online in advance.St. Crispin’s Day Cup Noon–7pm • Huns Field, 4107 Nixon Lane • FreeFree cider at an afternoon of rugby matches between the Austin Huns and the Dallas Reds.UT vs. Texas Tech Watch Party @ Brew Exchange2:30pm • Brew Exchange, 706 W. 6th St. • FreeFree food from Man Bites Dog, local beer specials, $1-off “Mercy Pints” for Tech fans.Vagina’s Fall Issue Launch Party ft. Sara Houser and Jess Williamson6–8:30pm • Domy Books, 913 E. Cesar Chavez • FreeFree Shiner Cheer, snacks, a photobooth, and music by Sara Houser and Jess Williamson.Free Show: Sour Bridges @ Rattle InnDoors 8pm, show 10:30pm • Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St. • FreeSphynx Homecoming Party, Presented by Bring Your Friends9pm–2am • Frank, 407 Colorado St. • $6Music by Sphynx!Opposite Day EP Release Party 9pm–2am • Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe • $5Performances by Opposite Day, Giant Battle Monster, Megafauna, and The ElroysSunday, Nov. 4Blood! Thunder! Mustard! Rock -n- Roll BBQ3pm • Hotel Vegas, 1500 East 6th St. • FreeFree BBQ and live rock music. Free food starts at 5pm.Monday, Nov. 5Free Show: Balmorhea In-Store Performance5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • FreeTuesday, Nov. 6Texas Tribune Election Watch Party6:30–10:30pm • The Belmont, 305 W. Sixth Street • Free; RSVP requiredWatch the election returns with food, drinks and live music by The Mace Garrett Band.
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The Week in Cool: November 2-6

Friday, Nov. 2
Free Wine Tasting with New Vintage & Liber & Co.
4–8pm • East End Wines, 1209 Rosewood Avenue • Free
 
Feliz Meet and Greet Party
6–8pm • West Elm Austin, 1011 W. 5th Street • Free
Free refreshments, live leather tooling and a preview of the Sunday sale.

Dia De Los Muertos at Rattle Inn
8pm • Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St. • Free
Free party with drink specials, costumes and music by Kiko y la Banda. A portion of proceeds benefits Futuro Fund. 

Free Show: Woodgrain, Megazilla, White Powder @ Hotel Vegas
9pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th Street • Free

Holy Underground & Guns in the Sun Present: A Free Fun Fun Fun Fest Afterparty
10pm–4am • Kingdom, 103 E. 5th Street • Free
Free late-night shindig with music by Flying Turns, Flashlights, Option4, Steffi Graf, and Guns in the Sun DJs.

’80s Dance Party @ Highball
11pm–2am • Highball, 1142 S. Lamar • Free


Saturday, Nov. 3
Mellow Swap 2012
9am-4pm • Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 400 Nueces St. • Free
Free beer from Hops and Grain, music, and a bike gear swap-meet.

Thirsty Planet Brewery Tour
11am or 1:30pm • Thirsty Planet Brewing Co., 11160 Circle Drive • Free; RSVP required
Free tour and tastings. Reserve your spot online in advance.

St. Crispin’s Day Cup
Noon–7pm • Huns Field, 4107 Nixon Lane • Free
Free cider at an afternoon of rugby matches between the Austin Huns and the Dallas Reds.

UT vs. Texas Tech Watch Party @ Brew Exchange
2:30pm • Brew Exchange, 706 W. 6th St. • Free
Free food from Man Bites Dog, local beer specials, $1-off “Mercy Pints” for Tech fans.

Vagina’s Fall Issue Launch Party ft. Sara Houser and Jess Williamson
6–8:30pm • Domy Books, 913 E. Cesar Chavez • Free
Free Shiner Cheer, snacks, a photobooth, and music by Sara Houser and Jess Williamson.

Free Show: Sour Bridges @ Rattle Inn
Doors 8pm, show 10:30pm • Rattle Inn, 610 Nueces St. • Free

Sphynx Homecoming Party, Presented by Bring Your Friends
9pm–2am • Frank, 407 Colorado St. • $6
Music by Sphynx!

Opposite Day EP Release Party
9pm–2am • Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe • $5
Performances by Opposite Day, Giant Battle Monster, Megafauna, and The Elroys


Sunday, Nov. 4
Blood! Thunder! Mustard! Rock -n- Roll BBQ
3pm • Hotel Vegas, 1500 East 6th St. • Free
Free BBQ and live rock music. Free food starts at 5pm.


Monday, Nov. 5
Free Show: Balmorhea In-Store Performance
5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free


Tuesday, Nov. 6
Texas Tribune Election Watch Party
6:30–10:30pm • The Belmont, 305 W. Sixth Street • Free; RSVP required
Watch the election returns with food, drinks and live music by The Mace Garrett Band.

Source: Flickr / mybloodyself

The Week in Cool: October 19-24


Friday, October 19
Aaron Espinoza (Earlimart) In-Store Performance
5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free

101X Homegrown Live w/ Bobby Jealousy, La Migra, Little Radar
8pm • The Blackheart, 86 Rainey St. • Free
Free show and free Gatti’s pizza while it lasts.

God of Blades Release Party
8pm • The ND, East 5th at Brushy Street • Free
Video game release party with gaming demos, live bands, and free baked goods from The Invisible Bakery.


Saturday, October 20
New Belgium Tour de Fat
9am–4pm • Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St. • Free
New Belgium Brewing’s cycling circus features a costumed bicycle parade (suggested donation of $5 to participate), New Belgium beer ($5 for a 16 oz. pour), bike contests, and performances by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Sean Hayes, Yo-Yo People, and Sssnakenstein.

“Satellite of Love” Austin Film Festival Party
6–10pm • AMOA Arthouse at The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave. • Free
Free Deep Eddy Vodka cocktails and appearances by the film’s cast and crew.

E.A.S.T. Preview Party
7pm • Bay6 Gallery & Studios, 5305 Bolm Road • Free
Gallery preview with free appetizers, drinks and music by DJ Mixer Rogers.

Devil’s Night Out
9pm • Emo’s East, 2015 E. Riverside • $5 / Free if you dress up like the devil!
Music by The Reverend Horton Heat and the Tejano punk band Piñata Protest.

\____ Longhorn Tailgates ____/
Horn-Ball Texas Tailgaters
All day • Parking lot at Brazos at MLK • Free and open to the public
Free self-serve alcoholic beverages including Bloody Marys in honor of Halloween. Upgrade to VIP for the day ($20) or the rest of the season ($30) and get unlimited bar service and food, prime seating and a T-shirt.

Bevo Boulevard
3–7pm • 18th Street between San Jacinto and Brazos • Free and open to the public
Food, drinks, activities, and music by Aaron Einhouse, Sam Riggs, and Old Miller Sideshow.

KLBJ Tailgate
4–7pm • Parking lot at Brazos at MLK • Free and open to the public
Beverages, food, and activities.

Longhorn Football Watch Party @ Brew Exchange
7–10pm • Brew Exchange, 706 W. 6th St. • Free
Free food from Man Bites Dog, local beer specials, $1-off “Mercy Pints” for Baylor fans.


Sunday, October 21
Elliott Smith Tribute Show
7pm–2am • Frontier Bar, 2421 Webberville Road • Free
Commemorate the 9th anniversary of Smith’s death with a free night of tribute performances by more than 15 Austin musicians.

Blood Thunder Mustard Fest      ***Party of the Week***
Noon–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 East 6th St. • (Free?)
Free Dos Equis from noon til 2pm (or whenever it runs out). Free BBQ by the reverend Chef Chris Reidy at 3pm. Music by about a dozen bands.


Monday, October 22
(512) Anniversary Ales: Tapping, Cheese Pairing & Meet the Brewer
5–8pm • Draught House Pub & Brewery, 4112 Medical Parkway • Free
Pay-as-you-go tastings of (512) Anniversary Ales with free cheese pairings from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop and a collector’s glass.


Tuesday, October 23
(512) Brewing Co. Pint Night
4pm • The Driskill 1886 Café, 116 W. 6th St. • Free
Buy a $3 pint from (512) and keep the glass.

Paper Cuts: Dikes of Holland
7–9pm • The Palm Door, 401 Sabine St. • Free; RSVP required for priority admission
Free food from Mi Ranchito Taqueria and free drinks from Captain Morgan, Coco Brevé, and Miller Lite. Music by Dikes of Holland. RSVP is required to reserve a spot on the guestlist, but additional guests will be allowed in starting at 7:30 if the party isn’t at capacity.


Wednesday, October 24
Sixpoint Brewing Co. Jorts Party
9pm–2am • The HandleBar, 121 East 5th St. • Free
Special rare beer tappings from Brooklyn’s Sixpoint Brewing — all Sixpoint brews are $2 off. Prizes awarded for best jorts in multiple categories.


Also — Austin Beer Week is October 20–28! Visit the official site for the full schedule.

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The Week in Cool: June 21-25

Thursday, June 21
Grunge Trivia
7–10pm • The Brixton, 1412 E. 6th St. • Free
Grunge music-themed trivia night with themed drink specials, mini-games, and prizes for the best grunge outfits. The top three teams win bar tabs, and first prize is free passes to the Melvins show at the Mohawk in October.

Unplugged at the Grove: Band of Heathens
8pm • Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd. • Free
Free outdoor show + drink specials.


Friday, June 22
East End Fourth Fridays
7pm–Midnight • Kenny Dorham’s Back Yard, 1106 East 11th St. • $5 donation
Cover includes free Live Oak beer and food from East Side Pies and Sun Farm Kitchen. Benefits DiverseArts.

Night Fever Vol. XXVI: Hey Ladies Edition
9pm–2am • Volstead Lounge, 1500 East 6th St. • Free
Sets by four of Austin’s best female DJs — Deejay Honeycomb, DJ Shani, DJ T-Kay, Miss Manners.

The Hood Internet / Tiger Waves / Lean Hounds
9pm–2am • Beauty Ballroom, 2015 E. Riverside Dr. • $6 (Thursday only!); $10 day of show
Buy your tickets today (Thursday) to get the discounted rate.

Flip Cup Turnt Up
10pm • Deco Lounge, 408 Congress Ave. • Free w/ RSVP
Free flip-cup tournament with five-person teams competing for prizes including cash, concert tickets and free event passes. Team names and “creative uniforms” encouraged. RSVP on Facebook to enter.

’80s Dance Party
11pm–2am • The Highball, 1142 S. Lamar • Free


Saturday, June 23
Enfield Shopping Center Block Party
10am–5pm • Enfield Shopping Center, 12th & Lamar • Free
Food from Austin Land and Cattle, beer, and shopping at local businesses Bettysport, KickPleat, Walker Hall Designs, T. Kennedy, Hem Jeans, and Underwear.

Jack Honey Summer Swarm Games     **Party of the Week**
2–5pm • Volente Beach Shore Club, 16107 FM 2769, Leander • Free; RSVP required
Refreshments from Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey and a tournament of various beach-themed challenges. Sign up as a spectator or register to participate in teams of 4 to 8.

Crooks and Whiskey Shivers Party at The White Horse
10pm–2am • The White Horse, 308 Comal St. • Free

Ebony & Irie: A New Party from Learning Secrets
10pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E 6th St. • Free
New monthly dance party featuring dub, reggae, punk, rocksteady & ska. Mention ‘Ebony & Irie’ at the door and get a free Red Stripe.


Sunday, June 24
Cinema East Screening: “Gayby”
7–11pm • Yellow Jacket Track Field, 1156 Hargrave St. • $3
Screening and Q&A. BYOB.


Monday, June 25
Joe King Carrasco In-Store Performance
5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free show and free Shiner.

Summer Drag Carnival
4–10pm • Tom’s Tabooley, 2928 Guadalupe St. • Free
Tom’s Tabooley, Antone’s Records and Toy Joy present a neighborhood carnival with games, prizes, food, live music and free beer samples from Mayan Distribution.

Tolly Moseley and Omar Gallaga Share Secrets to Online Writing
7pm • Austin American-Statesman, 305 South Congress Ave. • Free
Free tacos and tea at this discussion about how to write for online audiences, featuring the Statesman’s Omar Gallaga and Austin Eavesdropper’s Tolly Moseley.

Living Room Live, ft. Whiskey Shivers and Leopold & His Fiction
7pm • The W Austin, 200 Lavaca St. • Free
Free show with happy hour prices all night.


Like us on the Facebook and Tweet at us on the Twitter

Shoutouts: Amber Demure, Do512 Free, Austin Free Events

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

ACL Weekend Events: Sept. 15-18



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)

Free Week Spotlights: Friday and Saturday

Friday, Jan. 7

What Made Milwaukee Famous, The Lemurs, Ovenbirds, The Authors, Salesman 

Emo’s (Outside) @ 9 p.m

Soundcheck Magazine hosts this solid lineup of local staples including the ear-friendly tunes of What Made Milwaukee Famous (RIYL: Spoon, The Format, Margot and the Nuclear So And Sos) and The Lemurs (RIYL: The Killers, OK Go). Openers include Ovenbirds, The Authors, and Salesman.

  LISTEN: What Made Milwaukee Famous on Hype Machine
  LISTEN: The Lemurs on Hype Machine



Indian Jewelry, The Laughing, Astronaut Suit

Mohawk (Outside) @ 9 p.m.

Indian Jewelry (RIYL: Liars, Lightning Bolt, Fuck Buttons), the hard-to-Google Houston-based noise rock weirdos with an explosive strobing light show, round out another solid lineup at the Mohawk during Free Week, with Austin’s The Laughing and Astronaut Suit.

  LISTEN: Indian Jewelry on Hype Machine

  LISTEN: The Laughing on Hype Machine



Saturday, Jan. 8

Mother Falcon, Royal Forest, My Golden Calf

Mohawk (Outside @ 9 p.m.)

With as many as 20 members crowded on stage, Mother Falcon (RIYL: Sufjan Stevens, Owen Pallett, Arcade Fire) is not only one of Austin’s largest bands but one of the most unique—with string-driven, sweet songs that swell like mini symphonies. They’re paired perfectly with pop from My Golden Calf and Royal Forest, (RIYL: Pavement, Enon, Menomena) an indie rock band with a slight psych edge.

  LISTEN: Mother Falcon on Hype Machine

  LISTEN: Royal Forest on Bandcamp

Free Week Spotlights: Thursday

T Bird and The Breaks, East Cameron Folklore, Guns of Navarone

Mohawk (Outside) @ 7 p.m.

Soul band T Bird and The Breaks (recommended if you like: James Brown, Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears, The Black Crowes) headline this launch party for Revival Fund, a fund designed to provide temporary financial assistance to Austin-area musicians and their families in times of crisis. As if T Bird and his bad-ass brass section wasn’t enough to ensure a good time, food from Frank, drinks from Sailor Jerry, Thunderbird coffee and giveaways throughout the night should seal the deal.

 LISTEN: T Bird and The Breaks on Daytrotter




Ringo Deathstarr, The Carrots, The Ugly Beats, The Hi-Tones

Emo’s (Outside) @ 9 p.m

The Ugly Beats (RIYL: sunny vintage pop-rock a la The Kinks) play earlier in the night sandwiched between The Hi-Tones and ’60s girl group The Carrots. The evening comes to a loud and fuzzy head with the droning guitar of shoegazers Ringo Deathstarr (RIYL: My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain).

 LISTEN: Ringo Deathstarr on Hype Machine 

 LISTEN: The Carrots on Hype Machine 

 WATCH: The Ugly Beats on Vimeo