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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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

The Week Ahead: December 7-12
Get into the holiday spirit(s) with our list of free happenings this week.

Tuesday, Dec. 7
Twelve Days of Christmas Holiday Celebration
5-8pm • Free
Complimentary cocktails and treats.
Stella Says Go, 500 N. Lamar Blvd.

Austin Events 2011 Kickoff Party
6-9pm • Free (Update: RSVPs are now closed.)
Free vodka, beer, cupcakes, candy and prizes.
The Vortex, 2307 Manor Road

Wednesday, Dec. 8
Better Bites Holiday Fair
4-8pm • Free
Free food samples from local establishments
City Hall, 301 W. 2nd St.

24 Diner’s First Anniversary Party
5-9pm • Free
Free food, music, beer and cocktails
24 Diner, West 6th and Lamar

Austin Post Holiday Bash
6-8pm • Free
Free food sponsored by Frank, Cornucopia and The Chocolate Cup, and free drinks for the first 50 guests with RSVPs. Photo booth by Cory Ryan. Donations of canned foods for the Capital Area Food Bank are encouraged.
Gibson Bar, 1109 South Lamar Boulevard

Sailor Jerry Rum Presents: Bad Sports, Shapes have Fangs, and Rayon Beach
8pm • Free (RSVP is required)
Free rum and live music.
Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.


Thursday, Dec. 9
SoCo Holiday Block Party
5-9pm • Free
Several South Congress businesses will provide free drinks, food and discounts:
y&i clothing boutique – Champagne & dessert plus 15% off merchandise
Storyville – Wine & cheese plus 15% off merchandise
Parts & Labour – Gift wrapping for anything purchased on the street (donations go to Austin Pets Alive)
Goodie Two Shoes – Tamales & Tecates plus 15% off merchandise
Doc’s Motorworks - $2.50 Texas drafts with a receipt from one of the stores in the block party
1109-1123 South Congress Avenue

Objects of Confection Grand Opening Party
6-9pm • Free
Free champagne and cake balls
Community Renaissance Market, 6800 West Gate Blvd, Ste. 120

Celluloid Salon, featuring The Octopus Project
7pm • Free (RSVP is required)
Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Drambuie. The Octopus Project will provide a live DJ score for four silent films.
The ND @ 501 Studios, 501 I-35
 
Do512 and Ambhar Tequila Holiday Cocktail Party
7-9pm • Free (RSVP is Required)
Free selection of three specialty cocktails by Ambhar Tequila. Complimentary hors d ‘oeuvres courtesy of Takoba. Music by Saints of Valory.
Takoba, 1411 East 7th Street

MOSS Designer Consignment Grand Opening
7-9pm • Free
Free cocktails, wine and champagne from King Liquor, Tito’s Vodka and Waialua Soda Works.
MOSS Designer Consignment, 705-B South Lamar
 
Study Breaks Issue Release Party
9:30pm • Free (RSVP is Required)
Free drinks from Enchanted Rock Vodka.
District 301, 301 W. 6th St.

Killer Thursday @ Piranha Killer Sushi
11pm-midnight • Free
Free sushi. Drink specials until 2am. Music by DJ uLOVEi.
Piranha Killer Sushi, 207 San Jacinto Blvd. #202

 
Friday, Dec. 10
Black Star Co-op Grand Opening, First Tap, and Party
6pm-midnight • Free (RSVP requested)
Black Star Co-Op celebrates its grand opening with the first tapping of its house beers. Live music, free cider and other festivities.
Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery, 7020 Easy Wind Drive, Suite 100

Tombstone Union “BeLieved” Album Release Party
9pm • Free
Free beer and $1 off Jack Daniels, plus some Jack swag. In addition to Tombstone Union, the lineup includes Stonedakota and Dead Earth Politics.
Dirty Dog Bar, 505 E. 6th St.
 
Housewives Delight
9pm-2am • Free
Complimentary Fris Vodka from 9pm until it runs out. Music by DJs Blend*E, Cilly C, J.A.M.O.N. and others.
Canvas Bar & Gallery, 105 East 5th Street

Fun Fun Fun Appreciation Party
10pm-2am • Free
Free drinks while they last, karaoke, giveaways and a DJ set by Fun Fun Fun Fest founder Graham Williams.
Red 7, 611 East 7th Street
 
Karaoke Salvation at The Highball
10:30pm • Free
Free karaoke on the Highball’s main stage, enhanced by strobes and lasers
The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar Blvd.


Saturday, Dec. 11
Bijou Festivus Show
7-10pm • Free
Free beer and snacks. The show includes art, accessories and crafts, and celebrates the release of the Bijou Studio 2011 Calendar, featuring photos by Alison Narro.
Bijou Studio, 1618 East 6th St. (above Liberty)
 
SantaCon: A Santa Bar Crawl
7pm-2am • Free
Put on a Santa suit and join a bar crawl with dozens of other liquored-up Saint Nicks. The starting location will be announced Friday evening. Donations of clothing will be accepted for Front Steps, a local nonprofit that benefits the homeless.
 
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
 
80s Dance Party at The Highball
11pm • Free
The event name says it all: The Action Pack hosts an 80s music video dance party at The Highball. Feel free to dress up in 80s gear.
The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar Blvd.
 
LaLa Land of 1,000 Dances
11:30pm-4am • Free
Free beer at a dance party featuring an all-vinyl mix of soul and 60s garage.
Baby Blue Studios, 1522 E. 12th St.
 

Sunday, Dec. 12
Molotov’s Service Industry & Friends BBQ
2-10pm • Free
Complimentary Corona and Sailor Jerry and free food from the grill on Moltov’s rooftop patio.
Molotov, 719 West 6th St.

The Liberty’s Annual Chili Cook-Off
3-6pm • Free
Free beer provided by Real Ale at the second-annual chili cook-off. To submit your chili for the contest, email libertychilicookoff@gmail.com – there is a $10 entry fee, which includes a free Liberty apron.
The Liberty, 1618 1/2 E. 6th St.
 
Barbarella Birthday Bash
10pm-2am • Free
Barbarella celebrates its birthday with free T-shirts and mix CDs, and of course a spirited dance party. $1 PBRs until 11.
Barbarella, 615 Red River St.

Shout out to Jeremiah at Partay Peeps, Amber, FreeEatsATX and other folks who provided event tips. If you dig these listings, make sure to Like us on Facebook and follow @coolinaustin on Twitter for even more updates.

(Photo)

The Weekend Flow: December 1-6
Thanksgiving Leftovers Edition

Behold an amazing week full of fun, cheap and free stuff to enjoy as you recover from a week of turkey and dressing sandwiches. Get into the holiday spirit while drinking complimentary spirits. Keep your gluttonous streak going by gorging yourself on jumbo turkey legs, grilled burgers and massive quantities of pizza. Embrace your inner manliness. Impersonate Santa. Dance your face off. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, so you’ve got no excuse to be lame.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2
Midtown Commons Grand Opening Party
6pm
Free cocktails and food. Presented by Rare Magazine.
Midtown Commons, 810 W. St Johns Ave.
Free, RSVP required

Rock Out Cook Out
9pm
Free burgers n’ hotdogs. Music by Dirty Dancing, The Vitamins and Not in the Face.
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
Free, no RSVP


THURSDAY, DEC. 3
Santa Crawl
8pm-2am
Crawl from bar to bar in East Austin with a huge mob of Santas. Find a cheap Santa suit and be part of the holiday madness. Must say, sounds pretty amazing.
Meet at Shangri-La, 1016 E. 6th St., at 8pm
Free, no RSVP

Holiday Tweetup
5:00-7:30pm
Free samples of holiday wines, cheeses and snacks from Central Market’s catering department. Prince Klassen will be there rockin’ a DJ set. Presented by Launch787 and This Is Life In Austin.
Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd., Ste. 100
Free, no RSVP

Holiday Glitz & Glamour
6-9pm
Free cocktails by Paula’s Texas Spirits, hors d’oeuvres by III Forks. Benefits Zach Scott Theatre & AIDS Services of Austin.
Beyond Tradition, 221 W. 2nd. St.
Free, No RSVP

Austin Radiance
6-8pm
Free drinks from Belvedere & Red Bull, and free food from Kenobi & Delish
The Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9722 Great Hills Trail
$10 suggested donation, benefits cancer research. No RSVP.


FRIDAY, DEC. 4
Like, Totally: The Highball ’80s Karaoke Party
11pm-2am
Prepare for the ’80s dance party Saturday night with a little ’80s karaoke action on Friday.
Free, no RSVP


SATURDAY, DEC. 5
Carnival-O-Pizza
Noon-7pm
Games, carnival-style booths, live music, raffles, break dancers, an Annie Ray photo booth and more… with beer and pizza! Plus: contests including Pizza Tossing, Extreme Pizza Eating, Pizza Box Folding, and “Hands on an Eggplant Sub.” If you want to enter any of the contests, stop by Home Slice to register.
Free entry. No RSVP.
1415 S. Congress Ave.

First Saturday Stroll on S. 1st
Noon-8pm
Free Shiner, nog and cider; in-store performance by The Tunnels. Click the link for a full list of locations.
Free, no RSVP

ManFest
2-7pm
Free Lone Star Beer and Cazadores Tequila, plus turkey legs, a jousting contest and a centaur photo booth. Get a “Fast Pass” to skip the drink line if you wear a full barbarian/renaissance costume (Bird’s says: “In other words, if you wear chain mail or a loincloth, you get a dedicated bartender and no lines for all that free man milk”). Terrific!
Bird’s Barbershop, 1902 S. Congress Ave.
Free. No RSVP.

Smirnoff Presents: Be There
6-10pm
Free Smirnoff beverages, with performances by DJ Peanut Butter Wolf and Foot Patrol.
Update: Secret location has been revealed as Pine Street Studio, 1101 E. 5th St.
**EMAIL bethereaustin09@gmail.com to RSVP!**
Free w/ RSVP. There is a an option to bring a +1; just mention you and your guest’s name in the email.

Neiliyo, Freshmillions and Missions
9pm-2am
Free beer (donations encouraged); BYO liquor if you wanna
Baby Blue, 1522 E. 12th
Free. No RSVP.

TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls Present: Cirque De Freak
10pm-2am
The TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls are closing out their 2009 season in style: with a freakshow-themed party at Scoot Inn. Carnival games, costumes and music are just a few of the freaktastic things that will greet partygoers—not to mention @DeathwishDena, who will probably hurt you if you don’t come.
$6 cover supports the team
Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.

Bust a Move: 80s Dance Party
11pm-2am
Get down to 80s hip hop, pop and rock; win prizes; watch old-school music vids on the big screen
The Highball, 1142 S. Lamar
Free, No RSVP


SUNDAY, DEC. 6
Biking Scavenger Hunt: Team-Drawing Party
Drink free beer and enter your name in a drawing to participate in the All For Santa’s Love Biking Scavenger Hunt (which will take place Dec. 13).
Bring 2 canned food items to donate. If your name is drawn, the scavenger hunt entry fee is $5.
Thunderbird Coffee Bar, 2200 Manor
No RSVP