Thursday, May 31
Lumineers In-Store Performance
5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free show and free Shiner.

Learning Secrets w/ Baio
10pm–2am • The Belmont, 305 W. 6th St. • Free
Free show, plus a free Sailor Jerry Rum drink for the first 100 people with the SceneTap iPhone app.


Friday, June 1
Friday Happy Hour with My Fit Foods
4pm • Prize, 202 Colorado St. • Free
Summer wines & beers sponsored by Glazer’s.

Phoebe Hunt In-Store Performance
5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free show and free Shiner.

Luxe Loves Local
5–7pm • Luxe Apothetique, 201 West 2nd St. • Free
Champagne cocktails, treats, and giveaways.

Rhett Miller In-Store Performance
6pm • Waterloo Records, 6th and Lamar • Free
Free show and free Shiner.

Movies in the Park: Jurassic Park
8:30pm • Republic Square Park, 5th and Guadalupe • Free

UV Vodka Ladies Night
9pm • Haven, 409-B Colorado St. • Free
Free pink Haven cup to ladies who arrive before 11pm, and free UV Vodka drinks before 1am.


Saturday, June 2
Open Casting Call for “Machete Kills”
10am–6pm • Austin Studios, 1901 E. 51st St. • Free
Here’s a chance to realize your lifelong dream of working alongside Danny Trejo. No experience necessary.

2ND Street Soundcheck
1–7pm • 2nd Street between Colorado and San Antonio • Free
Performances by Polica, Rogue Wave, Alpha Rev, Ponderosa, Seryn and Cowboy & Indian at a festival celebrating local businesses, restaurants and nonprofits.

Friday Night Lights Outdoor Screening        **Party of the Week**
6:30–10pm • Hotel San Jose, 1316 S. Congress Ave. • Free
Free screening of the pilot and finale of Friday Night Lights with the cast and crew in attendance, plus music by Alicia Witt, Tigerbone, and Cowboy and Indian. Food and drinks from Cornucopia Popcorn, Blue Bell, and Sweet Leaf Tea.

QueerBomb 2012
7–10pm • Pine Street Station, 1101 E. 5th at Waller • Free
Rally, procession and afterparty with DJs, drinks and dancing in celebration of Austin’s LGBTQIA community.


Sunday, June 3
Capital Techno Presents Summer Jam 2012
1–9pm • Emma Long Park, 1600 City Park Road • Free entry, but parking is $5/car
All-day party on the shore of Lake Austin featuring a marathon of house and techno tunes. BYOB and food to throw on the grill if you are so inclined.

Groovy Sunday at South Austin Brewing
3–7pm • South Austin Brewing, 415 E. Saint Elmo Rd., Ste. 1D • Free
Drink beer and watch performances by the Saint Elmo Trio and Patrick’s Beard & the Rusty Razors. The Belgian Waffle Company will be selling waffles.

The Green Door Record Party: Women Who Rock Edition
10pm–2am • Rio Rita, 1308 E. 6th St. • Free
DJs Leslie Cottrill and Sala Suber join Scotty Upton for a night of eclectic vinyl rock ‘n’ roll records featuring 60s garage, fuzz, psych, proto punk, 70s glam, folk, heavy, punk and other selections.


Monday, June 4
International Food and Beverage Society Presents: Meat and Greet
8pm • Volstead Lounge at Hotel Vegas, 1500 E. 6th St. • Free
Free BBQ — an island-style whole roasted goat, to be exact — and specials on Mt. Gay Rum. Tunes by DJ Orion.

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Shoutouts: Amber Demure, Do512 Free, Austin Free Events

Here’s our list of today’s top free events. Take note that some of the RSVPs have closed, as noted. Have fun! As always, keep an eye on our Twitter feed for more party info as it comes in.

Spotify House
Noon–6pm • 1010 E. Cesar Chavez • RSVP required; still open
Free drinks and food; music by Yellow Ostrich (1pm) and others. Watch the @SpotifySouth Twitter account for lineup updates throughout the week.

A Music OVRLD Presented by The Boxing Lesson
Noon–10pm • Guero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S. Congress • Free w/ RSVP
Music by The Great Nostalgic, The Good The Bad, The Hi-Tones, Sorne, and others. Tito’s Vodka and Cazadores drink specials.

All Tamara’s Parties
Noon–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E. 6th St. • Free, no RSVP
Music by 33 bands, including Zorch, Dikes of Holland, The Eastern Sea, The Sour Notes, and many others.

Jansport Bonfire Sessions
1–6pm • Mohawk, 912 Red River St. • RSVP required; now closed
Free drinks, snacks and giveaways. Music by White Denim, Strange Boys, Bear Hands, and Fly Golden Eagle.

SXSFree
2–7pm • Hickory Street, 800 N Congress Ave. • Free; no RSVP
Free vodka cocktails, cookies, and music by Geography, Politics, Dear Science, The Eastern Sea (solo performance with Matt Hines), and Driver Friendly.

SXSW Space Party
3–11:30 • The Granada House, 1184 Greenwood Ave. • Free, no RSVP
Free beer + music by Megafauna, Zlam Dunk, Feuding Fathers, Equals, Boyfrndz, Whitey on the Moon, and others.

Art Disaster No. 14
8pm–2am • Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St. • Free w/ RSVP
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.

Kool Keith Party Extravaganza
8pm–2am • Beauty Ballroom, 2015 E. Riverside • Free w/ RSVP
Free Sailor Jerry rum (8-9pm) + music by Kool Keith, Kid Slyce, and Phranchyze.

Hype Hotel: The Syndicate’s Conflict of Interest Party
8pm–3am • 504 Trinity St. • RSVP required; now closed
Free Tito’s Vodka, Miller Lite, and Taco Bell. Music by Miniature Tigers, Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, and Delta Spirit. Pick up Hype Hotel badge from 1pm–1am.

PureVolume House Party
Midnight–4am • 2nd and Trinity Street • RSVP required; still open
Open bar + music by Moonlight Gram, Harriet, Exitmusic, Choir of Young Believers, and Mirel Wagner. Badge pickup runs from 2–10pm.

Now that last week’s freak cold front is behind us, we’re ready to proclaim that summer is here. Now get out there and enjoy it!


Tuesday, 5/10
The Wagoneers In-Store Show
5pm • Waterloo Records, 6th & Lamar • Free
Free music and Shiner.

Free Beer at I Luv Video
5pm • I Luv Video, 4803 Airport Blvd. • Free
Self-explanatory…


Wednesday, 5/11
Free Wine Tasting at Cool River Café
5–6:30pm • Cool River Café, 4001 W. Parmer Lane • Free
Complimentary appetizers and wine from Alexander Valley Vineyards. You can also buy a glass or bottle for half price.
 
Wine Down Wednesdays
5–7pm • ACL Live at the Moody Theatre, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd. • Free
Free show with music by Cindy Cashdollar, Bill Kirchin & Sarah Brown. Food samples by Cantina Laredo.
 
Movies in the Park: The Hudsucker Proxy
Dusk • Republic Square Park • Free
“You know… for kids!”

Dive Bar Grand Opening Party
5pm–2am • Dive Bar and Lounge, 1703 Guadalupe • Free
Free food from Along Came a Slider, free Dive Bar merch. DJ Czech One spinning rare vinyl all night.


Thursday, 5/12
Vagina: The Zine Launch Party
8pm–Midnight • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th Street • Free
Free cupcakes, live music, giveaways, and a photo booth.

Jose Cuervo Subterraneo Party
10pm–1am • Copper Tank, 504 Trinity St. (aka the Pure Volume House venue) • Free w/ RSVP
Free cocktails and music from DJ Prepmode. RSVP is required.


Friday, 5/13
Austin Bat Cave CD Release Party & Benefit Show
9pm–2am • Mohawk, 10th and Red River • Suggested donation of $5-$10
Live music by Sunset, Focus Group, Western Ghost House, Crooks, and Comanche Club. All proceeds will go to creative writing programs at the Austin Bat Cave.


Saturday, 5/14
Black Sheep Lodge 2nd Birthday Bash
2-5pm • Black Sheep Lodge, 2108 S. Lamar • Free w/ RSVP
RSVP for complimentary beer while it lasts. Plus: crawfish boil, spiked watermelon, drink specials. Music by More Cowbell and Whiskey Shivers.

Crawfish Boil at Gibson
2pm–2am • Gibson Bar, 1109 South Lamar Blvd. • Free
Adult slip-n-slide party, with drink specials and $15 all-you-can-eat crawfish.

Yellow Bike Project’s 14th Birthday Party
4pm–Midnight • 1216 Webberville Rd. • Free
Real Ale beer, Rudy’s BBQ, live music and dancing. 50 free kids’ bikes for the first 50 kids. Music by Hex Dispensers, Mole People, Bike Problems, the Vommettes, and Cominatcha.

Unite: Gay Wedding Themed Launch Party
8pm–2am • Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 E. Sixth St. • Free
Free Tito’s Vodka drinks for the first 100 people. Music by Diving and DJs Jorge Peña and Colin Bass.


Sunday, 5/15
Do512 Presents: Honky Tonk Brunch
Noon–4pm • Momo’s, 618 W 6th St. • $3 w/ RSVP, $5 without
Complimentary Deep Eddy Bloody Marys and Deep Lemonades while they last. $10 brunch catered by Hoover’s (worrrth it!). Music by Lucas Hudgins and The Beaumonts.

Room Service Vintage 30th Anniversary Skate Party
8-11pm • Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Drive • Free
Free skating party with cake and giveaways. Passes available all week at Room Service Vintage,
107 E. North Loop Blvd.


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Here are today’s SXSW free party highlights. As always, everything below is open to the badgeless/wristbandless, but some required RSVPs (where noted). Also, you’re going to want to get to these parties as early as possible. Check our Twitter feed for updates. Party on!

DAY PARTIES

SpokesBuzz Fort Collins
10:30am-6pm • The 512, 408 E 6th St.
Free New Belgium Beer, margaritas and food
RSVP required, still open

Filter’s Culture Collide Party
11:30am-6pm • Cedar Street Courtyard
Free BBQ
RSVP required; now closed

AV Club Austin’s March Into Softness
Noon-6pm • Mohawk
Free beer + Starbucks
Low, Baths, Ted Leo, Sharon Van Etten, etc.
RSVP email: avclubRSVP@theonion.com

The Loyalty Firm & The Boxing Lesson Unofficial SXSW Event
Noon-10pm • Guero’s, 1412 South Congress
RSVP now closed

Standard Recording Co.’s Craftacular Music Carnivale
Noon-8pm • Gypsy Lounge, 1504 E. 6th St.
Free drinks
RSVP for priority entry; still open

MOKB Glitter Taco Smoosh Party
Noon–8pm • Peckerheads
Free drinks and tacos
RSVP now closed

Front Gate Tickets SXSW Morning After Party
Noon–5pm • Front Gate Tickets, 1711 S. Congress
Free tacos + bloody marys   
Miami Horror, Eli Paper Boy Reed, Beats Antique, etc.
RSVP required; still open

BAMM.tv Presents: “No Badge, No Prob” App Launch Party
Noon -6pm • Palm Door
Open bar
RSVP required; now closed

Requiemme Mgmt and Devildoll Booking Day Party
Noon-7pm • Aquarium
Free beer from Lagunitas Brewing
No RSVP required

Vanguard and Sugar Hill Records SXSW Day Party
Noon-6pm • The Belmont, 305 W 6th St.
Free Hansen’s Soda, swag
The Gourds, Matt Nathanson, etc.
RSVP required; still open

Rhapsody Rocks Austin
Noon-6pm • Club De Ville
Free beer; Music by Deerhunter, Glasser, Small Black, etc.
RSVP required; now closed

Frye Days at SXSW
Noon–5:30 p.m. • Speakeasy, 412 D Congress
The One AM Radio, Those Dancing Days, Agnes Obel, etc.
RSVP required; still open

Baeblemusic Takes On Texas
Noon–7 • The Phoenix
Datarock, The Boxer Rebellion, The Rural Alberta Advantage, etc.
RSVP required; still open

Terrace Party at the W Hotel
1–6pm • The W
Dirty Vegas, Oh Land, Grouplove, Zowie, Theophilus London, etc.
RSVP required; now closed

The Fader Fort by Fiat
1–8pm • Pine Street Station
Free beer & mixed drinks; great bands
RSVP required, now closed (make sure to pick up your wristband outside the venue)

MidCoast Takeover
2pm–2am • The Liberty, 1618 E 6th St.
Free beer
RSVP requested; still open

Dickies @ SXSW
3pm–1am • Lustre Pearl
Gayngs, Black Lips, Little Dragon, Noah and the Whale, Dum Dum Girls, etc.
RSVP required; now closed

BUZZNET Kiss Me Deadly Party
2–8pm • PureVolume House, 3rd and Trinity
Kerli, The Sounds, Eisley, Kitten, The Indecent; (all ages show)
RSVP for PureVolume required (make sure to pick up your PureVolume badge)


LATE NIGHT

Hype Machine After Hours
11pm–4am • PureVolume House
Clock Opera, Baths, Jonquil, Jamie Woon, Mount Kimbie
RSVP for PureVolume required (make sure to pick up your PureVolume badge)

IHeartComix & Fool’s Gold Present: Past Yo Bedtime
Midnight-4am • Secret location TBA
RSVP still open


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Are y’all ready to get the real party started? Here is our list of free events to kick off the first day of SXSW Music in style. Everything listed below is open to the badgeless/wristbandless, but several of the parties require RSVPs — many of which are now closed, so hopefully you checked out our roundups last week. We recommend showing up early to make sure you get in; we’ll provide updates on wait times via our Twitter feed as we hear about them.

Have fun!

DAY PARTIES

IAMSOUND
11:30am–6pm • Shangri-La   
Friendly Fires, Foster the People, Theophilus London, Mount Kimbie, DOM, Newvillager
DJ Sets by Local Natives
Free Sailor Jerry Rum
RSVP required; now closed

Paste Party
11:30am–8pm • 508 E 6th
Free Qdoba burritos
RSVP still open

BridgeClubMusic Day Party
11:30am–6pm • The Liberty, 1618 1/2 East 6th St.
The Hood Internet, Neiliyo, Penguin Prison, Keepaway, etc.
Free beer
Free; no RSVP required
 
Brooklyn Vegan Day Party
Noon–6pm • Emo’s
Surfer Blood, Mister Heavenly, The Vaccines , Chiddy Bang, Darwin Deez, A Place To Bury Strangers, Turbo Fruits, Anamanaguchi
Free drinks and food
Free, No RSVP required

Glitoris vs BIGSTEREO
Noon-6pm • Barbarella
WhoMadeWho, RAC DJs, Database, T.E.E.D., Wolf Gang, Young Empires, The Good Natured, etc.
RSVP for priority; still open
 
San Diego invades Austin
Noon-6pm • Lustre Pearl
Free tacos and beer
RSVP required; still open

Eat Your Own Ears | Windish Agency / Austinist SXSW Opening Day Party
Noon–6pm • Mohawk, 912 Red River
Cloud Control, Cloud Nothings, Foster the People, Givers, Hanni El Khatib, Noah & the Whale, Royal Bangs, The Holidays, Twin Shadow
Free; no RSVP required

Texas Jumpstart Party
Noon–6pm • Hole in the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe
Ezra Furman & The Harpoons, Country Mice, Sleeptalkers, Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers, Hollerado, Gay Blades, The Midgetmen
Free with RSVP; still open

IODA’s Opening Day Bash
Noon–6pm • Emos’ Annex, 603 Red River
Gold Panda, Beach Fossils, Typhoon, The Bewitched Hands, True Widow, Aphasia, Weekend, Fredrik, Queen Sea Big Shark, Geographer
No RSVP; all ages; free and open to the public

Flavorpill + The MuseBox + I Rock I Roll + The Bell House NY are AUSTIN BFFs
Noon-6pm • Lipstick 24
RSVP required; now closed

Tiger Mountain and Noise Pop Present: Brooklyn vs. The Bay
Noon-6pm • Red Eyed Fly
Open bar
RSVP required; now closed

Baeblemusic Takes On Texas
Noon-7pm • The Phoenix
The Knux, Opio, Casual and DJ Toure of the Hieroglyphics, Sims, Jim-E-O, Cadence Weapon, K-Flay
RSVP required; still open
 
Terrorbird Media & Force Field PR Party
Noon–6pm • Red 7
Cloud Nothings, Pictureplane, Toro y Moi
Free, no RSVP required
 
Eventbrite Party
1-7pm • Empire Auto
Free Dos Equis and Firefly Vodka
RSVP required; now closed

The Fader Fort by Fiat
1-8pm • Pine Street Station
Free beer & mixed drinks; great bands
RSVP required, now closed (make sure to pick up your wristband outside the venue)

PureVolume House
2–7pm; Midnight–4am • 504 Trinity
Early show: Anthony Green, The New Regime, Twin Atlantic, Grand Tarantula
Late show: Drop The Lime, Moby, Telephoned, Oberhofer
RSVP & PureVolume badge required

Gettin’ Frunk as Duck
2–8pm • Peckerheads
Free tacos & beer
RAC, Adventure, Millionyoung, Toubab Krewe, Houses, STRFKR, T Bird & The Breaks; etc.
Free with RSVP; still open


EVENING

Dance Your Face Off! and Slopnessmonster.com SXSW Showcase
7pm–2am • District 301
Free Lone Star beer (while it lasts)
RSVP required; still open

MTV Woodie Awards
8:30pm–2am • Austin Music Hall
Sleigh Bells, Two Door Cinema Club, Foo Fighters; hosted by Donald Glover
RSVP required, now closed

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Week
10pm–2am • Chupacabra Cantina
Free drinks
Zoobombs, Operator Please, Some Community, Ice Black Birds
To get on the list, you have to “Like” their Facebook page

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Ah, New Year’s Eve. A time to reflect on the previous year, make resolutions for the next one, and drink fancy liquor in formalwear.

You might notice that our list this week is a bit of a departure from our usual schedule of events that are free or, at the very least, dirt cheap. Because it’s New Year’s and there are so many things going on, we’ve decided to put together an orderly but comprehensive list of options that goes beyond our usual range of zero to $10. This week’s events range from zero to, well, borderline extortion. But hey, if you dig bottle service and your entourage is rolling 20 deep—or if you just want to splurge on a top-shelf open bar—maybe there’s something on here for you. For everyone else, we’ve sorted all the parties by price, so you can easily find something that’s within your budget. Or just look for a good house party.

Whatever you end up doing, drive safe, or call Austin Sober Ride at 657-2999 for a free cab ride home from 11pm–3am. Happy New Year, you crazy kids.

 
NYE at Cheer Up Charlie’s
Free • 9 pm-2 am (RSVP requested)
Cheer Up Charlie’s, 1104 East 6th St.
Free food and drinks (from 9-10pm) from The Vegan Yacht, Sugartooth Bakery, Torchy’s Tacos, Home Slice Pizza, Treaty Oak Rum, Graham’s Texas Tea, Tito’s Vodka and Firefly Vodka. Featuring giveaways and music from The Sour Notes, Follow That Bird, Missions, Cartright, Zorch, No Mas Bodas, Marmalakes, Bodytronix, Mermaid Blonde, Tiny Tin Hearts.

Austin’s New Year
Free • 5–10:30pm
Auditorium Shores, South 1st Street and Riverside Drive
The city’s official NYE celebration: Music by Charanga Cakewalk, Tje Austin, Lannaya West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Mother Falcon, and The Biscuit Brothers. Screenings of more than a dozen short films by Austin filmmakers. Also of note: “artistic, circus-style performances”; demonstrations by the Austin Bike Zoo; fireworks; food (for purchase) from local vendors.

NYE Party at Rebel’s Honky Tonk
Free • 8pm–2am
Rebel’s Honky Tonk, 305 W. 5th Street
No cover all night. Free champagne toast, drink specials, party favors, and “raging dance tunes” by DJ Jeremy.

NYE at Hudson on Fifth
Free • 4pm-2am
Hudson on Fifth, 301 West 5th Street
No cover all night. For table reservation packages, call 450-4753 or email melissa@fifthstreetentertainment.com.

New Year’s Eve Sock Hop at Shangri-La
$10 • 9pm–2am
Shangri-La, 1016 East 6th Street
The Second Sunday Sock Hop DJs spin dance tunes from the ’50s and ’60s.

New Year’s Eve with DJ Mel / Zeale / The Shears / Hi Tones
$10 inside only, $15 all access • 8pm
Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
Complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
 
NYE Reggae Ball
$10 • 9 pm
Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. Sixth Street
Featuring Tribal Nation & The Mau Mau Chaplains
 
Spiderhouse Glitters Eve NYE Party
$10 • 8 pm
Spiderhouse, 2906 Fruth Street
Featuring Leaders of the Gang, The Shakewells, The Bad Lovers, Cowabunga Babes, DJs Sue Purr, Tweedy, Allen, Sara O and Ben Blackout

New Year’s Eve at Emo’s (Inside)
$12 • 10pm-2am • Tickets
Emo’s, 603 Red River Street
Featuring White Denim, Drizztian Swamper, John Welely Coleman

Happy Fecking New Year
$15 • 6pm-2am
Fado Irish Pub, 214 W. 4th Street
Champagne toast at 6pm (to ring in the Irish New Year) and again at midnight. The $15 cover begins at 8pm, but you get $10 back in Fado cash. Music by The Blaggards.

The Good Foot: A Live Funk Mash-Up
$15 advance, $20 door • 9pm-2am • Tickets
Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.
Live music by The Sugarfoot Family All-Stars 10-piece funk orchestra. Dance party and performances by The Sugarfoot Hustlers eight-woman dance squad. Turntable sets by Soul Happening’s DJ Greg Most. Vintage funk video projections by El Proyector. Costumes encouraged.

New Year’s Eve with The Sword
$17 advance, $20 day of show • 8pm • Tickets
Mohawk, 912 Red River St.
The Sword / Mammoth Grinder/ Eagle Claw. Champagne (of Beers) toast at midnight.

The Action Pack’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Sing Along
$18 • 10pm • Tickets
Alamo Drafthouse Ritz, 320 E. 6th Street
Featuring an official countdown based on the world atomic clock, a free champagne toast, and “the most confetti per square foot of any other party in town.”

The Bright Light Social Hour Vinyl Release Party (Live CD recording and DVD shoot)
$20 advance, $25 day of show (includes free champagne toast) • 9 pm
The Parish, 214-C E. Sixth Street
Featuring The Bright Light Social Hour, L.A.X and more

New Year’s Eve with ColdTowne Theater
$20 for each show, or $30 for both • 8pm–Late • Tickets
Salvage Vanguard Theatre, 2803 Manor Road
Two comedy plays—Dead Uncle Ted (8pm) and Loose Fish (10pm)—and a ‘60s dance party on stage after the shows (11:30pm). BYOB.

Foot Patrol New Year’s Eve: Prince vs. Michael Jackson + Karaoke Apocalypse
$20 advance, $25 door • 8:30pm • Tickets
ND @ 501 Studios, 501 I-35
Foot Patrol plays classics by Prince and MJ. Pick a song and sing with the band during the Karaoke Apocalypse portion of the evening.

NYE at Emo’s (Outside)
$25 • 9 pm • Tickets
Emo’s, 603 Red River Street
Featuring 100 Monkeys, Kissing Club

Warren Hood / The Bellville Outfit / The Goods
$25 • 9pm • Tickets
Momo’s, 618 West Sixth Street

New Year’s Eve at The Highball: Dance Through the Decades (Update: SOLD OUT)
$25 dance party ticket (includes champagne toast and two cocktails); dinner package and bottle service available for additional costs • 10pm
Dance your way through the decades with Henri and the Action Pack as they present a music video dance party covering the ’70s through 2010. Costumes from different decades encouraged. See website for info on dinner and bottle service options.

New Year’s Eve Improv Extravaganza
$25 • 8pm (early show) and 10:30pm (late show)
The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Avenue
Live improv shows, games and scenes. New Year’s chocolates at the early show, midnight champagne toast at the late show.

Shiny Disco Ball at Firehouse
$25 general admission, $50 VIP • 8pm
The Firehouse Lounge, 605 Brazos St.
Hors d’oeuvres, champagne, party favors and a dance mix by DJ B and Mikey C. VIP includes 2 free drinks and a dedicated bartender.

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears / Grupo Fantasma (Update: SOLD OUT)
$27 • 8pm
La Zona Rosa, 612 W 4th St.

A New Year’s Eve Party with Jimmie Vaughan
$30 • 8pm
Antone’s, 213 West 5th St.
Jimmie Vaughan / Mike Flanigin’s B3 Trio / The Horton Brothers

T-Bird and the Breaks
$32 • 9pm
Stubbs (indoors), 801 Red River

New Year’s Eve with Bob Schneider
$35-$105 • 8pm • Tickets
Paramount Theater, 713 Congress Ave.

Kraddy, Mad Classey vs. Irresponsible Voltron
$40 advance, $50 at the door, $75 VIP • 9pm • Tickets
Ace’s Lounge, 222 E. 6th St.

New Year’s Eve at Speakeasy
$44 general admission; $75 reserved table; $100 priority admission (with open bar); bottle service available for additional cost • 8pm-2am
Speakeasy on the Avenue, 412 Congress Ave.
Matchmaker Band and DJs. Complimentary champagne toast.

Cake / White Ghost Shivers / Agent Ribbons (Update: SOLD OUT)
$50, $75 • 8pm
Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces St.

New Year’s Eve Party at The Driskill
$65 • 8pm–Late
The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos St.
An evening of food and entertainment. Tickets available at the front desk.
 
“When Harry Met Sally” New Year’s Feast
$75 • 7pm • Tickets
Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, 320 E. 6th Street
Film screening with a themed four-course menu and a midnight champagne toast.

New Year’s Eve at The Belmont
$75 advance, $100 at the door • 10pm-2am
The Belmont, 305 West 6th Street
Open bar from 10pm–2am, party favors, late night snacks, and a champagne toast.

New Year’s Eve Casino Celebration
$75 • 8:30pm–12:30am
Norris Conference Center, 2525 West Anderson Lane
Open bar from 8:30-10:30pm; cash bar 9:30pm–midnight. Complimentary appetizer buffet, champagne toast, and a DJ spinning hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Semiformal to black tie required. Winnings from casino games (blackjack, craps, roulette, etc.) can be used to participate in a raffle. Benefits Families in Need.

NYE at The Rooftop on Sixth
$85 • 9pm–2am
The Rooftop on Sixth, 403 E. 6th Street
Open bar until 1am. Purchase tickets at the bar any day between 8–11pm or 1–3pm Wednesday and Thursday. For table reservations, call 942-7663 or email rooftoponsixth@gmail.com.
 
La Sombra’s New Year’s Eve Bash
$95 • 8pm–Midnight
La Sombra, 4800 Burnet Road
Dinner buffet, drinks (international selection of wine and beer) and live music by Cienfuegos. Proceeds benefit Leadership Austin.
For tickets, call 458-1100 or stop by the restaurant.
 
New Years Eve at Seaholm Power Plant
$100 • 9pm-3am • Tickets
Seaholm Power Plant, 214 West Ave.
N.A.S.A. / Ladytron / DJ Set featuring Reuben Wu / Markus with a K
Multiple dance floors and lounges, valet parking, free hors d’oeuvres and champagne, video and light shows.
 
New Year’s Eve at Kung Fu Saloon
$100 • 8pm (RSVP is required)      
Kung Fu Saloon, 510 Rio Grande St.
Includes open bar (including top shelf), sushi bar by Kenichi, ice shot block, self-serve champagne bar, free games all night, T-shirt, music by DJ Kenja.
Call 512-751-8002 or email brandi@kungfusaloon.com to RSVP

NYE at Canvas Bar
$100 • 9pm
Canvas Bar, 105 E. 5th Street
Top-shelf open bar, Italian food buffet. Music by DJ Daze (Top 40, hiphop, house, and rock).
For tickets, call 415-3112.

Parkside New Year’s Eve
$100 • 10pm-2am • Tickets
Parkside, 301 E. 6th Street
Open bar, champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and sweets. Music by DJ Thunderball and a photo booth by Devaki Knowles.

New Year’s Eve at Hotel Saint Cecilia
$100 • 8pm–Midnight
Hotel Saint Cecilia, 112 Academy Drive
Open bar, hors d’oeuvres (crab cakes, pork tenderloin, herbed supli with mozzarella), performances by Topaz and Mudphonic.
For tickets, call 852-2409 or email lisa.reile@hotelsaintcecilia.com

Gibson Ski Lodge New Year’s Eve Party
$115 • 9 pm • Tickets
Gibson Bar, 1109 South Lamar Boulevard
Gibson Bar will be transformed into the Ski Lodge on South Lamar with 30 tons of real snow. Ticket includes complimentary commemorative ski caps, appetizers, beverages, dancing, and many photo ops in the hot tub—plus a champagne toast to ring in 2011. Dress code is ski attire.

NYE at Malverde (Update: SOLD OUT)
$125 • 9pm-2am
Malverde, 400 W. 2nd Street
Premium open bar all night. Champagne toast, party favors and desserts. Music by DJ F**king A and photo booth by Trevor Ray Thompson.

(Photo)

RSVP to the Fader Fort at SxSW! March 17-20, 1-8pm

It’s gonna be wild times, folks. Free beer, SoCo and tunes. No badge or wristband required, but you MUST RSVP to be able to get in. Click the poster and sign up on their site. And do it quickly.

Stay tuned for details on when and where to get your party wristbands.

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!

RSVP Roundup
Fall in Austin appears to be the season of wild parties. A lot of them are cheaper if you sign up early online, and some of them—notably, the ones with free booze—require RSVPs. So what are you waiting for? Here’s a list of the parties that all the cool kids are RSVPing for, so go ahead and get on the lists before they close.

Oct. 22: Swanky Social for The Movers and Shakers of Austin
RSVP requested. $5 suggested donation
8-11pm
Free drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Paula’s Texas Spirits. Free food from a number of delicious Austin eateries.
The Phoenix, 409 Colorado Street

Oct. 24: Mixx & Make Halloween Craftacular
RSVP for $6 entry ($8 at the door)
9pm
Red Rum by Treaty Oak Rum, coffin cakes by Blue Note Bakery, gummy bat eating contest, Gibson guitar giveaway
Mixx, 612 E. 6th

Oct. 28: Flip Scene’s Halloween Bash 2009
$10 advance tickets ($12 at the door)
8pm-2am at Mohawk
Learning Secrets, The Bright Light Social Hour, The Black and White Years, L.A.X., Neiliyo, DJ Markus (w/ a K)

Oct. 30: Rare Magazine Costume Bash at Speakeasy
Free with RSVP
Honestly, we have no idea where this link came from or what this event actually is, but it promises a free costume party, so by god we signed ourselves up

Oct. 31: Do512 Halloween Party in the Graveyard
Free, RSVP required - this one’s gonna close soon so hurry!
7-11pm
Free Tito’s Vodka & Dos Equis. Music by the Lemurs
2200 S. Lamar

Nov. 2: Dos Equis do-over party
Free, RSVP required
Free beer, music, comedy and contortionists.
La Zona Rosa

Nov. 5: Austin Bleet-Up: Meet Your Bloggers
$7, RSVP required
8:30pm at Mohawk
Food provided by Mama Fu’s, complimentary drinks from Tito’s Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea, and Birds Barbershop is giving away Free Lone Stars to the first 50 guests (so get there early). Music by Corto Maltese, Built By Snow, The Lennings, The Great Nostalgic, Sad Accordions, Politics and DJ Sets by the incredible Learning Secrets

Nov. 6: The Combo Plate at Scoot Inn
RSVP for $5 entry ($8 at the door)
The Hood Internet, Neiliyo, Zlam Dunk, Colourmusic, a photo booth with Annie Ray and custom screen tee shirts created on site by Under Pressure