Here are a few suggestions of cool n’ free events worth checking out tonight. As of 3pm, all the RSVPs are still open — but hurry! Watch our Twitter feed for more party info as it comes in.

Strange Brew
2pm–2am • Hotel Vegas, 1500 East 6th St. • Free w/ RSVP
Free beer, food, and music by TV Torso, Whiskey Shivers, and others.

The Barbarian Group & Tumblr present: Robo Trip
6pm–2am • Club de Ville/Mohawk, Red River b/t 9th & 10th • Free, no RSVP
Free show with lineup featuring Wavves, Kool Keith, Japandroids, Beach Fossils, The Sour Notes, and others.

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

Indie GoGo presents: Starry Night
7–10pm • Icenhauer’s, 83 Rainey Street • RSVP required
Free cocktails by Dripping Springs Vodka.

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

iHeart Radio Presents: PureVolume House After Hours Showcase
11:30pm–4am • PureVolume House, 2nd and Trinity • PureVolume badge required
Free drinks + music by T. Mills, ZZ Ward, K’NAAN, Dead Sara, and Foxy Shazam. PV badge pickup runs through 5pm.

Update 3/7 at 5:30pm — RSVP is now closed. Bummer!

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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Photo by Jared Polin (via Flickr)

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

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

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

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

Good luck out there!


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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



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


Photo by Kris Krüg (via Flickr)

We’ve finally cracked the record for most 100+ degree days (suck it, 1925!), but in the immortal words of James Murphy, “If you’re worried about the weather, then you picked the wrong place to stay.” With that in mind, let’s go have some drinks.

Tuesday, Aug. 30
New Belgium 1554 Promo at The Draughthouse
5pm • The Draughthouse, 4112 Medical Pkwy
Free BBQ, ice cream, cheese pairings, live music and globe glasses free w/ beer

Free Beer Tuesday @ I Luv Video
5pm • I Luv Video, 4803 Airport Blvd.
Free beer. On a Tuesday.

Furnish 123 Back to School Bash
6–8pm • Furnish 123 Austin, 6601 Burnet Road • RSVP required
Free champagne, baked goods & @cornucopiapops popcorn.


Wednesday, Aug. 31
Wine Down Wednesday
5pm • The Front Porch at ACL Live, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. • Free
Free wine tastings from Clos du Bois, food sampling by Malaga Tapas & Bar, music by Tje Austin.

Tamale Molly Grand Opening Celebration
7pm–Midnight • The North Door, 501 I-35
Complimentary food and beer while it lasts, with music by Hobo D.


Thursday, Sept. 1
Loft Kickoff Party
6–9pm • Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Celebrate the grand opening of The Loft at Bass Concert Hall with free screen-printed T-shirts from Sanctuary Printshop; sandwiches from Jalopy Rotisserie & Press; cupcakes and cake balls made by Sweet Treats by Megan; Cornucopia popcorn; and Sweet Leaf Tea — plus a DJ and a photo booth. (Crazy!)


Saturday, Sept. 3
Grey Goose Vodka Tasting
6–8pm • Barton Creek Resort and Spa, 8212 Barton Club Drive
Complimentary Grey Goose L’Orange Summer Tea.

The Dope Mix
8:30pm–2am • Club de Ville, 900 Red River
Hip-hop & rock show with a keg of free beer, while it lasts.


Plus: A bonus RSVP event for next week…

Wednesday, Sept. 7
Palm Door Open House
7–9pm • The Palm Door, 401 Sabine Street • RSVP required
Free food and drinks by Pink Avocado, cupcakes by PolkaDots


Photo by Lori Greig (Flickr)

Fly, my pretties, fly — to get some free stuff at these awesome events!

Monday, Aug. 15
CineMondays: “Camp Nowhere”
10pm • 29th Street Ballroom at Spider House, 2906 Fruth Street
Free movie night presented by I Luv Video, with cheap drinks and $1 pizza slices.


Tuesday, Aug. 16
Austin Chronicle presents: Paper Cuts
7–9pm • The Palm Door, 401-A Sabine Street • RSVP for priority entry
Free food & drinks from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Opal Divines, and Dos Equis, with music by The Sour Notes.

Free Beer Tuesday @ I Luv Video
5pm • I Luv Video, 4803 Airport Blvd.
Free beer. On a Tuesday.

Bourbon Talk
7pm • Trifecta on 3rd - 360 Nueces St. • RSVP required
Free tastings of Garrison Brother’s Bourbon


Wednesday, Aug. 17
Wine Down Wednesdays at ACL Live
5–7pm • The Front Porch at ACL Live, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. • Free
Free wine tastings from Clos du Bois, food sampling by Imperia, music by The Trishas

Kenichi’s 10th Anniversary Party
10pm–1am • Kenichi, 419 Colorado Street • RSVP required
Free UV Vodka, Red Bull drink specials & “many other surprises”


Thursday, Aug. 18
Lamberts’ El Patio Party
6–8pm • Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, 401 West 2nd St.
Free tacos, specialty cocktails, DJ set by Adrian Quesada of @OcoteSoulSounds

Shinerhösen: A Neighborhood “Bock” Party
7–11pm • Birds Barbershop, 1902 South Congress Avenue
Free Shiner, koozies, Shiner-flavored Amy’s Ice Cream, Alison Narro photo booth, oompah band, and other festivities


Friday, Aug. 19
Grey Goose Vodka Outdoor Tasting
6–8pm • Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, 701 Congress Avenue
Complimentary Grey Goose L’Orange Summer Tea

Carter Beckworth CD Release Party
11pm–12:30am • Saxon Pub, 1320 South Lamar • $10 cover
Cover gets you free Rex Goliath Wine and free Ropollo’s Pizza


Saturday, Aug. 20
Fight for Your Right to Parody with Lamebook.com
6pm–2am • Shangri-La, 1016 E 6th St. • $5 suggested donation
Free beer, DJ sets from Flying Turns’ DJG, Iron Mike and BINK

Back to the 80s Costume Party
9pm • Nomad Bar, 1213 Corona Drive
Drink specials for anyone who dresses in an 80s costume. Live music from 80s rock tribute band Crotch Rock It.


Photo by Dan Pancamo (flickr)

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

(Photo)

Still looking for plans to celebrate the first Saturday of SXSW 2011? Here are some highlights of parties that you can get into without badges or wristbands. All RSVPs are still open as of 3pm today, except for the IFC House.

Domo, Yobongo, Soundtrckr & Who’s Free Want To Buy You a Drink
5–7pm • Ten Oak, 409 Colorado Ave. • No RSVP Required
Free drinks

Friends of Refresh
6–9 p.m. • Valhalla on Red River • RSVP Required

“Think & Drink” In Austin   
7pm–2am • Scoot Inn, E. 4th and Neches • RSVP Required
Networking, Drinking, Smoking, Cussing, Micro Brews, Massive Burgers
DJs from Mister Heavenly

Ning Presents: Mogwee
8pm–2am • Mohawk, 912 Red River • Ning Registration & RSVP Required
Washed Out, DJ Premier, Black Joe Lewis, Rac DJs, The Limousines, DJ Aaron Axelsen
Free booze to be had (especially if you download the Mogwee iPhone app)

Diggnation Live!
8p - 1a • Stubb’s BBQ, 801 Red River Street • No RSVP Required
“Beer, magic and the best kind of debauchery”
Magician Brian Brushwood of Scam School, Indie rock duo Bad Veins, and DJ Mike Relm

Copyblogger Presents: An Indelicate Diversion
9pm–3am • Beauty Bar • No RSVP Required
Open bar from 9–10pm; must give them the password “PREMISE” at the door

IFC Crossroads House
3–10pm • 7th and Brazos • IFC wristband required (hopefully you’ve picked yours up; if not, your next chance is Wednesday)
Tonight: VYou Video In Your Pocket party; free beer; music by This Will Destroy You

PureVolume House: SXSW Kick Off Party
10pm-4am • PV House, 5th and Brazos • RSVP & PureVolume Badge Required
RSVP is still open, and you don’t need a SXSW badge. Just pick up your PureVolume badge at the house between 4–9pm.
Open bar.

TV on the Radio? Sleigh Bells? Open bar and video games at the venue of last year’s Perez party? Yes please. To RSVP, email rsvp@zynga.com.

(Thanks to @wornwhite for the tip)