Cool This Weekend: December 3–5The lowdown on the best free and cheap fun to be had this weekend.FRIDAYAustin Bleet-Up7:30pm • $7 cover (RSVP)Beer from Live Oak Brewery (while it lasts), sandwiches, coffee and other goodness. Music by Motel Aviv, Politics, The Lennings, et al.Whole Foods rooftop terrace, 6th and LamarSouth Austin Gallery Opening: Benefit for Keep Austin Beautiful7-10pm • FreeFree sandwiches from Grill Haven trailer and cocktails from Balcones Distillery. Music from DJ Aaron Montez. Photo booth.507 W. Mary St.101X Homegrown Live Free Show: The Lemurs and Royal ForestDoors at 8, music at 9:30 • No coverLocal bands. A portion of the bar sales will go to The Ronald McDonald House.Lucky Lounge SATURDAYIndependence Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting1-2pm • FreeFree tour and beer tastings. Bring cash to purchase food and brewery merchandise. 3913 Todd Lane #607Pink House 4: The Pink House and Stem & Leaf 2010 Wrap-Up Party2pm-midnight • Free; donations are encouragedKeg beer sponsored by NXNW Brewery, plus BBQ and other grilled foods. Music from 11 bands.The Pink House, 2402 E 9th St.Scamps and Scoundrels: An Urban Dog Challenge – After Party5-8pm • FreeDrinks sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea, Republic Tequila and Uncle Billy’s. Also: Amy’s Ice Cream. The after party is open to the public as well as those who compete in the challenge, which benefits Austin Pets Alive.Austin Pets Alive, 2807 Manchaca (at Lamar)Supa Dupa Purple Haze: Official Knuckle Rumbler Big Boi After Party9pm-2am • $5; $3 w/ RSVP or Big Boi show stub; free with afro (wig or real)DJs  Orion and Prince Klassen spin jams by Jimi Hendrix and Missy Elliot. Photo booth by Annie Ray.Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th Street (at Navasota)Speakeasy’s Repeal of Prohibition Celebration9pm-2am • FreeFree drinks while they last, followed by Dewars specials all night. Dress up 1920s-style (think flappers and fedoras).Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave.90s Music Video Dance Party at The Highball11pm-2am • FreeThe Highball brings back its 90s Dance Party series with a brand new mix of videos.Highball, 1142 S. LamarSUNDAYDonate & Date Auction 7-9pm • Free with donation of 2 canned goods for the Capital Area Food BankFree beer. Key Bar will auction off dates to benefit Heart House of Austin, which receives 100% of the proceeds. Key Bar, 617 W. 6th StreetThe Onion Re-Opening Party8pm-2am • FreeFree pizza and music to celebrate the opening of The Onion pizzeria’s new location.One-2-One Bar, 121 E. 5th Street (Photo)
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Cool This Weekend: December 3–5
The lowdown on the best free and cheap fun to be had this weekend.

FRIDAY
Austin Bleet-Up
7:30pm • $7 cover (RSVP)
Beer from Live Oak Brewery (while it lasts), sandwiches, coffee and other goodness. Music by Motel Aviv, Politics, The Lennings, et al.
Whole Foods rooftop terrace, 6th and Lamar

South Austin Gallery Opening: Benefit for Keep Austin Beautiful
7-10pm • Free
Free sandwiches from Grill Haven trailer and cocktails from Balcones Distillery. Music from DJ Aaron Montez. Photo booth.
507 W. Mary St.

101X Homegrown Live Free Show: The Lemurs and Royal Forest
Doors at 8, music at 9:30 • No cover
Local bands. A portion of the bar sales will go to The Ronald McDonald House.
Lucky Lounge


SATURDAY
Independence Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
1-2pm • Free
Free tour and beer tastings. Bring cash to purchase food and brewery merchandise.
3913 Todd Lane #607

Pink House 4: The Pink House and Stem & Leaf 2010 Wrap-Up Party
2pm-midnight • Free; donations are encouraged
Keg beer sponsored by NXNW Brewery, plus BBQ and other grilled foods. Music from 11 bands.
The Pink House, 2402 E 9th St.

Scamps and Scoundrels: An Urban Dog Challenge – After Party
5-8pm • Free
Drinks sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea, Republic Tequila and Uncle Billy’s. Also: Amy’s Ice Cream. The after party is open to the public as well as those who compete in the challenge, which benefits Austin Pets Alive.
Austin Pets Alive, 2807 Manchaca (at Lamar)

Supa Dupa Purple Haze: Official Knuckle Rumbler Big Boi After Party
9pm-2am • $5; $3 w/ RSVP or Big Boi show stub; free with afro (wig or real)
DJs  Orion and Prince Klassen spin jams by Jimi Hendrix and Missy Elliot. Photo booth by Annie Ray.
Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th Street (at Navasota)

Speakeasy’s Repeal of Prohibition Celebration
9pm-2am • Free
Free drinks while they last, followed by Dewars specials all night. Dress up 1920s-style (think flappers and fedoras).
Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave.

90s Music Video Dance Party at The Highball
11pm-2am • Free
The Highball brings back its 90s Dance Party series with a brand new mix of videos.
Highball, 1142 S. Lamar


SUNDAY
Donate & Date Auction
7-9pm • Free with donation of 2 canned goods for the Capital Area Food Bank
Free beer. Key Bar will auction off dates to benefit Heart House of Austin, which receives 100% of the proceeds.
Key Bar, 617 W. 6th Street

The Onion Re-Opening Party
8pm-2am • Free
Free pizza and music to celebrate the opening of The Onion pizzeria’s new location.
One-2-One Bar, 121 E. 5th Street

(Photo)

The Weekend Flow: November 5-8What can I say? It’s gonna be a fun weekend. THURSDAY, Nov. 5Do512’s Pre Bleet-Up Happy Hour5:30-8pmThe Do512 folks are offering up some of the free Dos Equis left over from their recent fiestas in a warmup to the big Bleet-Up this evening.$5 suggested donation to the Groundwork Music Project gets you free beer. RSVP required.Do512 HQ, 2208 S. LamarAustin Bleet-Up: Meet Your Bloggers8:30pmFree drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf Tea, free food from Mama Fu’s. Music by Corto Maltese, Built By Snow, The Lennings, The Great Nostalgic, Sad Accordions, Politics and a Learning Secrets DJ set.$7, RSVP required by 3pm today!!Mohawk , 912 Red RiverWhole Foods’ Taste of Thanksgiving6-8pmWhole Foods at 6th and Lamar will offer samples from departments throughout the store—think baked goods, wine, you name it—as part of the store’s annual Thanksgiving tasting.Free, no RSVPWhole Foods, 6th and LamarFRIDAY, Nov. 6After the Jump: FunFunFun Fest panel discussionDoors at 5:30pm, panel at 6:30pmMaura Johnston (Idolator), Justin Gage (Aquarium Drunkard), Peter Gaston (SPIN), David Prince (Billboard, Daily Swarm), Joe Gross (Austin American-Statesman) and Paige Maguire (Austinist, WOXY) will discuss the ever-thinning line between new media and the mainstream. There will be a question period and cocktails after the panel.Free. No RSVP.Mohawk , 912 Red RiverLocal Music is Sexy: Official FunFunFun Fest Kickoff PartyMusic starts at 8pmBeautiful Supermachines, My Milky Way Arms, Air Traffic Controllers, Distant Seconds, the Low Lows, TV Torso, Black Before Red, Silent Land Time Machine, Manikin, The Authors, Watch Out for Rockets and International Waters will all perform, and there will be a special presentation by the Minor Mishap Marching Band. You can also pick up your FFF wristbands at the event.Free. No RSVP.Mohawk , 912 Red RiverThe Combo Plate8pm-2amFFF pre-party with music by The Hood Internet, Neiliyo, Zlam Dunk, Colourmusic, a photo booth with Annie Ray and custom screen tee shirts created on site by Under Pressure$5 w/ RSVP, $8 at the doorScoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.Up the Antics9pm-2amMusic by Yeasayer, Learning Secrets DJs, Totally Michael, Best Fwends and Mission, plus some giveawaysFree. RSVP required.Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th StreetSATURDAY, Nov. 7FunFunFun Fest!!!Okay, so it’s not free. And you probably know whether you’re going or not. But boy, its it gonna be fun (x3), and there’s a lot going on for those who aren’t going to be day-drinking in Waterloo Park. For the scoop on all the weekend parties, check out these killer lists of goings-on from my boy Ultra8201 as well as the dance party/photog power-couple The Peen Scene.Draught House Pub 41st Anniversary Celebration1pmRare draught and cask beers will be offered for sampling. DJ Jubal will spin a soul set and Texas BBQ will be served.Free, no RSVPDraught House Pub & Brewery, 4112 Medical Pkwy.First Saturday on South FirstFor those who decide to opt out of the daytime FFF shenanigans (and like to shop), First Saturday on South has a number of options to meet your free afternoon cocktail needs. There’s lots of stuff going on, so check their Facebook page for the full list. Here are the events with free stuff: Lovely Austin - Couture, Consignment, Fashion2-4pmEnjoy live acoustic entertainment from 2-4pm and a complimentary beverage while you browse. Free, No RSVP.Lovely Austin, 1106 South 1st St.Envy Clothing StoreFree Shiner while you shop. No RSVP.Envy, 507 W. Mary St.Amelia’s Retrovogue and Relics and Moxie a go-go2-6pmFree beer and wine at a fundraiser for the Society for Animal Rescue and Adoption. No RSVP.2213 S. 1st St.SUNDAY, Nov. 8Shop 787Noon-6pm$5 donation to Dell Children’s Medical Center gets you free drinks by Tito’s Vodka and Sweet Leaf, as well as an opportunity to shop at dozens of local boutiques. $5 online, $10 at the doorMosaic at Mueller, 4600 Mueller Blvd. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to tweet us @coolinaustin if you’re out at the Fest. And we need more fans on Facebook, so tell your pals what’s up!
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The Weekend Flow: November 5-8
What can I say? It’s gonna be a fun weekend.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

RSVP Roundup

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