Posts tagged ‘parties’

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March 12, 2010

Reminder: SXSW Spreadsheet

I’m so psyched so many of you are using the SXSW 2010 Free Party spreadsheet! Just wanted to remind you that it’s constantly updated as I find out about new parties, so make sure you’re checking this version: https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Asjskwdlt0podDk4V2R6T1VScHNGa05kQ0hyd2Y4d3c&hl=en

Some weird “Copy of SXSW Spreadsheet” babies have started showing up in my google docs, which is cool if you want the bastard version, but for the bright, shiny, constantly-up-to-date copy, you gotta click on the link above. :-)

HAPPY SXSW!!

Oh, and because this party is usual on everyone’s Favorites list:

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February 18, 2010

Let the madness begin: SXSW 2010

It appears the SXSW media frenzy has come earlier than usual this year. It’s just less than a month out, but the twitter/blogger/media buzz is already loud and, well, buzzing. So I’ve come to your rescue, this is life in austin readers, and put together the beginnings of a spreadsheet:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Asjskwdlt0podDk4V2R6T1VScHNGa05kQ0hyd2Y4d3c&hl=en

I will be updating it as more and more free parties are announced.

Like all my posts, I’m only listing parties I’d go to. The spreadsheet also only has parties that are FREE and OPEN TO ANYONE (though you may need to RSVP), as well as offer something for free–food, booze, t-shirts, etc. Let’s face it (blasphemy alert): I don’t go to SXSW for the music, I go for the crazy atmosphere and energy of all the revelers, not just the bands. So I’m looking for more than my fave band (though Fader Fort usually hosts a few of those), I’m looking for other goodies too.

Sweeping SXSW generalizations:

  • Interactive has the best night/happy hour parties. Great for girls, because it’s mostly dudes. Usually the best swag too. My fave days of SXSW.
  • Film has some really cool, really big premieres that anyone can get into for $8. Worth waiting in line. Know little to nothing about film parties. Do they not happen?
  • Music is the big enchilada, and features stacked day parties. It can be harder to find free parties and booze at night.

Here are my Top Ten SXSW Recommendations:

  1. Decide and commit to:
    • GO BIG: hit tons of events every night
    • GO MEDIUM: hit just one event every night
    • GO WEEKEND WARRIOR: just hit the music festival. For this, you pretty much need only walk down East Sixth during the day to find free booze and food. You’re on your own at night, but you’ll likely be exhausted and too drunk to really know if you start at noon, so do that.
  2. Drink lots of water. 1:1 with booze especially as the hours wear on. Your hangover will thank you.
  3. RSVP to every single party you mightpossiblymaybeI’llthinkaboutitletyouknow attend. Much better to be a no-show than a no-go at the door.
  4. Get on twitter. Make friends.
  5. Charge your cell. You want to meet up with your (new) friends.
  6. Wear comfortable shoes.
  7. Wear sunscreen. It’s hot.
  8. Eat. Food is free or cheap, and plentiful. Kebabalicious rocks, they should have two trucks up by SXSW (7th & San Jacinto, 2ndish & Congress).
  9. Sleep 8 hours every night. See: #s 2, 6, 7
  10. Enjoy the street scene. There’s nothing else like it. (In other words, don’t bitch, don’t be a drama queen, and enjoy your free beer!)

Other sources for info:

And that’s it. Go out into the wide, wide SXSW world, grasshoppers. Use this spreadsheet: https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Asjskwdlt0podDk4V2R6T1VScHNGa05kQ0hyd2Y4d3c&hl=en

***Send me party info, tweeps to follow, whatever: thisislifeinaustin@gmail.com or @lifeinaustin

Archives:

SXSW 2008

SXSW 2009: Mon – Tues - Wed – Thurs – Fri – Sat

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October 27, 2009

Halloween Haunts: Where to Get Your Spook On

I’ve been remiss in not posting Halloween to-dos sooner, but Halloween, like other big holidays, just wears me out sometimes. I LOVE LOVE LOVE costumes, but I like themes. I like to get creative on a theme, not just have the whole wide world as possibilities–it’s just too much. Anyway, here are some Halloween haunts for you fools:

House of Torment: Rise of the Abominations / Illusion Manor: Where reality ends and Nightmares Begin

Permanent Facility in the Northeast corner of Highland Mall
TIX: $14.99, $19.99 for Combo Pass w/Illusion Manor PLUS tickets are sold in 30-minute “Showtimes” so no long lines!

Rise of the Abominations is a multi-layered, psychological thrill most comparable to a trip through a modern horror movie or ultra-vivid video game—complete with detailed two-story sets, towering animatronic monsters, iconic characters, and chilling scenarios. Step into the post-apocalyptic world of nightmarish overlord Mr. Creep as an epic struggle for survival unfolds in a vivid wasteland where civilization has collapsed and fallen prey to biological warfare, social anarchy, and widespread bedlam. With no law or prevalent power to preside, the country has degenerated into ongoing conflict between the fear-mongering Sgt. Graves and a stealth Tactical Ops Unit as well as legions of mutant inhabitants, known as The Infected, The Contagium, and the growing contingent of The Abomination uprising.

Guests who cannot make it through are photographed for the “Wall of Shame.”

“Blood Ritual” Brings the Fiends Back to Richard Garriott’s Estate

Richard Garriott’s legendary estate, Britannia Manor, was known from 1988 to 1994 as the most elaborate haunted house in the country and until this year the venue has remained dormant. Breast Cancer Resource Centers (BCRC) of Texas and SCARE for a CURE will bring this iconic place back to life with a haunted house to benefit breast cancer.

Featured in Garriott’s own scaled replica of an Elizabethan outdoor theater nestled along the banks of Lake Austin, the Curtain Theatre will host a reunion of some of Shakespeare’s most famous characters as Austin Shakespeare presents Spooky Shakespeare. Scenes from the master storyteller’s scariest and most enchanting moments include the Ghost of Hamlet’s father, the Witches of Macbeth, Puck and Oberon from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Prospero and Ariel from The Tempest.

Haunted House: Wednesday, October 28 – Saturday, October 31, 7:30pm

www.bcrc.org and www.scareforacure.org

TIX: General Admission $20; Red Level experience $25, http://www.scareforacure.org/tickets/index.php

All net proceeds benefit the BCRC

Spooky Shakespeare: Thursday, October 29 – Saturday, October 31, 8 pm

http://austinshakespeare.org/drupal/?q=node/285

TIX: $15 seated; $10 groundlings (standing).

Both: Richard Garriott’s estate on the shores of Lake Austin, 7400 Coldwater Canyon Dr.

Friday Pumpkin Carving

La Condesa invite

3-5pm Friday, kids carve free, and the mysteriously creepy invite says Pumpkins, Punch, and Pinatas. What? Worth checking out.

THRILLS, CHILLS, HAUNTS AND JOLTS

Saturday October 31st from 1-6pm

jo's poster

In partnership with Monofonus Press & Boozefox, Jo’s Coffee will host a monstrous Halloween event filled with music, games, concessions, a costume competition, and more. Coloring contest (entry $5 at south congress JO’s), cake walk, raffle, and prizes; entry is free, but you have to pay to play. The Coloring Contest will be done on pillowcase canvasses which kids can use as their own unique Halloween treat bag!

Local musicians: Wax Museum Pandemonium, The Inheritance, The Blue Hit, and Wino Vino.

Proceeds will go directly to Urban Roots- a local nonprofit that combines sustainable agriculture with youth development.

Freak Show

Couch Professor Ent. proudly presents FREAK SHOW with:

*Costume Contest with prizes from local Austin vendors
*King/Queen contest who will lead the freaks into the midnight madness
*Free TITO’S TRASH CAN PUNCH and jello shots!
*Photo booth by Annie Ray
*On site Screen Printing by Under Pressure

Bands inside:

Butcher Bear @ Charlie www.myspace.com/butchrbear
Scorpio Rising www.myspace.com/scorpiorising
Art Versus Industry www.myspace.com/artversusindustry
MAU & Cold Electric www.myspace.com/coldelectricmusic
POSR www.myspace.com/weareposr
Young American www.myspace.com/weareyoungamerican

DJs outside:

DJ Czech One www.myspace.com/djczechone
DJ Scorpio www.myspace.com/djscorpiorocks
Vice Device www.myspace.com/vice_device
DJ Dey One www.myspace.com/munkeebrains
DJ Billy Q www.myspace.com/455765759

Sponsors:

Tito’s Vodka www.titos-vodka.com
Under Pressure www.handsonscreenshop.com
Annie Ray www.annieray.net
Birds Barbershop www.birdsbarbershop.com
Discount Electronics www.discountelectronics.com
Two Groove www.twogroove.com

Party kicks off 9pm sharp.

$5 Entry w/RSVP here: www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=171355612717&ref=ts

Click “I Like It!” for a chance to win one of three pairs of FREE TICKETS!
http://do512.com/event/2009/10/30/all-hallows-eve-homecoming-dance-massacre-free-poison-punch-jaunty-jello-shots-and-more

Zombie Attack Preparedness (ZAP) Workout

Last but certainly not least, go here for a fierce workout should Zombies attack this Halloween: http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2009/10/zombie-attack-preparedness-zap-workout.html

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October 1, 2009

ACL Afterparties

But Lyssa, I thought couldn’t handle ACL? According to last year’s ACL post, where, BTW, I share some tips to live by ifidosaysomyself, I have retired from ACL. But friends, as evidenced by my frantic tweeting to score a 3-day pass (done! love you, twitter), I am back on the wagon. I am a journalist, after all, and assignments call. Check out austinpost.org all weekend long for live updates! (oh, and find me at the fest, I’ve got some BADASS swag to give away) Without further ado …

It’s not the spreadsheet-worthy affair SXSW is, but this year marks only the second year there are Official ACL Afterparties. Most of them cost $$, and some are already sold out, but they all feature ACL bands.

Of course, where there’s official, there’s unofficial, and those are the kind I like. These are usually free shows with free booze, and you’ve gotta RSVP. Sometimes that means you’ve gotta wait in long lines to get in. But they’re usually worth it.

Live at Seaholm: RSVP @ http://www.liveatseaholm.com/index.html

You’re living under a rock if you haven’t heard about Rare Magazine’s Live at Seaholm Friday-and-Saturday night afterparty. It’s in Seaholm, as in the long-empty power plant on Caesar Chavez. It’s sure to be crazy-crowded, but big bands like Broken Social Scene make it stand-in-line-worthy (Friday night). Plus, who doesn’t want to see what’s inside the plant that’s been abandoned for over 50 years??

Jelly: RSVP @ http://www.jellynyc.com/nasa/

nasa_flier

imeem: RSVP @ www.imeem.com/live

Friday, October 2, imeem is taking over The Independent in Austin (501 Brushy Street,Austin). Featuring The Knux along with Bird Peterson, Table Manners Crew and DJ Sober. Free photobooth with pictures by Annie Ray.

Daytime (12-6p) Music Lounge / Nighttime (10p-2a) Rock the Vote: RSVP @ musiclounge@bmfmedia.com

Presented by Big Green house, free drinks, burgers, ice cream, cotton candy, lawn games and music by The Riverboat Gamblers, Sock Hop DJs, Ume, The Soldier Thread & DJ Thibault.

Music Lounge 12pm-6pm / Rock The Vote 10pm-2am

flyer

Other sources for ACL parties:

Oh, and AFTER the Afterparty is the Afterparty, right?

Lakeway Spa & Resort is offering an ACL REFRESHER Package to cure festival fatigue and sore muscles. The package includes a Sunday-Thursday night retreat at the Resort complete with a 50-minute massage or facial for just $199 per night.

To take advantage of this special offer, guests must use the promotional code “ACL” when booking. Visit Lakeway Resort & Spa at www.dolce-lakeway-hotel.com

Valid Sunday-Thursday nights through October 31

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September 24, 2009

Friday’s uber-exclusive Tidbits party

You’re invited to sip, shop and socialize with Austin Tidbits THIS Friday, September 25th, at Neiman Marcus at The Domain. Only Tidbits subscribers and their hippest gal-pals are invited to this exclusive soirée. Come from 5:30 – 7:30pm, and make sure to arrive early … Swag bags for the first 100 readers are going to be uber hip. Filled with beauty goodies from Chanel, Revive, Armani, and Frederic Fekkai, plus a NM Exclusive notebook, pen and full-size red nail polish, this is one bag you WON’T want to miss.

While you’re there, splurge on a $500 purchase and you will be treated to a stylish NM Exclusive Alice + Olivia tote chock-full of goodies from your fave designers.

The party will be hopping in the Women’s Contemporary department on the second level – treat yourself to giveaways, chic bites, cosmos and vino, music, an eyelash bar, “perfect red lip” touch-ups, and more.

Are you hip to it? Get on the glam guest list.

http://austin.gotidbits.com/events/come-on-get-hip

[Note: this is reprinted in its entirety from Tidbits' email, go here to sign up: http://austin.gotidbits.com/)

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March 21, 2009

SXSW 2009: Saturday’s Schedule

I’m in Houston for Beer Bike, our biggest, weirdest event where people start boozing at 6am. But here I am at a Keggs ‘n Eggs party, making sure the good people in Austin know what to do today. I would recommend a Venti Starbucks coffee with whisky, but that’s just me. Anyway, the top 5 for today:

1)  Rachael Ray Feedback Party at Maggie Mae’s. Love her or hate her, doesn’t matter, get to her party early and you’ll still have to wait in line but it’s totally worth it because OMG the food! Bourbon BBQ chicken last year blew me away. Plus good drinks like mojitos and buzz band like Hold Steady, New York Dolls, Bob Schneider, The Cringe, and more. noon-5pm

2)  Rolling Stone Knuckle Rumbler at Peckerheads. It’s one of the nation’s most iconoic magaines plus free RED Light Energy Drink, Sailor Jerry’s Rum, Sweet Leaf Tea, Taco Cabana, Southern Comfort Happy Hour, goodies from Gelaskins. The STELLAR lineup includes Lady Sovereign and a “Special Guest.” 1-7pm

3) Restop SXSW 2009 at Copa. Listed only for the humor of this: ”Jew-food flown in from New York City.” Free drinks, bagels, lox & free flasks to the first 50 people. JDub bands Golem, Deleon, Girls in Trouble, and friends, Fools Gold Rafi.1pm-?

4) If you’ve got an invite, you must hit Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin. Despite the questionable choice of Beyonce-baby-sis Solange, the rest of his diva-themed lineup looks great. 

5)  The Big One at the do512 Compund on S Lamar. The website/calendar/go-to guide has really come into its own this year, and is throwing a party with Sweet Leaf, Lone Star Beer, Savvy Vodka, and Rozone Productions. Unfortunately, it’s a destination as it’snot anywhere close to 6th. 2:30p-10p

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March 20, 2009

SXSW 2009 – Friday’s Schedule

The biggest two days of your partying life are here. Behold: the Friday of SXSW. Last year, I remember simply giving up on the spreadsheet and wandering the streets, knowing that free food and drinks were available at almost every bar I walked into. But! Don’t give up just yet, because there are some can’t-miss parties today–all of which are off of–but close to–Sixth Street (which has been closed off at 11am since Wednesday):

1. Standard Recording and Craftster Party at The Art Project, 301 Chicon. CRAFTS! Make your own t-shirt, tote, coasters, and rings PLUS beer and food! Since it’s off 6th, it’s likely to be either not-that-crowded or wicked-crowded, so just show up early and take advantage! 11am-5pm

2. Beat Street at  Greystar Red River Flats, 9th & Red River. This party has more good eats and drinks than any, with sponsors Budweiser, Svedka Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea, Red Bull, Cookie Lounge, J Blacks, Mellow Mushroom, and Wahoo’s. Texas Blooms, ENVY mag, and Planet Beach also sponsor, so maybe there’s on-the-spot tanning complete with free mags? At 7, there’s a White Lies guest DJ spot and screening of a new short film. 2-11pm.

3.  T(EA) for Tennessee at The Tap Room at SIX. Aside from sweet food (biscuit bar), drinks (Fedor highly recommends Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka), and swag (“bags,” gear, software, and some acronym-ed things I don’t know what they stand for), singer-songwriters provide a nice, low-key break in the Tap Room’s cool, air-conditioned basement. noon-6pm

4.  Paper Boat Music Presents at the Big Red Sun, 1102 E Ceaser Chavez. A family-friendly SXSW event that features Maine Root drinks, Curra’s Grill food, and cupcakes from the AMAZING Sugar Mama’s Bake Shop, this party also features bands like  Kacy Crowley, Soldier Thread, Wide Awake, and more. 11am-6pm

After that, you’re on your own. Wander the streets.  Don’t forget Fader Fort, Cedar Street, and Red Bull Moontower are always there for you. And some ridiculous Derbey party with rollerskates. If anyone attempts that, PLEASE report back!

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March 19, 2009

SXSW 2009: Thursday’s Schedule

This is the final “calm” before the storm that is Friday & Saturday. And by calm I mean over 80 FREE parties. Right.

So, my top 5 today:

1. Paste Magazine, obvi. Still lovin’ the Magic Hat. Brooklyn Vegan co-sponsors this one. 11:30-7, Radio Room

2. All That Sparkles – Glitter party? Noon-8pm, Malverde (mmm best drinks in town-)

3. Quack Media, good bands. noon-6pm, Red 7

4. Gorilla vs. Booze III (one of the original indie hipster music blogs), day-ish, Peacock

5. Fader Fort – once you get past the long line, my friends who went yesterday reported having a blast screenprinting their own t-shirts (all the rage this year), confessing in the photo booth (danger!) and boozing it up with some bands.

Bonus: Wander the streets or whatever until the Red Bull Moontower party starts, I heard it was crazy last night and should be even better tonight.  If you’ve got a badge/wristband, check out the super-cute singer I shot for my Street Cam column today, pint-sized Erin McCarley, tonight at La Zona Rosa–before Lil Jon and Tori Amos! (Perez Hilton should be there, dude LOVES Tori …)

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March 18, 2009

SXSW 2009: What to Do Wednesday

Today is the first BIG day of day parties, so cube-dwellers can read along jealously for all the fun everyone else will be enjoying:

There are two big day parties, two day parties that will be running all week, and one evening-ish boat party that I recommend today:

1) MAGIC HAT BEER PARTY! Oh, I mean, the Paste Magazine party at Radio Room from 11:30am-6pm. Perfect for a lunch break even if you’re not partying all day!

2) After a Magic Hat (or 5), head to Florida Bandango at Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery. I don’t know what any of that means, but the food (alligator chili!) and cigars are worth it. (noon-7pm)

3) Then, check out Fader Fort‘s first day, even though it is now on the east side. Boo. (1-9pm)

4) Filter Magazine has their Cedar Street showdown, and usually has BBQ, though they’re not advertising it. Worth a stop after Fader–got keep food in the belly after all that booze! (Don’t know time)

5) March Mashup Boat Party: Daily Juice, cupcakes, and DJs are the highlights of this free Lake Austin booze cruise. (5:30pm departure)

SXSW on!

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March 16, 2009

SXSW 2009: Monday’s schedule

Here’s your can’t-miss sched, and luckily for all the worker bees, nothing on this one starts ’til 5:30. So you can punch the clock AND party like it’s SXSW 2009 all in one day.

5:30pm – If you were lucky enough to score an invite to the Statesman’s food bloggers party, do it. Whole Foods. If not, no fear, Tocquigny’s marketing mixer should be a blast at the top of the Frost Tower with BBQ and margaritas from 6-8pm.

You have off until 9, unless you want to stop by Austin on Rails upstairs at Buffalo Billiards. At 9pm (or before), you should check twitter for deets on the 32Bit party, a secret party that’s sure to get the twitterati running over in droves:

twitter.com/32bit says: The party is tomorrow. Are you ready?! No guest list. Party will start at 9pm. #sxsw #32bit

So either follow your followers, or head to Malverde, where Austin Ventures is throwing an open bar party in the bar with the best drinks in all of Austin (want photographic evidence? click here). So, pretty much worth walking to 2nd & Guadalupe.

Of course, rsvp info for all is on my lovely spreadsheet: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p2_e5Pa9NwdSkKQEQs3v1MA

And if you’re into Perez Hilton, he’s just posted RSVP deets, but you have to “apply” for a spot. Good luck!

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