Party the Day Away at SXSW

You may have noticed an influx of hipsters leaving your town and heading for the nearest airport, because as of this Wednesday, the music portion of the South by Southwest festival begins. For those looking not to spend any money, the free day parties are really where the most fun takes place, and not only are they free, but they often give away food and drinks for the weary music fan....

You may have noticed an influx of hipsters leaving your town and heading for the nearest airport, because as of this Wednesday, the music portion of the South by Southwest festival begins. For those looking not to spend any money, the free day parties are really where the most fun takes place, and not only are they free, but they often give away food and drinks for the weary music fan.

While, technically, the music portion of the festival starts on Wednesday, these unofficial parties don’t concern themselves with rules and have something for everyone starting this Tuesday.

Here are my choices for the best parties happening each day at SXSW:

Tuesday
BMI Howdy Texas Party
Those Darlins 6:30, Chuck Mead and the Grassy Knoll Boys 7, Elliott Brood Band 7:30, and David Garza 8:00 at Stubb’s BBQ (801 Red River). Not only are there great bands to see, but also there will be a BBQ with side dishes–while supplies last!

Wednesday
The Hype Machine and The Music Slut Party
The Cheek 1:00, These United States 1:30, Thomas Function 2:00, Snake & Jet’s Amazing Bullit Band 2:30, Hockey 3:00, Young Love 3:30, Found 4:00, The Proclaimers 4:30, Casiokids 5:00, The Phenomenal Handclap Band 5:30, Pete And The Pirates 6:00, and The Golden Filter 7:00 at Peckerhead’s (402 E. 6th Street). They have a lot of sponsors so there’s sure to be a lot of good swag at this party!

Thursday
Filter Magazine Party
Starting on Thursday with Zee Avi 12:15, Hockey 1:00, Other Lives 1:45, Great Northern 2:30, Annuals 3:15, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears 4:00, and Idle Warship 5:00 and continuing through Saturday at the Cedar Street Courtyard (208 W. 4th Street)

Friday
+1 House Party
Let’s Wrestle 12:15, Eulogies 1:00, Trainwreck Riders (Acoustic) 1:45, Kenan Bell 2:15, The Postelles 3:00, The Morning Benders 3:45, and Illinois 4:30 at Hank Sinatra’s Farm (2407 Riverside Farms Road). No badges or RSVP required with complimentary drinks and food!

Saturday
Moshi Moshi vs. Anorak London Party
Casiokids 1:00, Slow Club 1:45, Crystal Antlers 2:30, Still Flyin’ 3:15, Lissy Trullie 4:00, and Solid Gold 4:45 at Lambert’s (401 W. 2nd Street).

So, in these penny-pinching times it’s nice to have fun on someone else’s dime!