Tuesday, February 11, 2014

23 days until SXSW - Links/RSVPs for you to get in for FREE (part 3)

Are you ready?  Have you RSVP'd to the parties and all the happenings here and here?  If you haven't you should start getting to it.  Parties, invitations, and RSVPs are closing and links are dying so if you want to make sure you are at the same party or meet up as your friends (out of town or not), be sure to get your name and email on the list.

Besides getting RSVP links, info on parties, and/or rumors from my little ol' blog, be sure to sign up for Do512 and look out on Twitter for links and parties for SXSW fun.  Its worth the time now to get searches and RSVPs going on Do512.  They have a very simple dashboard to select the dates and times you are looking for free parties and things to do at SX this year. This website never disappoints and offers just as much, if not more, information than sponsors or party throwers even offer on their event. They update this website DAILY and it's free!!!
Also, check out Austin 360. They have a fun little database that will allow you to filter what you want (free beer, free food?) and what dates or areas of town during SXSW.  Be sure to bookmark this page now.

You can do RSVPster if you want to shell out $40 (or $30 if you use the code: EARLYBIRD14) to have someone else RSVP your email and information by the mass. Remember, you are signing up, if you go with RSVPster  you will be signed up for UNOFFICIAL parties and events happening during SXSW.  This does not mean you will be granted admission to every party and/or reservation for the party.  Shit, you still have to do your job and show up EARRRRRRLY, wait in line, and post up at that party to see the bands, line up, or showcase you plan on seeing. Take a look at what RSVPster is offering for you here. Be sure to choose wisely in what dates/days you have off so that you won't be spending too much money when you don't need to be.

Little low on cash but still want to be in the "know" for unofficial parties and events?  My friends at ATXShhh is offering a $5 charge for you to see their spreadsheet and lists of free parties, what is being offered, who is playing when and where, and much more. You can sort by parties, venues, bands, days, etc. Here are some FAQ's on their services. You still have to do the leg work and sign yourself up for parties and events but it's all in one place - kinda like this blog you're reading! ;-)

If you're like me I prefer the old skool way.  It's my SXSW way of researching, gathering links, sharing with my friends/folks, and writing down what parties I RSVPd to, creating a spreadsheet of what is being given away (free beer, free tacos, free merch, free Pumas, etc) and having a back up to the back up party I was planning-to-go-to-but-now-it's-at-capacity-because-traffic-was-a-bitch and yada yada.  Old skool SXSW way (guey!) is the way to go and gets me exactly where I want to be and who I want to see EVERY TIME I don't like to reply on others except word of mouth from my friends day of show/party/event. It's your call though.  You decide how you want to spend your money or not. I would rather save the money and cash I have for the week and days of SXSW for those that matter - bar backs, bartenders, and the venue. TIPPING IS ALWAYS ENCOURAGED NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE EATING/DRINKING for free. Locals are you and me so tip accordingly!!! They are on their feet all day slinging drinks left and right no matter who is covering the bill.


ROUND 3 - RSVP NOWWW - The Old Skool Way, Guey

ROCKIN RIVERBOAT SHOWCASE 
This is an unofficial event (meaning no badge needed!) but it has filled up quickly with RSVPs on do512.com but if you 1) show up early day of, 2) sign up and get your name/email on the list, and 3) get ready to have a good time you may end up exactly where you want to be.  No one can beat a riverboat party that meets at the Four Seasons downtown and heads out of Lady Bird Lake.  Bose, Capital Cruise Line, and MusicTechnologies are putting up this fun party with free beer with 2 stages (upper deck and lower deck) on the boat. Be sure to have a Do512 login so you can RSVP here.

BADASS BANDS BLOG 
Throwing a free beer and free band showcase at The Jackalope for one day/night on March 13th! Be sure to just show up on time for that free beer if you are roaming all of dirty 6th. Showcase starts at noon and goes until 6pm. Beer is limited so get there early. No RSVP needed just mark this shit down, ya'll.

2014 CHOOSEATL SXSW PRE-PARTY
Build your own lanterns, participate in a lantern parade, see Durrty Martinez spin, have some food from some Atlanta food trucks, AND get yourself 2 drink tickets for just attending.  Oh yes, please!
Be sure to get in now for this is an Eventbrite ticketed event (but for free!) here.

SOL COLLECTIVE - LISTEN GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL 
Vegan food truck, BBQ, free beer, and even a local artisan community shop to do some shopping in.  Be sure to get your free RSVP here before people take it over. Party is March 14th from 2pm - 10pm. This event is on East 11th street so you know there will not be a huge crowd and the masses hitting up this party right off the bat.

AUDIOCOMMON LAUNCH PARTY
This is off of San Jacinto and away from the SX madness on March 12th from 10am - 1am.  Panels and even demos of the new music-tech company from here in Austin.  Be sure to get your General Admission tickets for free here and get in.

TWANGFEST DAY PARTIES
Happening at The Broken Spoke this year and will be free free free to attend!! Be sure to go here to learn about what bands will be playing and when. These day parties are always fun especially if you don't want to/have to trek downtown to get into some SXSW fun. Parties are held Thursday, March 13th and Saturday, March 15th.

DOPEST DOPE PARTY 2k14
No details yet on who is set to perform but this might be one of the dopest parties you can get into and for free if you act now (after RSVP closes you will have to pay up to $45 to get in). Damn. Go here now
aGLIFF27 - AUSTIN GAY & LESBIAN INT'L FILM FESTIVAL SXSW BRUNCH
Free brunch and a chance to promote your film or short to people with the same mission and creativity as you? Yes, please!  Get your tickets here for free for this meet up on Saturday, March 8th.

FADER FORT
No RSVP links up yet (shit, even if they did put it up it's going to crash within minutes) but be sure to sign up for their email list to see if and when they notify you on when they are releasing their link and RSVP stuffs. This is one of the few that actually check your name and email before they give you a wristband or access to their dope ass parties and shows.

LA TECH CONNECT
Los Angeles tech industry connection in Austin.  Who knows? Maybe you will find yourself a job in LA.  They are taking over 2 venues pretty early on as SXSW interactive opens up. All slated to be off of 8th and Red River area.  Get your free tickets here.

GIGYA GRILL
I have never been to the Mexican restaurant at 6th and Red River so this party might be the way to finally try out the place.  This event will give you a Gigya badge to enjoy from March 7th - March 9th. Charging stations, free food, and even a cocktail is slated to be given to those who have signed up.  Be sure to get that all for free now and here.

FOOD CRAWL AT SXSW - A TASTE OF KOKO
Oh man! This looks fantastic. AT least 30 restaurants or food trucks to lend you a bite to have for free!? YESSSS! Sign up now for free tickets as a "Foodie" or "Techie" so you can get a plate reserved for you. This will be gone in days as more and more people find out about this.

That's all for now.  Be sure to stick around and wait for more links coming your way.  Things are just getting started with me as I will be busy stage managing 6 night showcases at a popular venue off of 6th and Red River.  Oh, and SXSW put up their complete schedule (as it is now) of music listings.  Everything listed on this link is all official SXSW stuff, fyi.


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