by Marisa Ruiz (@MarisaVictoria)

Heck Yes, Austin!

For anyone heading down to Austin for SXSW 2011, we are just days away from an overwhelming amount of shows from musicians all over the country, music until the sun comes up and free booze and burritos at every turn. As if the BBQ and pulled pork sandwiches aren’t enough to make a trip to Austin worthwhile, there will be party on top of party, practically having sex with other parties to create yet more parties.

While the energy down 6th street is amazing for SXSW, there is SO MUCH going on that it’s hard to navigate which bands are playing which events and where. It’s true that many parties will require an official (and expensive) SXSW badge – but there will also be many events that will not require a badge to get access to the bands, booze and swag. To make it easier for fellow Chicago music lovers heading to Texas for this year’s festivities, here is a list of unofficial parties that do not require badges. RSVP info is included, but take note to arrive early for access.

Be sure to share this post with all your Austin-bound music loving friends!

***Please note RSVP sites are subject to reach capacity after the time of this posting.***

PureVolume House Parties in Austin (SXSW Interactive & SXSW Music)

Dates: Parties from March 12 to March 20

Highlights: Moby plays the RCRD LBL After Hours Party on March 16 / The Limousines and The Bravery play PureVolume After Hours on March 17 / Augustana play the PureVolume House Party on March 19

RSVP: http://www.purevolume.com/thehouse/

The Billy Reid and K-Swiss American Songwriter Showcase

Date: Wednesday, March 16

Details: For those that love singer/songwriters, this will be a great collection of artists. Cocktails courtesy of Firefly Sweet Tea & Vodka

RSVP: http://www.americansongwriter.com/billyreid/

Filter Magazine Dickies SXSW Party

Dates: Thursday, March 17 / Friday, March 18 / Saturday, March 19

Highlights: The line-up for Thursday is looking off the chain: DeVotchka, Phantogram and Cold War Kids all in the same day!

RSVP: http://filtermagazine.com/index.php/rsvp/dickies_sxsw/

Filter Magazine’s Culture Collide SXSW Party

Dates: Thursday, March 17 / Friday, March 18 / Saturday, March 19

Highlights: Phantogram and Surfer Blood on Friday. Datarock plays on Saturday.

RSVP: http://filtermagazine.com/index.php/rsvp/filter_sxsw/

Levi’s Jeans Presents a Free Show by The Strokes

Date: Thursday, March 17

Details: No RSVP needed. It’s come one, come all at Lady Bird Lake.

Info: http://m.stereogum.com/pl/644952/strokes-confirm-sxsw-free-show/news/

Dub Frequency and Nylon Magazine present SXSW 2011 at the W Hotel Austin

Dates: Thursday, March 17 / Friday, March 18 / Saturday, March 19

Details: More info to come on line-ups based on the time of this post. Current RSVP is set up to choose one of the 3 days.

RSVP: http://filez.om-records.com/rsvp/rsvp.html

BMI and Dub Frequency Present Creme de La Creme

Date: Thursday, March 17

Details: More than 20 live performances and DJ sets, plus free tequila tasting courtesy of 901 Tequila

RSVP: http://app.mobilestorm.com/cp/viewRsvpForm.php?q=ODg4Mg==

First Annual Matchbox Showcase

Date: Friday, March 18

Details: As described by the hosts, no badge, free food, great music!

RSVP: http://do512.com/c/sx2011/event/2011/03/18/first-annual-matchbox-showcase-at-sxsw-2011

***Know of an unofficial SXSW party that does not require a badge not listed here? Email the link with RSVP info to marisa@brokehipster.com

Cheers and safe travels to all headed to Austin!

-MV