It's the weekend! You've worked hard to get to this point, so you deserve to play hard, too. We've curated our favorite events happening around Austin for the next few days, from pop-ups to festivals to grand openings—all you have to do is round up your crew. And since it's the final SXSW weekend, we're adding picks for both those going to the festival and those who are staying as far away from it as possible. Have a great weekend, y'all!
Fri 16
SXSW: Party in my Pants
You can expect DJs, after-parties and a showcase stacked with bands at this unofficial SXSW event that features CAPYAC, Stop Light Observations, Blastfamous and more. You know the drill: Free with RSVP. Fri at 1pm
Booze-washed cheese
You had us at booze and cheese. In honor of St. Patrick's Day coming up, Antonelli's Cheese Shop is hosting a party at the Cheese House, complete with seven types of cheeses that have all been washed in alcohol as they age. The tasting is accompanied by nuts, olives and bread from Easy Tiger. BYOB! Fri at 6:30pm
Sat 17
SXSW: Half Step Saturdaze House Party
Repeat after us: No badge required. Half Step still has a SXSW-worthy party planned, though. Expect beer, cider and cocktail specials, as well as a roster of local musicians taking the stage all afternoon, like KP and the Boom Boom, Cilantro Boombox and more. Sat at noon
St. Patrick's Day celebrations
This year, St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday, which means we can nurse that hangover without worrying about going into the office. There are a number of parties to choose from: Fado's annual epic festival (their final one!), South by St. Paddy's at Infinite Monkey Theorem, Austin's largest St. Patrick's Day celebration at Pioneer Farms and Jack and Ginger's annual shindig with green beer. You can't go wrong—unless you forget to wear green. Sat at various times
Sun 18
SXSW: Kiss SXSW Goodbye at Nickel City
OK, so this technically isn't a SX event, but if you're exhausted from the past 10 days and want to celebrate the festival's end, head to Nickel City for 99-cent aperol spritzes, 99-cent Coney dogs and free chair massages. Plus, the first 50 people through the door will get swag bags, which include treats like gift certificates to Uchi and Via 313. Sun at 2pm
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends: New Worlds
Witness a new side of Billy Murray as he joins cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang and pianist Vanessa Perez for a night that bridges literature and music. Murray reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn set to "Moon River"? We're in. Sun at 7:30pm