South Side Sanctuary

The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne crowd... rolling? ACL 2006

OH WAIT, how could I forget! Once a year the musically inclined climb out of their favorite dive bar and descend on the (newly) grassy fields of Zilker Park to drink some beer, do a rhythmic dance, and most importantly listen to some amazing music at Austin City Limits Music Festival. The best part is the way it brings together all kinds of music lovers into one place, and although some might see grooving to Passion Pit alongside a total bro in a Columbia fishing shirt and croakies the fast lane to making "Moth's Wings" a whole lot less holy, I really love it. Maybe I'm just easlity amused. Anyways, not only do I love ACL, but Austin on this weekend turns into nothing less than a mass of insanity - let's just say, I thrive. And each night, after Zilker has cleared out, thousands head out to continue the fun. This year in particular, these after parties are being called the real thing to look forward to. So whether you have a wristband or not, here are South Side Sanctuary's tips on what we think will be the best after parties around. We're going to make it to all of these, so see you there!

FRIDAY

Learning Secrets, along with AustinIsBurning, Ultra8201, Cherrypeel, Shout It Out Loud Music, and more, present this amazing after show at Beauty Bar - Voxtrot and Survive with play along with a very special DJ set by Loyauté Soundsystem. If you haven't heard the rumors swirling around this party, you should look them up and then be assured, so we hear, that they are totally true. Basically, if you want to see one of the best bands at ACL do a DJ set (and hopefully more), make it out to the Beauty Bar on Friday! Doors open at 9 and the first 100 people get free drinks, so get there early. If you don't, you risk missing out on the hottest afterparty of the weekend! RSVP HERE for $5 entry, otherwise it's $7.

SATURDAY - LET'S DO LUNCH ON THE LAWN! WALK OVER FROM THE FESTIVAL...

There are so many amazing things about this party - it's really hard to keep up. First off, let's be practical. It's happening at the The Music Lounge Mansion, better known as the American Legion Hall right on Lady Bird Lake. What does this mean, folks? You will literally be able to walk to this party straight from the festival! Amazing. Besides that, there are performances from The Riverboat Gamblers, DJ Thibault, The Soldier Thread, and Ume (I've already professed my love for them on this blog). On top of everything rehydrate (or keep dehydrating) with free drinks and awesome food from Dos Equis, Sweet Leaf Tea, Fudruckers, and more. To get on the list, RSVP to musiclounge@bmfmedia.com as soon as you can. We cannot imagine this list won't fill up quick with all its awesomeness. Get on it, people!

So that's it! We can guarantee an amazing weekend, ACL or no ACL, if you check out any one of these awesome parties. So hydrate, hydrate, hyrdate, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

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Besides our couple tips here, we suggest you also check out ThePeenScene (always giving Austin a heads up on the BEST dance parties), AustinEavesdropper (updated regularly for the best recommendations on just about everything), and RepublicOfAustin (most recently for some truly awesome ACL recommendations from Austin's most credible music lovers). All have a lot more to say about this weekend and those in the future. Bookmark 'em. Love 'em. Live 'em.

Let's start things off with Wednesday:

Come out to the fabulous (so we hear) Highball - the new venture from the folks who have brought you Alamo Drafthouse! This party runs from 11-2 and promises 3 DJs from 3 decades on 3 dance floors! Also, we've heard rumors of some crazy 3D technology that's supposedly going to blow our minds. Do not miss out on this one! Located next to the Drafthouse on South Lamar. (via AustinEavesdropper)

THURSDAY

Well, let's not forget that this will be the first Thursday of the month, and therefore, is FIRST THURSDAY on South Congress! Not only are there tons of great Austinites pedalling their goods, but we'll be out there (in between Vespaio and Austin Art Glass) selling our world famous (basically) tees, and, as of this week, HOODIES! That's right, the first official South Side Sanctuary hoodie will be for sale this week! Hoodie Spoiler Alert: Polar Bear, killing a trout with lasers shooting from its eyes on Neon Green. Don't lie, you're sold. So come out and grab a shirt or five! We'd love to see you!

also on Thursday,

We love all these DJs, bands, and sponsors, so in our minds, you can't go wrong. The open bar from 8:30-9:30 doesn't hurt either. It's being put on by City on Fire, KnuckleRumbler, and the Beauty Bar as well - all of which equal FUN. We suggest your RSVP asap and start the weekend (yes, Thursday is the new Friday) off right. Go to http://www.artdisaster.com to get the link to get on the guestlist.