Weekend Block Parties

Whether it's because it's Friday the 13th or because folks are getting antsy over this cold front, everyone's throwing a block party this weekend. We know of at least four fun (and free) things happening around town. If you hear tell of another, let us know.

Friday

The indie shops on South Lamar are throwing a massive collective get-down with DJs, bands, beer, and food, stretching from Bluebonnet to Heather. Participating stores include Strut, Irie Bean, Jezebel, Upstairs, Downstairs, Roost, 365 Sex Shop, and SoLa. Birds Barbershop, newly-crowned Best Barbershop in Austin in today's AusChron, is bringing in DJ Mike Rod and Best Fwends. They're also promising an appearance by the "free beer fairy" -- imagery that makes us shudder and giggle at the same time.

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Trick or Treat Best Of Street Party
Friday, October 13th
South Lamar Blvd. [map]
7-10pm

Saturday

While it technically doesn't count as a block party, any event celebrating beer deserves a mention: Independence Brewery, makers South Austin's finest handcrafted inebriants, are celebrating their second anniversary with the return of the Beer Olympics. Head out to their headquarters and show off your prowess at such flickr-friendly events as: the Brewer's Challenge Keg Toss (teams of two attempt to hurl said kegs as far as possible), Beer-Handed Arm Wrestling (fairly self-explanatory), and the Freestyle Walking Competition (think drunken parquor). The evening's festivities include music by Texas soul crooners McLemore Avenue, metal vets Brett McCormick and Dave Beeson, and soul jazzers Blue Man Group, plus plenty of food and drink.

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Independence Brewery 2nd Anniversary Party
Saturday, October 14th
3913 Todd Lane #607 [map]
4-8pm