Five liquor-slingin' finalists are gearing up to win the 5th Annual Austin Cocktail Throwdown on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The finalists represent the Alamo Drafthouse, Ranch 616, the Hyatt Regency, Hilton Garden Inn and The Driskill, and will compete to earn the sole bragging rights to serving the 2008 Official Drink of Austin. Threadgill's World Headquarters hosts this free event which will feature $2 Tito's and $2 Shiner Bock. There will also be music by The Greyhounds and a chance to sample the winning drink. It's all for a good cause, too - the show benefits the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. more ›

If you'd been holding out hope to attend next week's historic Presidential Debate at UT Austin, you're in luck! Make that a tiny bit of luck. more ›

[festival/music/art] First Night at Congress Avenue (All Ages, 2pm, Free/$10) [info] [tickets] [music] Nic Armstrong and the Thieves, Moonlight Towers and DJ Polecat at Club de Ville (21+, $5, Call 512-457-0900) [fabulous] Studio 54 Par-tay! at Rain (21+, Call 512-494-1150) [info] [music] White Ghost Shivers and The Small Stars at Blue Genie Art Industries (21+, 9pm, $37) [info] [tickets] [music] Flametrick Subs with Satan's Cheerleaders, Slick 57 and Basin Street at Emo's (All Ages,... more ›

Police are now searching Town Lake after two people apparently disappeared beneath the waters earlier. Before noon, several witnesses spotted the two desperately flailing about near the Hyatt Regency. By the time emergency rescue staff were able to respond, the victims were nowhere to be found. Sadly, at this point it seems like this has turned into a body recovery operation. Still, Austinist says - don't lose hope! We'll keep you posted. more ›