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While Downtown enjoys a big slobbery kiss with the behemoth known as South by Southwest, locals may prefer a quieter makeout among Austin area businesses. After all, you don’t have to outsource to get that grindset mindset vibe. Here, in the halls of dadaLab, will be DJ sets by Orya, Tasha, deepvelvet, and NYC’s High Waisted; panels from the folks behind Art Island, the Creative Admirer, Activation Angels, and Safe Circles; and “art experiences.” To attend these enjoyments is free, but to unlock all the fun – like an afterparty featuring even more DJs as well as all-day free drinks – just drop a cool $40 for the VIP ticket. Wait: Is that less or more than a SXSW Platinum pass? I can’t remember… – James Scott

There will be no snoring nor tummy-rumbles this SXSW season, as event organizer Jocelyn Simone has curated a lineup that zaps the soul free from fatigue. Blasting out the windows of Guad staple Hole in the Wall will be over 22 bands “all championing female and queer inclusivity,” or so says Simone’s PR email. Among the lineup are gutter glam rockers Lord Friday the 13th, San-Fran shredmeisters Buzzed Lightbeer, and Canadian punks NOBRO. Crunch, munch, and punch your way to existence beyond earthly needs, my guys. – James Scott