As you get ready to come down to Austin for our Socialize Conference, I wanted to share a few highlights of, and recommendations for, things to do for fun.  Austin, the self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World," prides itself on showing guests a great time.  For those coming for the first visit, I've offered a few initial thoughts on evening activities below.  Our customer Frommer's also has a great introduction to, and overview of, Austin. For the die hard, frequent travelers, there hopefully are a few new gems for you here too.  And if we can be of any further assistance as you're planning your stay, let us know.

Socialize Events

• Malverde, 6.30p, Wednesday September 9.  Modeled after open air bars in Mexico City, and standing above one of Austin's newest and best restaurants, La Condesa, Malverde is a great summer evening spot.  Complete with eclectic plants, lots of wood and metal sculptures, the vibe should be generally comfortable and laid back to unwind after your flight.  Note that the weather will likely still be HOT at the start of the evening so dress comfortably.  And the walk to Malverde is probably ~10 minutes from the Driskill, so consider taking a pedicab (the concierege can direct you).
• The Belmont, 7p, Thursday September 10.  Styled after Vegas and Palm Springs lounges of the 1960s, the Belmont is wood panneled with cold AC inside, while tropical outside, complete with multiple terraces and patios.  The food will be a mix of American and Continental and the cocktails should be chilled and tasty.  We recommend walking the ~3 blocks from the Driskill Hotel (quick stroll too from the Omni and Intercontinental Hotels).

After Options to Consider
If you've still got gas in the tank after the events of Wednesday and Thursday, there should be plenty to do.  Remembering that Austin is still at heart a college town (UT), some places don't really get going until 11 or 12.  On the mellower side, the Driskill Bar is one of the most comfortable (and truly Texan) places in town but there's lots more out there too, including:

• West Sixth Street:  while the East 6th Street corridor (Congress heading East to I-35) is still a "unique" spot to behold, a new crop of bars have opened up two blocks West of the Belmont.  J-Blacks, Molotov, the Key Bar and more offer a bit more upscale, less crowded, and open air alternative to the (albeit fun) debauchery of East 6th.
• Warehouse District:  inclusive of Malverde and covering the Colorado Corridor between 2nd and 5th Streets, the numerous bars, restaurants and shops offer a little bit of everything.  From way laid back coffee shops to full on nightclubs, it's all pretty much here. And anytime the Spazzmatics are playing on Wednesday night at Cedar Street, the diverse and energized crowd (21 to 71+ year olds in full groove) is a blast.
• Music Favorites:  a good deal of the fun of Austin is based on wandering into local venues to the call of the live musicians that you hear street-side.  If you want to venture out a bit more, recommendations include the Continental Club (just across the river on South Congress, James McMurty and John Dee Graham on Wednesday night are local favorites), the Saxon Pub (down on South Lamar where local stars like Bob Schnieder frequently play) and Antoines (where legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan were born). 

Finally, we hope that Austin entices you enough to come back soon.  My personal favorite weekend of the year is the Austin City Limits music festival, this year October 2-4 in Zilker Park.  With headliners Kings of Leon, Pearl Jam, the Dave Matthews Band, Thievery Corporation, John Legend, Ben Harper, Sonic Youth, and Mos Def, along with 100+ more, the festival promises something for everyone. 

So bring your hot weather clothes, ear plugs if you're into the louder side of things, and a leaning towards good fun, great food, and "some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet."  And keep your eyes open for Willie Nelson.  Pluck's Austin headquarters are in one of his old clubs (the "Austin Opera House") and he's still known to come into town spontaneously for food and tunes.