Behold, the third week of March: The snow is thawing, birds are singing, and if you happen to be in the vicinity of Austin, Texas, chances are your ear canals are being ripped to shreds -- and we mean that in the best possible way.

Yup, it's that time of year again for the South by Southwest multimedia festival. Renowned for its film and interactive panels, the third and last part of the week is what draws people from around the world -- the music conference. This landmark event is considered the official start of the music festival season. Getting to see the next big thing alongside Metallica at the Stubb's BBQ is undeniably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, a festival badge -- which only guarantees admission based on capacity -- will set you back $500! Frankly, that's not very rock 'n' roll. In the true maverick spirit of the great state of Texas, psychoPEDIA would like to present a user's guide to the UNofficial outlaw showcases. No badge? No money? No problem! Let freedom -- and free booze -- ring.

THURSDAY:
'Sup Magazine-- an underground publication that's been landing the first-ever interviews with everyone from the Arcade Fire to the The Kills and the The Rapture-- turns 10 years old this year. Come celebrate the new issue release with indie record label IAMSOUND and London management powerhouse THISISMUSIC at the "All That Sparkles Party." Brace yourself for the glitter of Telepathe, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Mae Shi, and a DJ set by Sebastien Grainger. Space disco princess Little Boots headlines, and the event will be hosted by Austin's classiest drag queen Rebecca Havemeyer. Complementary Red Stripe and label giveaways. Free w/ RSVP.

FRIDAY:
1) Insound Records is also celebrating their 10th birthday with the help of an indie lover's orgy of a lineup. Sub Pop darlings Handsome Furs are joined by the The Thermals and the American Analogue Set with The Hold Steady headlining.

2) If fighting for space and air with Hold Steady fans (aka boy bloggers) isn't your bag, head around the corner to Habana Calle's AAM Showcase with Glen Rock, New Jersey's finest, Titus Andronicus and Crocodiles. We are so stoked for American music in 2009, and these two bands have a lot to do with that.

3) If you feel like going for a walk, wander over to After the Jump Fest's annual BBQ. Trust us, you're going to want to see US Royalty (apparently the next Kings of Leon slash the Killers hybrid) open for ‘90s indie icons Superdrag.

SATURDAY:
Perhaps the biggest FU to the SX establishment takes shape in the Mess With Texas party in Waterloo Park, which is a swift 10-minute walk from the convention center. Now in its 3rd year, this independent day-long all-ages festival boasts 25-plus bands over 9 hours on 3 stages. Atlanta troublemakers the Black Lips (no really, they were kicked out of India for lewd behavior on live television) headline. Free, No RSVP required.

WEEKLONG:
1) Leave it to Myopenbar.com to set up 4 Square Punk Down and Derby. 4 bands will play at a time with a roller rink in the middle of the action. Stocked with free booze, killer DJs and some of the jerkiest rough-and-tumble guerilla party bands around. Free, no RSVP required, but crash helmets and kneepads are recommended.

2) Just a hop, skip and a jump up South Congress Avenue and a bit west, Urban Outfitters has compiled a stellar lineup that will camp out in its back lot over 4 days. We Have Band, Chairlift (fresh off a signing with Columbia Records thanks to their iPod Nano ad), The Chap, and B-more darling Rye Rye (recently featured on the cover of WWD) will hold court. Free, no RSVP required.

AFTER HOURS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY:
Last year IHEARTCOMIX, Mad Decent and Jelly NYC teamed up for a showcase on top of a parking garage. It's gonna be hard to top dancing to Santogold, Spank Rock and Cut Copy as the sun sets but this team is going to try their damndest with 2 late-night events. Awesome things happen when they combine super power party forces for the Texas Niteclub events, but brace yourself for the inevitable police raid. What the hell, if anything the sirens and flashing lights will sober you up enough to ensure you make your Sunday morning flight on time! Free w/ RSVP.



First and eighth photos by JustNeil via Flickr
Third photo by Clap Your Mirror Say Yeah via Flickr
Fourth photo courtesy of US Royalty
Fifth photo by muppetcakes via Flickr
Sixth photo by Josh Sisk