Those magical days in March are drawing closer by the minute. But before you before you go mortgaging your house for that five or six thousand dollar official SxSW badge (or whatever it costs these days), why not check out the day parties? Most are free, have free food and/or drinks and will have you saying “badges? We don’t need no stinking badges.”

The Austin American-Statesman has put together its annual list of SXSW parties, reminding us that sometimes the best shows are the ones to be seen and heard just outside the official festivities.

With parties going day and night from March 18 to March 21, there’s plenty to see — and potentially miss out on — so scope out the possibilities early. You could hit up Gorilla Vs. Bear presents Gorilla vs. Booze III, featuring Vivian Girls, White Denim, Wavves, The Golden Filter, Girls, Here We Go Magic, Harlem and DJ Sober on March 19. Free beer, too!

Or maybe you’ll want to attend the Music for Listeners party on March 21, featuring Let’s Wrestle (where have we heard that name before?), Dios, , Laura Marling, Mumford and Sons, Marcus Rubio and the Gospel Choir of Pillows and The Lovely Sparrows.

But — as always — the yet-to-be-announced Tripwire day party [Friday, March 20] and the Levi’s Fader Fort will be the ultimate daily destination all week for free drinks and the best bands.

There are tons more with tons more free beer and free bands to be had. Check out the full listing here, and check back for updates as the dates near.

1. A Tripwire Guide to the Best Unofficial, Badge Be Damned CMJ Parties
2. SXSW – Wednesday Was Cold, That’s All You Need To Know
3. SxSW 2009 – Party Apple Friday
4. SXSW 2009 Has Been Announced
5. SXSW Performers Announced