Every year, usually during the first weekend of April (and occassionally the second), Austin becomes the place to be. That's when the Texas Relays take place.

Tens of thousands descend upon Austin for one of the country's premier track and field events.

Possibly even bigger than the track and field events themselves, the party scene in Austin that weekend has come to be known as the Black Mardi Gras.

Every year it gets bigger, so if you plan on attending, make your travel arrangements as soon as possible. Places tend to get booked up quickly for the weekend. Book your hotel in the downtown area to be in the middle of all the action. (We recommend using hotwire.com to make your reservations. Click the banner on the left.)

The biggest guide for the after parties that weekend can be found (coincidently enough) at texasrelays.com.

The website has details on each event as well as quite a few pictures from events thrown by promoters participating in the weekend.

Events are on the party list page. Check it out and see what you've been missing!