For those of you who don’t know already, SXSW is a super awesome conference that promotes music, film and interaction held annually in Austin, TX. It’s coming up again and, with the hottest stars getting ready to party it up Texas-style, of course CollegeCandy will be there. (We do love a good opportunity to rage with celebs.) Our cowboy boots are packed and we’re heading south, ladies! We’ve compiled the all-important lists of the hottest bars and restaurants to hit up — and you can check in too.

Most importantly, the girls of @NYC_CC are ready to live-tweet the whole conference, from every performance to every cocktail, with plenty of snarky commentary in-between. Follow us and feel like you’re in Austin, too!

Music Fest-Style: Go Boho-Chic or Boho-Grunge
Camilla Belle and Kate Bosworth are masters of Boho-Chic, while Drew Barrymore and Miley Cyrus are pro’s of Boho-Grunge. For either look, depending on how you pair your pieces, you can achieve these styles with Music-Fest staples:

• Fringe Anything: Boots, Roman sandals, slouchy bags, fringed Tee’s.
• Fedora: Whether made of straw or khaki, it not only protects your face from the sun but looks stylish, too!
• Cropped Tops: Adorable when paired with high-wasted shorts, cut-offs, or a maxi-skirt.
• Cut-Off Shorts: Sexy and easy-going. Heat up the look with some knee-high gladiator sandals.
• Tank Tops: Try a neutral color paired with bright jewelry and stand-out shoes.
• Long Necklaces: Lengthier necklaces look more relaxed, and that’s the vibe of a live music festival. Gold, silver, rose-gold—anything will work. Add charms for a more feminine look.
• Turquoise and Coral Jewelry: Perfect addition to any outfit, the little pop of color makes an outfit stand out.
• Side Satchel Purses: Easy to walk in and keep track of.
• Feathered Hair: If it’s socially acceptable in everyday-life, then a music festival should be the mother-ship of feathered hair!
• Ray-Bans: Not “Fay-Bans” (fake Ray-Bans), you’ve got to have that little RB logo in the corner of the lens. Whether they be classics or aviators, it’s safe to say (in my opinion), that Ray-Ban is the official sunglass brand of any music festival.

Eats & Drank: Bottom line—Have no fear when it comes to food at festivals!

• All hail the delicious food vendors at music festivals! Be adventurous with this one—trying pulled-brisket bbq and queso nachos is still one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Dig in!
• Don’t feel guilty about all the fried goodies you absolutely must sample. Fried fish wrapped in a tortilla and topped with jalapeno ranch and pico de gallo? We do not say no to that!
• All hail the infinite amount of chilled beer! There’s nothing better than sipping on a cold one while listening to your favorite band.
• Feeling classy? Try a glass of wine one evening if you’re over the beer-binge. I’ve also seen margaritas and other specialty drinks sold at places, so if you’re willing drop some cash, give those a shot!

Safety Musts

• Stay hydrated! Bring sealed water bottles into the festival with you and purchase water as you need throughout the day.
• Sunscreen—load it on! It’s hot out and three days of standing in the sun can take a toll on your skin. Load on the SPF and even get SPF lip balm if you’re extra sensitive.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Keep purses zipped up, don’t anger the belligerent drunk man and don’t become that belligerent drunk man in female form.
• If you’re staking out a spot at the stage of your favorite band, remember that things will get cramped and pushy once the show begins. Make sure you’re not claustrophobic or afraid to kindly push people back if need be.

Last but not least, bring cash to avoid ATM fees at the festival and pack an extra deodorant in your bag. Finally, enjoy yourself and have a blast!

Dig your crop tops out of your closet, iron some patches on to your jean jacket, and sprinkle on some body glitter because we’re planning the ultimate ’90s Throwback Summer Festival.

It’s going to be hotter than Kate Winslet’s hand on a steamy car window and we’re here to give you an all-access pass to the excitement. We got stand-up comedian Joey Gladstone hosting the event, Alex Mac reciting the 10 things she hates about cliché ’90s movies, and Carl Winslow running the security team. And in between all that jam-packed action, we’re re-introducing your absolute favorite performers from the ’90s.

Contact us today (IluvZachMorris@AOL.com) to get details on how to win a cassette recording of the entire event.

Over on the Hip-Hop/Rock Stage we’ve got the creatively-named Coolio (Awesomeio!), the parent-approved-is-this-even-rap? Will Smith, and one-hit British wonder Chumbawhumba performing their greatest hits.

Take a left at the set of Never Been Kissed and you’ll run into our Tiger Beat section, otherwise known as our Boy Band Stage. Look for the long-haired-yet-somehow-sexually-appealing boys of Hanson; the A&F marketing team LFO; the wannabe Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees; and fan favorites Jesse and the Rippers.

Head straight on until you pass the clearance sale on Jellies and you’ll see our ultimate Girl Power Stage. And no, Spice Girls won’t be performing. They said no more tours once Baby hit 40. Instead we have an all-star line-up that kicks off with a heartfelt and realistic duet between Brandy and Monica followed by a tribute to TLC. Last but not least, the least sexually provocative of the ’90s girls, Mandy Moore, will take the stage.

Of course this is just a dream (hey it could happen!) and is totes not happening this summer. But I think we all would gladly take this kind of summer festival over the wannabe-hippie drugfest that is Bonnaroo and the somehow-still-selling-out Dave Matthews concerts. So here’s to hoping we can pull it together for 2011. If so, you’ll definitely spot me in the back with my devil sticks, wearing my signature blue dress with the stain that just won’t come out!

[This story was originally posted by Jenni - Syracuse]

And of course, there are plenty more old faves where this came from.

With all the free time and sunshine that summer brings, there’s no better time to pile in the car with your friends and take a road trip. And there’s no better destination than a 3-day music festival. Is there anything better than lounging on a blanket, soaking up the sun and listening to your favorite songs!? I think not.

If you’ve got a little extra time on your hands this summer (or if you are desperate to get away from the overbearing parental units), there are plenty of music festivals you can hit up. All are awesome, all are chock full of some pretty great music, and all are a great way to reconnect with your college friends you had to leave behind when finals ended.

Lollapalooza: August 6-8th, Grant Park, Chicago
I’m literally hyperventilating just reading the lineup: MGMT, Slightly Stoopid, GAGA!?!?!?!?!?!? Not to mention the world-famous DJs spinning at Perry’s (I’m lookin’ at you, Kid Cudi), the art exhibit, awesome food, and a beer garden! Oh, and Chicago is supposed to be pretty spectacular in the summer, which means there’s no reason to skip out on this one. Check out the festival’s main site for ticket prices, places to stay, travel packages, and the ridiculously full lineup!

Bonnaroo: June 10-13, Manchester, TN
Bonnaroo’s got the real heavyweights this year: Jay-Z, Dave Matthews, Weezer, Kings of Leon, Tenacious D, Regina Spektor…need I say more? There’s also a karaoke “barn,” a comedy theater, and the totally unique silent disco – a dance party with headphones! Get all the info at www.bonnaroo.com.

Harmony Festival: June 11-13, Santa Rosa, CA
If you’re lucky enough to live on the west coast (or are in the mood for a really long road trip), go see indie rockers Michael Franti & Spearhead, India.Arie, the Dead Kennedy’s, K’naan and more at the Sonoma County fairgrounds. All-weekend passes are only $119, and it has a reputation as the most relaxing and laid-back of the summer music fests. Santa Rosa also features a sweet winery and an African safari, if you’re into that sorta thing.

Camp Bisco: July 15-17, Mariaville, NY
Bisco features artists like Thievery Corporation, Method Man, Disco Biscuits, and Girl Talk, for an overall awesome mix of electro-indie, hip-hop, and reggae. Not to mention a Color Wars contest to bring you back to your high-school spirit week and a huge lake for your enjoyment (water sports, anyone!?). There may not be much to do in upstate NY (trust), but this laid-back weekend should be worth your hard-earned gas money.

Lilith Fair: June 27th-August 16th, a city near you!
Gather your girlfriends and your Birkenstocks, because everyone’s favorite indie chicks are back on tour (plus some brand spankin’ new acts that we loooooove). The best part? You won’t have to travel too far to see them! Some of my personal faves that will make appearances are Colbie Callait, La Roux, Norah Jones, Tegan & Sara (seriously, download them if you haven’t already), and Ke$ha. If nothing else, it will be interesting to see how the show transitions from Sarah McLachlan to Tik Tok.

Who doesn’t love a good summer road trip? Especially if that road trip involves music. And I’m not just talking about turning up some old-school Madonna and rocking out in the car; I’m talking about days and days of awesome live music once you reach your destination.

Concerts are fun, but outdoor music festivals are memorable. They are life experiences. And they give you a lot more music bang for your buck. Looking to get away this summer? Why not grab some friends, pack up the car and head out to the biggest music festivals of the summer. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to hit them all!

Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN) -  June 11-14

You’ve likely heard of Bonnaroo, because it’s that good (and a total hippie fest). It’s actually become so successful that the people behind the festival bought the 7 acre farm where it happens every year! Although, I think the orginal owners were just getting upset about all the public urination and free love. But I bet you didn’t know that it’s a lot more than just music going on, from comedians, to art, workshops, and lots more.

But it’s really the music we care about, right? So, let’s get to it. My top choices performing at the Big Bon this year are: Wilco, MGMT, Phish, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Snoop Dog, Girl Talk, Of Montreal, Gomez, Jenny Lewis, Al Green, and plenty more.

Oh, and Jimmy Fallon is going to be there too. Not exactly sure what he’s got planned, but he’s in the lineup. All in all, a perfect summer weekend filled with music, friends and whatever other stuff you happen to stumble on while you’re there…

Lollapalooaza (Chicago, IL)- July 7-9

Lollapalooza is a definitely must-see festival for anyone who cares anything about music. It was once a traveling festival, but now it stands still for its 2 days. Luckily it stands still in Chicago, which is already an awesome place to visit. So, no complaints about getting to travel to Chicago AND getting to see tons of awesome bands at Lolla.

Who is it that’s so awesome? Gosh, where do I even start? Some of my favorites include The Killers, Kings of Leon, TV on the Radio, Neko Case, Band of Horses, Ben Folds, Vampire Weekend, Gomez, Lykke Li, and Bon Iver. Seriously, I could keep going but I’m containing myself. Also performing are Snoop Dogg, Asher Roth, Tool, Jane’s Addiction, Depeche Mode, Animal Collective, and tons and tons more. Basically, you can listen to all this amazing music while staring at the Chicago skyline. Sigh. Does it get any better than this?

All Points West (Jersey City, New Jersey)- July 31- August 2

It’s only the second year for the All Points West festival and it already has a totally rocking lineup. I mean, the festival is sometimes referred to as Coachella East, so you know it’s gonna be a good one.

Not only do you get to listen to fabulous music, but All Points West is working on taking the green initiative. They’re offering ferry service to get to the festival site, special parking for carpoolers, and a recycling program.

Some of the performers I’m more excited about at All Points West include Fleet Foxes, MGMT, Coldplay, the Gaslight Anthem, Beastie Boys, and Vampire Weekend. Not to mention, the kids from College Humor will be at the festival entertaining everyone. These are 3 days you will really regret missing.

Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)- Oct. 2-4

So, it’s not technically summer anymore, but I still think of Austin City Limits as being a summer tour. It’s actually the perfect time and location. Wherever you are, it could be starting to get cool outside come the start of October, but October in Austin is still nice and summery. So extend your summer and jam out at Austin City Limits.

The festival started in 2002 and gets bigger and bigger every year. This is one of my favorite festivals and it has some of the best music. For instance, this year’s Austin City Limits boasts Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Kings of Leon, John Legend, Sonic Youth, Bon Iver, Girl Talk, Brett Dennen, Andrew Bird, and about a billion more. Actually, there are about 130 bands, so you do the math. Lots of times, the best bands at Austin City Limits play secondary “secret” shows around town, so even if you can’t get close to the stage during the show, you can attempt to seek these out. And of course, you might be able to get up close and personal if you watch PBS’s Austin City Limits show, which often airs performances from the festival.

Bonnaroo: June 14-17, Manchester, Tennessee

Do you ever wish you should stumble through makeshift tents erected out of multi-colored tapestries interspersed with North Face nylon numbers, reeking of red wine, special brownie crumbs on your dirty t-shirt, a blunt in one hand and a delicious vegan burrito in the other? Well you best get packing and head down to Tennessee to join the throngs of drug addled music lovers.

Technically, it’s the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, but if you call it by its full name be prepared to be mocked by red-eyed hippies with dreadlocks. It’s a four-day, multi-stage camping festival that brings artists of all different genres, from the Police to Tool (both of which are playing this year, oh yes). Besides the music, on the festival site is a classic arcade, cinema, silent disco (which sounds more than a little awk), comedy club, theater performers, and a beer festival (oh hells yes).

For its sweet vibe, smooth logistics, and crazy entertainment options, Rolling Stone named the fest one of the 50 moments that changed the history of rock and roll. Come on, you need to get a piece of this action.

Expect to See: Girltalk, The National, Lily Allen, Spoon, Ziggy Marley, The Decemberists, White Stripes, The Police, Kings of Leon, Hot Chip, Pete Yorn

Tickets Run: $199-214 (But can you ever put a price on youthful distraction?)