One undeniable fact about Austin, Texas? We treat social media-ites like rockstars.

Think about it. Our local newspaper is the only one in the country to host annual social media awards. SXSW 2008 helped LAUNCH Twitter. And in summer 2009, a few bloggers got together and created the first “bleet-up,” i.e., a meet-up for bloggers.

Why a meet-up? Because we bloggers stalk each other online. A lot. Even when we’re not commenting, we’re reading, we’re taking mental notes, we’re nodding in appreciation. The vast network of blogs in Austin, which numbers well into the high hundreds (if not thousands), is now a substantial body of alternative media. We’re obsessed with music, food, fashion, video games, film, biking routes, local politics, taco trailers and handmade purses. And you know what? All those interests make us good conversationalists.

So last year, we figured: Why not get out from behind our computers, and meet each other in person? Why not dish on the last live show we saw, while sipping wine? Because everything’s better with wine.

The first Bleet-Up had 15 RSVP’s. Then, 150 people showed up. The second Bleet-Up had 700 attendees, and from then on, The Bleet-Up was an established local event! This is our third one, and we’re downright giddy with excitement.

The Bleet-Up tends to have two different “styles.” The one during the summertime is a happy hour, mostly bloggers, and is more low-key. Albeit classier. That’s this one that I’m about to give you details on. The second one happens right before Fun Fun Fun Fest, and is big and messy, with multiple bands and stuff. What I’m saying is, people get more drunk at the second one.

So! This classy, summertime affair, small and inimate, caps at 150. It goes on tomorrow, July 22, at Four Seasons’ TRIO (98 San Jacinto Blvd), and while our capacity filled up super-fast upon announcement, we set a few aside for “last-minute” RSVP’s. If you’re reading this blog post the day before, chances are you’ve still got time.

Here’s what you can expect at our Bleet-Up!

*Happy hour wines-by-the-glass.
*FREE passed appetizers until they run out: Pintade Sausage, Steak Fries, Tuna Tartare, Sliders, Shrimp and Corn Fritters, Salmon Belly.
*Goodie bags for first 50 arrivals. (With a little spa treat from Four Seasons …)
*Complimentary valet.
*Photo booth by Cory Ryan.
*Enlightening conversation with Austin’s finest bloggers.
*A book exchange! Bring a book that you would like to pass onto another, for an informal, summer reading book trade. Can be anything you want, from trashy chick lit to the Dalai Lama. Trust me, bloggers are readers, and we read it all.

rsvp now.

See you at the Bleet-Up!