The South by Southwest 2011 Auditorium Shores Stage Concert Series was the epitome of Austin entertainment — live music outside in front of Town Lake against the Austin skyline with perfect March weather, fireworks and free admission for all.

The March 17-19 free concert series featured big-name headliners such as The Strokes and Bright Eyes. Twin Shadow, Bowling for Soup, Blue October, Middle Brother and The Felice Brothers also performed at the Auditorium Shores stage.

Gates opened at 5 p.m. on March 17 and Auditorium Shores was at full capacity by the time The Strokes performed at 8 p.m.

After the concert area reached full capacity, those barred from going inside the concert gates filled the hill in front of the Long Center to hear The Strokes play. Many were seen hopping the fence and scrambling over portable outhouses for a chance to get in to a free concert without waiting in line.

The Strokes wrapped up its performance with an encore accompanied by a fireworks show. Bright Eyes performed for two-and-a-half hours on March 19 to a slightly smaller and younger, but still enthusiastic, audience. Bright Eyes also ended its performance with a fireworks show in the background.

The most memorable part of the other acts was Middle Brother’s shout-out to mom. One band member announced to his mother and to all of Auditorium Shores that he dropped acid for the first time “right here” at Auditorium Shores. Classy, Middle Brother. Classy.

Torchy’s Tacos and Tiff’s Treats, it was possible to have an entirely free concert experience complete with food and drinks courtesy of several companies promoting products with free samples. Sam’s Club gave away bags of chips, coozies, clementine oranges and other snacks, and the Chobani truck passed out cups of Greek yogurt. Monster provided free energy drinks and several other companies also handed out their products to concert attendees.