After last year (see “relays ruckus” and “more relays ruckus“), there was some talk of avoiding downtown for the social events that are almost more important than the actual Texas Relays, under way since yesterday, but there’s plenty planned, including the Urban Music Festival featuring Chaka Khan. Check out South Flavas (Friday and Saturday at the Iron Cactus); The Firm on Friday at Oslo; and the Urban 512 afterparty at the Karma Lounge on Saturday. The fullest information can be found at the TexasRelays.com party list and SoulCiti, which have additional events listed, including fraternity and sorority parties and the Saturday block party at Maggie May’s. The Texas Relays event is one of the top track and field outings in the entire nation, and the affiliated round of parties grows in importance every year as well.