When it comes to unforgettable celebrations, few cities do it better than Austin, Texas. Home to rooftop bars with live music to stylish blues speakeasies tucked away in Downtown, Austin's bar venues are more than a place to grab a drink—they provide the perfect backdrop for memorable experiences.
Whether you're planning a private party in East Austin, a corporate mixer at a swanky private supper club, or a creative photoshoot, Austin's bars shine with character and versatility. With their full bars, built-in sound systems, stages, and vibrant atmospheres, these fantastic venues can turn your dream events into a reality!
No matter what type of event you're planning, Giggster has a bar venue in Austin to suit your needs.
No matter the occasion, you'll be pleased to know that Giggster has a wide range of Austin bar venues, including Blue Owl Brewing.
Are stunning views a must-have for your event? Many rooftop bars in Austin boast spectacular views of iconic locations like Lady Bird Lake. With gorgeous views, beer and wine on tap, and a cool atmosphere, these venues are ideal for low-key yet elegant birthday and engagement parties.
Are you a photographer looking for a quirky bar as the backdrop for an upcoming photoshoot? Many Austin bars, with their exposed brick, fun bar games to play, and unique interiors, provide a cool and beautiful setting for photoshoots.
Are you looking for somewhere to have a social networking event with your younger crowd of employees? South Congress Avenue has a wide variety of eclectic, fun, and youthful bars with cheap drinks and live music, perfect for an evening of networking with colleagues and others in the industry.
Whether you're throwing a Christmas, New Year's Eve, or a Halloween party, Austin has plenty of bars to choose from within walking distance of the center of town. These venues boast plenty of space for guests, a dance floor, and great vibes for all.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Whether you want to host an engagement party at one of the most exclusive rooftop venues in the city or a relaxed high school reunion with flowing drinks and a food truck out front, Giggster has 122 Austin bars to choose from for a diverse range of events.
Hassle-Free Booking: No matter what type of event you're organizing, looking for venues—from coffee shops to bars—can be overwhelming. However, with Giggster's effortless discovery, transparent pricing, and detailed venue information for venues like Blue Owl Brewing, finding the perfect place to host your event couldn't be easier.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: We understand that plans can change at any moment, which is why we offer free cancellations for any bookings canceled within 24 hours of confirmation (as long as you made the booking at least 48 hours before the event).
Platform Protections: Whether you're throwing a 21st birthday party or having a photoshoot at a swanky bar in the center of town, accidents can happen, so it's best to be prepared. When booking your venue on Giggster, take advantage of our optional damage and liability protection, which covers both guests and hosts against unforeseen incidents and last-minute disruptions.
Bars aren't just local watering holes; they're versatile venues that can host a wide range of events. Here are some common and unique events you can host at a bar like Blue Owl Brewing in Austin.
Birthday Parties – Chill Night with Friends. Bars offer the perfect mix of energy and intimacy for celebrating birthdays of all kinds. Whether you're turning 21 or 50, these spaces allow you to get your friends and family together, rock out on the dance floor, and enjoy personalized cocktails in a stylish, laid-back atmosphere.
Photoshoots – Moody Photos. Austin's bars make stunning backdrops for lifestyle, fashion, and product photoshoots. Featuring mood lighting, beautiful interiors, and even rooftop views, these venues add personality and character to photoshoots.
Networking Events – Cocktail Nights. Skip the restaurant dinner and host your next networking event at a local Austin bar. These stylish yet laid-back spaces are perfect for networking events as they allow professionals to mingle over cocktails, grab a bite to eat, and build lasting connections.
Engagement Parties – Casual and Classy. What better way to celebrate your engagement than gathering your friends and family for a night to raise their glass to you and your fiancé? With cozy corners for intimate conversations and open spaces for mingling, bars (especially those on Rainey Street) strike the perfect balance between casual and classy for this special milestone.
Although venues like the Blind Pig Pub, Continental Club, White Horse, and those located on South Lamar Blvd are popular for events, Giggster's venues are unique and have fantastic features to elevate your event. Here are some features to look for when choosing the perfect venue for your next event.
Does it have an outdoor space or rooftop access? Some of the best places to host events have patios, terraces, or rooftops that give you and your guests extra room to breathe and enjoy stunning city views.
Is the layout customizable? When it comes to events at bars, flexible floor plans are key, whether you're setting up a cocktail-style mixer, a photoshoot, or a sit-down dinner. Look for spaces that allow you to move the furniture and adapt the space to suit your vision.
Is the bar full-service or does it have customizable menus? When hosting an event at a bar, you want the drinks to be flowing and fantastic. Ask if the venue offers bartender service packages (champagne, wine, beer, etc.) or if they can create specialty drinks to suit your event.
From vibrant 21st birthday parties to university networking events and engagement parties with live swing bands, here are some pros and cons to expect when hosting an event at a bar in Austin.
One of the many benefits of hosting an event at a bar in Austin is that all of them are located quite centrally, making them easy to access for guests.
The energy in bars naturally encourages people to mingle, making them ideal for parties, networking events, or reunions.
Most bar venues in the city can accommodate up to 150 guests, which covers a wide range of private events without feeling too big or too small.
Some bars in Austin only offer semi-private sections or may stay open to the public during your event (especially if it's at the end of the week), which can dull the atmosphere and make it too noisy.
Some bars have terrible acoustics, which can make speeches, performances, or video presentations hard to hear and enjoy.
Not all bars are designed for large groups or complex layouts. Some may lack dance floors or seating arrangements, which are features needed for private parties.
Whether it's a birthday party, engagement celebration, or corporate networking event, bars are extremely versatile and can host a range of different events. If you're ready to start planning your next event in Austin, here are some simple steps to make the process easier.
Describe Your Event Type – The first thing you'll want to do is clarify the purpose of your event. Whether it's a birthday party, product launch, or networking mixer, the type of event will determine the venue, layout, and vibe you're going for.
Set a Budget – How much money are you willing to spend on the event? Set a budget for venue rental, food and drinks, and entertainment—doing this will ensure you don't overspend.
Write a Guest List – The type of event you're throwing will also impact your guest list. For example, you'd likely invite more people to a 21st birthday party than to a photoshoot. Having a guest list written early on can make finding a venue to accommodate all guests easier.
Choose the Perfect Bar Venue – Once you have all of the basics covered, it's time to find the perfect venue! When browsing Giggster, look for venues that have features and amenities that match your vision.
Planning an event at a bar in Austin doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, there are certain things you can do to keep the costs low while still hosting a high-quality, unforgettable event.
Book during off-peak hours.
If you're flexible, organize your event on a weekday or earlier in the day. These times are in low demand, which means venues offer discounted rates with prices starting at $38/hour.
Keep the guest list small.
One of the easiest ways to save money on any event is by keeping the guest list short and sweet. Fewer guests mean a smaller venue with lower rental fees and less money spent on food and drinks.
Limit the open bar.
When it comes to events at bars, the most common expense is the bar tab. So, instead of offering a full open bar, why not cover the first round and get guests to pay for their own drinks thereafter?
Austin is a hub of activity with a thriving weekend (and weeknight) nightlife and bars aplenty. From hotel rooftop venues with stunning views to country-themed sites where touring acts frequent, there is a wide variety of bars for you to choose from for your next event. Whether you're organizing a milestone birthday party, a corporate networking event, or hanging out for a high school reunion, Giggster is the best place to find your dream venue.
