With an unofficial title of the "live music capital of the USA", tourists flock in droves to Austin, TX, to stay in noteworthy hotels, catch a show, eat some southern BBQ, and maybe even head to a tasting room for some American whiskey.
With so many great reasons to visit, it comes naturally that Austin would also be a hotspot for hosting private events. Whether you want to host an intimate gathering in a secret garden or a centrally located business meeting in a downtown Austin condo, Giggster has something to appeal to every party host.
Economic options don’t need to be boring! One of our biggest points of pride is that we have private venues in Austin for every budget, without sacrificing quality. That’s right, you can still get the estate with outdoor sculptures, the West Austin restaurant with an upstairs patio, or the versatile event space down by Lady Bird Lake at a fraction of the cost.
From wedding receptions to a top-notch business conference, we’ll help you host a party that raises the bar unattainably high for the rest of your social circle.
From massive corporate events in warehouses with exposed brick walls to intimate events at live music venues, event spaces in Austin cannot be upstaged. Here are a few highlights from our platform that are sure to give your social events a major facelift:
Old souls and history buffs alike will spend the whole party admiring the architecture and ornate furniture in these vintage beauties! Austin’s historic estates with courtyards and ballrooms, quaint mid-century cottages, and two-story Victorians with wrap-around verandahs are perfect for the host who likes to do things a little differently.
Looking for something with a little bit of Texas charm? Treat your house party guests to an afternoon at a farmhouse on a sprawling ranch just outside the Austin city limits.
From Euro-style garden escapes to pools overlooking Mt. Bonnel, our homestyle properties with sprawling backyards are practically begging to be the backdrop for your next outdoor soiree.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Whether you’re planning a small party on a quaint outdoor patio or need a meeting space suitable for corporate functions, Giggster has so many venues from North Austin to South Austin that will check off every item on your wish list. With 46 private event venues as low as $50/hour, you’ve come to the right place.
Hassle-Free Booking: Once you’ve chosen a home to host your special event in Austin, getting it locked down is the first order of business. Our simplified booking process means you can get it over and done with sooner, so you can have more time for the fun stuff.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Tired of spending hours on the phone with nosey corporate call centers trying to justify canceling a reservation? Not with us! Our flexible 24-hour cancellation policy allows you to quickly make changes that suit your needs—no questions asked.
Platform Protections: Booking extravagant event venues like Hill Country Home ATX - Maximum of 15 people can be nerve-wracking. Party in peace knowing that you purchased one of our optional protection plans and one of Giggster’s expert teammates will handle disruptions, damage, or liability concerns so you can breathe a sigh of relief.
The number one rule for stress-free party planning is to limit the amount of (not-so-positive) surprises and unexpected disruptions that can crop up. Once you understand Austin’s strengths and pitfalls, you’ll be much better equipped to handle challenges as they come:
Advantages
There are tons of outdoor activities in the surrounding area. If you want to pad out your weekend itinerary with a hike or a swim in the lake, you could extend your stay almost indefinitely.
The music scene in Downtown Austin is unmatched, especially if you’re a country fan.
The same goes for food. If you love southern grub and drool-worthy barbecue, setting your menu will be a breeze.
Disadvantages
Weather in Austin can be a bit unpredictable, with heavy rain and flooding being a common risk. Not to mention, heat waves are pretty unbearable, so be sure you have an indoor party plan (at least as a backup) in case of extreme conditions.
High traffic volume and limited public transportation services mean getting around will cost you both time and money.
From private parties and bachelorette parties to cocktail parties and holiday parties, finding the right event venue is the most important decision you will make while planning your special occasion. Luckily, Austin offers oodles of unique event spaces you won’t find anywhere else.
Luxurious Lakehouses – Indoor/Outdoor Living at Its Finest. These mansions with private waterfront on Lake Travis are straight out of a magazine. Just picture it—the perfect setting for your next private party is a work of art with contemporary furnishings, massive well-manicured lawns, fire pits, and pools that nearly meet the water’s edge. With so much stunning indoor and outdoor space, there’s room for everyone.
Downtown Condos – All the Comforts of Home. These cozy urban nooks are small but mighty. The main selling point is their central location, but these bright and airy apartments also boast large windows and balconies for superb views of the city skyline. We can’t think of a better place for your next event, whether it's an intimate dinner party, book club meeting, or a whole wedding season's worth of bridal showers.
Architectural Marvels – Host Special Events Like an A-lister. If floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop terrace, a glass-walled pool, and a private library have your name written all over it, you don’t want to miss out on one of these crate homes. Boasting modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, your guests will hardly believe their eyes. These mansions are as beautiful inside as out, featuring cutting-edge interior design. Even the bathrooms are next-level!
Finding the perfect venue is enough work on its own, but ensuring you have a full-service bar with innovative craft cocktails on the menu and enough indoor spaces to cover you if it rains can feel like a full-time job. Once the event planning begins in earnest, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fear not! Giggster knows just how to host events without all the stress, and we want to pass our pro tips on to you:
Create a Backup Plan – Even well-constructed plans occasionally get thrown to the wayside under extenuating circumstances. It doesn’t hurt to have a few contingencies in your back pocket. Download a playlist in case the band runs late, or hire a tent in case your backyard BBQ gets rained out. The more you can plan ahead of time, the less disruptive last-minute changes will be.
Add an Element of Surprise – One of the oldest rules for being an exceptional host is to always do a little something unexpected. This doesn’t need to be terribly elaborate, but having a late-night visit from a food truck or a surprise murder mystery theme is enough to keep guests talking about your parties for weeks (maybe even years!).
Set Your Menu – Whether you are hiring a chef to cater your private party or you’re cooking yourself, deciding what to serve your guests should be one of the first things you check off your to-do list. Not only will food set the tone for the rest of the party, but it will also be one of the largest portions of your budget.
Hosting a house party can be a big financial commitment. The good news is that special events in Austin don’t have to break the bank. Start with an elegant event space at an affordable price thanks to Giggster, then follow some of these budget-friendly tips:
Shop your home.
If the crew you’re hosting is small enough, you can take a chunk out of your party supplies bill by making use of table runners, vases, plates, silverware, and glasses already sitting in your cabinets. You may need to do a few extra dishes, but this will cost less than disposables and will feel much classier. The environment will thank you too.
Embrace your inner chef.
This will require some elbow grease and a few kitchen skills, but there’s no greater act of love than cooking for your friends and family. Skip the caterer and prepare a few of your dishes ahead of time to avoid party day anxiety. You can even go potluck-style if you want to cut the grocery bill back even further.
Capitalize on free activities.
When weighing entertainment options, try to take advantage of activities that don’t cost a dime. If you have an old projector in the basement, you could hang up a white sheet and screen a classic movie, or if you have a big backyard, you could have an intimate campfire sing-along (just be sure to comply with city fire permit bylaws). Many of these activities come steeped in nostalgia, which is an added bonus.
When it comes to home party spaces in Austin, nobody does it better than Giggster. With event venues ranging from Victorian-era homes and outdoor spaces to estates with private lake access, we can help make your next corporate event, company holiday party, engagement party, or baby shower one for the books!