It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's a city that knows how to party—welcome to Austin. Home to gorgeous outdoor attractions like Lady Bird Lake and a thriving creative scene that has seen it nicknamed the "live music capital of the world," Austin is the sort of place that if you visit it once, you'll never want to leave. On thriving thoroughfares like Rainey Street and Cesar Chavez St, you'll find bars, restaurants, and entertainment options galore.
And if you're planning a party or social event in Austin, where better to have it in a rooftop bar or event space? Cast your eyes skywards in downtown Austin and you'll find a host of great rooftop bars and private event spaces aptly located around the city and just waiting to be explored. Even better, you'll find a host of the best locations right here on Giggster, where it's easy to find the best rooftop patio, bar, or lounge for your next event.
It's easy to stay on budget when you book with us. Keep reading for tips on finding your ideal rooftop oasis in Austin.
Downtown Austin, South Austin, East Austin, the Entertainment District—the best rooftop bars can be found in a variety of locations around Austin. These open-air settings provide the perfect backdrop for a huge range of private events, combining stunning views of the city with a great atmosphere. Here are some of the rooftop spaces you can compare and rent on Giggster to host a memorable night.
With state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems plus amazing views, a downtown skyline nightclub is the perfect setting for a raucous celebration.
With stunning views of the downtown skyline, a multi-level open-air space with a rooftop bar can help take your exclusive event to the next level.
A spacious rooftop terrace at a lush private estate just 30 minutes from Austin? Sounds like our idea of heaven!
A rooftop pool with breathtaking views of surrounding countryside? Now that's the sort of pool party we'd love to dive into.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From magnificent private homes and private outdoor patios to stylish rooftop lounges and terraces, Giggster's selection of 12 wonderful rooftop bars will help you find the perfect rooftop venue for your event.
Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster makes it quick and easy to book a rooftop venue for as little as $50/hour. Filter your search results based on your budget and key venue features—it's easy to narrow the results down to find your ideal city skyline space.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: With our 24-hour free cancellation policy, you won't have to worry about additional fees if you need to change your rooftop bar booking.
Platform Protections: Giggster's add-on insurance protection packages provide peace of mind for renters. Book a spectacular rooftop bar like The Stevie Ray DT Austin 21st Floor Highrise Flat and enjoy the comfort of having damage protection, event liability insurance, and cancellation protection in place.
Why book a rooftop bar, rooftop lounge, or rooftop pool in Austin? There are lots of good reasons why heading upstairs is such a popular spot for a party, but there are also a few factors you should consider before taking the plunge—so check out the pros and cons of renting a rooftop bar.
Advantages
With a host of spectacular spaces to choose from, Austin rooftop bars can provide an unforgettable experience for your guests.
This city is famous for its thriving live music scene, which is great news if you need to book some live entertainment for your Austin rooftop celebration.
Austin's diverse culinary scene also offers an abundance of choice, so it's easy to find quality catering options for your event.
Disadvantages
Hiring a rooftop bar can be expensive, so you'll need to leave plenty of room in your budget to get your desired venue.
Rooftop pool, lounge, and bar venues are in high demand—you'll need to book early to avoid missing out.
Traffic congestion is a major hassle in downtown Austin, so keep your guests' travel time in mind when choosing a space.
What sort of rooftop bar or venue should you book in Austin? Regardless of whether you want a casual and cozy space or something a little more extravagant, Giggster's selection of 12 rooftop spaces will help you raise the roof for your event.
Lounges – Cozy Comfort. What could be more cozy and relaxing than a rooftop lounge? This sort of intimate setting gives you and your guests a chance to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, maybe some pulled pork sliders or sushi, and soak up the fantastic views while indulging in some good conversation.
Patios – Open-air Elegance. A rooftop patio with a lounge area, views of the city lights and the Colorado River, and some chilled live music setting the mood—now doesn't that sound like the sort of celebration you'd brag to all your friends about?
Bars – Party on Top of the World. A rooftop bar provides the ideal setting for anyone looking to host a sophisticated soiree. You can sip cocktails or a glass of something bubbly, snack on canapes, catch up with friends, and maybe, if you're in the mood, kick off your heels and take to the dance floor. Oh, and enjoy the great views overlooking the city, of course.
Pools – Make a Splash. A rooftop pool would have to be one of the most luxurious and exclusive settings for a memorable party. Whether you're diving right in or just chilling by the water's edge and enjoying a few drinks, it's a special location for a happy hour celebration.
Private Homes – Luxury Living. Some grand private homes also offer rooftop terraces and balconies that offer an exclusive setting for a private party, plus the flexibility of an indoor space as well. With the stars above you, a drink in your hand, waiters circulating with plates of food, and carefully placed fire pits creating an intimate atmosphere, you're all set for a wonderful night.
No matter whether you're planning a casual happy hour with friends or a swanky corporate event, it takes a lot of careful organization if you really want to raise the roof. Keep these simple steps in mind to help ensure you plan a successful rooftop gathering.
Set Your Goals – Start by developing a clear picture of what you want your event to be. What will the ambiance be like? What sort of experience do you want to provide? Once you know exactly what you want, you can begin the planning process.
Set a Budget – Next, work out how much money you have to play with. Create a detailed budget and leave some extra funds set aside to deal with unexpected emergencies.
Choose a Venue – If you really want to give your events an edge, rooftop bars and lounges can be tailored to suit a wide range of occasions. Compare a range of event space options to find the best rooftop venue with all the key amenities for your needs.
Book Catering and Entertainment – Compare catering menus and prices to find some delicious cuisine for your party. You'll also want to provide some entertainment at your Austin rooftop party, so book any live music acts or DJs you need to keep your guests happy.
Hire Equipment – Even the best rooftop bars can benefit from some extra equipment, so connect with local party rental companies to hire all the gear you need for your space.
From East Austin to all points of the compass, hosting a rooftop bar event can be a costly endeavor. To guarantee that your spending doesn't shoot right past the fifth floor and into the stratosphere, keep these tips in mind and ensure that you stick to your budget.
Break it down.
Rather than just choosing a ballpark overall figure for your budget, make an itemized list of all your event expenses. You'll arrive at a much more accurate spending limit.
Make time to shop around.
The key to saving money is to shop around for the best deal. And we're not just talking about when choosing a rooftop bar—compare locations, caterers, entertainers, and event vendors to find the most affordable providers.
Decide where to cut back.
Be honest with yourself about those expenses that are 100 percent essential and those that aren't. For example, an LED wall might be an exciting feature, but is it really needed for your event? Consider your requirements carefully before deciding where to cut costs.
From a rooftop pool to a cozy rooftop lounge, there's a huge variety of event spaces to choose from on the Giggster app and website. Start searching for your perfect space around town today, taking advantage of terrific amenities and locations.