About Austin
Austin is a city of many smiles, where cutting-edge creativity and friendly vibes are in abundance. This bustling city exudes an irrefutable energy that proves its greatness. It's one of the few cities in the US with entertainment productions, content creation, and other creative venues taking place day to night.
With its unique array of special occasions ranging from the iconic SXSW festival to the massive Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin buzzes uncontrollably with excitement and enthusiasm every chance it gets. Away from its notable spotlight, however, there’s always something fun to be found here – did you know that for eleven days in April 1842 a bunch of German settlements declared Austin their capital? No wonder this little Texan city has so much charm!
Special Occasion Options in Austin
- Photographer
A professional photographer can capture memories of your special occasion that will last a lifetime. They can help to pose guests and take pictures throughout the event. They can also help create a custom photo book or album as a unique and lasting keepsake.
- Catering
Catering can help to make sure that all of the food for a special occasion is taken care of. This can include everything from the main course to desserts and appetizers. They can also provide plates, utensils, and napkins.
- Entertainment
Entertainment can help to make a special occasion more fun. This can include things like musicians, magicians, comedians, or even dancers. Hiring a band, DJ, or other forms of entertainment can add an extra special touch to a special occasion. They can help set the mood and create a festive atmosphere.
Special Occasion Vendors in Austin
- East Side King Catering
East Side King is a unique Austin dining experience, blending the best of Asian cuisine with the city's fun-loving vibe. Restaurateurs Paul Qui and Moto Utsunomiya developed a menu that would distinguish their establishment from others while working at Uchi/Uchiko. After East Side King's initial success, it expanded to include a physical location on South Lamar. Furthermore, it established a catering department and Thai Changthong as the Executive Chef. The restaurant guarantees that only quality ingredients are used, like pork from pigs raised without antibiotics or hormones and fed a vegetarian diet. With its creative menu and dedication to freshness, East Side King is an Austin favorite that is sure to please any palate.
- Time and Place Photography
Mindi's passion is photography, more specifically portraiture. She loves to capture people in their element and desires to highlight what makes each person unique and special. Her clients often describe her sessions as fun and relaxing, which produces stunning results that they cherish for a lifetime! Natural portrait photography sessions focus on the things that matter most to you, with packages tailored to your specific demands. There are no unnatural postures, no studio lights, just everything unique about this time and place in your life. Mindi's informal, natural shooting style ensures a pleasant and easy portrait session as well as stunning pictures that will take you back to that moment for years to come.
- Toast Entertainment
Toast Entertainment wants your next big event to be unforgettable. They offer professional DJ services, photography, videography, and photo booth rentals. Plus, they can coordinate your entire event so you don't have to lift a finger! Toast Entertainment's flawless reputation is founded on three principles: excellent customer service, professional attitude, and guaranteed client satisfaction. Whether your goal is to have everyone at your party dancing up a storm or simply having an amazing time, Toast Entertainment will ensure that every single one of your guests leaves satisfied.
Pros and Cons of Special Occasions in Austin
Austin is one of the most vibrant cities in Texas, and many people choose to celebrate their special occasions here. Here are some pros and cons of having special occasions in Austin.
Advantages
- The city has a vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for celebrating special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.
- The city is known for its music scene, so you can find plenty of venues that offer great entertainment options for your special occasion.
- You can find a variety of dining options in Austin to suit any budget or preferences.
- There are outdoor activities such as walking tours, kayak trips down Lady Bird Lake, or hikes through Mount Bonnell - all of which provide beautiful backdrops for your event.
- It’s easy to get around in Austin with public transportation like buses or taxis - this makes it easy to get from place to place during your event without dealing with traffic or parking issues.
Disadvantages
- Austin is known for its hot weather, which can be uncomfortable when having an outdoor event during the summer months.
- Finding available venues can be difficult due to the high demand from locals and tourists alike - you may need to book your event several months in advance to secure a space.
- Depending on where you’re hosting your event, parking can be limited - if guests will be driving themselves it’s best to provide alternate transportation options like shuttles or carpooling groups.
- Austin has been described as a “funky town” by locals due to its relaxed vibe and creative atmosphere – while this is usually seen as a positive characteristic, it could throw off less open-minded guests who may be attending your event!
- Austin tends to have a massive traffic situation. It would be prudent to tell guests to leave in advance to reach the venue in time.
Tips on How to Organize Special Occasions in Austin
If you're planning on organizing a special event in Austin, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that everything goes smoothly. By following the tips below, you'll be well on your way to throwing a successful special occasion in Austin:
- Decide on the purpose of the event. Whether you're throwing a birthday party, anniversary celebration, or simply getting friends together for a good time, it's important to have a clear goal in mind so you can better plan the festivities.
- Select a date and time that works for everyone involved. Trying to accommodate busy schedules can be tricky, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to plan and get everyone on board.
- Choose a location that fits the occasion. If you're planning a formal affair, a swanky downtown restaurant may be the perfect setting. If you're going for something more relaxed, think about hosting the party at someone's home or even outdoors in a scenic spot.
- Send out invitations well in advance. Giving guests plenty of notice is key so they can make arrangements to attend.
- Plan an agenda and make sure everyone knows what's happening when. This will help keep things running smoothly and avoid any awkward moments.
- Have plenty of food and drink on hand to keep your guests happy. Don't forget about festive decorations too!
Famous Locations in Austin
- Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is an awe-inspiring, historic building completed in 1888 located in Austin. It's a beautiful example of Renaissance Revival architecture with life-size statues of notable Texans throughout the years. What makes these pieces even more interesting are the informative plaques accompanying them. The Capitol, a beautiful pink-granite structure located in Austin, Texas, is open to the public for both tours and events such as weddings and corporate functions. The guides provide visitors with an insight into not only the herculean effort required to build the Capitol but also interesting trivialities like door hinges shaped like the state of Texas. Furthermore, those on tour will be able to admire unforgettable views of downtown Austin from the south lawn. A trip to see the state's capitol building is an experience you won't soon forget, whether you have lived in Texas your whole life or are visiting for the first time.
- Zilker Park
Iconic and stunning, Zilker Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Austin. With 350 acres of forestry, open fields, and walking trails, the city's parks system shines brightest at Zilker. Perfect for an impromptu picnic or afternoon stroll, this park should definitely be on your list of places to see while in town! What's more, the park is also home to a number of popular annual events, such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Botanical Garden Spring Festival. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Zilker Park is truly a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is a unique Austin treasure, and their monthly after-dark program is a great way to experience it. On the first Tuesday of every month, the garden stays open late for visitors to enjoy the evening environment, featured gallery exhibitions, monthly themed activities, food and entertainment. Plus, there are yoga classes in the garden! The whole family will enjoy this fun and educational evening out, and admission is free after 6 PM. Be sure to check the website for upcoming dates and themes – it’s a great way to add some culture to your month.