Here is our list of the best corporate event ideas in Austin, Texas.
Corporate event ideas in Austin are places for you to host an activity or meeting for a work team in Texas’s most eclectic city. Examples of events include an escape room, Wanderlust, or Stubbs BBQ. These activities aim to develop relationships and foster fun while helping the group enjoy the spirit and amenities of Austin.
These suggestions are in-person equivalents of virtual team socials, and are good ideas for company retreats, team offsites, fun group activities, and conference entertainment.
These activities are similar to team building activities in Austin and company outings in Austin.
This list includes:
- corporate event ideas in Austin for adults
- outdoor corporate events in Austin, Texas
- corporate party ideas in Austin
- large group corporate event activities in Austin TX
- corporate conference ideas in Austin
Let’s get to it!
List of corporate event ideas in Austin
Hosting corporate events can be tricky. These activities need to be fun, affordable, and interactive. Finding a local venue or event that fits your group and your budget is not as easy as it may seem. Here is a list of fun and engaging corporate event ideas in Austin.
1. The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum
Renowned sculpture artist Charles Umlauf worked for years on a collection of 168 sculptures, and he gifted his property and art to the city of Austin in 1985. The garden aims to combine stunning artwork with tranquil nature to create a truly peaceful experience. Groups can book a private tour where a highly trained docent guides a walk through the collection. Additionally, the garden has a large focus on accessibility, with wheelchair paths, touchable sculptures for the visually impaired, and captioned video presentations for the hearing impaired. Companies interested in hosting an event here can also book this unique and memorable venue. Be sure to check out this space for a look into Austin’s rich art history.
Learn more about The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum.
2. The Great Guac Off™️ (Top Pick)
Your team can experience the incredible popularity of The Great Guac Off. This top-rated team building activity is cherished by renowned companies like Amazon, HelloFresh, and YouTube.
Event planners will love this all-inclusive package, which features:
- 90 minutes with an entertaining teambuilding.com host
- co-host(s) for smooth event management and clean-up
- mini-games and competitions for maximum team engagement
- guacamole ingredients and chips for dipping
- fun and memorable group photos
- dedicated event-planning support
Rest assured, with a 100% happiness guarantee, The Great Guac Off will leave your team raving about the experience.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
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3. The Art of Storytelling (Popular)
Our immersive workshop aims to teach participants the power of telling a good story. Teams from notable companies like Meta, Bank of the West, and ZipRecruiter love this event.
The Art of Storytelling features the following:
- 120 minutes with expert storytellers
- valuable insights that will enhance your team’s storytelling techniques
- details on language, emotion, and structure that foster compelling stories
- communication and presentation techniques to engage audiences
- an environment of openness, vulnerability, and active listening
For your convenience, we will meet you at your chosen location with any needed supplies. By mastering the art of storytelling, your team will learn to connect with others through engaging narratives.
Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.
4. Veracruz All Natural
Sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, originally from Mexico and now living in Austin, Texas, achieved their lifelong dream of owning a restaurant. The duo learned to cook from a young age in their family’s kitchen in Veracruz, focusing on authentic Mexican cuisine. Today, with five locations in Austin and Round Rock, Veracruz All Natural is renowned for its top-quality Mexican food.
Veracruz All Natural’s menu boasts a wide selection of authentic Mexican dishes and refreshing drinks. Options include traditional favorites like quesadillas, tacos, and vegan options. This spot also offers fresh juices, smoothies, and agua fresca with various flavors to choose from.
Additionally, the restaurant provides an event space for rental. Rentals offer private access to picnic tables, a stage, and a dance floor. Regular menu items are available during daily operating hours, and catering is an option outside of these hours. Be sure to stop by for a taste of authentic Mexican flavors!
Learn more about Veracruz All Natural.
5. Whisler’s
If you are looking for corporate event ideas in Austin for adults, consider stopping by Whisler’s! Whisler’s is the destination for expertly crafted cocktails, including classics like Whisler’s Old Fashioned and unique creations like the Poisoned Joys. The bar has also recently opened Mezcalería Tobalá on its second floor. The Mezcalería celebrates the rich culture and traditions of Mexican spirits. The space is also available for private functions, making it an ideal spot for hosting various events. The broad selection of wild mezcal varieties and immersive experience are sure to impress. This space is a great way to unwind after a long workday!
Learn more about Whisler’s.
6. Austin Steam Train Association
The Austin Steam Train Association offers a wide variety of train rides and experiences! The association’s mission centers on preserving and presenting historic steam-era railroading. This mission began with the 1956 donation of the Southern Pacific No. 786 locomotive, and the nonprofit was fully established in 1989. Today, visitors can choose from multiple lounge levels and outings.
For instance, riders can enjoy an excursion coach, first-class lounge, and adults-only first-class lounge. Additionally, visitors can choose from several special events, including the North Pole Flyer, Wine Train, Hill Country Flyer, Bertram Flyer, and Speakeasy Train.
The train runs year-round, making it a great location for a corporate event. From Santa Claus to wine tasting to Prohibition-themed murder mysteries, there is no shortage of activities at the Austin Steam Train Association!
Learn more about the Austin Steam Train Association.
7. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Since 1982, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has used gardens, research, education, and outreach programs to conserve native wildlife. Visitors can explore 284 acres of cultivated gardens, an arboretum, managed natural areas, and wildlands. For example, you could stroll through the Savanna Meadow on a quarter-mile hike and check out beautiful creeks and wildflowers. The Central Gardens feature multiple garden styles meant to inspire home landscapers. From naturalistic to contemporary to formal garden spaces, this central space features views for any guest. Be sure to visit this beautiful location for a great activity that supports local sustainability.
Learn more about the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
8. Inner Space Cavern
A Texas Highway Department core drilling team discovered this hidden gem in 1963, and the cave opened to the public in 1966. This fantastic cave is a step back into prehistoric times, featuring beautiful formations, large rooms, and prehistoric animal bones. Teams can go on an Adventure Tour, Hidden Passages Tour, Wild Cave Tour, or Ice Age Tour. The Hidden Passages and Wild Cave tours are for more adventurous teams, with narrow hikes and sharp twists. A real paleontologist, John A. Moretti, takes you into the past during the Ice Age Tour. If that is not enough adventure, then you can head to the cavern’s zip ride!
Learn more about Inner Space Cavern.
9. Pioneer Farms
Featuring ten adventure sites, this 90-acre farm lets visitors step back in time to explore Texas’ history. Each historic site represents a different time period. For example, the oldest is Republic Overlook, which looks like Texas in 1839 when Republic President Mirabeau Lamar named Austin the state capital. Visitors can take a guided tour around the grounds to learn more about each themed location. After walking the property, check out some exhibitions, like Two-Stepping Across Texas and Henry & Ben: Two Guns. Before you visit, see which classes are available. Examples of previous lessons include butter churning, cooking an 1800s meal, and blacksmithing fundamentals. Teams will have a blast exploring the past at this hands-on museum.
Learn more about Pioneer Farms.
10. The Escape Hour Austin
Escape rooms are one of the best corporate party ideas in Austin. This activity is fun and engaging and gets the whole team involved. There are a variety of escape rooms in the Austin area. Escape Hour Austin promises an in-depth and elaborate escape game that engages all participants. These unique rooms are masterfully designed by the creative staff in Austin. For example, one of the most popular rooms they offer is Dead Man’s Cove. In this room, the adventure includes gold and swashbuckling clues. The games last for 70 minutes and are completely private.
Check out the Escape Hour Austin.
11. Hops & Grain
This sustainable, East Austin brewery is one of the most Austin-y places to go. Besides having a taproom to taste beer, you can arrange tours and private parties. Hops & Grain is in East Austin, an area of the city growing exponentially and is one of the coolest areas to hang out. You can call ahead to arrange an area for your group. Then, you can bring the whole team for a beer flight and enjoy an Austin original.
Head over to Hops & Grain.
12. Stubbs BBQ
Stubbs is a famous BBQ joint in Austin, TX. In fact, you can get their BBQ sauce at grocery stores far from the city. However, this restaurant is more than just BBQ and is a leading live music venue in the city. A quick check of the website gives a schedule of which musicians are playing and dates of shows. Stubbs offers a wide variety of musical styles and local and national artists, thus finding a concert for your group to enjoy will not be hard. Plus, team members can enjoy some delicious BBQ while listening to great tunes with the group.
Check out the lineup at Stubbs BBQ.
13. Wanderlust
One of the most unique corporate conference ideas in Austin is heading over to Wanderlust for a wine-tasting event. The most remarkable thing about this venue is that all the wine is on tap, straight from barrels or tanks. This fact means that wine is fresh and delicious, and there are no bottles to discard. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect wines to complement snacks. With 56 different wines on tap, each taster will find something they enjoy.
Reach out to Wanderlust for more information.
14. Street Art
Austin is becoming famous for the creative and innovative street art found throughout the city. One of the best outdoor corporate events in Austin, Texas, is an art walk. There are many famous art icons throughout downtown Austin. If you have been in Austin long, then you have surely seen the I Love You wall. Unfortunately, Graffiti Park was closed in 2019 to make way for apartments, but Austin artists have not stopped celebrating street art. You can take a walk with your team and enjoy sites with engaging and thought-provoking images around the city.
Here is a good guide to street art in Austin for a few places to see.
15. Cafe Monet
Cafe Monet has been a landmark in the Austin craft community for years. This studio offers a variety of classes and events to entertain all interests. From wheel and clay classes to painting pre-made pottery, attendees will get to tap into their inner creativity. There is even an option for virtual parties! The staff will work with you to plan an in-person or remote event for your team. Plus, team members will have a new piece to decorate their desks. Pottery painting events are one of the best corporate party ideas in Austin, and Cafe Monet will help create a memorable time.
Reach out to Cafe Monet for more information.
16. The Roosevelt Room
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Austin, The Roosevelt Room is the perfect location for your next corporate event. The venue has space for large groups and will work with you to curate a fun and engaging evening. The Roosevelt Room offers private cocktail classes for 8 to 100 guests that include cocktails, snacks, and personalized instructions. The staff is friendly and willing to work with you to craft an original experience.
Check out The Roosevelt Room.
17. The Range
When in Texas, do as the locals do. Shooting is a common pastime in the state, and target shooting is one of the best large group corporate event activities in Austin TX. Shooting guns is deceptively fun. When it comes to gun ranges, there are many indoor and outdoor options for groups to utilize in Austin. You should consider a location that best fits the time of year and size of the group. In the winter and spring, the chance of rain or cold weather makes an indoor range desirable. However, the warmer months are great for outdoor ranges, which can also accommodate more participants.
The Range offers various shooting packages and group rates, and you are sure to find an option that works for your team. You can even shoot a machine gun at this facility!
Check out The Range at Austin.
18. Lone Star Riverboats
Lone Star Riverboat tours are one of the best corporate event ideas in Austin. These professionals have years of experience hosting large groups and are sure to make your event spectacular. The company includes catering, drinks, live music, and themes in the tour. Plus, the location is just minutes from downtown Austin. There are different vessels to accommodate up to 100 guests. This excursion is easy to make into a fancy night, and you cannot beat the breathtaking scenery around Lake Austin. You can host a holiday or formal event and encourage team members to show up in their best dress and dance the night away.
Plan a tour at Lone Star Riverboats here.
19. Bubble Soccer
If you have a fun team that loves physical activities, then bubble soccer is the perfect corporate event. You only need to provide space and the guests, and the crew at Austin Bubble Soccer takes care of the rest of the arrangements. There are packages suited for varying sizes of groups, from 12 to 35 participants. You and your teammates can spend a fun afternoon bouncing around in a giant bubble attempting to kick a soccer ball.
Check out Austin Bubble Soccer and more company field day activities.
Conclusion
Austin, Texas, is one of the best cities to entertain employees at corporate events. With a wide variety of facilitated and non-hosted events, not to mention the numerous outdoor activities, team members are bound to have a fantastic time. You are sure to find an event or activity to fit any budget or culture.
Next, check out these lists of conference breakout session ideas and summer team building ideas.
