Austin’s SXSW festival is one of the most exciting times of the year, bringing together music, tech, film, and culture from all over the world. If you’re planning an event during SXSW, choosing the right venue is key to setting the right atmosphere and ensuring an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a large space with a full buyout option or a cozy, intimate setting, here are some of the best venues in Austin to host your SXSW event.

theChive HQ Building

98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701 | thechive.com – Unlock your creativity at theChive Building, a dynamic and engaging venue perfect for SXSW events. Designed to inspire, this venue offers a variety of unique spaces to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re planning a high-energy party or a relaxed networking event, theChive’s HQ venue will suit your needs. Book early to secure your spot!

• Versatile Event Spaces: Includes intimate lounges, 3 conference rooms, and a fully functional photo studio.
• Interactive Features: Features a custom copper bar with 4 tap handles, a sunken lounge for panels, and even a slide from the top to bottom floor.
• BYOB & Catering-Friendly: As an unlicensed venue, guests can bring in their own alcoholic beverages and catering.
• Customizable Layouts: Moveable furniture and an on-site event planner allow for tailor-made experiences for any type of event.
• Additional Services: Bartenders, waitstaff, entertainment, and more are available upon request.

For booking inquiries, contact kristen.ortiz@chivemediagroup.com.

The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center

700 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 – Architecturally significant space overlooking Congress Ave with protection from outdoor elements, contemporary setting perfect for receptions, screenings, and corporate events.

• Capacity: Flexible event spaces for small and large gatherings
• Event Spaces:
  • Moody Rooftop: 3,300 sq. ft. open-air rooftop with panoramic skyline views, a built-in bar, and seating options
  • Community Room: A fully A/V-equipped indoor space overlooking Congress Avenue, ideal for workshops, meetings, and press lounges (65 guests

The Roosevelt Room & The Eleanor

307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701 – Located in the heart of downtown Austin, The Roosevelt Room offers an elevated cocktail experience with expertly crafted drinks in a stylish, yet approachable setting. Known for its extensive cocktail list and classic bar atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for SXSW events this year. They also have their sister concept next door, The Eleanor which is available for events. Fill out an inquiry form online for your venue of choice

• Capacity: Up to 700 guests (dual-venue buyout)
• Event Spaces:
  • The Roosevelt Room: Elevated cocktail bar with an extensive drink list and intimate ambiance
  • The Eleanor: A stylish adjacent space perfect for private events.

La Condesa + Malverde

400 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 – Craft cocktails, artisanal beer & wine, exclusive La Condesa catering

• Malverde: Indoor/outdoor rooftop venue with skyline views (large events)
• The Flour House: Subterranean private dining space (up to 18 guests)

Perry’s Steakhouse

114 W 7th St, Austin, TX 78701 – Perry’s Steakhouse in Downtown Austin offers private dining spaces designed for a range of occasions, from business meetings to family celebrations

• Capacity: Up to 88 guests in combined private rooms
• Event Spaces:
  • Vault Room & Longhorn Room: 22 guests each
  • Capital Room: 35 guests
  • Prime Room & Loft Room: Can be combined for 88 guests
  • Private Patio: Additional flexible seating

Tómalo Grill

201 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701 – Tómalo Grill offers a range of exclusive event spaces to suit gatherings of all sizes. For an intimate experience, the private dining room (PDR) on the mezzanine level is perfect for parties of up to 18 and features a television, making it ideal for meetings or special celebrations. 

• Capacity: Up to 60 guests for the mezzanine, full restaurant buyout available
• Event Spaces:
  • Private Dining Room: Mezzanine-level space for up to 18 guests
  • Entire Mezzanine: Includes Mayahuel Agave Bar and balcony patio
  • Full Buyout: Exclusive use of the entire restaurant and bar areas

The Kitchen

4402 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78745 – Offering a cozy and upscale downtown ambiance, custom food & beverage packages, signature cocktails, customizable for private/semi-private events. Be one of the first to host a SXSW experience in this beautiful restaurant design by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture located on the ground floor of the Sixth and Guad building.

Codependent

301 West Ave #110, Austin, TX 78701 – Luxury cocktail bar, premium spirits, climate-controlled outdoor seating, premium sound system

• Capacity: Up to 173 guests for a full buyout
• Event Spaces:
  • Side Patio: Outdoor area for 15-75 guests
  • Customizable Indoor Sections: Private and semi-private setup

Holey Moley

807 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702 – Holey Moley is a one-of-a-kind mini golf course and bar that transforms traditional putt-putt into a multi-sensory experience. Featuring a nostalgic blend of 80s and 90s vibes, it promises the most fun and unpredictable round of mini golf you’ve ever played. The full-service bar, The Caddyshack, keeps the drinks and cocktails flowing, ensuring all off-the-green needs are covered.

• Flexible event packages for small and large groups
• Event Spaces include:
  • Mini Golf Course: A multi-sensory, 80s and 90s-themed putt-putt experience
  • The Caddyshack Bar: Full-service bar with craft cocktails and drinks

Chalmers

1009 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 – With capacity for up to 1,000 guests the space offers two bars (indoor and outdoor), and two stages in a casual West Texas meets east Austin atmosphere.

• Front Patio: Outdoor area with a walk-up bar, TVs, and mist fans (200 guests)
• Backyard: Large outdoor space with a stage, fire pits, and an LED wall (800 guests)
• Full Venue Buyout: Includes all indoor and outdoor spaces (1,000 guests)

Cosmic Saltillo

1300 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702 – With available capacity to host up to 1,000 guests the venue includes both indoor and outdoor areas, offering an eclectic vibe, a full bar, and food options.

• Main Courtyard & Covered Patio: 500 guests
• Side Yard: Semi-private area for 150 guests
• Rooftop: Intimate space for 65 guests
• Parking Lot: Large-scale event space for 1,000 guests

Bar Peached

1315 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703 – A cocktail-friendly space with a vibrant indoor and outdoor setting.

• Eastwood Room: Private indoor dining with local artwork
• Covered Patio: 65 seated, 90 standing
• Extended Patio: 80 standing
• Whole Restaurant Buyout: 178 seated, 285 standing

Juliet Italian Kitchen

1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 – Authentic Italian cuisine, flexible indoor/outdoor event space just a few steps away from the heart of downtown.

• Cantania Room: 40-45 guests
• Calabria Room: 28-30 guests
• Full Patio & Canopy: 135-200 guests
• Full Restaurant Buyout: 270-300 guests

Il Brutto

1601 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 – Italian favorites, full-service event experience in east Austin.

• Bar & Patio: 32 guests
• Private Dining Room: Medium-sized gatherings
• Full Restaurant Buyout: 350 guests

Juniper

2400 E Cesar Chavez St #304, Austin, TX 78702 – Juniper offers versatile event spaces in East Austin, featuring a private bar, A/V equipment, and modern design perfect for private gatherings, corporate events, and special celebrations.

• Capacity: Up to 100 standing guests
• Event Spaces:
  • Private Upstairs Room: 1,500 sq. ft. with bar and A/V equipment (50 seated, 70 standing)
  • Main Dining Room: Open kitchen layout for large gatherings

Intero

2612 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 – Intero offers private and semi-private dining options for a variety of group sizes. There are two main dining rooms. The patio is fully enclosed for weather protection, equipped with heaters and misting fans, and dog-friendly

• Capacity: Up to 70 guests with combined dining rooms
• Event Spaces:
  • Left Dining Room: 20-25 guests
  • Right Dining Room: 14-20 guests
  • Private Alcove: 10-15 guests, can be combined with the Left Dining Room
  • Enclosed Patio: Main dining area for 15-30 guests

Dainty Dillo

2200 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, TX 78741 – With Colorado River views, fire pits, live music stage, indoor/outdoor setup, capacity varies based on total event set-up.

Butler Pitch & Putt

201 Lee Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78704 – Offering a 9-hole course, with coordinated tee times in relaxed atmosphere.

• Backyard Event Space: Social gatherings
• Full Course Buyout: Custom golf event

Cosmic Pickle

2207 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757 – Just a short drive from downtown, offering a space up to 1,000 guests with coffee, cocktails, and food trucks in casual setting.

• Reserved Front Yard: 100-300 guests
• Semi-Buyout: Dedicated bar & seating (300 guests)
• Full Buyout: 1,000 guests

Austin has a diverse selection of venues, whether you’re planning a corporate gathering, live performance, or private party. Book early to secure your spot at these top SXSW event spaces!

Do you have an amazing venue you’d like to highlight on our guide? Contact us with info and details for consideration to see if you qualify!