With an average annual temperature of 79.8˚F, Austin rightfully prides itself on its outdoor culture. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that weddings, retirement parties, birthday celebrations, and other major events often happen at venues offering beautiful lawns, expansive patios, and plenty of outdoor space.

If you’re planning an event and need to find a facility with plenty of outdoor space, these three Austin neighborhoods have plenty of options for you, ranging from casual and laid-back to stately and formal.

Downtown Austin

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Although it’s arguably the most typically urban neighborhood in Austin (with its multiple transit hubs and high property values), Downtown Austin differs from other major city centers with its access to large swaths of scenic greenspace, ideal for a large celebration.

If elegance tops your list of event priorities, The Allan House on San Antonio Street has it in abundance. This four-season space includes a historic Victorian manor built in 1883 and expertly-manicured garden areas including a courtyard. The house can accommodate up to 65 guests (or 50 for a seated dinner), but if you’re hosting an outdoor party, you can increase your capacity and seat up to 225 people. The Allan House grounds feature 100-year-old oak trees and beds of native Texan flowers, and if your event takes place during the winter, The Allan House offers tenting and heat lamps to keep everyone comfortable. You’re welcome to bring in your own caterers and food vendors, or you can select from venue’s preferred vendors list. In terms of a central location with super-photogenic outdoor space, The Allan House is a tough one to beat.

For a quirkier outdoor venue with tons of Austin personality, head just east of I-35 to Fair Market. This facility features plenty of indoor and outdoor square footage, with the indoor space contained by a Quonset-hut warehouse. The result? An exceptional blank canvas for a creative party host to make their own. The outdoor area is just as customizable as the indoor space, and hosts can bring in their own catering team (or even their own fleet of food trucks as past party wranglers have done). Fair Market embodies the creative spirit that so effectively defines Austin, so if you want flexibility, a convenient locale, and lots of space at your disposal, Fair Market might be the perfect venue for you.

Bouldin

Outdoor patio in Bouldin

A South Austin neighborhood famous for its artsy vibe, excellent restaurants, and major drags like South 1st Street and South Congress Street, Bouldin can also add several prime outdoor event venues to its list of credits.

With an enormous backyard ideal for setting up an altar and guest seating as well as a fantastic location just off of South 1st Street, Gather Venues is popular among local brides. All party hosts consult with a Gather venue manager to plan the intricacies of the event and make sure the venue is customized to the client’s exact needs, and that manager also serves as a day-of point person for the event. Past uses of the space include community events, fundraising parties, professional retreats, art shows, and (of course) weddings.

For a slightly-smaller event (for up to 100 guests) with historic cache, consider Green Pastures, a stunning property dating back to the 19th century. The outdoor Pavilion space seats up to 80 (with standing capacity for 100) and offers views of the historic home and the idyllic grounds. Best of all, an event at Green Pastures features catering from Mattie’s, the highly-acclaimed restaurant on the grounds serving modern Southern fare with locally-sourced ingredients.

Barton Creek

Barton Creek in Austin

With its close proximity to both the city proper and the Texas Hill Country, Austin’s suburban communities are particularly attractive to residents seeking outdoor space and activities. One affluent ATX suburb, Barton Creek, stands at the center of a remarkable event-space radius with options for all tastes.

Just west of I-360, you’ll find The Vista on Seward, a garden enthusiast’s dream venue just 10 minutes from Downtown Austin and a nine-minute drive from Barton Creek. The space has garnered multiple awards for its impressive Hill Country views, its white limestone arches and platforms, and the natural beauty of its lawn. Up to 200 guests can fit at The Vista, and the event managers will provide a list of preferred vendors for food and beverage service. 

For an upscale outdoor party in an indoor/outdoor pavilion with creek views, check out Omni Barton Creek, located right in town. The pavilion spans 5,500 square feet and can be opened up to reveal Hill Country vistas or can be fully enclosed in inclement weather. The hotel offers on-site catering services, making Omni Barton Creek a great one-stop shop for major events.