I went on a date night here and we had so much fun! The staff was so kind, patient, and attentive…read more They play a nice back ground music through the whole store and have amazing lighting and vibes. I love how we both got to pick completely different projects that had detailed instructions. It was nice to be left with our own devices and not walked through all the steps by a person.

I came here for my sister's birthday because we wanted to do something a little more interactive…read morethan just going out to dinner. Funny enough, even though it's called Upstairs Circus, I kept calling it "Uptown Circus" for some reason and still do. My sister had been here once when she first moved to Austin, but it had been a while, so she was happy to go again. We tried to make a reservation for a Monday but found out they're closed that day unless it's a private event. So we ended up booking a Sunday evening during their Sangria Sundays event. Signing up online was quick and easy--no payment required upfront. When we arrived, we were seated at a table and given the option to sit side by side or across from each other. They handed us a laminated flyer with all the available project options, ranging from easy (about an hour) to more challenging projects that can take the full three-hour session. There was a good mix of household items (like coasters and magnetic shelves), jewelry, handbags, clutches, accessories, and even a pricier custom Nike shoe painting project. The sample projects looked very professional, but the final result really depends on your artistic skills and how focused you are during the session. My sister and I decided to pick different projects--she chose a handbag clutch, and I went with coasters. We got all our materials and instructions. One thing I noticed: this kind of activity is probably better suited for people who don't have a ton to catch up on while working. Since my sister and I hadn't seen each other for weeks, we were trying to talk and catch up, which made it harder for me to focus on the project. Some steps were time-sensitive, so juggling both conversation and crafting was a bit stressful. For my coaster project, I initially planned to use a stencil and transfer paper to trace a design, but it didn't work very well. I ended up switching to a simple two-color block design just to make sure I could finish in time. My sister's project was a bit more advanced--she had to do leather hole punching and threading--but she managed to finish and loved how her clutch turned out. Since it was Sangria Sunday, you get one complimentary sangria or mocktail with your reservation, and they keep a card on file if you want to order more drinks. I got a spicy cocktail that actually had really good flavor, even though I didn't finish it. Overall, this is a fun and unique activity if you want to do something creative with a friend or group. I'd recommend it more if you're looking to spend quality time doing something together rather than having a deep conversation--because focusing on the project definitely takes some attention. My sister was happy with her finished product, and I liked mine even if it turned out simpler than planned. It's a cool idea for a birthday, date night, or just a different kind of outing.

We just saw this circus. They're so good. We have seen a few other touring shows with a different…read morecompany. This one is much better. They had better stunts and nonstop performance. I walked out feeling it was worth it! I would definitely watch them again if they return.

We had so much fun at the trail of lights. It was such a pleasant experience in the midst of the…read moreholiday season. It's family friendly with hot coco and cookies, as well of some adult beverages for the adults. Food trucks are available to grab snacks and food from which is a huge plus. There's such a variety of things to see and things to interact with. I loved the music and photo opps, as well as the fact it was wildly spacious. Parking is tricky and can be superrrr expensive. We parked far away and walked which I don't mind, but I definitely considered folks who may not have the ability to do so. All in all, I would return if I was back in Austin during the holiday season!

This was such a fun experience walking through the park and seeing all the holiday lights and…read moredisplays! We even got to enjoy the cocktail samples at Dottie May's - my favorite was the Holiday Hot Cocoa! I wish there was a way to circle back (from the end of the trail to the food trucks at the beginning) after seeing all the lights/displays. We didn't want to walk the trail with food so we waited until the end then realized we had to walk the entire way back in reverse because there was no pathway across. We definitely got our steps in that evening!

I went to the 2014 Austin Carnaval an event virgin and left a bonafide Brasilero woman!…read more From the walk to the Palmer Events Center to the Carnaval itself to the VIP lounge, the whole experience was a colorful blur of gyrating painted and feathered nudity to samba beats and boozey revelry! On the way from the parking lot to the Palmer Event Center, we just had to follow the colorful and scantily clad masses to find the fun! And though I expected an out of control night of pure debauchery based on previous reviews, the night was enjoyably tame. We got there around the 10pm mark and the party was already in full swing with the samba dancers and drummers showing off their mad crazy skills! From the minute we walked in the door our asses didn't stop shaking til they hit the cold leather of the car seat 3hrs later! I loved how open and friendly everyone was! Especially those in full on crazy and fabulous costumes! We watched the "parade" from the stands and then when the dance floor opened up joined a conga line right to the front of the stage where we shook it like a polaroid picture! The entertainment was just amazing and the energy permeated and flowed through the gleefully sweaty crowd! It wasn't nearly as awful as I imagined it would be in the crowd, it was packed, but not claustrophobically so. And, to my surprise, there was not nearly the amount of nudity I expected...I mean bare bootys and boobies abounded, but in a tasteful and non-gratuitous way. I ended up backstage because of my VIP pass because no one could tell me how to get to the "lounge", but that ended up being an awesome experience! Needless to say, I will be returning to Carnaval next year...and honestly, if you can't be in Rio, this is the next best thing! Braaaazilll ATX style baby!!

I know it's an event but it's annual sooo if anyone is curious about this party and does a little…read moreresearch here, let me shed some light (it's okay, I won't illuminate the darkest corners!). Imagine if a gay bar Halloween party and a strip club Halloween party were to have a baby....no, imagine if Mardi Gras had a super sexy, blatantly flirtatious Latino cousin.....no, imagine that dream you have with all the sexy demons and angels and they all want to have sex with you. Yeah, put all that together and you can get an idea. I've been going to this party for almost 15 years and I never get tired of it. Not only is it about the costumes and the flirting, but it's also about the incredible music. Every year they get a nationally known Brazilian Samba band to play the stage, but lately they have also used Austin's own Academicos da Opera which I think is even better cause they get right down on the floor in a huge drum circle. This music is intoxicating (which is great cause it's damn hard to get a drink here---lines too long). You cannot stop dancing and at the end of the night you get that all over warm body relaxation that you get after a great workout or even better sex. But if you are an exhibitionist or a voyeur or if you are not afraid of a large crowd of these, then this is your party. To get anywhere in the crowd, you have to get in a conga line and next thing you know, you are swept away with a bunch of fun-loving strangers to god knows where. And costumes! I am always awed by the work that goes into this event. From feathers and beads to leather and chains. Drag queens and dominatrixes. Fairies and well, fairies. Body painting to body stockings. It's all here and it doesn't mind being seen and photographed and danced with. Sigh. I always have a bit of post-Carnaval depression. So, don't be scerd. You are really missing out if you let your fears hold you back. True of Carnaval and of life.

Let me start out by saying that, this is in Austin and you know what side of the political pendulum…read morethis city is in. I am on the other side of that. I speculated what type of humor / jokes they were going to portray in their acts and I was right. But here is the deal...If you are heavily on the right and you cant take a joke, or two, or several... do not come. They even made some jokes about their own side. The magic shows were great along with the entire show. Everyone was very nice, the food / drink service was good and the ambiance was nice. Very good spot for humor, but if you are easily offended, especially regarding political humor, just look somewhere else. I had fun and I can see myself going back. Thank you for the great time.

Loved this experience. This place has definitely been around for awhile and I can see why. Got…read morethere early to scope out the location and upon entering you provide your name and they provide a paper to give upon entering the show room. There was a group on the patio area where you can order tacos, I did not partake. Then the bar area inside. You can take drinks into the showroom as well. Scoped out the venue which was bigger than anticipated and really enjoyed the fish tank TVs. So fun! The show was entertaining and up to date with references all relevant to the current times. Everyone on stage was great and their chemistry can be seen. The audience was laughing 99% of the time and the show went back fast! I'd totally go back for a local Austin night out with good laughs.

Fantastic place to catch rock concerts or old classic films. But be aware of their insane security…read moreto get in and very high drink and snack prices. You won't successfully sneak anything in, so I always grab happy hour nearby if i must have a drink for a show. Also a great place to catch film premieres during SXSW.

I've actually only been inside twice and that was when my friends in The English Beat put me on the…read moreguest list for their show and when I photographed X for a magazine I freelance for. Anyway... Entrance during both events was a breeze and I'm glad for that. Often times when guest listed or on media list, there's some kind of issue. It always gets resolved but can be a hassle. Luckily, the box office really has it together here. In addition, the sound quality is pretty spectacular. Sometimes in a venue as old as the Paramount (since 1915) getting the acoustics right can prove difficult. They've definitely got the latest, state-of-the-art equipment needed for live performances of musicians, comedy acts, plays, and musicals. The interior design is ornate and lovely.

Practical Magic 2 was the movie I decided on today…read more I got to the theater early to have some wings at the bar. I ordered lemon pepper wings, my favorite, which came with French fries. I don't know what is going on with their fries, but they're always cold. But the wings are scortching hot. I don't get it?? Service was good. Movie was good.

We love this place and have had good experiences but this time was a little weak. It took a long…read moretime to get our food. Some of it was even getting cold, the food was good. We had to ask for the waters 3 times before we got them. We had to ask for the drinks a 2nd time. People who ordered after us got their food first. But the movie was good and the seats worked good.

I've been working with Epic for years, and they always deliver. I've typically worked with them to…read morecontract with musicians and DJs, and I have never been disappointed. Epic does a great job of finding talent in my budget. They also do a great job finding talent that hits the mood just right. I recommend Epic to all my work colleagues, and none of them have been disappointed. Epic is great!

I am a musician and DJ for epic entertainment. I have absolutely loved their gigs. Everyone has…read morebeen super nice and respectful to me at their events. I would highly recommend working for them!

I hurt my knee and have been told I need surgery. I was nervous about walking all over moody for…read moremerch and to get to my seats. I called and spoke with Sam the day before. He was so helpful, told me to speak with guest services for wheel chair escort and a change of seats to ADA seats. Guest services helped update my seats, I had a wheelchair escort to and from the seats. It made my experience so incredible and I'm looking forward to my next show!

Overall, we had a fantastic experience at the Moody Center for Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar…read moreFestival this past weekend :) ! This was my first time attending a concert here, but my sister's second time since she attended her first concert for Alex Horan earlier this year. We felt that the Moody Center was very modern, considering that it broke ground in 2019 and became open to the public in 2022. It is located centrally and right on the premises of UT Austin. There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. At most, from certain seats, you might not be able to see the full jumbo screens because some of the panels above might be blocking them. But overall, you can still see the performers on stage, and the acoustics are excellent that you can hear the music from wherever you sit :) ! But if you really want to make sure that your view is not obstructed at all, I would recommend purchasing your tickets through an online vendor like StubHub, so you can see the stage view from certain seats that you are considering. Guests can bring in either one clear bag (maximum 14" x 14" x 6") or one non-clear small clutch (maximum 5" x 9" x 1.5"). The venue is very well-equipped with vending machines for portable chargers and ear plugs for concert-goers who have forgotten these at home, or who do not have these on hand. We brought our power banks and our own ear plugs. So we didn't have to use these vending machines. Although we had eaten beforehand and didn't need to eat when we got there, the food options seem plentiful and pretty reasonably priced for a concert venue. We really liked that there was a Moody Center female employee who was stationed in the ladies' restroom to make sure that the restroom line flowed smoothly, and that the restroom was kept relatively clean. We would imagine the same took place with a Moody Center male employee in the gentlemen's restroom. All of the Moody Center employees were very friendly and courteous, from security to food services. Furthermore, the booth vendors who were showcasing guitars or guitar supplies were really nice and open to answering any questions anyone had, regardless of whether they were avid guitar players themselves, or people who didn't know much about guitars. My sister and I don't know how to play the guitar. But we really loved the positive vibe and upbeat ambiance from guitar enthusiasts all around us :D ! Although we know that the Guitar Center displayed their exhibit specifically for Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival this past weekend, we are aware that these kinds of exhibits depend on the artist or musician who is performing. So we certainly don't expect these grand showcases to be for every concert or show we attend here in the future. For concert-goers who are able-bodied and ambulatory, we do like the fact that Moody Center is pretty easy to get to if you get dropped off just a few blocks away, or if you walk from a nearby hotel (granted that you traveled in from out of town for the concert). This totally helps since parking right in the structure can be a bear, just like at any venue that gets bottlenecked with traffic! For concert-goers who need special accommodations, such as wheelchair access, the floors in the Moody Center seem pretty smooth and wheelchair-friendly. I'm not sure about the seats though. We will definitely come back here again for future concerts in Austin :) !

Thea museum is fun. A quick walk-through, but it's really fun. So I do recommend it's not so big to…read moreactually take your time and read the plaques and take a lot of photos. Before you enter the museum here in this little gift shop so you are able to buy little interesting things if you wanted to. And then as you're going through the museum, you end up in another gift shop so you have two opportunities to buy weird objects. But we did enjoy it if we ever end up in Texas again we would honestly do it again

It is something to do when it's hot. The AC works except in the wax room. It smells awful!!!…read moreThey encourage you to take pics with King Kong which involves getting on knees and climbing up thru the hand. Well my dress had a dark brown wet stain on it as I stood up. Looked like poop -it wasn't but it sure looked like it. Bathroom out of order but they let me in and stain still there. So $25 for 2 to get in and I possibly ruined a brand new dress. Wasn't impressed at all by the place.