Company holiday parties can be completely awesome or completely awkward, depending on which route you go. But thankfully, we live in Austin, a town full of vendors and experiences that are changing the corporate event game.

If you are tasked with booking the holiday party this year, look no further—each of these concepts will make you a party-planning hero. We’ve compiled a handy list of our favorite corporate party ideas. And none of them involve trust falls or pot luck buffets.

Austin Tour Company

Break out of the building and have a little staycation in ATX for the day! Austin Tour Company specializes in private group tours and events that allow guests to explore the history, food, street art, nightlife, music and other concepts that “Keep Austin Weird.” They can work with any size group and customize the experience to fit the needs of your quirky crowd.

Austin Eats Food Tour

In that same category, AustinEats Food Tours offers a variety of options (walking and bus tours) that will allow you and your team to try curated offerings of the city’s best eats with knowledgeable guides and no lines. The focus here is all on the food and drink, so the foodies in your worklife will be especially pleased.

The Escape Game Austin

Serious power bonding awaits your team. The Escape Game Austin is your ticket to adventure. Solve million dollar heists, decode secret service missions, and navigate through prison passageways. You have one hour to complete the task. This is a dependably fun and out-of-the-box idea.

Urban Axes: Axe Throwing

Whaaaat? That’s right! You and your colleagues should skip the cheese log and just throw some axes this year! Since the dawn of man, humans have been throwing stuff at other stuff. Why? Because it’s fun. They offer group bookings and a holiday party concept that is the opposite of boring.

Bike Gang

There’s no feeling tourist-y while cruising around town on a Fat Tire Electric Minibike. Create your own bike gang and experience the city like never before. Did you ever think you’d be in a bike gang with your IT guy and that lady from accounts receivable? Well here’s proof that anything is possible in Austin.

Top Golf

Come crush some balls with your coworkers while you drink good beer, eat good food, and get a little competitive. Everyone, even people who have never hit a golfball before, will have an amazing time. Trust us.

 
K1 Speed

Or how about some world-class indoor go kart racing in European-style 20hp electric karts? The track at K1 in Austin is among the largest in the nation.

Irene’s

If you just need the perfect spot to gather your team away from the office, you can’t go wrong with Irene’s. One of our favorite restaurants in Austin, has that indoor/outdoor vibe, plenty of photo opps, great music, and even greater food and drink. Check out their options for private events here.

The Range, Luxury Gun Range

OK, if you aren’t into throwing axes or racing go karts, how about some fancy shooting? The Range at Austin is hailed as the finest precision shooting range in the country. The 52,000 square foot facility encompasses more than a targeting range; this fully integrated entertainment facility is the preferred location for seasoned shooters and a welcoming environment for beginners.