When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Asmbly Makerspace
Why Asmbly Makerspace is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Asmbly Makerspace in Austin, TX, is a nonprofit community hub dedicated to supporting and nurturing a vibrant network of artisans, creatives, and craftspeople. This innovative makerspace offers an inspiring environment for meeting up with friends and collaborating on creative projects across a broad range of disciplines. Members gain access to six different shop areas including woodshop, metal shop, lasers, 3D printing, textiles, and electronics, making it a versatile space for diverse creative pursuits. For those interested in ceramics, higher membership tiers provide access to an additional ceramics shop. With a strong emphasis on fostering a collaborative community, Asmbly actively encourages members to participate in the upkeep and success of the space, promoting both individual creativity and collective growth. The facility also serves as a small business incubator, supporting entrepreneurial makers while balancing accessibility for all members. A broad assortment of hands-on classes is available, from leather belt making and sewing to metal lathe and milling techniques, offering opportunities to acquire new skills or deepen existing ones. This mix of community spirit, professional resources, and educational programming makes Asmbly a standout destination for artisans and makers looking to connect, learn, and create together.
Here's what people think of Asmbly Makerspace
As of recent, Asmbly Makerspace holds a 4.8-star rating based on 43 reviews.
Visitors and members of Asmbly Makerspace consistently praise the rich community atmosphere and the range of well-maintained equipment available to support various creative endeavors. Positive reviews highlight the inclusive and welcoming environment, where both beginners and experienced makers feel encouraged and supported. Many reviewers appreciate the quality and diversity of workshops and classes offered, noting that they are both affordable and informative, which fosters skill development and inspires members. The makerspace’s dedication to being a nonprofit organization that actively supports small businesses also garners commendation for providing practical resources without compromising accessibility to all members. However, some negative feedback touches on equipment scheduling limitations, such as session time limits on popular tools like lasers and the wood CNC, which can sometimes restrict usage, especially for business members with higher demand. A few noted that membership costs might be a consideration for some, but most feel the value offered justifies the expense. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a dynamic, community-focused makerspace that balances professional tool access with a supportive, creative atmosphere, making Asmbly a valued resource for Austin’s makers and artisans.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Camila Baquero
Took a class at Asmbly on the Shaper Origin with Tommy as the instructor and I’m honestly blown away. The space itself is incredible, beautifully organized, inspiring, and packed with top-notch equipment and resources. Tommy was a great instructor, super knowledgeable, hands-on, and incredibly patient. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone understood the tool and felt confident using it. Can’t wait to come back and take more classes! Highly recommend to anyone curious about woodworking or just looking to get inspired.
Shane Nestle
Fantastic place! Tools and equipment of all kinds for your use. Wood shop, Metal shop, CNC, Laser cutters, 3D printing, sewing machines, vinyl cutter, Sublimation printing and heat presses, Electronics lab, Metal Mills, Metal Lathes, Wood lathes, Hand tools, and the list goes on and on! Very affordable. Open 22 hours a day, EVERY day. Lots of friendly people to help with questions or problems. You can even use it for business or prototyping. Classes are required for most equipment , but they are inexpensive and pretty frequent. You can even rent office space if needed. From beginner to professional, this place is THE place to be!
Tommy Thomas
The 4 laser cutters are amazing, and the textiles room has a variety of useful tools, including vinyl cutters and dye sub equipment.
Scott Wynd
I've been a member for a few years now and have enjoyed watching this place grow by leaps and bounds over the last few years. There's an awesome woodshop, metal working area with a metal lathe and milling machine, CNC machines for wood and for metal, 3d printers and laser cutters galore, a brand new textiles area, an electronics shop, and probably more that I missed! Lots of cool stuff being worked on all the time too! On top of all the great machines at your disposal, the array of classes they have is top notch, I've learned so, so, so much since I joined in. Finally, the best thing about ASMBLY is the community of makers that are always willing to help out and continue making the place better by the minute. Love every bit of this place! (Adding a pic of the dollhouse I made there using the CNC router!)
Andrew Bennett
Asmbly is an awesome institution in Austin! It's a non-profit run by some really great folks who just want to help people create. I really enjoyed getting to know the staff and working with them on a photo and video project. If you're looking for a makerspace in Austin, definitely check out Asmbly!
Camila Baquero
Took a class at Asmbly on the Shaper Origin with Tommy as the instructor and I’m honestly blown away. The space itself is incredible, beautifully organized, inspiring, and packed with top-notch equipment and resources. Tommy was a great instructor, super knowledgeable, hands-on, and incredibly patient. He went above and beyond to make sure everyone understood the tool and felt confident using it. Can’t wait to come back and take more classes! Highly recommend to anyone curious about woodworking or just looking to get inspired.
Shane Nestle
Fantastic place! Tools and equipment of all kinds for your use. Wood shop, Metal shop, CNC, Laser cutters, 3D printing, sewing machines, vinyl cutter, Sublimation printing and heat presses, Electronics lab, Metal Mills, Metal Lathes, Wood lathes, Hand tools, and the list goes on and on! Very affordable. Open 22 hours a day, EVERY day. Lots of friendly people to help with questions or problems. You can even use it for business or prototyping. Classes are required for most equipment , but they are inexpensive and pretty frequent. You can even rent office space if needed. From beginner to professional, this place is THE place to be!
Tommy Thomas
The 4 laser cutters are amazing, and the textiles room has a variety of useful tools, including vinyl cutters and dye sub equipment.
Scott Wynd
I've been a member for a few years now and have enjoyed watching this place grow by leaps and bounds over the last few years. There's an awesome woodshop, metal working area with a metal lathe and milling machine, CNC machines for wood and for metal, 3d printers and laser cutters galore, a brand new textiles area, an electronics shop, and probably more that I missed! Lots of cool stuff being worked on all the time too! On top of all the great machines at your disposal, the array of classes they have is top notch, I've learned so, so, so much since I joined in. Finally, the best thing about ASMBLY is the community of makers that are always willing to help out and continue making the place better by the minute. Love every bit of this place! (Adding a pic of the dollhouse I made there using the CNC router!)
Andrew Bennett
Asmbly is an awesome institution in Austin! It's a non-profit run by some really great folks who just want to help people create. I really enjoyed getting to know the staff and working with them on a photo and video project. If you're looking for a makerspace in Austin, definitely check out Asmbly!
How to reach Asmbly Makerspace
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Website: None
Why rally at Asmbly Makerspace with your friends? Because it offers an inspiring and dynamic environment where creativity and collaboration come alive. Imagine stepping into one of Austin’s largest nonprofit makerspaces, a huge 8,000+ sq. ft. facility where every corner hums with invention—from woodworking and metalworking to textiles and 3D printing. This isn’t just a workspace; it’s a vibrant community of like-minded enthusiasts dedicated to making and learning together. Whether you and your friends are seasoned makers or curious beginners, Asmbly invites you to dive into projects that fuel your passions and awaken your innovative spirit. The atmosphere is inclusive and energized, complemented by professional-grade tools and equipment—perfect for group brainstorming, hands-on experimentation, and learning new skills side by side. Additionally, the community’s shared ethos of respect, support, and shared responsibility creates a welcoming venue where friends can rally, create great memories, share skills, and leave with a sense of accomplishment. It isn’t just about the projects; it’s about building friendships and nurturing creativity in an inspiring space. This makes Asmbly an ideal spot for your next group meetup, where every visit offers connection, creativity, and fun.
What activities are available at Asmbly Makerspace that make it perfect for group meetups? Asmbly offers a wide array of activities tailored for individuals and groups eager to engage in creative pursuits. The facility includes fully equipped woodworking and metal shops, allowing groups to take on hands-on building projects, furniture making, or metal fabrication. Its ceramics studio and woodturning areas invite friends to experiment with pottery or sculptural wood designs. For those drawn to digital fabrication, the CNC machines and laser cutters provide advanced tools to create precision wood, metal, and plastic works, perfect for prototyping or personalizing group gifts. The textile and sewing studios, featuring industrial-grade sewing machines, are a favorite for anyone interested in crafting clothes, accessories, or quilts together. The electronics lab and 3D printing hub serve makers fascinated by circuits, robotics, or customized 3D models. Beyond just offering equipment, Asmbly organizes recurring meetups and workshops such as CNC-focused nights, sewing circles, and entrepreneurial events that encourage social interaction and skill-sharing. This roster of activities supports collaborative learning and group engagement — making it an ideal venue to host friends or family seeking a creative, productive outing where everyone can contribute and discover new talents.
How does Asmbly's community and facilities support a great group gathering experience? At Asmbly Makerspace, the experience extends far beyond just access to tools; it hinges on an enthusiastic and supportive community. When you bring friends to Asmbly, you join a network of volunteer-led, passionate makers who openly share knowledge and advice, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This communal spirit enriches meetups as individuals support each other’s projects, offer troubleshooting tips, and often spark cross-disciplinary ideas. The space operates 21 hours a day, giving flexibility for groups to schedule meetups at convenient times—early morning to late night sessions are all possible. Moreover, Asmbly maintains a policy requiring members to clean up thoroughly after work sessions, ensuring a smooth, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone, which is crucial in group settings to keep things running efficiently. Storage is limited but negotiable for special projects that require ongoing collaboration, allowing groups to work on multi-day builds together. The facility’s air-conditioned 8,000 sq. ft. space makes it comfortable year-round for longer gatherings. The mix of professional-grade, diverse equipment paired with a lively community creates an ideal atmosphere where friends and family can bond over shared interests, learn new skills, and celebrate achievements together.
What makes Asmbly’s membership model attractive and convenient for group visitors? One of the compelling aspects of Asmbly Makerspace for groups is its flexible and straightforward membership model. Unlike many commercial spaces, Asmbly is a nonprofit organization run and maintained entirely by volunteers, which helps keep costs approachable—members typically pay $75 a month with no long-term contracts. This rolling membership means groups can join without complicated commitments and enjoy the perks of professional equipment and community support immediately. For visitors thinking of regular meetups, this month-to-month system is ideal because it offers freedom to cancel or pause memberships through an easy online portal. The space also offers free orientations twice weekly so new members and groups can get familiarized with safety rules, equipment use, and community norms before starting their projects. Because Asmbly does not have fixed public hours but runs nearly around the clock for members (5 am to 2 am every day), groups can pick times that best suit their schedules and plans. This open access and transparent membership policy lower the barriers to frequent group gatherings while maintaining a safe, clean, and well-managed environment perfect for collaborative making and learning.
How do Asmbly’s events and community programs enhance the social experience for groups? Asmbly Makerspace is not just about individual projects; it actively cultivates a social ecosystem through varied events and programs that encourage groups to bond through shared interests. Regular free meetups cover a broad spectrum of maker culture topics such as CNC machining, laser cutting, sewing circles, entrepreneurship, and even van conversions. These thematic sessions provide engaging contexts for groups to connect, exchange ideas, and get inspired by demos and talks. The space also hosts markets and special events that allow members to showcase their creations or launch collaborative projects, adding an event-driven dimension to group activities. Participation in these meetups can transform simple gatherings into enriching experiences where friendships deepen, skills are exchanged, and community ties strengthen. For groups looking to socialize while learning, these events add a structured yet informal way to interact with a wider maker community beyond their immediate circle. Access to workshops and mentorship by experienced makers also means groups can embark on new project types with confidence, making their visits both productive and socially rewarding.
Why is Asmbly Makerspace uniquely suited as a venue for family or friend meetups rather than typical social spaces? Unlike conventional social hangout spots or restaurants, Asmbly Makerspace offers a truly immersive, hands-on experience that fosters active collaboration and creativity among friends or family. Here, gatherings are about doing rather than just watching or talking, which encourages participation from all ages and skill levels. The diversity in available equipment and workshop areas appeals to a wide range of interests—from tech gadgets and woodworking to textiles and ceramics—making it more inclusive than venues restricted to a single activity type. Because it’s a maker community, each visit can be tailored to the group's goals, whether that is completing a shared project, learning a new skill together, or just exploring creative hobbies in a supportive environment. The noncommercial, volunteer-based nature of the space creates a welcoming vibe, where friendliness and knowledge sharing are norms rather than selling points. This dynamic and interactive environment provides a meaningful alternative to typical meeting spots, turning social time into memorable, creative experiences that also build lasting skills and shared accomplishments.
How does Asmbly ensure safety and smooth operations for groups using their space? Safety and operational efficiency are priorities at Asmbly Makerspace, especially important for groups that may have diverse skill levels and experience with equipment. The space mandates that members attend orientations, which are held twice weekly, to familiarize themselves with tools and safety procedures before using machines independently. Their policies explicitly prohibit open flames, firearm-related projects, and use of hazardous chemicals without proper controls, reinforcing a risk-aware environment conducive to group usage. Members are expected to spend at least 15 minutes cleaning their work areas after each session, which supports a hygienic and organized workspace crucial when multiple users share the space. This collective responsibility minimizes hazards and prevents disruptions, helping groups focus on creativity rather than logistics. Additionally, Asmbly’s staff and stewards are volunteers who help monitor usage and provide guidance, ensuring newcomers and groups receive support as needed. These measures maintain a safe and pleasant environment for all users, enabling groups to enjoy their time without undue worry.
What logistical conveniences does Asmbly offer that benefit group meetups? Asmbly Makerspace’s physical location at 9701 Dessau Road, Suite #304 in Austin is easily accessible with ample parking, making arrivals and departures convenient for groups. The large, climate-controlled workshop spanning over 8,000 sq. ft. provides plenty of room for multiple members or friends to work simultaneously without crowding. While storage for ongoing projects is limited, the space offers negotiated exceptions for drying or glue-ups, allowing groups working on multi-stage projects some accommodation. This flexibility supports more ambitious collaborations that can span several sessions. As a member-driven facility, Asmbly does not impose rigid schedules, enabling groups to pick less busy times for focused making. The availability of high-end equipment like CNC routers, laser cutters, industrial sewing machines, and 3D printers means groups can undertake complex projects in a single location without needing to travel between multiple specialized shops. These logistical advantages streamline the group meetup experience, turning what could be complicated planning into simple, enjoyable sessions filled with productivity and fun.