When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Main Event Austin
Why Main Event Austin is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Main Event Austin stands out as one of the premier destinations for groups looking to combine fun activities with exceptional dining in a lively atmosphere. Located conveniently on North US Highway 183, this extensive entertainment venue boasts 28 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, a multi-level laser tag arena, a rock climbing wall, a Gravity Ropes obstacle course, mini golf, karaoke, bocce ball, and an arcade featuring more than 100 interactive video games spanning both retro and modern genres. The facility is designed to accommodate events ranging from small groups of 10 to large parties of up to 10,000, making it ideal for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, corporate events, and team-building activities. Complementing the range of attractions, Main Event offers a chef-inspired casual dining experience with a full-service American-fare grill that serves classics like burgers, wings, loaded nachos, artisan pizza, and an array of shareable appetizers. Guests can also enjoy a fully stocked bar with craft cocktails, craft beers, and a wide wine selection. High-energy and interactive, Main Event Austin seamlessly blends entertainment and hospitality under one roof, making it an excellent place for friends and families to meet, play, and create lasting memories.
Here's what people think of Main Event Austin
As of recent, Main Event Austin holds a 4.1-star rating based on 5710 reviews.
User reviews for Main Event Austin highlight a broadly positive experience centered on the venue's varied entertainment options and lively atmosphere. Many visitors praise the extensive selection of activities, especially the bowling, laser tag, and arcade games, which cater well to all age groups. The restaurant and bar receive favorable remarks for tasty food, good portion sizes, and a solid drink menu, contributing to an enjoyable social setting. Reviews also commend the staff's friendliness and the venue's suitability for parties and corporate events. However, some negative reviews point to staffing challenges, including occasional understaffing, which can result in slower service during peak times. A few customers noted issues with management and perceived inconsistent team communication, which may affect the overall guest experience. Despite these concerns, the majority of feedback remains positive, reflecting that Main Event Austin provides an engaging and fun environment. Overall, the reviews suggest that while there is some room for improvement in operational efficiency, Main Event Austin is widely regarded as a fun and versatile venue well worth visiting for group entertainment and dining.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
The Local Tourist Craves
Had an amazing time at Main Event! The atmosphere was fun, the food hit the spot, and the staff truly made the experience even better. Carl was an outstanding server—attentive, friendly, and made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Jimmy and Brandon were also top-notch—both super helpful and clearly focused on making sure guests had a great time. You can tell the team genuinely cares about their customers, which made the whole visit feel special. Will definitely be back!
Hannah Solomon
I used to love coming to this main event with my family, it used to be pretty cheap and affordable, now the prices are super high. The food over the years has been unpredictable, with the food being decent the first few years, then becoming old and disgusting, and now back to half decent, but also very expensive. The chocolate shake was okay, the shirley temple was good, the fries/pizza/pretzels were mediocre. My favorite activity used to be the rock climbing which has been taken down and replaced with this Gel Blaster activity, which is basically a weird laser tag. I heard from a worker that they took down the rock climbing because they got sued for a kid becoming paralyzed. The laser tag has been “upgraded” meaning they have new suits and guns, which work okay, but are still hard to use and confusing. You have to sign up to use the laser tag but it doesn’t make any sense because barely any people play it. The suit smelled disgusting and like it had never been sanitized. The bathrooms also smelled disgusting, the women’s bathroom had a sanitary dispenser which was completely empty, and most of the toilets had some disgusting concoction in them. If you want a locker it’s 25cents which doesn’t sound bad, until nobody has a quarter/change including the employees. Mini golf course is so vandalized and broken down, everything from the walls to the decor has holes/writing/and who knows what else. It used to be kind of difficult, but they’ve dumbed down the mini golf way too much. Another thing that people have to enter spaced out. Some of the attractions in mini golf like the pirate ship were just broken in general. We tried to play an arcade game, but a card cost $3 each, I had a card from the previous visit, and they wouldn’t accept it, or allow us to recharge the credits on it. Crazy high costs for few games. Bowling was pretty fun, the pins weren’t the most reliable, but it was good. Overall we still had fun as a family, but it was peppered in between disappointments.
Shayna Sunderland
We took six grandkids for bowling, laser tag, and putt-putt! Everything went smoothly (I mean, it was a circus but not because of the venue🤣). Food was good and the bathrooms were clean. The Monday night 12.99 deal is awesome!!!! Thanks for a good time!
Juanita Breedlove
🎳 Main Event Magic: A Strike of Summer Fun! Looking for a way to beat the heat and keep the kiddos entertained? Enter: Main Event + the Kids Bowl Free pass the ultimate summer combo that’ll have your little ones cheering louder than a turkey in the tenth frame! The deal? Kids bowl two games FREE every day. Yep, you read that right FREE. But before you start doing victory laps around the snack bar, here’s the catch: bowling shoes aren’t included. So unless your child moonlights as a pro bowler with their own gear, prepare to rent some kicks. Still, it’s a small price to pay for air-conditioned bliss, happy kids, and the chance to show off your totally accidental strike. Between the arcade, snacks, and endless giggles, Main Event really knows how to bowl us over. 🎯
Anthony & Timna Martin (Protym Investors LLC)
We recently visited Main Event for a day of fun with the kids, and it was an absolute blast! There's so much to do, from bowling and laser tag to the arcade games, keeping everyone entertained for hours. A special shout-out goes to Daniella, who provided truly exceptional service. She was incredibly attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to make sure our experience was smooth and enjoyable. Her positive attitude really made a difference! And let's talk about the pizza – it was delicious! The kids absolutely loved it, and it was a perfect fuel-up after all the playing. It's great to find a place that offers both awesome activities and tasty food that pleases everyone in the family. Main Event is definitely a top choice for family outings, and we highly recommend it, especially if you get to experience Daniella's fantastic service! We'll be back for more fun and pizza soon.
How to reach Main Event Austin
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Why Main Event Austin may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Main Event Austin with your friends?
Main Event Austin is more than just a venue; it’s a vibrant social hub designed specifically for shared fun and memorable experiences with friends and family. If you’re looking for a place where everyone—regardless of age or interests—can find something exciting to do together, this is it. Imagine gathering at a spot where top-notch bowling lanes hum with friendly competition, vibrant arcade games light up the room with energy, and heart-pounding laser tag ignites the thrill of teamwork and rivalry. The setting is modern and inviting, perfect for both casual hangouts and bigger celebrations. Whether it’s a weekend outing, a birthday, or just a casual meetup, the atmosphere encourages connection, laughter, and healthy competition. With a strong community rating of 4.1 out of 5 from over 5,700 reviews, Main Event Austin has proven itself as a reliable and enjoyable destination. Plus, ample food and drink options mean you can keep the energy up without ever leaving the site. This makes it an ideal rallying spot to bond over games, share delicious food, and create stories you’ll talk about long after the day ends.
What activities make Main Event Austin perfect for group meetups?
At Main Event Austin, the diversity of activities is unmatched, making it easy for any group to tailor their visit to their collective tastes. The flagship attraction is the 28 lanes of professional-caliber bowling, featuring electronic scoring and cosmic bowling with vibrant lighting and music that set the mood for friendly competition. It’s ideal for groups wanting to enjoy a relaxed yet engaging challenge, and bumpers can be raised for beginners or kids, ensuring everyone participates with confidence. Beyond bowling, the multi-level laser tag arena offers an immersive and adrenaline-pumping team experience. Played in a foggy, black-light environment, it’s thrilling and strategic, perfect for groups who enjoy action-packed fun together. For those who prefer something less intense but equally enjoyable, the arcade area boasts over 100 games ranging from classic favorites like PAC-MAN® to brand new titles, appealing to gamers of all skill levels and ages. Additionally, billiards and shuffleboard halls provide a laid-back setting for casual, social competition, complemented by a full-service bar for adults. For something truly unique, the venue also features virtual reality experiences, which allow small groups to immerse in high-tech gaming adventures ranging from rhythm-based challenges like Beat Saber to force-wielding battles that tap into iconic sci-fi themes. This variety ensures every group member finds something that excites them, making it an unbeatable spot for group meetups.
Why is Main Event Austin an ideal venue for birthday parties and group celebrations?
Main Event Austin shines as a top choice for birthdays and group celebrations for several reasons. First, its extensive range of activities caters to varied interests and ages, so guests always remain entertained without a second of boredom. The venue offers dedicated party packages that include game time, food, and exclusive spaces, taking stress off organizers and ensuring smooth event flow. The full-service restaurant and bar on-site feature crowd-pleasing menus with classics like burgers, wings, and pizza, accompanied by a robust cocktail menu for adults, allowing all guests to refuel easily between activities. The multi-level laser tag arena and expansive bowling lanes provide engaging group challenges that foster camaraderie and excitement—a recipe for memorable celebrations. Families with children particularly appreciate how the venue balances fun and safety, alongside options like bumpers for bowling beginners and supervision during activities. Lastly, the upbeat, energetic environment with its modern and well-maintained facilities assures that everyone has a fantastic time in both lively and comfortable surroundings.
What makes the food and drink options at Main Event Austin suitable for groups?
The food and beverage offerings at Main Event Austin are thoughtfully curated to fit the needs of groups coming in for lengthy fun sessions. The menu centers on crowd-pleasers—think juicy burgers, cheesy pizza, crispy wings, and hearty appetizers—which suit a wide range of tastes, including kids and adults. This variety makes it easy to find something for everyone without complicated dietary needs becoming a hurdle. The kitchen emphasizes quality and flavor, ensuring easy and satisfying meals that complement the active entertainment. Additionally, the full bar serves a selection of cocktails, beers, and wines that keeps adult guests refreshed and relaxed as they socialize or cheer on friends in games. Importantly, the ability to order food and drinks without leaving the entertainment areas means groups maintain momentum, transitioning smoothly between activities and mealtime. This convenience and range greatly enhance the social experience, making it easy for everyone to stay energized while making the most of their time together.
How is the atmosphere and setting at Main Event Austin conducive to group fun?
The atmosphere at Main Event Austin combines energetic excitement with a welcoming vibe, creating the perfect setting for groups to relax, compete, and bond. The modern design features high-tech lighting, engaging sound systems, and carefully crafted spaces that enhance every activity—from bowling lanes illuminated with cosmic lights to neon-lit laser tag arenas. This thoughtful ambiance increases the immersive feel of the games and encourages laughter, cheering, and shared stories. Spaces are also designed for socializing, with comfortable seating areas and communal tables that let groups gather between turns or rounds. The multi-level layout spreads out activities while keeping everyone connected, giving groups room to explore different interests without fragmenting the social dynamic. Safety and cleanliness are prioritized, so guests feel comfortable letting loose with friends and family. Lastly, the staff’s welcoming, supportive approach boosts the mood, ensuring groups feel valued and aided throughout their visit. Altogether, this environment fosters connection and fun, making Main Event Austin a place where group meetups become shining memories.
What extra features and group-friendly amenities does Main Event Austin offer?
Main Event Austin is designed with group enjoyment in mind, offering amenities that support seamless, worry-free meetups. Key among these is the option to book party rooms or reserved sections, ideal for groups celebrating special occasions or simply wanting a private space to gather. The venue has dedicated event coordinators who assist with planning, helping groups customize their experience from games to dining. Additionally, Main Event embraces technology with mobile app integration, allowing guests to manage game credits, check scores, and even order food and drinks from their phones—perfect for keeping pace without interrupting the fun. Accessibility features and facilities ensure everyone in your group can participate comfortably, no matter their mobility needs. Ample parking and location convenience further smooth the experience, ensuring arriving and leaving are hassle-free. These thoughtful touches combine to give groups a stress-free environment focused solely on connection and entertainment.
How do reviews describe the overall experience at Main Event Austin?
With a rating of 4.1 out of 5 from thousands of reviews, Main Event Austin generally earns positive responses for its clean, lively atmosphere and variety of activities suited for all ages. Reviewers frequently highlight the extensive gaming options, particularly praising the bowling and laser tag as standout experiences for groups. The expansive arcade and VR games also receive compliments for keeping players engaged. Visitors appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, noting that good service enhances the fun significantly. Some guests mention the food quality as satisfactory and fitting for the casual nature of the venue, while others suggest it could be improved but not to the detriment of the overall experience. The environment is frequently described as excellent for birthdays, family outings, and corporate events, where fun and interaction are the main goals. The balance of active entertainment combined with food and drink service makes it a top recommendation for group gatherings in Austin.
In conclusion, Main Event Austin’s combination of diverse activities, solid food and beverage options, fun atmosphere, and group-friendly amenities make it an outstanding choice to host your next meetup with friends or family.