Finding the right venue for your event isn’t always an easy task – especially when you are trying to stick to a budget. If you are looking for a space to accommodate your guests, but don’t want to splurge on the cost to rent a grand hall or hotel banquet consider some of these Austin’s venues. Not only are they unique and charmingly Austin, you may not have known they are available to reserve at a relatively minimal rental fee compared with other Austin venues. Another benefit beside the low cost of these facilities is you are not locked into using certain vendors and have more freedom and flexibility for how you execute your event.

Austin Parks and Recreation provides event facilities that can be reserved in advance through a lottery system. Your lottery request must be submitted ten months in advance, and if your date is available the place is yours to rent by the hour or for an entire day. Continue reading for some of the city’s available venues.

1) Mayfield Park
With striking gardens, ponds, lilies, and peacocks, this charming cottage sits on the 23-acre property and provides an unforgettable environment for your special event. This park is a surprise oasis on 35^th street and is conveniently just west of downtown.

2) Zilker Clubhouse
Located west of Zilker Park atop the hills of Austin, the view of the city from this favorite venue is a backdrop that can’t be replicated. The rustic clubhouse is fit for your group in any season and has a large terrace suitable for dining and dancing.

3) Fiesta Gardens
Also known as Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, Fiesta Gardens ith a 4,000 square foot facility and over 9,000 square feet outdoors with a patio, a fountain, and a bandstand overlooking Lady Bird Lake just East of downtown, the options for this venue are endless. Typically thought of as a festival venue, this location is great for weddings or any private event.

4) Plaza Saltillo
This outdoor plaza is reminiscent of the popular plazas in old towns of Mexico. It is complete with a bandstand and a covered patio area with a large fountain that graces the venue. Adjacent to the MetroRail station, this venue calls to both old and new world and could be a great “stop” on the agenda of your big event.

These venues promise to provide your guests the local flavor of Austin while helping you save some of your budget for food or other festivity frills. Don’t forget to obtain any appropriate permits and submit your lottery request to the city to reserve your date. The Austin Parks and Recreation policies and lottery submission details for renting these venues can be found here.