Shady Springs Party Barn

The properly named, Shady Springs, is an eclectic, chameleon space that I had the chance to visit recently. It was the warm season in Austin, but you couldn't tell since there are so many trees and spaces to escape the heat. They lined the rustic (aka old) picnic tables outside the barn and had a musician serenading us on the hill. It didn't feel like Austin at all. It feels like your grandma's friend, Joe's backyard who always invites you to his annual 4th of July cookout. It's comfortable, redneck, nostalgic, and oddly peaceful. They have a large barn that you could use for a mason jar wedding or Footloose style dance hall. It's charming, yet no frills. They have a pool, which had water in it, but I'm not sure they use. And they had a beat-up mini golf course that has seen better days, but maybe that's a part of the appeal. The only bad part is the trek from the parking lot to the venue itself, though short, it was dangerous terrain, especially if you're in wedding attire.

Shady Springs was our wedding venue, and I have nothing but great things to say about it. First of all, they totally saved us when our original venue fell through two months before the wedding. We came to them in a panic, and they were understanding, helpful and accommodating. In the lead up to the wedding, we found Lory and Fred professional, laid back, communicative, and great work with. Our wedding day was so easy, fun, and joyful, and so much of the credit for that goes to Shady Springs. Our guests loved the venue and all the great amenities that made our picnic wedding feel so care free and festive (it didn't hurt that we had the perfect weather for it.)We got nothing but compliments on the food. I myself am not a big meat eater so while a BBQ reception would not have been my first choice menu, given our last minute venue change my attitude was along the lines of "well at least there will be food!" Come our wedding day, and I thought the vegetarian sides were delicious and filling, and our guests just raved about the BBQ. It was such a crowd pleaser, and I'm so glad that's the menu we ended up with. The venue was very accommodating in terms of bringing outside desserts, decorations, sound equipment, etc. etc. etc. They also were helpful with set up, and were nothing but friendly and helpful to our guests. I would recommend this venue to any couple planning a picnic or park-style wedding. Price wise, they can't be beat. They made everything so easy, and I am so glad we ended up there.

Company picnic time!Way down by the airport, the Shady Springs Party Barn isn't really about springs or their barn. It's a homespun country weekend place, with BBQ, horseshoes, volleyball courts, swimming pools, and best of all -- a homemade putt putt golf course! If it had 18 holes (instead of its 9), it just might beat out Peter Pan as my favorite mini golf.The staff here is pleasant and relaxed. I was just a guest, so I don't know how easy they are with bookings. But they made sure we all had snow-cones, and they kept the kids happy with their DIY train ride. There was a huge zipline across the lawn, and a bouncy castle -- very kid friendly. You make your own fun, but it's easy here.Thumbs up to the Shady Springs.

This is a really neat venue that has a lot to offer. I came here for the BBQ festival!When you are pulling in you will wind around some woods to an open field located on the property to park. Walking up to the entrance I realized that I should have brought bug spray!The staff was quick to check people in and get you where you needed to be. Walking through the venue to the event area I noticed they have a pool and a smaller kiddie type pool or fountain type area. There is a large open field and some flat areas that are conducive to a dining area or tents for vendors. There is also a covered area that has screened walls on it. For the event I was at they used it for the BBQ area.The bathrooms are located in what seems to be an old barn but, were refurbished into bathrooms. You walk in and it's a windy path and you come upon a room with sinks and then the bathrooms are beyond that. Watch your step because the stalls are set up above the mirror area.There are some houses on site which I assume belong to the people who own/run the venue. I think this place is well suited for family reunions, weddings, company retreats or anything you would like to conduct mostly outdoors. I really enjoyed it as a festival venue and hope to attend more public events here.

This venue is a hidden gem!!! As a recent guest @Lindsay Buster & Dan's wedding, I kept saying that I needed a reason to rent out this amazing place!! The barn was magical and the split room design was perfect for orchestrating all the different segments from the photos to dinner, to the bouquet toss! Their on-site catering provided the most incredible bbq that they prepare in their own massive smoker...SO GOOD! LOVED the homemade "train" that they carted around the littles in!!! Also had fun meeting the family that has run this operation since the 60's, led by parents & supplemented by the known local artist/daughter who also lives on the property. You can see how this place would make an OUTSTANDING corporate retreat, family reunion site or the perfect wedding venue...as it was for my friend. With ample parking (which is important to me), you can book with confidence that your guests will leave with some fine memories of your next event!!

My husband's company party was at this location. It is a large space. If we hadn't been invited to an event here I do not know if we would know it existed. Being a winter company party we used the actual "barn/dance hall", the fire pit, and horseshoes. The "barn/dance hall" has a stage with a PA system and "bar" area you can set up. Then there are picnic style tables out side still covered and enclosed to serve a buffet. This place could be impossible to find unless you have a map. The bathrooms are in another building up a hill from the "barn". Could be difficult for people in wheel chairs or elderly to reach. It appears you can bring your own alcohol and do not need a server. Ours was open bar with what his boss had brought and we all served our selves. It appears they made the food vs. having it brought in. It was your standard BBQ spread. Brisket, sausage, potato salad, cole slaw, bread, pickles and onions. It was ok. The potato salad needs a lot of work. The sausage was a tad dry. The brisket was tender but lacked flavor. I have no idea if it is possible to bring in your own food or not. If you can I would. I would also be a tad careful with the folding chairs. They are a tad old and some were more stable than others. Additionally, their neighbors are a trailer park that appeared to being having their own party that night. Competing music blaring. I would like to see this place in the day light. There is a pool but again it was winter and empty when we were there. A good option if you need a large space and don't mind the things mentioned above. I am sure it is a cheaper space to rent than some others in Austin.

My company just had our annual staff retreat at Shady Springs this weekend, and we just couldn't recommend them more highly. Everything was GREAT... the grounds, food, set-up... it's sort of like going to your grandparents' house, only WAY better. The price per person was excellent too, considering what we got... which was to have 150 or so people show up, have a great time with their families, colleagues, and friends, eat an EXCELLENT BBQ spread (really, the food was so good it caught us all by surprise), swim, play games, etc... and then leave. We brought a couple of big cakes for dessert, but other than that we literally waltzed up, had a blast, and left... like VIPs. The staff were so friendly, welcoming, and helpful, too. Would recommend to anyone, and we'll totally use them again.

My daughter went today with her 8th grade class Bailey Middle School. Had swimming shorts and a t-shirt because she was told to due to dress code. She tried to just sit in the pool area with only her feet in the water and was told that she couldn't by the life guard. It was hot and boring as hell for her! Such a disappointment!!!!The movies they offered were boring and she just sat in a Shaded area and waited to get shuttled back to school. Why the school didn't go to Seaworld or Sixflags is beyond me!!! Bad decision making. Eighth grade graduation should be more memorable than this!!!!

I had my wedding at Shady Springs Party Barn back in April 2013, and I couldn't have had a better experience! The day went flawless and the food was fantastic!!!! I couldn't have found a better venue in Austin for our special day! The cost was reasonable and the owners are such a delight. We only used the dance hall, inside eating area, and we had our ceremony under the giant oak tree! But they have all sorts of other activities on the property that you can pay to use (pool, zip line, etc.)I would highly recommend this venue for a country style outdoor wedding!

My daughter just held her Bat Mitzvah and party at Shady Springs and had a wonderful time - so did her friends! Lory could not have made things any easier for us, from the planning to the actual event. The food was great, activities were fun, especially the zip line, and everyone commented on how nice the staff was.I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Shady Springs to anyone looking for a casual and fun get together.