Activities

Everything that we do- from transportation and staffing to activities and off-site events - is customizable. We create activities perfectly suited to your company’s needs and desires. Below you will see several ideas for fun and popular tours and activities available in the Austin area.

Iron Chef Challenge: Austin

One of the most popular shows on television is the Food Network's Iron Chef America. Circa Texas will re-create this show for your guests at the University of Texas Alumni Center in a real Austin style foodie competition entitled: Iron Chef Challenge: Austin.

This event is modeled after the popular television series, where the focus is on food and fun with a group goal of making the best dish. With the assistance of the professionally trained chefs at Rosemary's Catering, your guests will interact in a casual atmosphere while preparing part of the evening's meal and competing to make the best dish. All the while, teams will enjoy a live music performance that is sure to impress.

Each team can be given denim chef jackets and white chef hats with a logo, similar to the ones seen on the show. This is a great interactive team building experience for your group. With a fun and casual atmosphere, team members will have to work together to learn and ensure their success. Watch as they problem solve, compete and strive for the top prize.

After the competition the full gourmet taco buffet will be open for every one to partake and enjoy. Musically,we suggests the talents of the Riff Ryders, a Texas Trio comprised of members of George Strait's touring band. They will be dressed in "smart" country western attire and will fill the air with cowboy classics.

Private Riverboat Cruise Dinner

Experience the exhilaration of the outdoors, the abundant waterfowl, our beautiful city skyline and the natural beauty that is Austin. Imagine an evening paddling along Lady Bird Johnson Lake on the newest and most luxurious double-decked, paddle-wheel riverboat in Texas.

This gorgeous riverboat is the largest electric powered paddle-wheeler in the nation with a fully air conditioned lower deck. The upper deck has a huge open area, perfect for dining, dancing, watching the magnificent Austin sunset or even spotting some local celebrities such as those famous Mexican free tail bats.

Texas Legends and Lore Tour

Have an insider's view of Austin-only attractions including the Capitol Building of the great Lone Star State, the historic French Legation Museum and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Enjoy a look into where the Texas legislature meets and learn the history of some of the famous and infamous Texas politicians who have walked these hallowed halls.

We set a monumental tone for the day by stopping at the State Capitol Building and Visitors Center. The next stop on our tour is The French Legation Museum, located high on a hill with a beautiful view overlooking the State Capitol. The only foreign legation in the country built outside of Washington D.C., the home is a beautiful example of Greek revival styling and is painted in bright and varied colors.

Yes, everything really is bigger in Texas. We will learn about the Story of Texas at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. A magnificent museum honoring the memory of one of Texas’ legendary politicians, Bob Bullock, as well as paying tribute to the deep love he had for his home state. As you arrive at the museum, a lone star as large as the spirit of Texas greets you. Each floor of the museum guides you on a journey through Texas history. You will then experience the Texas Spirit Theatre; home to a multimedia event entitled "The Star of Destiny." Your guests will feel the fury of the hurricane that rocked the Gulf Coast, experience the heat of the explosions that flattened an entire city and their hearts will rumble with the lightening and thunder from the Texas prairie lands.

Our final stop is the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum at the University of Texas. This impressive facility is one of twelve Presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Displays include the landmark Civil Rights Programs, the war in Vietnam and many other historical events that took place during the Johnson administration.

Rock Stars in the Making

The music scene in Austin has been a major stepping-stone in the early careers of some of America's greatest musicians. Stevie Ray Vaughn, Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, George Strait and countless others have worked the thriving live music circuit here while they waited for the chance to bring their dreams to life. This is your chance to step up to the microphone and show the world that you and your co-workers have what it takes to go all the way. Circa Texas along with our valued partners at Groove Labs are excited to offer you and your guests the opportunity of a lifetime by inviting you to experience the thrill of recording your own hit record in a professional recording studio.

Groove Labs Production Company and Circa Texas will coordinate the entire process from arranging session musicians to producing a finished mastered recording. Recording sessions last for three hours and are packed full of hard work and fun. Pre-production work includes determining genre, talent level, number of songs and project coordination. Post-production work includes creating artwork, mixing and mastering songs onto a finished media format such as a CD.

You will record your own professionally produced CD with Groove Labs in a state-of-the-art recording studio with an all-star band playing back up. Professional musicians will rehearse with you, give you industry tips and, along with sound technicians, will make you sound like a pro. You will learn group and song dynamics, enhance your listening skills, improve your musicianship and feel the excitement of the creative process at work. Circa Texas and Groove Labs will give your guests an experience they will never forget and a professionally produced record to prove it.

Sculling on Austin's Lady Bird Johnson Lake

Imagine the ultimate team building adventure on the waters of Lady Bird Johnson Lake, just minutes from every downtown hotel. Participants are taught key principles of team building and leadership in this dynamic learning environment that includes instruction, practice and competition in racing shells. The techniques learned can be applied immediately in any workplace.

At the start of the activity, two smiling, uniformed Circa Texas staff members will be in the lobby of the hotel with hand-held signage to gather the group and lead them to the docks. Once there, the group will be given instruction on the fine points of this ultimate team sport from certified sculling professionals. While on the boats, participants will receive instruction from the professional rowers, who will be on board with them. Also present will be a motorboat with another professional coach who will be offering assistance and education. The amazing experience culminates in a series of races that are always lots of fun and entertaining.