FAQs
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Here are the most common things people ask before they come to
Create, Drink & be Merry® with us.
How can we help you?
A Project Social is our signature DIY experience; a designated time to get together, get creative, and make something awesome. Whether you roll in with a crew or come solo, you’ll be surrounded by music, good vibes, and other circus-goers doing the same.
During a Project Social, guests are provided with everything they need to complete their chosen DIY project including supplies, tools, workspace, and a photo tutorial to guide the process. We don’t offer step-by-step classes; instead, our Creative Assistants are there to help, hype, or take over as needed- the level of support is totally up to you. Whether you want a quick answer, a creative boost, or someone to jump in and lend a hand, they’ve got you covered so you can create confidently (and have fun doing it).
When you arrive, you’ll check in at the front desk, get I.D.ed and we’ll start you a tab (don’t forget your ID and a credit card), then be shown to your seat. From there, you’ll choose a project from our Project Menu and head to Project Pickup to grab your materials. Tools will already be waiting at your table- so once you’ve got your kit, you’re ready to start. Or, if you’d rather kick things off with a cocktail- or, as we like to call it, a little creative juice- you’re welcome to swing by the bar first.
Projects typically take 1- 3 hours to complete, depending on complexity, your group size, and how much time you spend sipping and socializing. Most guests take about 2 hours.
Tickets usually cost $43 per person, regardless of project choice. Pricing may vary slightly by date or time. For example, Happy Hour Socials offer an 20% discount on select projects.
Want to see all the different vibes we offer? Check out our Project Socials page for more details on themed experiences like Making-n-Mimosas, Crafternoon Delight, and more.
We highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time if you know when you want to come in. Project Socials sell out often (especially on weekends), and we want to make sure there’s room for your whole crew!
Use the links below to view availability and book a spot at your preferred location:
🎨 Austin, TX – View Calendar & Book
🎪 Denver – LoDo Lower Downtown – View Calendar & Book
🛠️ Denver – DTC Tech Center – View Calendar & Book
🧃 Minneapolis, MN – View Calendar & Book
Walk-ins are welcome when we have space, but a reservation guarantees your seat, supplies, and a prime spot for creating, sipping, and vibing.
At Upstairs Circus, arrival times are flexible – you’ll select your preferred arrival window when you book your reservation. This lets you plan your experience around your schedule (and your cocktail timing).
If you need to adjust your arrival time after booking, just follow the link in your confirmation email for easy changes or use our reservation management platform.
Still need to book your spot? Choose your location and view available times on our reservation calendars:
🎨 Austin, TX – View Calendar & Book
🎪 Denver – LoDo Lower Downtown – View Calendar & Book
🛠️ Denver – DTC Tech Center – View Calendar & Book
🧃 Minneapolis, MN – View Calendar & Book
Just a Driver’s License and a credit or debit card– we’ll ID you and start your tab when you check in.
Other than that, bring an open mind and a readiness to try something new—we’ll take care of the rest!
Side note: We provide aprons to help protect your clothes, but some projects involve materials like paint, leather dye, or glue. If you’re worried about mess, maybe skip the silk and suede- creative chaos can get a little splashy.
Easy! Just book your group all under one reservation, or be sure everyone mentions the same group name in the space provided during online booking. That way, we’ll know to seat you together.
We arrange seating in advance for each Project Social to make sure everyone has a spot- so the more heads-up, the better!
Not at all. At Upstairs Circus, everyone gets to pick their own project from our Project Menu– kind of like ordering your own dish at a restaurant. No need to match!
Even if your whole group chooses different projects, you’ll still sit together. And don’t worry, our Creative Assistants are pros at helping each person individually, no matter what they’re making.
Tipping is always up to you, but if you had a great time (and we hope you do!), we encourage a 20% tip on your total tab, which includes both drinks and your DIY experience.
Our Creative Assistants are more than just bartenders or servers; they’re your mixologists, project gurus, supply runners, hype squad, and built-in photographers. They help make the Upstairs Circus experience what it is, and tipping directly supports them for all the magic they bring to your table.
We make it easy: your tab is started at check-in, and you’ll close out on our POS system when you’re done creating. From there, you can choose your preferred tip amount – no awkward moments, just appreciation made simple.
Note: Tabs left open will have a 20% tip added automatically
Food? Yes. Drinks? No.
You’re welcome to bring your own food into Upstairs Circus – brown bag it, make it, cater it, or order from one of our neighboring restaurants (we even keep local menus behind the bar for you).
Drinks, however, are not allowed to be brought in – that includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We’ve got a full bar with plenty of options to keep you creatively fueled.
A few helpful notes:
– We do not have space for large food spreads unless arranged in advance as part of a private event.
– Any food you bring will need to fit within your personal table space where you’ll also be creating.
– We recommend small, individual portions (think handheld bites over big platters).
– We do not provide plates, utensils, or serving items. If you’re bringing food, make sure to bring your own tableware too!
You’ll receive a confirmation email 24 – 72 hours before your scheduled Project Social. Inside that email, you’ll find links to update your party size, change your arrival time, or cancel your reservation—easy and self-serve. Alternatively, visit our reservation management platform.
👉 Important note: If you booked a large group (8+ guests) or a Private Event, your cancellation and change policy may differ. Those details will be provided by your Event Coordinator during the booking process.
Just bring your coupon, voucher, or gift card with you to your scheduled Project Social and redeem it in person at check-in- it’s that easy!
A few things to note:
- Coupons can’t be combined or used during already discounted Project Socials (like Happy Hour sessions).
- Gift cards or vouchers can’t be replaced if lost or stolen and then used- treat them like cash!
- All gift cards expire 2 years from the date they were issued.
If you have any questions about your specific offer, feel free to reach out before your visit (see form at top of page).
We can only honor coupons and vouchers up to their listed expiration date, which means they must be used for a Project Social that takes place before they expire—not just reserved by then.
Gift cards, unless otherwise noted, are valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
We totally get that life happens, but expired discounts unfortunately can’t be accepted. If you’re not sure when yours expires, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you check (see form at top of page)!
Yes! Come hang out with us! You don’t have to DIY to enjoy Upstairs Circus. We’ve got a full bar, a menu of delicious signature cocktails, and plenty of entertainment (think coloring books, Barrels of Monkeys, and good vibes).
That said, during busy Project Social times, table seating- and sometimes bar seating- is prioritized for guests who are creating. If we’re sold out, space may be limited. But if there’s a stool open, it’s yours – so swing by, grab a drink, and soak up the scene. We can almost always squeeze you in!
Upstairs Circus locations are nestled in vibrant dining and entertainment districts which means parking can sometimes be tricky (and pricey). Because of that, we highly recommend using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to make your arrival stress-free (especially if you plan to sip while you DIY).
If you’re driving, here are our best parking tips by location:
Austin (ATX)
- Metered parking is available on nearby streets but fills up quickly.
- There’s a parking garage directly below Upstairs Circus ATX, with entry on Lavaca between 2nd and 3rd (across from the W Hotel). Note: Rates can be pricey.
- Pro tip: Use the SpotHero app to find and reserve the best nearby rates.
Denver South (DTC)
- This location has ample parking, with lots and ramps right outside our doors.
- Valet parking is available just a few steps away in front of Jing (weekend evenings only).
Denver Lower Downtown (LoDo)
- Street parking is metered and often busy.
- SpotHero is your best bet for finding nearby ramps or lots in advance.
- Due to heavy foot traffic and limited parking, rideshare is strongly recommended for this neighborhood.
Minneapolis (MPLS)
- Metered street parking is common but competitive.
- Ramp C, just a few blocks away, usually has great rates.
- SpotHero is also a great option here, and rideshare is highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Nope—just to drink! You must be 21+ with a valid ID to enjoy our cocktails, but anyone is welcome to attend a Project Social.
That said, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the entire visit, and minors must bring a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate.
Download the waiver here (more details in the next FAQ).
Kind of. While kids are welcome to participate, Upstairs Circus is primarily designed for adults. We’re a bar-meets-creative-studio, and the atmosphere often reflects that—lively music, groups celebrating birthdays or bachelorettes, with the occasional *cheeky* project or party theme.
We don’t offer kid-specific projects, and many of our activities require reading skills, dexterity, and patience—so we generally recommend our experience for ages 10 and up.
That said, minors can absolutely join in on the creative fun—as long as a few things are in place:
- Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the entire visit
- A parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver for any minor participating
Download the waiver here
In short, we’re happy to welcome creative kids into the mix—as long as adults understand the vibe can vary depending on the day and time. Most of the time, the environment is perfectly fine for kids to participate in—especially during daytime sessions—but it is a bar-meets-creative-studio, and sometimes the energy leans a little more… festive.
If you’re cool bringing your kid into a space where adults may be letting loose (and possibly cheers-ing loudly), we’re cool having you. Just be ready to supervise, support their project, and roll with the vibe.