What are Project Socials and how do they work?
A Project Social is a designated time to gather together and make projects with friends and strangers alike. During each Project Social, circus-goers can choose to make one of our projects from our Project Menu. Projects vary in length and in difficulty as mentioned on our menu and are added to the menu seasonally.
Tickets to Project Socials typically cost $43 per person, no matter which project you choose. Price varies by date and time, for instance, a $8 discount is given on select projects during Happy Hour.
During a Project Social, patrons are given supplies, tools, space and a photo tutorial for their chosen project. We do not teach step-by-step classes, but rather, our Creative Assistants are trained to answer any project questions you may have -or- help you through anything you have questions on while you make your masterpiece.
When you arrive, you will be checked in at the front desk (you will need an ID and a credit card to be checked in!) and then shown to a seat. At this point you will pick your project from our Project Menu and then head to Project Pickup to to pick up your materials. Tools to create your project are at your table and, at this point, you can start creating. Alternatively, you can also make your way to the bar for a cocktail -or- some “creative juice” (as we like to say).
Completing your project should take somewhere from 1-3 hours, depending on how much socializing you do and how many cocktails you consume. An average project with an average amount of drinking and socializing takes about 2 hours.
Do I need to make reservations in advance?
We highly recommend making reservations prior to the Project Social you want to attend, we sell out frequently and want to make sure we can accommodate your party! To make reservations online, visit one of our locations’ reservation calendars.
If there is a Project Social you want to attend that is sold out, email us at reservations@upstairscircus.com to be added to a waitlist.
When should I arrive for the Project Social I am scheduled to attend?
At Upstairs Circus, we have a flexible arrival time that is chosen during during the reservation process.
To change your arrival time, see links and instructions in your reservation confirmation email.
To make a reservation, see one of our locations’ reservation calendar.
What do I need to bring?
Bring your Driver’s License and a form of payment; we will ID you and start you a tab at check-in.
Other than that, bring an open-mind that is ready to experience something new!
How can I make sure my friend(s)/ group and I can sit together?
Simply make reservations for your entire group at once- or mention your group/friends(s) name in the space provided during your online reservation and we’ll be sure to seat you together. It’s as simple as that! We create seating arrangements prior to your Project Social time to ensure we can accommodate everyone.
Does everyone attending my Project Social have to make the same projects?
In short: no. Each person attending a Project Social can make any project from our Project Menu. Think of it like choosing a meal at a restaurant; it’s an individual decision that each circus attendee gets to make!
And, don’t worry, even if you and all of the people you attend Upstairs Circus with choose different projects, you still get to sit together. We’ll come help you with your projects individually as needed!
Should I tip my Creative Assistant & Bartender?
Tipping is always up to the discretion of the customer, whether in a restaurant or at Upstairs Circus.
With that said, yes, we recommend a 20% overall tip; this includes tipping on any drinks you consume and on your project. Our Creative Assistants act much like a server at a restaurant; they make your drinks, assist with projects, help with supplies, give out project tricks, take your pics and much, much more. They make the Upstairs Circus experience that much better!
At Upstairs Circus, tipping is easy and discreet. We typically start you a tab when you walk in the door. At the end of your session, you can close out your tab on our iPad system and choose the tip amount you wish to give.
A 20% tip will be added to any tabs left open.
Can I bring food & drink into the Circus?
Why yes! You may bring food into Upstairs Circus- brown bag it, make it, cater or order it in from one of our neighborhood restaurants (we keep menus from local restaurants behind our bars).
You MAY NOT bring any drinks into Upstairs Circus; alcoholic or N/A.
PLEASE NOTE! We do not provide space for large food spreads at the Circus (unless pre-planned with a Private Event). Any food you bring in to will need to be kept within the same space you will be creating in. We suggest small, individual items as you will not have space for large platters or plates. Additionally, we do not provide tableware (such as plates and silverware) for your food items. If you plan on bringing in food, please also bring your own utensils.
How do I change, move or cancel my reservations/ tickets?
You will receive a confirmation email 24-72 hours in advance of your Project Social. At that time you may change your party numbers or cancel the reservation with the links provided in the confirmation email.
Note: Large group (parties of 8+) or Private Event cancellation and change policies will be outlined by your Event Coordinator during the reservation process.
I have a coupon/ gift card. How do I redeem it?
To redeem a coupon or gift card, simply bring in said coupon/ gift card to your scheduled Project Social and redeem it in person!
Please note:
- Coupons cannot be combined or used during discounted Project Socials (such as Happy Hour).
- Gift Cards cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
- All Gift Cards expire 2 years after date of issue.
I have a coupon that expires. Can I use it for a Project Social after the expiration date?
We can only honor coupons up to the date they expire, which means you will need to use said discounts for Project Socials prior to the expiration date.
Can I come in for drinks and not participate in creating a project?
In short, yes, we’d love to have you non-DIYers too. We have a bar and we make a some delectable cocktails. This bar we speak of has all kinds of stools around it to sit on. It is also covered with coloring books and Barrels of Monkeys to keep you entertained for hours without doing any projects. C’mon in and try a delish Signature Cocktail!
WITH THAT SAID! We often sell out during Project Social times. Because of this, we reserve any table seating (and often bar seating) for patrons who will be creating.
Where do I park?
Because Upstairs Circus locations are often in a dining and entertainment hubs within an urban setting, parking can be expensive and challenging. Thus, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND USING A RIDE SHARE (aka Uber, Lyft, etc.) to get to Upstairs Circus.
With that said, if you plan on driving, here are the best tips we have for parking:
ATX: Busy metered parking on all nearby streets. For the best lot and ramp rates, try finding nearby parking and reserving a spot with Spot Hero. Alternatively, there is a parking garage below Upstairs Circus ATX with entry between 2nd and 3rd on Lavaca, across from the W Hotel. We *sometimes* have 2 hour validation stickers for this parking depending on demand; ask at Upstairs Circus check-in!
DFW: Busy metered parking on all nearby streets and often the best option during the weekdays. However, once the weekend hits, we highly, highly, highly recommend ride share for this neighborhood. For the best information about Deep Ellum parking, see the Deep Ellum website. Additionally, there is often alternatives like valet parking at larger lots 2-3 blocks away (see the Deep Ellum Instagram for more).
DTC: Ample parking in this facility, with parking ramps and lots right outside the doors! Valet is one door down in front of Jing and is periodically available on the weekend evenings.
LoDo: Busy metered parking on all nearby streets. For the best lot and ramp rates, try finding nearby parking and reserving a spot with Spot Hero. We highly recommend ride share for this neighborhood.
MPLS: Busy metered parking on all nearby streets. For the best rates, try Ramp C, located a few blocks down or pre-booking a spot on Spot Hero. We highly recommend ride share for this neighborhood.
Do I have to be 21 to enter?
Nope. Just to drink! ID’s are required for everyone who indulges in a cocktail.
Please note: all persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult during their entire Circus visit. Additionally, all minors must bring in a waiver signed by their parent or guardian. Download the waiver here (see next FAQ for more info).
So, does that mean you are kid-friendly?
Yes and no. We currently don’t cater our projects to children and we are, at the end of the day, a bar as well as a project studio (which means we get all the fun and not-so-fun behaviors that come along with a bar too). So! Now that you know we don’t specifically cater to kids, we can say: kids are welcome to come and participate in projects, you simply have to be responsible for them!
If you plan on bringing minors to Upstairs Circus, please know, all persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult during their entire Circus visit. Additionally, minors must also bring in a waiver signed by their parent or guardian. Download the waiver here.
Note: Children under the age of 9-10 often have difficulty with many of our projects as they require advanced reading skills, dexterity, strength and can often require a long attention span.
