Banquet

Banquet at The Bullock Texas State History Museum

The ICSE 2016 Banquet takes place Thursday May 19 from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM at The Bullock Texas State History Museum (www.TheStoryofTexas.com). Dating back to 2001, the museum is named after Bob Bullock, the State’s 38th Lieutenant Governor and a champion for the preservation of Texas history and culture. At the Bullock, you will not only enjoy a fabulous Texican Buffet and each other’s company, but also experience Texas and it’s history all under one roof.

Entertainment will include a traditional Mariachi Band and dancers (www.mariachi-amor.com) as you enter this unique venue and -- perhaps something you’ve seen only in the movies -- a live trick roper. Of course, it would be downright ‘un-Austintatious’ not to listen to live music while visiting the Live Music Capital of the World. So we are pleased to have engaged Art and Lisa (http://artandlisa.com) to liven the evening with country music.

Unique photo op

Take a turn to have your photo taken on an full-sized longhorn steer and with a Miniature burro, both provided by the Cross T Ranch (www.TheCrossTRanch.com).

After the banquet, you are encouraged to take in some Austin nightlife. The Bullock is just across the street from the University of Texas campus and three blocks from both the State Capitol and Scholz’s Garden (www.scholzgarten.com). Scholz’s Garden (a beer garden and restaurant) is the oldest operating business in Texas (opened in 1866) and is truly worth visiting.

The Congress Bridge, famous for its bat population, is a block beyond the State Capitol, on 10th Street. Four blocks further down Congress puts you at 6th Street, known for its many bars and hotspots. Additional venues along 4th and 5th Streets provide ample opportunities to listen to live music and sample local entertainment. The Rainey Street Historic District also features historic homes, many of the Bungalow style, in the southeast corner of downtown Austin.

The first round of buses will leave the Renaissance Austin Hotel for the Bullock Texas State History Museum at 6:00 PM, with a second round to follow around 7:00 PM (depending on traffic).

Busses will also be available starting at 8:30 PM to take attendees from the museum to Rainey Street and 6th Street. Four busses will run until 11:30 PM (last pick-up) to transport attendees back to the hotel. Attendees who stay past the last pick-up can catch a taxi or Uber back to the hotel.

For those wanting to drive, there is free parking in the underground garage at The Bullock.