If a few beers go great with bowling, does that apply to axe throwing, too? Blade & Timber Axe Throwing thinks so. Its parent company, the immersive entertainment developer Swell Spark, is bringing the bar and 15 axe-throwing lanes to Austin in November 2022.

The experience is more than grabbing a beer and an axe, and hoping it hits the right stuff. Blade & Timber has “Axe Safety-Certified” coaches onsite to demonstrate techniques before anyone touches a blade. (And bartenders punch wristbands to limit the number of drinks given, just in case.)

The team has been teaching for three years, and blind, deaf, and other throwers with special considerations have found success and safety in learning. Throughout the game, the coach sticks around, partially for safety, but also so that the crew can experience a few more bullseyes.

If trying to hit the center feels rudimentary, there are game books to peruse while enjoying cocktails, beers, and wine. One game works a lot like HORSE, the basketball game, except throwers spell BLADE. Another involves hitting all sections of the target. There are even leagues at some locations (nothing announced in Austin, yet) that offer free warm-ups, prizes, and chances to compete in two-on-two tournaments.

For those still wary of kicking back near axes, these are not close quarters. This venue — the brand's eighth — spans 5,000 square feet, making it the second largest facility. For such a large space, it’s also going to be surprisingly accessible at 3005 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 110-A, in good company with Torchy’s Tacos and Kerbey Lane Cafe.

"I first visited Austin in 2004 running in the Texas Relays, and I fell in love with the city," said Swell Spark founder Matt Baysinger in a press release. "Since Swell Spark began in 2015, we've been looking for an opportunity to bring our brands to such a vibrant city. We are excited to bring top-of-the-line axe throwing to the Austin Community!"

People of all skill levels age 10 or older can try their hand. The venue also offers large party rentals, with coordinating for food and drinks, as well as the general tone of the event. For more information about opening dates, sign up for the newsletter or check bladeandtimber.com.