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The Clue to an Unique Night Out – Murder Mystery Parties & Escape Games in Austin

Assemble your own cast of characters and play a thrilling game of whodunit with friends

The Company of the North American tour of CLUE (photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
The Company of the North American tour of CLUE (photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)

The stage performance of Clue at Bass Concert Hall has inspired us to explore the many places around Austin to gather friends and play mystery games for a unique activity.

Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, the Broadway in Austin touring show of Clue is the the ultimate whodunit — in Austin through January 19.

After you see the performance, you might be interested in playing your own mystery games! Below you’ll find many options for role play in the Austin area.  

John Shartzer and Tari Kelly in the North American tour of CLUE - (photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
John Shartzer and Tari Kelly in the North American tour of CLUE – (photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)

Murder Mystery Games & Dinner Parties

Murder mystery parties are interactive and immersive events where participants step into the shoes of various characters to solve a fictional murder. Each guest is assigned a character with a detailed backstory, including their personality, relationships with the victim and potential motives for the crime.

The real fun begins as participants mingle and engage with one another, staying in character while using their detective skills to piece together the mystery. Guests may receive clue cards that reveal critical information about their role and hidden secrets, while others are found at the crime scene itself. Throughout the event, players interact with one another, interrogating others and making strategic moves to gather information and advance the investigation. At the end of the event, everyone votes on who they believe the killer is, and the person with the most votes is declared the culprit.

Murder mystery parties are versatile and can be used for various occasions such as private gatherings, fundraisers or family-friendly activities.

Here are some great options for jumping into murder mystery games in Austin:


Prison Break at The Escape Game Austin Downtown
Prison Break at The Escape Game Austin Downtown (photo courtesy of The Escape Game)

Escape Rooms

Escape games, also known as escape rooms or puzzle rooms, are immersive, real-world experiences where players work together to solve puzzles and find clues in a themed room, all within a set time limit. These games are like stepping into a real-life video game, with players interacting with physical objects in a space designed with props, lighting, sound, and special effects to create an engaging environment. Participants must use their problem-solving skills to unlock drawers, boxes, and doors while piecing together clues to “escape” before time runs out.

Escape games are ideal for puzzle lovers, adrenaline junkies, and anyone looking for a fun challenge, making them perfect for birthday parties, team-building exercises or a unique night out.

Here are many locations in Austin to enjoy an escape game:

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