Axe throwing is now officially a thing, and this lumberjack pastime has quickly become a leading party idea and bona fide sport. This Canadian timber sport is just as popular over the border in the United States as it is in the Great White North, with axe throwing bars opening their doors on an almost weekly basis.
From Austin to Brooklyn, throwing axes at a target and drinking craft beer looks here to stay and it’s not just for the boys. In fact, the activity has as many female participants as it does male, with bachelorette parties taking great satisfaction in hurling a hatchet.
International Axe Throwing Day is just around the corner, taking place this June 13th. For dedicated axe throwers, it’s an excuse to celebrate everything they love about the sport. The oh-so-satisfying thud of the axe into wood, the thrill of finally making the bullseye when it really counts in competition, or just the good old fashioned love for hurling sharp objects!
But International Axe Throwing Day isn’t just for the already-converted. In fact, it’s a great chance for the uninitiated to find a local axe throwing venue and give it a try. Who knows, you could just find your next great hobby?
To get you started, we’ve pulled together five awesome venues guaranteed to ramp up the fun as you fire up your inner lumberjack.
Where can I go Axe Throwing?
Below are 4 USA locations for axe throwing and one just over the border into Canada!
1. URBAN AXES
Responsible for bringing the traditions of this woodland sport to the city, Urban Axes are a hit on the east coast and in the south. With locations in no less than six cities: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Durham and Cincinnati, you can throw till your heart’s content with walk-ins, group bookings, corporate events and leagues all well catered for.
All their locations are age 21+ so this one isn’t for the family. They also run a NATF-affiliated league, so you can work your way to the National Axe Throwing Championship. (on Insta here)
2. BURY THE HATCHET
Bury the Hatchet are another axe throwing bar taking the world by storm, with venues located everywhere from Atlanta to Brooklyn. Their 11 venues are big with a friendly atmosphere. Their axe masters are on hand to help you get started too and offer a 2-hour session to help master those bullseyes. (on Insta here)
3. ALL AMERICAN AXE THROWING
We couldn’t leave the midwest out of this list! All American Axe Throwing have popped up in the heart of Ohio, with two locations right now. Their Canton location operates a B.Y.O.B policy although the Akron location has recently opened a full bar to keep throwers hydrated.
Their friendly team will teach you the basics during a 2-hour session, building up to a full competitive tournament to bring your experience to a climax. The venue runs WATL seasonal leagues, as well as walk-ins and corporate team building events.
4. PORTLAND AXE THROWING
The west coast loves axe throwing just as much as the east, and Portland Axe Throwing have been in the game since 2015. In keeping with the hippie vibes of this region, their mobile axe throwing trailer can be seen all around the city.
There’s also a permanent installation of Portland Axe Throwing at StormBreaker Brewing where you’ll find an impressive and delicious IPA selection to quench your thirst. It’s only $25 per person for a 2-hour game. And with a minimum of 5 people, you’d better bring your friends along. For larger groups, the winner even gets to take home their very own hatchet! (on Insta here)
5. CROSS THE BORDER – FORGED AXE THROWING
To experience a quintessentially Canadian axe throwing experience, cross the border into British Columbia and head for the mountains of Whistler. Here, you’ll find Forged Axe Throwing, one of Canada’s leading axe throwing venues and a tribe of true axe throwing aficionados.
Founded by James Anderson and Brett Easton, Forged is an edgy, vibrant venue that welcomes every level of thrower. The guys’ love for axe throwing is plain to see, and they even developed their own scoring software to take the sport further. Their experienced team are well positioned to teach this great sport too, with team members even competing in the national championships earlier in 2019.
Like Portland, Forged has a trailer too which can often be spotted at summer events. Parties are a specialty here, although Forged hosts everything from corporate events to Tinder dates. While there’s no dress code, plaid and beards go down well here. (on Insta here)
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