If you’re on the hunt for some truly weird things to do in Austin, Texas, then you’re in for a treat! This city is known for its vibrant energy, unique culture, and quirky events that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, Austin has something for everyone. From bizarre art installations to wacky festivals, this city is a treasure trove of oddities that will leave you amazed and entertained.
So, get ready to explore the weirdest side of Austin and discover all the strange and wonderful things this city has to offer! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top unusual things to do in Austin that are sure to satisfy your curiosity and keep you entertained.
1. Junk Cathedral: A Man’s Dedication To Transforming Trash Into Treasure
The Cathedral of Junk, an example of one man’s dedication to transforming trash into treasure, is tucked away in a suburban backyard. The Cathedral has been under construction for more than 30 years by Vince Hannemann, the man behind this extraordinary work of art.
Constructed from an eclectic mix of abandoned objects, such as kitchen appliances and bicycles, the Cathedral is a constantly changing maze that welcomes guests to explore its unusual corridors and be amazed at the creativity resulting from recycled junk. Because Vince likes to know when people stop by his weird artwork, which is in his backyard, be sure to give him a call before you leave.
2. The Birthday Party of Eeyore
Enjoy one of Austin’s most unusual yearly celebrations honoring the fictional character Eeyore, the moody donkey from Winnie the Pooh. Every April, Pease District Park is transformed into a whimsical wonderland complete with drum circles, live music, and costumes for Eeyore’s Birthday Party.
Since 1963, Austin has been home to this family-friendly event that draws both locals and visitors who come together to celebrate the ridiculousness of a fictitious donkey’s birthday. Attendees should expect bright costumes, face painting, and a general joyful, carefree vibe.
3. The Vortex
Visit The Vortex for a unique theatrical experience. This cutting-edge space blends experimental art, immersive performances, and a hint of the paranormal. The Vortex, which is renowned for stretching the bounds of conventional theater, presents plays, dance productions, and multimedia events that subvert preconceived ideas about narrative. The Vortex is the place to go if you’re looking for an amazing and slightly surreal night out.
4. The Odd Museum: Sixth Street Weirdness
The Museum of the Weird is a must-see if you consider encountering strange artifacts, creatures, and unexplainable phenomena to be part of your ideal fun. This museum, which is located on Sixth Street, is devoted to the study of the unexplainable.
The museum provides an interesting and occasionally unnerving experience, with everything from shrunken heads to creatures that defy the laws of nature. Accept the strangeness as you make your way through dimly lit hallways brimming with peculiarities, and don’t be shocked if, by the time you’re done, you’re starting to doubt reality.
5. The Ephemerata Museum: Natural and Man-Made
Visit the Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata to enter a world where the distinction between the natural and artificial worlds is delightfully blurred. This strange museum, created by artist and oddity collector Scott Webel, is hidden away in a residential area. Exhibits at the museum range from unusual artifacts to vintage taxidermy, all carefully chosen to arouse curiosity and spark the imagination. The eclectic collection housed within the museum is constantly changing, so keep an eye out for the rotating exhibits.
6. Hippie Hollow Park: Escape the Ordinary
Visit Hippie Hollow Park, Texas’ only public park where attire is not required, to escape the ordinary. This unusual location, tucked away along Lake Travis’s shores, draws free-spirited people seeking to enjoy the sun in its purest form. The park is well-known for its serene beauty and breathtaking views, but it’s vital to remember that clothing is not required, so guests should be ready for an unusual day of swimming and sunbathing.
7. Wonderspaces: Not Your Typical Art Gallery
Wonderspaces is a creative playground with amusing sculptures and vibrant light displays. It’s awesome that you can interact with, navigate through, and occasionally even participate in the art rather than just staring at it.
It’s like entering an artistic wonderland when you visit Wonderspaces in Austin! This isn’t your typical art gallery; rather, it’s a magical setting where creations come to life. Imagine exploring rooms filled with interactive wonders and installations that will blow your mind. Every piece is like a doorway into a distinct realm, allowing you to experience and perceive the world in entirely new ways.
8. Laguna Gloria: Where Art Meets Contemporary
Talking about the weird things to do in Austin and not about The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria? It offers an unusual twist to the typical art experience, even though art museums are a popular destination in many cities. Situated on the shores of Lake Austin, this outdoor museum showcases a collection of modern art installations amidst verdant gardens and historically significant buildings. For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path artistic adventure, this is a must-visit because of the surreal and thought-provoking experience that is created when modern art is placed in a natural setting.
9. The Bat Bridge
We can’t ignore The Bat Bridge when talking about the weird things to do in Austin. Witness the extraordinary spectacle of more than a million Mexican free-tailed bats waking up from their roost under the Congress Avenue Bridge. From spring through early fall, people gather every evening to watch this amazing natural phenomenon as the bats begin their nightly search for insects. For a unique perspective on the bats, take a boat tour or bring a blanket and a sense of wonder and join the crowds lining the bridge. It’s a bizarre and lovely show that has established itself as one of Austin’s most recognizable sights.
10. The Peacocks of Mayfield Park
While taking a relaxing stroll through Mayfield Park and Preserve, you will come across a community of free-roaming peacocks, which is an unexpected sight. Your trip to this historic land will be truly unique because of these magnificent birds, who lend a whimsical touch to the peaceful surroundings.
11. Chicken Sh** Bingo: An Unusual Fun
One of the weird things to do in Austin is to try Chicken Sh** Bingo at Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon. You did indeed read correctly. Savor a carefree afternoon of chilled beverages, live music, and the opportunity to win prizes determined by where a chicken chooses to, well, roost on a bingo board.
12. The Broken Spoke: Time Capsule of Honky-Tonk
At The Broken Spoke, a traditional honky-tonk dance hall that has maintained its retro charm since 1964, you can step back in time. This legendary venue provides a true taste of Austin’s musical history with everything from two-stepping lessons to live country music performances.
13. The Art Center At Chicken Farm: A Fusion of Art and Coop
To visit the Chicken Farm Art Center in San Angelo, take a quick drive outside of Austin. With galleries, studios, and outdoor sculptures, this artistic community can be found in a former chicken farm. Interact with regional artists and see how a basic chicken coop can become a creative hub.
14. HOPE Outdoor Gallery: Expression Meets Street Art
Discover how the HOPE Outdoor Gallery transforms with the seasons. This vibrant venue features street artists showcasing their skills on the walls of closed buildings. Take a picture of the colorful street art and add your signature to this urban canvas to take part in the creative process.
15. Coffee Served With A Side of Cat Friends At Blue Cat Café
At the Blue Cat Café, indulge in cuddles while enjoying your favorite cup of coffee. Customers can enjoy their favorite beer in this special location surrounded by cute and adoptable cats. In the heart of Austin, it’s an unusual way to unwind and bond with some furry friends.
Related: 13 Must-Try Fun Things To Do In Austin
How To Get Weird In Austin, TX?
- Unique Restaurants and Food Trucks: Austin’s food scene is well known for its uniqueness. Visit restaurants like Gourdough’s, where oversized donuts are topped with unusual ingredients, to indulge in strange and unique flavors. Discover the variety of food trucks dotted throughout the city, serving everything from gourmet ice cream sandwiches to unusual tacos.
- Live Music and Performance Art: Take in the weirdness that abounds in Austin’s thriving live music scene. See a performance at the Cathedral of Junk, an eccentric sculpture constructed from salvaged materials, or visit famous locations like the Mohawk. Visit the Museum of the Weird for unexpected experiences, including bizarre exhibits and live performances.
- Festivities at Keep Austin Weird: Schedule your trip around one of Austin’s unusual events, like the yearly “Keep Austin Weird Fest & 5K.” Events like the O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships, where pun lovers assemble for a lighthearted language showdown, are a great way to celebrate the city’s distinct spirit.
- Street Art and Murals: Wander around areas such as East Austin and South Congress to find a rainbow of murals and street art. These colorful, frequently surreal works of public art add to Austin’s unusual vibe.
- Practicing Yoga with Adorable Goat: Combine the calming effects of yoga with the endearing allure of adorable goats. Take part in a whimsical yoga class that will make you laugh a lot and leave you with enduring memories by bringing a little playfulness and joy to your practice.
- Casa Neverlandia: Set out on an adventure to Casa Neverlandia, an odd house that defies the rules of architecture. Admire its fanciful elements and whimsical design, which will take you to a world where your imagination is limitless.
Does Austin Have Nightlife?
Austin is well-known for its exciting and varied nightlife. The city comes alive at dusk with a variety of live performances, mouthwatering cuisine, and entertaining events. The “Live Music Capital of the World,” or Sixth Street, is a must-see. There are bars, clubs, and music venues all along it that play everything from hip-hop and electronic beats to country and rock.
If you want a more relaxed atmosphere with trendy bars and food trucks, you should also check out the East Side. Remember to enjoy the famous bat-watching experience at Congress Avenue Bridge, where thousands of bats take to the air at dusk. There’s something for everyone in Austin’s nightlife, whether you enjoy dancing, seeing live acts, or just hanging out with friends.
Related: 19 Top Pros and Cons of Living in Austin, TX
Is Austin Good For Dating?
Austin is a great place to go on dates. There are lots of wonderful locations for an amazing date because of its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Start by taking a tour of Zilker Park, a lovely park ideal for picnics and paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. The city is renowned for its mouthwatering culinary scene, which features a wide variety of cuisines from fancy restaurants to food trucks.
Attending a live music performance at a nearby venue can enhance your romantic evening, as live music plays a significant role in Austin’s culture. The city also offers a variety of enjoyable festivals and events that make for interesting date experiences. Austin’s charm provides the perfect atmosphere for forming romantic relationships, whether you choose to try out unusual activities or stroll through vibrant neighborhoods.
FAQs: Weird Things To Do In Austin
What is Austin famous for?
Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and is also praised for its delicious food, vibrant cultural scene, and the well-known Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to a large number of bats that emerge at dusk.
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What is the story behind Keep Austin Weird?
Red Wassenich, a librarian at Austin Community College, coined the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” in 2000. The Austin History Center documents state that he used it to donate to KOOP Radio. The slogan aims to highlight Austin’s individuality and encourage both residents and tourists to spend money on independent companies to maintain the city’s eclectic appeal. The phrase has evolved into a slogan used by locals to embrace and defend Austin’s unique, unusual culture.
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What is Austin, Texas nickname?
The City of Violet Crown, Silicon Hills, and Austin, are known as the Live Music Capital of the World as well.
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Summary of Weird Things To Do In Austin
In conclusion, Austin’s charm lies in its ability to embrace the strange and wonderful. Its unique offerings provide an off-the-beaten-path adventure that you won’t find anywhere else. By indulging in weird things to do in Austin, you can create unforgettable experiences that will become a treasured chapter in your journey narrative. So, pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Austin.
