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“Keep Austin Weird” Isn’t just a Phrase, It’s a Lifestyle

  • April 18, 2023
  • | 7:00 AM

Let Your Freak Flag Fly, Austin

“Keep Austin Weird.” You’ve doubtless heard our city’s unofficially official motto and seen the ubiquitous bumper stickers at local businesses, such as Waterloo Records. But what does it mean? Does it refer to the people? The culture? The events? Well, yes, all of the above, and then some. The iconic phrase (which originated in 2000, when an Austin librarian was asked during a radio call-in show why he was donating locally) not only refers to all those intangibles that make Austin the quirky haven that it is, but to supporting small business, as well. In fact, it has been used as a rallying cry by shops like Book People to fight big box store openings. And while some people might question if Austin is still truly as unique as it claims to be, the list below proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is plenty of good old fashioned weirdness left in this town.

? Weird Homes Tour

?Eeyore's Birthday Party

Eeyore’s Birthday Party

Named after the character from the Winnie the Pooh stories, who got even sadder that his usual sad self when he thought his friends forgot his birthday, Eeyore’s Birthday Party is a fund-raising festival for local non-profits that takes place every April in Pease Park. Having started in 1963 and attended by such notables as Lady Bird Johnson, this spring event hosts people from all walks of life- college students, hippies, families with young children, families with adult children, and the like. There are bubbles, animals, drum circles, and body and face paint a plenty, and even whosits whatsits galore…oops, wrong Disney movie, but you get the idea

Website
?Hi How Are You Project

Hi How Are You Day

Created by the Hi How are You Project (a non-profit dedicated to “removing the stigma around mental health, one conversation at a time”) this January day, celebrating the life and legacy of singer-songwriter Daniel Johnson and the namesake mural he painted, encourages checking in with loved ones and asking “Hi, How are You?” Officially recognized by the City of Austin and supported by the Johnson family, this is just one example of the uniquely philanthropic side of our hometown

Website
?Austin City Parks

Swimming Holes

Austin is replete with both natural and man made places to take a dip, and with no shortage of sunny days, it’s easy to try a new one every day of the week. There is, of course, Barton Springs, Austin’s treasured oasis in the heart of the city, with its constant 68 degree temps, but other liquid locales are not to be overlooked. Try out the Deep Eddy Pool, perfect for lap-swimming and sunbathing, or take a drive outside the city to either Hamilton Pool in the Texas Hill Country, or Jacob’s Well in Wimberley. These natural and not-so-natural wonders are some of our most important attractions, and for many people, summer doesn’t start until they dive in to the cool water

All the Swimming Holes
?Quesoff

The Quesoff

If Buddy the Elf lived in Austin instead of the North Pole, he would have revised his list of food groups to include the four categories of queso (Meaty, Spicy, Veggie, and Wild Card), and there is no better place to sample an endless variety of queso options, than this annual mini-fest. Cheese lovers make an annual pilgrimage to the Mohawk to taste their way through selections from restaurants and home chefs alike. Proceeds benefit the Central Texas Food Bank, so obviously calories don’t count here

?PunOff

O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championship

Calling all wordsmiths! This weird and wonderful annual event (started informally in 1977), which could only take place in Austin, is for those with the gift of gab. From “Punniest of Show” to “The PunSlingers Competition,” showcase your wit in this free competition, and see if you have what it takes to win. Donations benefit the Brush Square Museums foundation, which advocates to preserve the O. Henry and Susanna Dickinson Hanning Museums, as well as programs enriching the literate community

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?Lala's Little Nugget

Lala’s Little Nugget

There’s Chrismas in December.  There’s “Christmas in July.” Now imagine a year-round Chrismas bar, with raindeer on the roof, bright lights and Chrismas trees lighting up the kitschy interior, and tinsel and elves on the shelf everywhere. Sound amazing? Then look no further than Lala’s Little Nugget, the magical little bar in Crestview that has been open since 1972 (and still looks like the 70’s never ended). The festive vibe is enhanced by the sounds of Elvis and Johnny Cash on the jukebox, plus killer cocktails, designed to make even the Grinchiest among us smile. Stop by this neighborhood dive, and see why Austinites have adored it for so long

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?Uncommon Objects

Uncommon Objects

Odds and ends. Bits and bobs. Stuff and things. Nothing is too quirky or out of the question when hunting for vintage treasures at this incredible emporium of curiosities. The best way to tackle this place is to come in with no agenda, and just see what you can stumble upon on any given day. Perhaps it is a piece of vintage jewelry, a one-of-a-kind painting, or even some taxidermy, you’re sure to walk away with something special. Browse selections from one of the permanent dealers that base themselves here, or simply wander around and see what catches your eye. With so many goodies to choose from, losing track of time is definitely a hazard, so don’t attempt to rush through it, and just enjoy this carnival of kitsch

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Cathedral of Junk

  Cathedral of Junk

Don’t be fooled by the latter part of the name: while it is definitely made up of all sort of throwaway goods, this ever-evolving sculpture is indeed an actual cathedral (in fact, some have even chosen to exchange vows here). Vince Hanneman, the artist and proprietor behind this South Austin wonder, began construction on the project in 1989 and continues to modify it to this day, despite the occasional neighbor complaint. Be sure to pace yourself as you explore this multi-level structure, which is inexplicably large than it looks, in order not to miss any of the finer details. Also: don’t forget to make an appointment, as there are no regular hours

?Museum of the Weird

Museum of the Weird

The last two items on this list literally have the word “weird” in the title. First is the Museum of the Weird, the aptly named haven for oddities inside Lucky Lizard Curios and Gifts. Evoking a PT Barnum sideshow vibe, this collection of (to borrow a phrase from Lydia Deetz) “the strange and unusual.” Take a gander at the shrunken heads, creepy figures, skeletons, and mermaids on your own, opt for a tour, or catch the live show of the day. A word of caution: photos in the back room are not allowed, and with good reason.

Website
?Weird Homes Tour

Austin Weird Homes Tour

Started in Austin by a couple looking to celebrate its eccentricities, and having since expanded to other cities beyond its borders, this self-guided tour lets you take a peek at the very non-traditional houses several Austinites call home. Photos of past tours can be found online, and while you can see how vastly the design styles vary, they share the same free-spirited uniqueness that sets them apart from more average dwellings. Part of the ticket proceeds benefits LifeWorks, which provides housing, counseling, and education for disadvantaged youths and their families

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Curated by

Yana Maryanovsky

Yana Maryanovsky

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