It’s time to get weird, Austin.
The Capital City’s beloved Eeyore’s Birthday Party is returning to Pease District Park for its 59th celebration this Saturday, April 27.
Yes, the Eeyore we’re talking about is the pessimistic, often gloomy donkey seen in the “Winnie the Pooh” series. And 8,000+ people on Facebook have shown interest in this peculiar party.
So, why do Austinites come together to celebrate a fictional character at this free, day-long festival?
Well, we did some research for you. The reason behind this weird Austin tradition, which is an outside party filled with drum circles, hula hooping, local vendors, strange dancing, and even stranger costumes, just might surprise you…
Dating back to 1964, Eeyore’s Birthday Party was the brainchild of two UT Austin English students who needed a reason to skip school and enjoy the spring weather.
At the time, these students were studying A.A. Milne, the author of the original “Winnie the Pooh” series, and they thought of Eeyore, who they believed was always sad because someone forgot his birthday.
It was then decided they would reserve the last Friday in April to head out to Eastwoods Neighborhood Park to celebrate this uncelebrated donkey. Really… who can say no to throwing a party for a melancholy donkey who doesn’t know it’s his birthday?
Fifty-seven years later, this event continues to “Keep Austin Weird.” The park is even home to a bronze statue that commemorates its festivities. The party is known to attract thousands of Austinites every year for a good cause.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party is a fundraiser operated by the Friends of the Forest Foundation to benefit local nonprofits. Additionally, every vendor that participates at the birthday party are nonprofit organizations. Groups that will benefit from this year’s celebration include AGE of Central Texas, Blue Dog Rescue, Keep Austin Fed, and The VORTEX.
Attendees are also encouraged to donate + volunteer to help make it a joyous occasion for Eeyore, of course.
Here’s what you can expect at this year’s party:
- Games
- Costume contests
- Drum circles, lots of drum circles
- Dancing all over the park
- Food from local vendors
- Seriously weird Austin vibes
Eeyore’s Annual Birthday Party will take place Saturday, April 27 at Pease District Park located at 1100 Kingsbury St. from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, the rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 4.
Before you go get weird for a good cause, there is no designated parking for this event. It’s highly suggested attendees use these transportation options. Learn more about street closures here. Have more questions about the event? Check out this FAQ page.
Learn more about the party’s history + get a good idea of what to expect by watching this video.
