Thanks for noticin’, Austin. Beloved festival Eeyore’s Birthday Party will return to Pease District Park for its 60th celebration this Saturday, April 26.
Yes, the Eeyore we’re talking about is the pessimistic, often-gloomy donkey seen in the “Winnie the Pooh” series. So, why do Austinites come together to celebrate a fictional character at this free, day-long festival? Donkey us started.
The history
Eeyore’s Birthday Party looked pretty groovy in April of 1978.
Photo by William Newton via Flickr
The origins of this weird Austin tradition might surprise you. The first celebration dates back to 1964 and was organized by Lloyd Birdwell, a UT Austin student who was eager to find a reason to skip school and enjoy the spring weather.
At the time, Birdwell’s English class was studying A.A. Milne, the author of the original “Winnie the Pooh” series. Birdwell and a group of classmates were brainstorming themes for their end-of-the-year party and thought of Eeyore, who they believed was always sad because residents of the Hundred Acre Wood 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. As is tradition, the party is filled with drum circles, hula hooping, local vendors, strange dancing, and even stranger costumes.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party is Austin’s people-watching event of the year — you might even get free hugs from some of them.
Photo by Manuel Garza via OpenVerse
Six decades later, the event continues to “Keep Austin Weird,” and the park is even home to a bronze statue that commemorates its festivities. Now, the annual party (held in Pease District Park since 1974) attracts thousands of Austinites annually for a good cause.
Eeyore’s Birthday Party is operated by the Friends of the Forest Foundation to benefit local nonprofits, including AGE of Central Texas, Blue Dog Rescue, Keep Austin Fed, and The VORTEX. All participating vendors are also nonprofits.
Get weird
Eeyore’s 60th Birthday Party celebration will take place from 11 a.m. until dusk on Saturday, April 26 at Pease District Park. In the case of inclement weather, the rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 3.
Here’s what’s in store at the sad but Pooh-tiful donkey’s birthday bash:
- A children’s area (open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) filled with festive games + crafts
- Costume contests for kids and adults — dress in your weirdest attire to win prizes
- Adult games like egg tosses and sack races
- Entertainment like juggling, “sword” fighting, acrobatics, and hula hooping
- Face painting, henna, and temporary tattoo stations
- Plenty of food and local bevs like Texas craft beers and ciders
But wait, there’s more. This year’s live music lineup is as follows:
- 12-1:30 p.m. | Paige Plaisance
- 1:30-3 p.m. | Tokyo Vinyl
- 3-4:30 p.m. | Nick Swift
- 4:30-6 p.m. | Mostly Dead
Before you get weird for a good cause, we suggest checking out these transportation options, including a free shuttle, and FAQs.
