April 24, 2024

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

🎂 The tail behind the tradition

Eeyore’s Birthday Party has been a staple Austin tradition for nearly 60 years. | Photo By Sean Loyless [CC BY 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

Thanks for noticin’, Austin. The beloved Eeyore’s Birthday Party will return 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.

So, why do Austinites come together to celebrate a fictional character at this free, day-long festival?

The origins of this weird Austin tradition just might surprise you. It dates back to 1964 and was the brainchild of two UT Austin English students who needed a reason to skip school and enjoy the spring weather.

At the time, the 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. As is tradition, the party is filled with drum circles, hula hooping, local vendors, strange dancing, and even stranger costumes.

Nearly 60 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 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.

If you plan to join this party, don’t miss out on dancing in a drum circle.
|
Photo by MarkScottAustinTX, via Wikimedia Commons

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 get weird for a good cause, we suggest checking out these transportation options, including a free shuttle, and FAQs.

Asked

Have you ever been to Eeyore’s Birthday Party?

A. Yes
B. No
C. This will be my first year

We'll celebrate your response

Events

Wednesday, April 24

Fitness Singles Speed Dating Meet | Wednesday, April 24 | 7-9 p.m. | Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, 4323 N. I35 Frontage Rd., Austin | $25 | Your heart is a muscle, so work it out by meeting like-minded singles aged 35-45.
Robert Parker Jr. | Wednesday, April 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | The singer and guitarist performs an all-ages show.
Beginner Two-Step Lessons | Wednesday, April 24 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Donn’s Depot, 1600 W. 5th St., Austin | Free with RSVP | This all-levels, donation-based dance class will have you moving and making friends, plus it’s followed by music from Frank Cavitt & the Honky-Tonk Doctors.

Thursday, April 25

Top Comedy on 6th | Thursday, April 25 | 8 p.m. | Big Laugh Comedy, 418 E. 6th St., Austin | $20-$25 | Get ready to laugh with a setlist of touring and local comedians.
“Wonder Women of Country” Album Release Show | Thursday, April 25 | 8 p.m. | The 04 Center, 2701 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $30-$50 | Kelly Willis, Melissa Carper, and Brennen Leigh will perform and celebrate the release of their forthcoming EP.

Friday, April 26

Shred It! | Friday, April 26 | 1-4 p.m. | Frost Bank East 7th Financial Center, 2421 E. 7th St., Austin | Free | Safely dispose of old documents with free shredding services.

Saturday, April 27

Austin Whiskey Riot | Saturday, April 27 | 4-7 p.m. | Fair Market, 1100 E. 5th St., Austin | $90 | Try hundreds of types of whiskey at this 21+ event for lovers of the spirit.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

▼SPONSORED▼

Health

Is your telemedicine on when you are?

When considering a telemedicine service, look for a service staffed by doctors who can treat your urgent care needs 24/7. | Photo provided by NormanMD

Illness doesn’t keep an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, so why should your healthcare?

NormanMD is a 24/7, on-demand, virtual urgent care telemedicine service, powered by Austin Regional Clinic doctors who advise, diagnose, and treat everything from cold symptoms to common urgent care needs like rashes, pink eye, cuts, sprains, nausea, and more.

Bonus: NormanMD can also help you avoid unnecessary ER visits by providing quick, expert medical advice on your best next step.

Get started

News Notes

Civic

The overall crime rate in Austin decreased in 2024, based on a study of Austin Police Department data. Looking at the first three months of the year, the overall number of crimes dropped 8.6% compared to last year, which is also 15.8% lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2020. (Austin-American Statesman)

Closed

Chicago-based grocer Foxtrot closed all of its stores, including all four markets in Austin. The brand shuttered a total of 35 locations, and all stores had their last day in business yesterday, April 23. The company stated it has exhausted all efforts to remain operational.

Weather

April 2024 has been wetter than normal in the Capital City. So far, 2.71 inches of rain have fallen, exceeding the month’s historic average of 1.51 inches. This month is also expected to be warmer than average, but there are still a few days left until that’s confirmed. (KXAN)

Environment

Austin Energy and the Texas Solar for All Coalition received a $250 million federal grant to improve renewable energy resources. The funding will be used to build solar energy and storage infrastructure over the next 15 years and provide discounts to qualifying customers.

Opening

A new Laotian restaurant will debut today in Southeast Austin. Lao’d Bar is opening at 9909 Farm-to-Market Rd., Building 4, and is owned by Chef Bob Somsith. Previously, Somsith operated a food truck in Austin, and the new restaurant will feature dishes like smash burgers and skewers.

Biz

Tesla is expected to lay off 2,700 employees — or 12% of local workers — from the Travis County Gigafactory. Earlier this month, the automaker announced it would let go of ~14,000 employees worldwide, but that statement did not specify the local impact. (KVUE)

Traffic

Be on the lookout — a new crosswalk is being tested at Shoal Creek and Treadwell boulevards in Allandale. The mobility pilot program uses additional lighting and markings to make pedestrians more visible at night. If you’ve interacted with the crosswalk, the city is looking for feedback.

Number

64 gallons. That’s the average daily water usage by an Austinite based on data from the past five years. The city has also released an updated Water Conservation Plan with the goal of reducing average daily usage to 62 gallons by 2029. (KUT)

Arts

Local artists, the Tito’s Prize is accepting applications through Monday, May 6 — an art contest that’s only open to creatives in the Austin area. The winning piece will be displayed in the Big Medium Gallery in spring 2025 and its artist will win $15,000 from Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

Community

Your next ride could be a work of art. To celebrate Earth Day, CapMetro unveiled new artwork on one electric bus and three pickup vehicles. The designs were created by students in Central Texas as part of the Art on the Bus program.

Sports

How will defensive lineman Bill Norton’s commitment to the Texas Longhorns help the team? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

▼SPONSORED▼

Travel

10 Vrbos so amazing, they won 2024’s “Vacation Rentals of the Year”

The Paradise Found Vrbo in Florida, seen from the back with its expansive pool, palm tress, and outdoor living room.

Yes, all of these incredible houses are available to book. | Photo of Paradise Found via Vrbo

Vrbo released this year’s list of Vacation Rentals of the Year, and we can’t stop looking at these incredible homes.

Ranging from $711 to $4,750 a night and built to accommodate a crowd, these Vrbos were made to host the next big family vacation or group trip.

Sedona, Arizona: Palatial Paradise Estate

Heated infinity pool, game room, outdoor fireplace

Sand Lake, Michigan: Sandy Lakehouse

Pickleball court, bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Casa Acantilado

Ocean-view bedrooms, cliffside sauna, hot tub

See photos of all 10 Vrbos

The Buy

A two-in-one wine stopper and pourer. We love: The drip-proof pour and how easy it is to flip the lever down for air-tight storage.

Share ATXtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_5}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Michael

From the editor

I love that Austin has chosen to celebrate Eeyore, because it’d be easy to overlook a character who’s perpetually gray. But, he’s not always sad. If you need a pick-me-up, you can watch this compilation of Eeyore being happy.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | SHOP