Interesting and just downright odd. The saying “Keep Austin Weird” is actually a lifestyle.
From a tower of junk to the Museum of Weird, here are five things to do around town that only make sense in Austin.
🦇 Bat watching on the Congress Avenue Bridge, 100 S. Congress Ave.
The 1980 renovation of the Congress Avenue Bridge accidentally turned it into the perfect bat cave for more than one million Mexican-free tailed bats — North America’s largest urban bat population. Grab a chair and a friend and watch these bats fly from underneath this downtown bridge.
⚙️ Cathedral of Junk, 4422 Lareina Dr.
Created by local Vince Hanneman, this odd site in Vince’s backyard was first constructed in 1988. This tower of junk includes items like lawn mower wheels, car bumpers, kitchen utensils, and circuit boards. It’s free, but donations are accepted. Viewings are made by appointment only.
🎉 Eeyore’s Birthday Party, Pease District Park
This one-day festival celebrating the fictional character from Winnie-the-Pooh takes place in April + first started in 1963. Party-goers put on their sparkly gear for this event, which benefits local nonprofits. The family-friendly festival includes dancing in a drum circle, food, and live music.
👹 Museum of the Weird, 412 E. 6th St.
It only makes sense for Austin to be home to the Museum of the Weird. The establishment displays strange masks, a little too realistic Gremlin statues, and a two-bodied lamb.
🎄 Christmas at LaLa’s Little Nugget, 2207 Justin Ln.
You’ll find halls decked with boughs of holly year-round at this North Austin cash-only bar. The festive spot offers “Santa’s Shots” — including a “Lump of Cole” with French-flavored liquor. Guests are even encouraged to take a photo on Santa’s throne.
Know of some weird places or events in Austin? Email us and let’s chat about it.
