Get ready to celebrate a little bit of Austin’s lovably weird, free-spirit culture at the iconic spring event, Eeyore’s Birthday Party! Saturday, Apr. 30 marks the 53rd annual birthday party for this famous Winnie the Pooh character. People can come together at Pease Park for the free, day-long event from 11 a.m. until dark with the children’s area open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Eeyore’s Birthday Party features games, face painting, henna and temporary tattoos, live music, and a magical drum circle that sends people dancing, singing, and shouting in a circle of pure happiness. Costumes are certainly encouraged. So rummage through the closet for those tutus, bikinis, fairy wings, hula hoops and flower crowns.

30718_118079034893460_1145678_nEeyore’s Birthday Party is also a fund-raiser to benefit non-profit groups in Austin. Some of these groups will be selling food & drinks at the event.

There is live music scheduled from 12-6 p.m. along with a maypole and of course, a live donkey. (Take note that things definitely get more wild as the day goes on.) For some great images from past events and to get an idea of what to expect, click here.

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Photo credit: Brian Stage

Parking: There will be NO parking available at the park. Please take the bus, ride a bike, or walk! Parking is FREE at the state parking garage “E” and lot 3 on Colorado between 16th and 17th streets where shuttle busses will pick you up and return you all day long!

What to Bring & Not to Bring: Bring costumes, non-amplified musical instruments, sunscreen, hats, etc. (and definitely an open mind ready to behold Austin’s hippie, creative festival spirit). Don’t bring bottles, cans, coolers or tents. And be sure to keep all dogs on leashes.

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Photo credit: Brian Stage

Also keep in mind that there is a City of Austin smoking ban in effect for all city parks. For more information and frequently asked questions, visit www.eeyores.org.

Have fun!