For the record: We don’t think any of this stuff is all that weird…
But then, we live here. So we’re accustomed to watching shrieking bats fly overhead, admiring the architecture of tiny faerie homes, and attending children’s shows that involve a loose interpretation of The Wizard of Oz performed by rescue dogs. It’s all part of the cultural fabric that makes Austin, Austin. They say “From the outside looking in you can never understand it, and from the inside looking out you can never explain it,” but we’ll give it a try. Here are some of the weirdest places to visit and the weirdest things to do in Austin.
— Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
The Mexican free-tailed bats are so ingrained into the Austin psyche that it’s easy to forget that they’re a strange attraction in the first place. But for the vast majority of people who visit Austin, they’re one of the most easily accessible phenomena available. If you’ve lived here for a while, you may have even forgotten how awesome it is to observe them flying out in great droves from under the Congress Avenue Bridge and into through the crimson sky. Read our Guide to Seeing the Bats.
— Cathedral of Junk
This one’s an Austin original. The Cathedral of Junk is exactly what it sounds like — a cathedral made of junk. That doesn’t make it any less impressive, though. Scraps of all conceivable origins have been painstakingly assembled into what is probably the most astounding collection of bric-a-brac ever. Read about our experience visiting the Cathedral of Junk with our kids.
— Chicken Shit Bingo
Pardon our French, but yes, Chicken Shit Bingo is a real thing around here. In fact, on Sundays at The Little Longhorn Saloon, you’ll find that kids get priority when it’s time to line up for tickets to play. As you can expect, the bird’s choice of where to poop determines the winner of the game.
— Circus Chickendog
Self-described as the “The Family-Friendly Circus That is Making Austin Weirder”, these stage shows feature five rescue dogs, a scarlet macaw, puppets, juggling, unicycling, bubbles, and more. Great for kids of all ages and notably toddler-friendly, annual productions include The Wizard of Dogz as well as The Mutt-Cracker (Sweet!). You can also book Circus Chickendog for birthday parties. Get all the details on their website.
— Eeyore’s Birthday
You can find a varied crowd of awesome weirdos at Eeyore’s Birthday Party in Pease Park. It’s a gathering of all ages and all manner of folk who come to attend this unique tradition. It’s held annually on the last Saturday of April, and some might say it’s a local rite of Spring.
— Fairy Alley
In a small alleyway situated next to the residential home at 1507 Treadwell Street, you’ll find colorful murals, an assortment of tiny fairy houses, and other whimsical trinkets. According to the Fairy Alley Facebook page, “No one remembers exactly when the Fairies started nesting in the alley. It has been some time now. Each year their presence seems to get a little stronger.”
— Goat Yoga
Can little goats help you find your zen? Might not be unique to Austin, but it is a little bit out there. GOGA Goat Yoga hosts Vinyasa classes with several baby Pygmy Nigerian Dwarf goats loving on you throughout your practice — because nothing brings inner peace quite like baby goat kisses.
– Ghost Town
Are you brave enough to visit a ghost town? Take a little day trip to the J. Lorraine Ghost Town just east of Austin in Manor, TX. The Ghost Town is open on Saturdays and Sundays for self-guided tours of the unique property with live music playing in the afternoons while their restaurant serves up lunch and dinner. Check out their website for the latest info, and read here for details of one of our past visits to the Ghost Town.
— Grotto Wall
Tucked away in the Hyde Park neighborhood stands the Grotto Wall at Sparky Pocket Park (3701 Grooms St.). These enchanted stone walls are bursting with small surprises in every groove. Many have enjoyed the wall’s mystery and beauty since its creation in 2008 by Berthold Haas. Pay close attention, not only to what you see on the surface but to what you may find within the walls. You might discover treasures, trinkets, and secret messages from those who visited before you!
— HONK! TX
While the music itself may not be weird, there’s something amazing about the spectacle and musical mayhem that comes with the annual spring HONK! TX experience. It’s a citywide takeover of street bands performing free, high-energy concerts in locations throughout the city. Stay tuned to the HONK!TX Facebook page for details about their next event, typically in Spring.
— Jo’s Coffee Pet Parade
Expect some extreme cuteness when costumed pups parade down South Congress every spring during Joe’s Coffee’s annual Pet Parade and Costume Contest that benefits Austin Pets Alive. Like their Facebook page to stay in the know for this annual family-friendly event (and lots of other events by Jo’s!).
— Merlin the Magical Sage
Take a lap around Eastwood Park (3001 Harris Park Ave), but keep your eyes peeled for the face appearing amongst the trees in the surrounding wooded area. Merlin the Magical Sage, carved by David Kestenbaum, sits on the perimeter, his face hardened and keeping a watchful eye on the park’s patrons as they visit and enjoy the playground nearby. Step off the beaten path, and you will wander across a bridge onto a hidden trail with more magic hiding in the trees!
— Museum Of The Weird
A walk through the museum features terrifying props from mostly forgotten B-Horror movies, pirate skeletons, Fiji mermaids, medical oddities of varying sizes encased in glass boxes or entombed in formaldehyde, shrunken heads, an assortment of wax figures, a photo-ready King Kong replica and the exclusive privilege of getting to view what is perhaps the holy grail of cryptozoological artifacts, The Minnesota Iceman. Visit their website for hours and admission prices.
— Peter Pan Mini-Golf
Keeping it weird since 1946, Peter Pan Mini Golf’s looming T-Rex statue invites kids of all ages to come on in and play. The course has a ton of wacky sculptures with painted faces to keep you company on your family’s round of miniature golf. Read about why we love this classic Austin activity.
— Rodeo Austin
Their slogan for the past several years says it all — Where Weird Meets Western. This rodeo experience includes an eclectic lineup of music concerts, the livestock show, traditional rodeo events, and a big wonderfully weird fair that includes a wide variety of rides and odd carnival fried foods. It’s always a favorite family event in March, you can learn more about next year’s spring event on their website.
This post was adapted for families from this original article on Do512.com.
If you’re looking for more weird things for grown-ups (like secret underground wrestling leagues & our favorite year-round Christmas bar), click here!
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