Visiting The Quirky Side Of Austin, Texas

In a state known for armadillos, cowboy boots, and tumbleweeds, it always takes people by surprise when they arrive in Austin, Texas to find a vibrant, adorably weird community. If you’re looking to see a new and different side of Texas, head to these great places in quirky Austin.

Chicken Bingo

Chicken bingo is probably one of the quirkiest experiences you can have in the capital of Texas. Found at the iconic Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon, this place oozes personality. Most Sundays there are free hot dogs and cheap festivities, all while Dale Watson croons an audience of eager two-stepping ladies and gents. Nearby, a table labeled with numbers has a rowdy group of people gathered around waiting for a chicken to poop on their prize winning number.

Museum of the Weird

Head into this sideshow museum on the internationally known bar strip, 6th Street. Gaze upon shrunken heads, Madagascar Cockroaches, Mermaids, and Mummies and stay for the sword swallowing freak show performance!

Roller derby

Growling, gnashing, clashing, punching, knockouts, and broken bones – no, I’m not talking about a boxing match – I’m talking about banked-track women’s roller derby with the Lonestar Rollergirls (TXRD). Comprised of women with an attitude and a generous side of fishnets, the sheer roar of the fans in the Palmer Auditorium will get you on your feet and cheering for a team in no time.

Eeyore’s Birthday

Nothing stands up to the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan quite like the annual Eeyore’s Birthday Party celebration. Located in Pease Park, this family friendly event brings people from around Austin to dress up in their weirdest outfits and gather for drum circles, charity raising, unicycle football, picnicking, food trucks, a maypole and fun.

Cathedral of Junk

Local Austinite Vince Hannemann turned his own backyard into what is considered a major tourist point of interest. Since 1988, this sculptor and artist took what other people considered to be junk and turned it into a doodad cathedral. Wander the hallways of “junk” with natural plants interwoven throughout the structure. This place can only be visited by appointment so plan ahead!

While these are really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to keeping Austin weird, they are definitely a start to introduce you to another side of Texas.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Austin?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.