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Austin is celebrated as being a weird city full of odd and quirky attractions. If you're wondering what makes Austin weird, the best way to find out is to visit and experience the city's wacky aesthetic for yourself. Continue reading to learn about the best and weirdest things to do in Austin to make the most of your time in this unique city.
Visitors often wonder how Austin got its nickname, and it has quite an interesting origin story. Austin got its slogan during a KOOP Radio show in 2000. During the station's “The Lounge Show,” a radio host asked a librarian from Austin Community College about his motivation for donating money, and he gave an interesting reply. When the host asked the librarian, Red Wassenich, why he contributed money, the librarian answered, “I don't know. It helps keep Austin weird.”
While the radio show question and answer sparked a nickname and reputation for the city, what truly makes Austin fantastically weird and unique is its offbeat culture and local businesses. Following Wassenich's comment on the radio, local Austin business owners created bumper stickers and other merchandise with the city's new slogan to encourage people to shop local.
Austin, Texas, is home to odd shops, festivities, speakeasies, museums and recreational activities that make it one of the country's most fun places to visit.
Austin is weird in all the best ways. Local creatives and business owners are the heart of what makes Austin so unique, and you can discover the city's weirdest gems while supporting local businesses. From authentic and lively speakeasies to museums full of oddities, you will surely have an incredible time exploring this offbeat and creative city.
Embark on an exciting adventure with the following weirdest things to do in Austin:
If you love anything supernatural, peculiar or strange, you will love exploring the Museum of the Weird's collection of oddities. This museum features shrunken heads, Fiji mermaids, pirate skeletons, medical oddities preserved in formaldehyde, wax figures, the legendary Minnesota Iceman and a King-Kong replica.
When you visit the Museum of the Weird, you can also browse frightening props from cult classics and B-horror movies. Before leaving, remember to explore the back room that forbids visitors from taking photos, because it is sure to surprise and delight your curiosity.
For a truly unique adventure, stroll through the Cathedral of Junk located in an Austin local's backyard. Vince Hanneman started constructing the cathedral in 1988 and has consistently added to it throughout the years. This quirky structure is made entirely of what most people would consider junk. When you visit the Cathedral of Junk, you can tap into your imagination and childhood memories as you peruse funky arches, stairways, observation platforms, walls made of random objects and maybe even some familiar relics from the past that spark nostalgia.
Browse a collection of rarities reflecting American history and culture at the Uncommon Objects Shop. At this quirky antique collective, you can have an eccentric shopping experience as you shop for interesting and nostalgic relics. The Uncommon Objects team consists of 24 experienced antique sellers who curate unique antique collections full of well-loved, time-worn and creatively-repaired items.
Enjoy a unique experience at Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon. This famous local dive bar occupies an old church building and includes a steeple on top of its roof, making for a unique appearance. In this bar, you can enjoy a cold drink and lively country music, but the bar's best feature is the opportunity to play Chicken Bingo. This eccentric game lets you bet money on squares inside a chicken coop and wait to see if the chicken leaves droppings on your chosen squares.
Engage in an exhilarating game of Bubble Soccer at Sport Battles in Austin, Texas. Sport Battles offers Bubble Battle sessions where you and your friends or family can stand inside large inflatable balls and attempt to play soccer. The inflatable bubbles increase the game's excitement as they let you bump into others and send them flying or rolling for an amusing time. Run, bump, roll and laugh as you play this hilarious game in Austin.
Experience some of cinema's weirdest films on the big screen at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema features odd, bizarre, inexplicable and imaginative genre movies during their special Weird Wednesdays events. This unique cinema also serves delicious food and drinks, so you can enjoy dinner during your movie.
Enjoy a fabulous night out at the Midnight Cowboy, a former brothel converted into an impressive cocktail lounge. This original speakeasy features a secret entrance, prohibition-style decor, interesting history and fantastic cocktails. The Midnight Cowboy is known as one of Austin's most unique and authentic speakeasies, so you will surely have a unique night out if you visit.
Towns and cities across America host unique festivals, but Austin boasts one of the strangest celebrations. Every year, locals and visitors gather to celebrate the birthday of a beloved book character. The annual Eeyore's Birthday celebration often attracts an eclectic crowd and features activities and attractions such as face painting, drum circles, exotic animals, bubbles, music, drinks and food. Food and drink purchases support local non-profit organizations, and this strange microfestival is fun for visitors of all ages.
Austin, Texas is an exciting city full of oddities, quirky recreational activities and unique bars. When you camp at Kampgrounds of America in Austin, you can immerse yourself in the city's culture, traditions and fun opportunities. Camp at Austin East KOA Holiday to experience Austin's best and weirdest attractions.
Austin East KOA Holiday offers convenient amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible, while fun recreational activities mean you can have fun without even leaving the campground. Spend the day exploring the exciting city of Austin, then return to our top-rated campground to enjoy swimming, outdoor games and group activities. This KOA location also features a playground and dog park, so little ones and four-legged friends can join the camping fun.
Camp at KOA to experience Austin's zany features and exciting opportunities. Spend the day exploring Austin's unique attractions before gathering around a cozy campfire at night. Book a stay online or give us a call to start your Austin adventure.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.