Weird things to do in Austin capture the city’s unique and eclectic spirit, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for those moving to Austin, relocating to Austin, or simply exploring as newcomers. The city embraces its slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” by offering an array of unusual attractions, offbeat experiences, and bizarre cultural traditions. From quirky museums to bat colonies, Austin has plenty of weird things to discover.
Watch the Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
One of the most iconic and weird things to do in Austin is watching the massive colony of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge. Every evening from March to October, around 1.5 million bats take to the sky at sunset in a mesmerizing display. This odd but fascinating natural phenomenon draws both locals and newcomers looking for a truly unique Austin experience.
Explore the Museum of the Weird
Austin is home to one of the strangest museums in the country, The Museum of the Weird. Located on Sixth Street, this attraction is packed with oddities such as shrunken heads, wax figures, and unexplained paranormal artifacts. Visitors can also see live sideshow performances and learn about local urban legends. For newcomers moving to Austin who enjoy the bizarre and unusual, this museum is a must-see.
Visit the Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is one of Austin’s most beloved offbeat attractions. Built in the backyard of local artist Vince Hannemann, this towering structure is made entirely of discarded items, from old bicycles to televisions and car parts. Visitors can explore the maze-like tunnels and marvel at the artistic chaos. This spot perfectly embodies the “Keep Austin Weird” mantra and is a must-visit for anyone relocating to Austin.
Eat at a Haunted Restaurant
Austin has its fair share of haunted locations, and one of the most famous is The Driskill Hotel, which is known for ghost sightings and eerie encounters. Visitors can dine at The Driskill Bar or 1886 Café & Bakery while soaking in the haunted history of the historic hotel. If you love a good ghost story, this is one of the weird things to do in Austin that shouldn’t be missed.
Tour the Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata
A hidden gem in Austin, the Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata is a small, family-run museum dedicated to preserving odd and forgotten artifacts. The rotating exhibits have included everything from celebrity hair collections to old fortune-telling machines. For those moving to Austin who appreciate the eccentric side of history, this museum is worth exploring.
Swim at Hippie Hollow
Austin’s only clothing-optional park, Hippie Hollow, offers a unique experience for those looking to embrace Austin’s free-spirited culture. Located on the shores of Lake Travis, this park is known for its relaxed vibe and stunning scenery. While it may not be for everyone, it’s certainly one of the weirdest and most unconventional things to do in Austin.
Attend Eeyore’s Birthday Party
One of the quirkiest annual events in Austin is Eeyore’s Birthday Party, a festival dedicated to the beloved character from Winnie the Pooh. This free-spirited event features drum circles, costume contests, and plenty of live music. Originally started as a picnic for University of Texas students, it has grown into a citywide celebration of Austin’s weird culture. Newcomers moving to Austin looking for a fun and eccentric local tradition should add this to their calendar.
Wander Through Uncommon Objects
A treasure trove of odd and unusual antiques, Uncommon Objects is an antique shop like no other. Located on Fortview Road, this store features a curated collection of bizarre artifacts, vintage oddities, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re shopping for a unique piece of décor or just want to browse Austin’s weirdest shop, this place is an adventure in itself.
Watch a Chicken Sh*t Bingo Game
One of the most unusual traditions in Austin is Chicken Sh*t Bingo at The Little Longhorn Saloon. Every Sunday, locals and visitors gather to watch chickens roam on a bingo board, and wherever the chicken “drops” determines the winner. It’s a hilarious and truly weird experience that newcomers relocating to Austin won’t find anywhere else.
See a Movie at Alamo Drafthouse with a Twist
Alamo Drafthouse is famous for its strict no-talking policy and unique film experiences. In addition to traditional screenings, the theater hosts quote-along nights, interactive movie parties, and even bizarre cult film screenings. If you’re looking for weird things to do in Austin that also include a night at the movies, this is the perfect place.
Why Austin is the Capital of Weird
Austin has long embraced its reputation for being weird, and newcomers will quickly find that the city offers endless opportunities to explore its quirky culture. Whether you’re relocating to Austin for work, school, or just a fresh start, diving into these weird experiences is a great way to connect with the local community and truly understand what makes Austin unique. From haunted hotels to bingo-playing chickens, weird things to do in Austin ensure that the city’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” stays alive and well.
Request your free Austin Relocation Guide here
