Austin’s reputation for “weirdness” is somewhat hard to pin down. What exactly does it mean to be weird, anyway? If it means laid back, creative, fun-loving, and a little quirky, then it’s a fitting description. Visitors to our fair city should stop by some of these attractions to see if you agree with our weird bona fides. And Austin locals, if you haven’t been to these fun spots, what are you waiting for?
Unusual Activities and Attractions
Little Longhorn Saloon
At the Little Longhorn Saloon in Central Austin, guests can participate in a different kind of bingo game. Every Sunday, Little Longhorn hosts Chicken Sh*t Bingo, a quirky game where a giant bingo card is laid out inside a chicken coop. Players pick a number, the chicken is fed, and when nature calls, everyone hopes it lands on their chosen square!
Esther's Follies
If a one-of-a-kind live show is more your thing, head to Esther’s Follies, a wild cabaret where artists do stand-up comedy, improv performances, magic acts, musical extravaganzas, and everything in between.
Casa Neverlandia
One of the most unique places to visit in Austin is Casa Neverlandia, an art exhibit that takes over an entire South Austin home owned by artist James Talbot. The house has become a living artwork filled with glass sculptures, murals, funky furniture, mosaics, and more. Just keep in mind that tours with the man himself must be reserved in advance and have a $15 entry fee, otherwise, viewing from the street is free.
GOGA
As you practice poses during a 45-minute yoga class with GOGA (short for Goat Yoga) in Bee Cave, expect curious young goats to join your sessions, perhaps hopping on your back as you attempt the perfect plank. Why? Session organizers say the sweet baby goats (who love to be cuddled) are not judgmental, making it easier for attendees to attempt awkward poses and reduce stress while laughing with others.
Sparky Park
This charming pocket park is an Austin original. Once a utilitarian electrical substation, Sparky Park was overhauled by local artist Berthold Haas — along with some helpful neighbors — in 2008. The materials here show how one man’s trash... well, you know the saying. Bits of glass, stone, broken dishes, shells, marbles, and other shiny bits and bobs turn the walls and pillars into a tactile art installation that you’ll want to feel as well as see.
Woodland Faerie Trail at Zilker Botanical Garden
Seasonal
Seemingly overnight, adorable faeries set up complete villages at Austin's beloved Zilker Botanical Garden. See for yourself by exploring the whimsical Woodland Faerie Trail that appears each summer. Admire dozens of miniature homes, gardens and playlands created by Austin-area families, children's groups and even Zilker docents.
Cathedral of Junk. Credit Jessica Serna, My Curly Adventures.
Museums, Oddities, and Unusual Collections
Museum of the Weird
Any “wacky” outing in Austin should probably include a stop at the Museum of the Weird, where guests can browse mummies, shrunken heads, life-size wax figures of movie monsters, and other odd collectibles and knick-knacks. The museum is inside Lucky Lizard Curios and Gifts, so you can get a souvenir while you’re there.
Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata
Similarly, strange artifacts can be seen at the Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata, an appointment-only exhibition inside an East Austin living room that displays one family’s collection of vintage dolls, figurines, and other oddities gathered around the world.
Cathedral of Junk
Also, if a tower built entirely out of trash sounds appealing, reserve an appointment in advance to visit the Cathedral of Junk in South Austin and experience an art gallery based entirely on discarded and recycled materials—it’s in the name after all.
Unique Hotels, Shops, and Restaurants in Austin
Tiny Minotaur
A fully immersive fantasy-world experience is always waiting at the Tiny Minotaur, a tavern that leans into elaborate costumes and face makeup, with regular performance art and live gameplay. It’s a place where nerds of all kinds are invited to show up as they are and share what they love.
Uncommon Objects
For a curious shopping trip, check out Uncommon Objects, an antique decor shop in South Austin that focuses on quirky items from different eras of American history. It’s been described as “your eccentric uncle's attic on steroids.”
Driskill Hotel
One of Austin’s most unique places to stay is the Driskill Hotel, which opened over a century ago and still showcases many of its original features. Over the years, guests have shared stories about lingering spirits—like a young girl said to haunt the grand staircase and a bride who lives in one of the upper-floor rooms—only adding to the hotel’s reputation for spooky sightings!
The Eureka Room: A One-Of-A-Kind Austin Experience
Our list of weird Austin experiences may be long, but if you want to experience just one of these peculiar activities, the Eureka Room might be the right move.
This creative adventure space occupies a house in East Austin, where guests can participate in group games, quirky icebreakers, and other off-kilter communal activities. The Eureka Room purposely stays vague about what happens within its walls, and the activities change often, but visitors tend to agree that it’s a fun and thrilling experience worth trying.
