If you’re one of the many new people in our city, or just stopping through the Weird Capital of Texas for business or pleasure, and you’ve got a palate for the perplexing, you’re in luck. Austin has a wealth of weirdness to share, and we’re here to help you find it.
These are 9 of the weirdest things to do in Austin.
9. Wipe Out A Hangover With The Craziest Bloody Mary Ever
This drink (?) contains a full freaking meal. Your hangover never had a chance. Find yourself at Casino El Camino to behold this drink’s glory up close. Luckily for Austinites, Casino isn’t the only place you can find one of these crazy concoctions. Check out our list of 10 Austin Bloody Marys That Will Seriously Spice Up Your Life for more.
8. Go On a Pedal-Powered Pub Crawl
Pub Crawler Austin is a seriously good time if you’ve got some friends to bring along. And yes, you may look a bit weird peddling an odd contraption through the streets of downtown Austin, but at least you’ll be drinking a beer and laughing while you do!
7. Ride A Butterfly With The Austin Bike Zoo
OK, that’s technically a bike, but anyone who sees you on this (or any of Austin Bike Zoo‘s other creations that include a bat, rattlesnake, owl, and more) won’t care. Most epic bike ride ever? Aside from actually competing in the X Games, yes.
6. Train In The Jedi Arts
The Lone Star Saber Academy is run by a real-life swordsman who uses the Star Wars window dressing to teach ancient fighting techniques to young and old alike. Not only could these skills be useful — being a Jedi is a LOT of fun!
5. Hit Up “Weird Wednesday”At The Alamo Drafthouse
The poster above is just one example of the movies you’d usually be seeing at the Drafthouse’s weekly “Weird Wednesday” shows. This long-running series, going every Wednesday night since 2001, features the greatest and least-known exploitation films and oddities that they can get their hands on. Though these events were originally only held at The Ritz theater downtown, the series has since moved to the South Lamar theater. Tickets are just $5. Due to Covid restrictions, these screenings are currently on hold.
4. Devour the Weirdest Sausage Maybe Ever
Banger’s is one of Austin’s temples to strange and delicious meats. Their menu is chock full of the most bizarre ‘dogs you can imagine, including wild game, cajun-inspired options, and even sausages for vegetarians. Choose from 200+ beers on draft to go along with one of 20+ sausages or other hearty fare that their menu offers.
3. Tour Haunted and Weird Austin Locations in a Friggin’ Hearse
Photo via HauntedATX.com
Haunted ATX, a company that takes visitors on a tour of haunted Austin locations in a hearse, has been a staple of Austin’s weirdness for the past few years. They take up to 10 people at a time on tours of Austin’s most-haunted locations in their specialty van, including the Austin State Hospital and The Driskill Hotel, and all their reviews rave about how much fun the experience is. You can also choose to take a private tour (minimum 2 people) in one of their hearse limos for those extra special goth occasions.
2. Lose Yourself In A World Of Trash
The Cathedral of Junk is easily one of the most mesmerizing walks you can take in Austin. Built by Austinite Vince Hannemann in his backyard, you can’t actually see the cathedral from his neighborhood street. Once you’re in, though, it all makes sense. This place is awesome. You’ll need to call ahead before you go as appointments are necessary — learn more about visiting this special place here.
1. Three words: Chicken. Sh!t. Bingo.
Every Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m., Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon hosts a game that’s legit one of the weirdest things to do in Austin. During Chicken Shit Bingo, people sit around listening to live honky-tonk music, drinking inexpensive beers, and betting on which square a chicken will poop on next. You can occasionally play at C-Boys Heart & Soul on South Congress as well.
Featured photo: Flickr user Delwin Steven Campbell, Creative Commons Licensed.
