Austin is a city that prides itself on being weird, and there’s no shortage of quirky things to do in the Texas capital. Whether you’re looking for art, music, food, nature or history, you’ll find something that will surprise and delight you in Austin. Here are 9 offbeat experiences that you won’t find in most guidebooks.
Solve a murder mystery with Radiolab
If you’re a fan of the popular podcast Radiolab, you’ll love this audio tour that takes you around downtown Austin and tells you the true story of a serial killer who terrorized the city in 1885. Using location tracking, the tour guides you to various landmarks and immerses you in the history and mystery of the case. The tour takes about an hour and is best done between 12:30pm and 5pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
Sip some saké at Texas Saké Company
For a different kind of drink, head to Texas Saké Company, a craft saké brewery that uses local ingredients and traditional methods to produce high-quality saké. You can visit their tasting room on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 11pm and try their three main varieties: the crisp Junmai, the sweet Junmai Nigori and the smooth Oak Junmai. You can also learn about the brewing process and the history of saké.
Celebrate Christmas every day at Lala’s Little Nugget
If you love Christmas, you’ll love Lala’s Little Nugget, a dive bar that celebrates the holiday all year round. The bar is decorated with lights, garlands, Santas, elves and candy canes, creating a festive atmosphere that will make you feel like a kid again. You can enjoy drinks, music and games at this cozy spot that has been around since 1972.
Swim in a natural pool at Hamilton Pool Preserve
One of the most stunning natural attractions in Austin is Hamilton Pool Preserve, a collapsed grotto that forms a turquoise pool surrounded by limestone cliffs and a waterfall. The pool is open for swimming from May to September, but you’ll need to make a reservation online in advance. You can also hike around the preserve and admire the diverse flora and fauna.
Explore the Cathedral of Junk
The Cathedral of Junk is an art installation made of 60+ tons of junk that has been collected by the artist Vince Hannemann since the 1980s. The installation is located in his backyard in suburban Austin and features various rooms, towers, sculptures and hidden treasures made of discarded items. You can explore this whimsical wonderland by making an appointment with the artist.
Visit the Museum of the Weird
If you’re into the bizarre and the macabre, you’ll enjoy visiting the Museum of the Weird, a collection of oddities and curiosities that will make you question reality. You’ll see shrunken heads, mummies, freak animals, wax figures, haunted objects and more. You can also catch live performances by sword swallowers, fire eaters and other sideshow acts.
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Laugh out loud at Esther’s Follies
For a night of laughter and entertainment, check out Esther’s Follies, a comedy club that features sketch comedy, musical parodies, magic and satire. The show is updated every week to reflect current events and poke fun at politics, celebrities and pop culture. The club also has a window that faces Sixth Street, allowing the audience and the performers to interact with the passersby.
Find something uncommon at Uncommon Objects
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or a vintage treasure, you’ll find it at Uncommon Objects, an antique store that sells all kinds of eclectic and eccentric items. You’ll find everything from old books and records to taxidermy and jewelry. The store is arranged by color and theme, making it easy to browse and discover something uncommon.
Admire the art at HOPE Outdoor Gallery
One of the most colorful and creative places in Austin is HOPE Outdoor Gallery, a public art park that features graffiti and murals by local and visiting artists. The park is located on an abandoned construction site and has multiple levels of concrete walls that serve as canvases. You can admire the artworks, take photos or even join in the fun by bringing your own spray paint.
