“Keep Austin Weird” isn’t just a catchy slogan—it’s a cultural movement. Born out of a desire to support local businesses and celebrate creativity, it’s grown into the city’s unofficial mission statement. From vintage shops and food trucks to backyard concerts and offbeat parades, Austin leans into its weirdness in the best way possible.

If you’re visiting for the first time (or just need a reminder of why you love this place), here’s where to find the fun, the funky, and the fiercely original side of Austin.

Where It All Started

The phrase “Keep Austin Weird” was first popularized in the early 2000s as a rally cry to support small, independent businesses. Austinites weren’t trying to be weird for the sake of it—they were protecting what made the city special: its quirk, its soul, its sense of community. Today, you’ll find the slogan on bumper stickers, murals, t-shirts, and even tattoos.

And unlike a lot of city catchphrases, this one stuck because it still rings true.

SoCo: The Street Where Weird Thrives

Head to South Congress Avenue and you’ll see the motto in action. From vintage boutiques like Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds to the eclectic Uncommon Objects, SoCo is ground zero for Austin's alternative charm. Grab a coffee at Jo’sand take a photo in front of the iconic “I love you so much” mural—because even weird cities need a little romance.

Food Trucks & Unexpected Eats

In Austin, tacos come from trailers, BBQ happens in parking lots, and fine dining might just show up at a farmers' market. Try Veracruz All Natural for their legendary migas tacos or visit Arlo’s for plant-based burgers served out of a food truck window. Weird? Maybe. Delicious? Definitely.

Art Cars, Parades, and Chicken Sh*t Bingo

You haven’t seen Austin until you’ve cheered for glow-in-the-dark floats at the Honky Tonk Halloween Parade, caught a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse, or spent a Sunday afternoon at Little Longhorn Saloon betting on which square the chicken will poop on. Yes, really.

The city is full of offbeat traditions that remind you—life doesn’t always have to make sense to be amazing.

Support Local or Stay Home

The real heart of the “weird” movement is about supporting local. That includes weird bookstores like BookPeople, local legends like Esther’s Follies, and community spaces like Spider House Ballroom. These places don’t just make Austin unique—they keep it that way.

“Keep Austin Weird” isn’t about being outrageous for attention. It’s about authenticity, supporting each other, and not being afraid to zig when the rest of the world zags. So the next time you’re in town, don’t just look for the weird—be part of it.

Follow @ninesideusa for more unique city culture, indie guides, and travel tips across the U.S. Want to meet other creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders doing things differently? Join The Burlington Club to grow your network and keep your own brand of weird going strong.

You can also check out more of our favourite Austin finds in the Austin city hub.