The Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K comes back bigger, better and weirder than ever!

On June 26th, Dr. Seuss, sorcerers and magicians, stilt-walking giants, winged fairies and Leslie impersonators will all be lacing up their running shoes at the start of one of city’s most beloved events — the Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K. And without a doubt, many of this year’s participants will be asking themselves the same odd, but necessary question: “Am I weird enough?”

Celebrating the funky people, places and businesses that make Austin such an eclectic place to live, more than 2,000 participants are expected to attend this year’s event, now in its eighth year. Many will be dressed up in their favorite “weirdo” costumes, others will be looking for a fun run downtown and the rest will be there to enjoy a relaxing Saturday afternoon and evening with their fellow Austinites.

With wacky fun-stops paced along the 5K race, an an eight-hour festival featuring great local vendors, food, drinks, games and prizes for the entire family, as well as a full-day of amazing live music, the event is shaping up to be the best one yet.

“The Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K is really unique because in addition to the runners, it attracts a large group of Austinites that don’t always participate in runs,” says Amy Simmons, founder of Amy’s Ice Creams. “It’s a great event because Austinites are really encouraged to express their outrageous, unique qualities.”

The local Austin business woman, and a sponsor of the event since its inception, says the Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K is a time when residents come together and show support for one of the most active and healthy cities in the country.

“This event reinforces the strength of our community, the mutual support we all give one another,” Simmons says.

Participants are encouraged to come in costume as they make their way across the South First Street Bridge, through the dog town loop course and into the 2nd street district. Unofficially known as the “slowest 5K in Texas,” the non-competitive race is more of an Austin tour-of-delights than an intense sporting event. Fun challenges, retail booths and even flying scoops of Amy’s ice cream await participants along the way.

“You’ll definitely get your money’s worth on pure entertainment value,” says Jennifer Mueller, senior marketing manager for H-E-B, the presenting sponsor of this year’s event.

Just some of the highlights are the evening race (starting at 7 p.m.) with fun-stops along the course, prizes for weirdest costume, photo ops at Yellow Cab’s “low fare limbo” and live music all day with headliners White Denim playing after the 5K. H-E-B’s “Here Everything’s Local” tent will also be on hand, where participants can discover local vendor products sold by the grocery store.

Just to add that extra Austin touch, Leslie, the city’s unofficial poster child for the “Keep Austin Weird” campaign regularly attends the event, says Michelle Graham, owner of Bounce, the company producing the event. “He comes every year and tries to crash the backstage area,” she says.

According to Mueller, this event will always have a special place in Austinite’s hearts; an undeniable draw that makes them want to keep it weird.

“Almost anyone you talk to, whether they’re from Austin or other places, is familiar with the slogan, ‘Keep Austin Weird,’” she says. “But some, especially new arrivals, don’t realize the true meaning behind the phrase. That it’s about supporting local businesses and the things that make Austin…well, Austin.”

Graham says that with the race, festivities and fun provided, there’s undeniably something for everyone. “Whether you’re brand new to Austin or have lived here your entire life, it’s an event that reminds you of all the wonderful reasons why you’re here,” she says.


For more info about the event, how to buy tickets and the full-day festival line-up, be sure to visit keepaustinweirdfest.com