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Explore strange places, curious stories, and eerie events around the world, online and in person.

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The Atlas Obscura Guide to Austin

50 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Austin, Texas


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Uncommon Objects

One part antique store, one part curiosities hodge-podge.

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10 Ways to Enjoy Austin’s Unexpectedly Lush Natural World

City life and green space go hand in hand

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9 Places in Austin That Make You Feel Like a Musician

…Even if you can’t carry a tune

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Congress Bridge Bats

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, estimated at 1.5 million bats.

Unusual Attractions in Austin

Off the Beaten Path

 Ego’s Karaoke Bar

Austin, Texas

Ego’s Karaoke Bar

Austin’s beloved dive bar and karaoke headquarters where relaxed drinks and high-energy singalongs have defined nights on South Congress for decades

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Emma Patti
Museum of the Weird, May 2018

Austin, Texas

Museum of the Weird

Continuing the tradition of the dime museum in style.

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Dylan Thuras
Cathedral of Junk

Austin, Texas

Cathedral of Junk

This unique structure in suburban Austin is made up entirely of other people's castaways, and constantly changing.

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Clinton
Uncommon Objects

Austin, Texas

Uncommon Objects

One part antique store, one part curiosities hodge-podge.

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Annetta Black
Crowds gather to watch the bats fly out as the sun sets.

Austin, Texas

Congress Bridge Bats

Home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, estimated at 1.5 million bats.

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Dylan Thuras
A view of the 'Skin and Bones' collection. (Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata)

Austin, Texas

Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata

DIY collection of eclectic holdings.

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Toy Joy

Austin, Texas

Toy Joy

A store full of vintage and indie toys designed to bring out the kid in even the crustiest of adults.

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Erin Pitter-patters
Peacock at Mayfield

Austin, Texas

Mayfield Park

Free public park and gardens filled with peacocks and peahens.

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Art (7) Music (8) Collections (4) Museums (4) Architecture (3) History (2)
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This Museum is Keeping Austin Weird

Austin's Museum of the Weird is a Throwback to Freak Shows and Cult Classics

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Marie Robinson
Community Contributor
August 12, 2026
  • Rebecca Bradley (left) was labeled a flapper bandit by the media, and a woman who had lots her mind by her attorney (right).

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    Meet the Texas Flapper Bandit

    By Laura Niebauer , Atlas Obscura

  • Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve in Texas.

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    How to Go Bat-Watching

    By Casey Langton , Atlas Obscura

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    The Famous Fight Over the Turn-of-the-Century Trend of Spirit Photography

    By April White , Atlas Obscura

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    Big Bertha Drum

    By The Podcast Team , Atlas Obscura

  • SpaceX’s Falcon 9 leaps into the stars.

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    Austin Just Sent Its Favorite Queso Recipe to the Moon

    By Reina Gattuso , Atlas Obscura

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Austin Leaderboard

Places Added

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  3. Aty Trocious profile photo
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Recent Austin Activity

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    has been to Barton Springs

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    haleyco13

    wants to go to Interimaginary Departures

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    kitschykitten1

    wants to go to Barton Springs

  • B bmbailey96 profile photo

    bmbailey96

    wants to go to Museum of the Weird

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    underthepapermoon

    has been to Congress Bridge Bats

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