Keep It Weird
Local fest aims to Keep Austin Weird by combining all our favorite things
There's nothing more "Austin" than live music, food, booze and a fun run — and the Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K is combining all of four into a family-friendly event that celebrates quintessential Austin for a good cause.
Held each summer, the Keep Austin Weird Fest kicks off in the early afternoon on the Long Center lawn, where live music, local fare and unique vendors are the name of the game. As the hot summer day starts to cool off, festival attendees take a detour from the festival to meander through downtown as part of a one-of-a-kind 5K that's all about fun.
During the 5K, racers — typically dressed in costumes that reflect Austin's unique, carefree attitude — complete "fun stops" that range from obstacle courses to slip and slides to cake walks. (There have even been vodka tastings in the past, for adults only, of course.) When the race is complete, participants return to the Long Center to continue the all-things-Austin celebration.
Recently, Keep Austin Weird Festival announced the 2014 music lineup, which includes a host of revered local bands and one surprise headliner. Austin favorites KP & The Boom Boom, T Bird & The Breaks, Uncle Lucius, and Riders Against The Storm will warm up the crowd for headliner Twin Forks. The Florida-based folk/Americana outfit features singer/guitarist Chris Carrabba, of Dashboard Confessional fame.
The 2014 Keep Austin Weird Festival and 5K kicks off on Saturday, June 28 at 2 pm. Registration is now open for the event. Festival passes are available for $10 per person; 5K registration is $20 for adults, $10 for kids. Capital Area Food Bank of Texas is the nonprofit partner of the event.
