Small Dwellings
Austin's first tiny home convention builds on growing trend with jam-packed jamboree
Downsizing, rising property taxes, the desire for a smaller footprint — no matter what the reason is for going small, tiny living can have big payoffs. The Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree pulls into the Travis County Exposition Center August 23-25 for a jam-packed weekend of events celebrating this growing trend.
Touted as the world's largest tiny living expo, the jamboree also marks the state's first-ever convention dedicated to small dwellings. On August 7, organizers revealed the full lineup featuring Austin-based vendors, a live art installation, a food showcase, and even a tiny dentist. (We're chomping at the bit to hear more about this one.)
Local jamboree vendors ATX Tiny Casas, Volstrukt, Beaver Boxes, Growing Tiny Texas, and Tiny Dome Homes will offer demos and tours of spaces as small as 200 square feet. More than 60 structures will be on display, ranging from houses on wheels, park models, school bus conversions, towable trailers, as well as modular and manufactured homes. The indoor show floor will display tiny living products including furniture and décor.
“We’ve been really diligent in creating an all-inclusive event that focuses not only on the structures that make up tiny living, but also the lifestyle elements of this community," said event director Jon Fontane in a release. "Austin is a leader in this culture and industry and we are excited to feature so many local experts and businesses."
Meanwhile, Austin artists Sloke One, Mike Johnston, and Lucas Aoki will collaborate on a mural painted on the side of a veteran-built Operation Tiny Home. The house will later be donated to Community First! Village, the East Austin community that provides affordable tiny homes for people struggling with housing insecurity.
Other weekend highlights include Feeding the Masses from performance artist Tom Brown. Brown creates tiny, edible food using tiny cookware in a tiny kitchen. (You can watch a video of his miniature meals here.) And make it a truly memorable weekend by booking an appointment with Nomad Dental, a mobile dental office that will set up shop in the Expo Center all three days.
The Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree is hosting a trade show August 23-24 before it opens to public August 25-26. In addition to vendors, the event will host seminars on issues such as affordability and attainability.
Single day tickets are on sale now for $25 or $30 at the door. Weekend passes which include jamboree access on both days are $40 in advance or $45 at the door.
