Austin’s beloved Eeyore's Birthday Party will celebrate its 60th annual event on April 26 at Pease District Park. This free, day-long festival has become a hallmark of the city's “Keep Austin Weird” culture, bringing together locals and visitors alike to honor the famously melancholy donkey from A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh series with a day of music, costumes and community spirit.
“Eeyore’s Birthday has always embodied the eclectic spirit of old Austin for me,” party-goer Andrew Ellison said. “It’s been a place where vibrant vibes, free-spirited nature and a dash of hippie charm all converge. Eeyore’s special day shines bright, reminding us to keep it weird, keep it wild, and keep on spreading love and positivity.”
The tradition began in 1963 when University of Texas English students organized a lighthearted spring picnic, playfully honoring Eeyore. Initially intended as a small gathering, the event quickly gained popularity and evolved into a citywide celebration. Today, the festival is run by the Friends of the Forest Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping the event free and accessible to the public.
Over the years, excluding two during the Covid-19 pandemic, Eeyore's Birthday Party has grown into one of Austin’s most anticipated annual events, attracting a diverse crowd that includes families, artists and free spirits.
“For me, when I go to Eeyore’s, I feel like I’m at a Grateful Dead concert,” said Scott Sexton, former president of the nonprofit. “You’ve got a bunch of people together having fun. Nobody’s trying to cause problems. Nobody’s looking for a fight.”
Attendees can enjoy live music, drum circles, face painting, and costume contests—you might even spot Uranus running around—as well as a variety of food and drink vendors. Proceeds from concessions and merchandise support local charities, such as Emancipet and Hope Alliance.
For more information, visit eeyores.org.
“There are so many things that attract me to Eeyore’s. The camaraderie of being part of an event that helps define old Austin is why I want to live here.”