Destination • March 2014
Why it pays to be weird in Austin
The Texan capital is the US’s third-fastest-growing city, thanks to its brawny start-up culture and a tech centre to rival Silicon Valley. But its ‘Keep Austin Weird’ mantra has also engaged maverick spirits away from the business centre. Locals Brandon Watson and James Renovitch, both writers for The Austin Chronicle, tell The Club why it’s unlike any other city you’ll visit
It’s the live music capital of the world
Austin’s live music scene extends to almost every street corner (and we’re not just talking SXSW). Austin City Limits is the longest running music show in the nation. Its namesake festival draws in legendary acts like Stevie Wonder and Van Morrison. Niche festivals fill in the gaps, offering everything from punk to bluegrass.
Nerds are king
Austin reveres its nerds for their expertise in arcane subjects. Regular “edutainment” events like Nerd Nite, The Encyclopedia Show, and The Dionysium put wondrous wonks on stage to share their knowledge of everything from insects to vice-presidents. Add musical accompaniment, comedy bits and no shortage of alcohol, and, voila: learning is fun.
It’s home to the Texas Roller Derby
If you think pro wrestling is impressive, try doing it on roller skates. Texas Rollergirls add a dash of theatricality to their bouts, but the bruises and scars are far from fake. What’s more, Austin boasts not one, but two derby leagues. Whoever you decide to root for, come ready to get rowdy.
Video games are art
It might seem like just an excuse for video-game enthusiasts to get together over drinks but, in reality, the monthly Juegos Rancheros meet-ups are designed to engage anyone interested in innovative, independent and interactive works of visual art. Juegos recently hosted the Nation of Indies workshop helping local unemployed developers make the transition to working for themselves.
The best meals are on wheels
Food trucks have become an incubator for major culinary talent. Before opening Barley Swine, Chef Bryce Gilmore cut his teeth with cult favourite Odd Duck. Top Chef winner Paul Qui even got in on the action, creating East Side King before opening his namesake restaurant Qui.
You get more than popcorn at the cinema
Austinites are not content to watch the latest blockbuster passively. They want food and drink – and the occasional sing-along. Since 1997, the Alamo Drafthouse has redefined how locals experience the movies. New releases screen alongside cinematic favourites, special events encourage audience participation, and the “turn off your cellphone” reels have become viral sensations. They still have popcorn, though.
Even libraries are cool
At the University of Texas research library, the Harry Ransom Center, manuscripts by William Faulkner mingle with costumes worn by Robert De Niro. Unable to display the massive collection all at once, curators choose themed exhibits that are open to the public. Try not to get distracted by the Gutenberg Bible in the lobby and miss the rest.
It’s mastered co-op culture
From a modern grocery store with a bounty of local produce – Wheatsville Co-op – to a brewpub rewriting the hops playbook – Black Star Co-op – Austin’s co-ops are becoming internationally recognised for keeping it local.
British Airways launches its new 787 route to Austin on 3 March
This article has been tagged Destination, Culture