In Defense of Weird

What weird times we live in.

Lately, it seems like the word "weird" has been popping up everywhere. People (from the entire spectrum!) have been using it to describe anything and everything, sometimes to imply that something is undesirable or incompatible with certain values.

But as someone who's lived in Austin, a city that proudly embraces "weird" as a badge of honor, I have to ask: When did "weird" become a bad thing?

In Austin, "weird" means embracing nonconformity and rejecting conventional definitions of success and happiness. Weird is disregarding the usual boundaries of happiness and acknowledging that the human experience is beautifully random, with no single correct path to follow. It's valuing quality of life—like taking a day off to walk in the Greenbelt—over relentless ambition and disconnection from nature and community.

Weird is believing we can build a thriving metropolis despite having only two dinky highways. Weird was shopping at Sound Exchange on the Drag, giving Leslie a ride from Jovita’s to Sixth Street on a weeknight, and making art only because you wanted to bring happiness to those around you. Weird is every one of those maverick visionaries, from all imaginable fields, who’ve changed the world for the better without compromising their values or forgetting to check in with Barton Springs.

Ultimately, weird is why I've called this city home for over 25 years. It’s why I couldn’t imagine living on the East or West Coast among those who take themselves too seriously. Weird, in many ways, is the freedom to be whoever you want and live life on your own terms. Ultimately, we all know Keeping Austin Weird is not just a slogan—it’s a reminder to embrace the diversity and creativity that makes life interesting.

On Saturday, October 12th, we will be at the legendary music venue Flamingo Cantina on Sixth Street, celebrating the weird spirit of Austin. Whether you're in town for ACL or simply looking to experience something authentically Austin, come and enjoy the work of artists from various fields, including OG Austin Weirdos such as J Serrato, Evelyn Brown, Mario Troncoso, S.C. Says, The Holden Brothers, Patrick Fagerberg, Romina Olson, Facundo, Brett Zadlo, Maria Natera, and more. A grand artistic ensemble celebrating the creative spirit that makes this city the best in the world.

Here’s to this and other opportunities that seek to unite, celebrate life, and encourage us to set aside our differences and simply chill.... enjoy the moment.

Wouldn't that be wonderfully weird?

Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1020636139167?aff=oddtdtcreator

See you there!!