What’s the history behind Eeyore’s Birthday Party in Austin?

Kelsey Thompson
·1 min read

AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of Austin’s longest-running community traditions pays homage to the pessimistic “Winnie-the-Pooh” character.

The 59th iteration of Eeyore’s Birthday Party returns Saturday to Pease District Park. Running from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the free event includes live music, games, crafts, costume contests, face paintings and nonprofit vendors. All proceeds raised from vendors go back to local nonprofit organizations benefitting Central Texans.

But what has since become a beloved Austin institution first began with a group of students from The University of Texas at Austin in 1963. Students gathered in Eastwoods Neighborhoods Park to celebrate the springtime with a picnic.

Now, the event is held annually on the last Saturday of April. Its namesake is an ode to the beloved children’s character, who was saddened when no one remembered his birthday.

The nonprofit organization Friends of the Forest Foundation now hosts the annual event in Pease District Park.

“We encourage you to donate and volunteer in the spirit of Eeyore’s Birthday,” the event’s page reads online.

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