Austinites are true trailblazers, y’all. From our unabashed weirdness to our innovative and vibrant tech scene, the people of Bat City are always looking for new ways to move forward. So take a look at these nine examples. Some people don’t know about these amazing things from Austin, TX that make fun facts for your next trivia gathering!

1. Kickstart the cosmic cowboy movement
Bob Jagendorf/Flickr
In the 1970s, with the help of Willie Nelson himself, Austin saw a cultural shift sweep through the city. Thanks to the Armadillo World Headquarters and all of Austin's local creatives, the cosmic cowboy scene took flight. Today, it's not uncommon to see artistic types rocking the Willie braids and playing a guitar along Barton Springs.
2. Print 3D images
Individual Design/Flickr
In the late 1980s UT grad student Carl Deckard and Mechanical engineering professor Joseph Beaman invented selective laser sintering -- the first kind of 3D printing. This process builds objects one layer at a time from a thin layer of powder. How's that for cool Austin, TX inventions?
3. Popularize the food trailer park
Michael Yeo/Google Map
Sure, food trailers have been around since the chuckwagon days, but Austin has taken this mobile eatery to the next level. Behold: the food trailer park! In Austin, the food trucks are so good, guests come to them (not the other way around).
4. Sell organic groceries to the masses.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Whole Foods began its life as a humble storefront on North Lamar. Today, its headquarters takes up an entire city block.

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5. Give us Dell Computers
Grant Hutchinson/Flickr
Michael Dell started his tech venture as a pre-med student at The University of Texas. He began making PC upgrade kits in his dorm room, but soon sold his company for over $50,000. Today, Dell Computers sits in north Austin and is part of the city's booming tech culture.
6. Build the first F1 racetrack in America.
rgbRandomizer/Flickr
The Circuit of the Americas was the first racetrack built specifically for Formula One in the U.S. Located south of the city, this track hosts the Formula One United States Grand Prix and the Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas.
7. Perfect the movie-going experience
Dennis/Flickr
The Alamo Drafthouse opened its doors in Austin in 1997 and has been delighting movie-goers ever since. With craft cocktails, movie-themed menus, and lavish cinematic events, there's no other movie theater quite like this one.
8. Coin the slogan "Keep it Weird"
Sean Davis/Flickr
Other cities have adopted Austin's iconic saying and claimed it as their own (looking at you, Portland), but the truth of the matter is that Austin did it first. In 2000, a local radio listener called into KOOP and praised the show that "kept Austin weird." From there, bumper stickers were made, T-shirts were printed, and this slogan became the focal point of Austin's quirky way of life.
9. Create dozens of companies we know and love
Ziv Gillat/Flickr
South By Southwest takes Austin by storm every March, giving birth to a plethora of new ideas. Did you know that Twitter, Foursquare, and GroupMe all launched at SXSW?

Wow, it’s hard to believe that these are things Austin did first!

Did you know about any of these exciting facts about Austin, Texas?

If so, which ones? What’s your favorite Austin invention? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below!

If you have kiddos, check out this list of 12 fun and very affordable things to do in the Austin area!

If you’re still in the mood for more Lone Star State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Austin

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 01, 2023

Where can we find short hiking trails in Austin?

  • The Lost Creek Trail is a 1-mile hike that meanders around and up to a swimming hole.
  • The Commons Ford Waterfall Trail is a 2.5-mile loop with a waterfall, pond, and lots of scenic beauty.
  • The Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail is a one-mile loop that goes under majestic trees and along a somewhat dirt path.

Read on to learn about some of the many other invigorating short hiking trails in Austin.

Where can we find the best museums in Austin?

  • The Harry Ransom Center features unusual exhibits about subjects you might not find elsewhere.
  • The Elisabet Ney Museum, named after sculptor Elisabet Ney, is set in a castle that used to be an extensive art studio.
  • The Thinkery features hands-on exhibits specializing in education and science.

Read on to learn about many other fascinating museums in Austin.

Where can we find some of the best bars in Austin?

  • The Driskill Bar is one of Austin’s oldest and most haunted bars.
  • The Tiniest Bar in Texas is actually the tiniest, as well as a unique, popular downtown watering hole.
  • Lala’s Little Nugget is a quirky dive bar decorated like the Christmas holidays all year long.

Read on to learn about some of the many other popular bars in Austin.

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