Texas’ capital city has rapidly evolved and changed over the years, but some traditions continue to keep the “keep Austin weird” spirit well and alive.
Every month, hundreds of Texans gather at Barton Springs Pool in Austin to ring in the full moon with a little nod to our furry friends in nature. “Howl at the Moon” is an age-old tradition that has grown in popularity in recent years, where Austinites gather for a full moon dip and some arfs at the sky in celebrating of the lunar event.
Archival reporting from the Austin American-Statesman in August 2009 read in part: “No one knows exactly how long these parties have gone on. This summer, with the relentless heat, attendance is up. But even during the coldest months, a handful of die-hard swimmers show up to mark the occasion.”
While Barton Springs Pool typically operates a “free swim” evening hour from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., the “crown jewel” of the Texas capital has been charging regular admission fees during summertime full moons since July 19, 2016, an Austin Parks and Recreation spokesperson confirmed to MySA. That pivot toward paid attendance was made so paid lifeguards and other aquatics staff could remain active on site and “assist with crowd control.”
“As the ‘Howl at the Moon’ nights rapidly gained in popularity, we worked on a public safety and logistics plan to ensure a festive and safe experience for all Barton Springs Pool patrons,” the spokesperson wrote.
The pool will officially pivot to its “off season” months beginning November 1 and running through spring break and the start of its paid season in mid-March.
Those interested in participating in this month’s full moon — just in time to bid farewell to spooky season — can head to Barton Springs on Monday, October 26 to celebrate the Hunter’s Moon. Trailing behind September’s Harvest Moon, it marks the first full moon following the autumnal equinox.