North Austin News

The 47th Annual O. Henry Museum Pun Off World Championships is set to take place on May 11, 2024, at Brush Square Park in Austin, TX. The event, organized by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s O. Henry Museum in collaboration with the Brush Square Museums Foundation, is free to the public and will run from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.

As one of Austin’s oldest and most unique events, the Pun-Off World Championships bring together pun enthusiasts from around the globe for a day of linguistic humor and wordplay. The competition, honoring the renowned writer O. Henry, has been a staple in Austin for 47 years, attracting participants and spectators alike.

The event will see contestants showcasing their punning prowess on a newly constructed permanent stage at Brush Square Park, adding a fresh dimension to this year's competition. According to the organizers, this stage is aptly named the "New Stage of Word Domination," setting the scene for a battle of wits like never before.

Apart from the pun-filled contests, attendees can also enjoy live music by Kathleen Turner Overdrive, browse through a silent auction, and support the O. Henry Museum by purchasing event-themed t-shirts. Food trucks will be on-site offering a variety of refreshments, ensuring that visitors can fuel their pun appreciation throughout the day.

Parking may be limited on the streets, but public parking garages, including one at the nearby Austin Convention Center, provide convenient options for those attending the event.

The 47th Annual O. Henry Museum Pun Off promises a day full of laughter, creativity, and linguistic acrobatics, continuing the tradition of celebrating the art of punning in honor of O. Henry himself.