Austin has 6 riveting experiences for you to explore the streets, parks and art.
Whether you’re chasing interdimensional artifacts, cracking spy codes, or proving you’re “Canadian” or “Australian” enough to earn honorary citizenship, these adventures, and Austin, are waiting to be explored.
Find out more about the experiences by clicking on the images below, or see the map below for locations to adventure. You can download the Story City app here:
Story Start Points
Brought to you thanks to the Canadian Innovation Lounge and Australia House during SXSW 2025.
Plan an ‘Escape’ to the Great White North or the Land Down Under!
With global politics heating up, many have joked about moving abroad. Now, you can pretend to do just that! Play your way through these tongue-in-cheek challenges to earn your very own “fake” citizenship certificate from Canada or Australia.
AGENT 82 (Butler Metro Park): G/PG RATING
Created by: Nick Manning, Art by: Teddy Kaboom, Narration by: Christian Lackman
You are Austin’s last hope against alien invasion. Hidden under the park is a secret missile facility. Help decipher the launch codes and save the City! Hurry, Agent 82, we’re depending on you! This interactive adventure will take you on a puzzle filled trail through Butler Metro Park. There are two difficulty levels: one designed for junior adventures, the other with more complex riddles and a storyline designed for adults or teens, making this walk ideal for families.
This adventure starts at the parking lot of Butler Metro Park!
SPY ACADEMY (Downtown): PG RATING
Created by: Nick Manning, Art by: Teddy Kaboom, Narration by: Matt Mihilewicz
A top-secret spy agency has recruited you—but do you have what it takes to pass their initiation tests?
This thrilling downtown Austin mission will challenge your stealth, problem-solving, and physical skills. The route is accessible, but at least one teammate may need to climb, run, or sneak to complete the challenge.
Pro Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring water. Mission duration: 30-45 minutes.
Do you have what it takes to be a top agent?
This story starts at Tau Ceti street art in downtown.
TIPS FROM YOUR BARISTA (Downtown): PG RATING
Created by: Domini Gee, Art by: Nastassia Mihalicz, Narration by: Christian Lackman, Voiceover by: Emily Craven
When a mysterious coffee shop suddenly replaces your favorite cafe, you discover a magical and mysterious world where tips from your friendly neighborhood barista may be the only thing between you, and survival.
Where is this story located: In five different coffee shops across downtown Austin!
Recommended Play: This story is meant to help locals and visitors alike explore the coffee shops of Austin in a new and unique way. Over the course of a week or all in one day – Depending on how often you take your caffeine!
This story starts at Jo’s Coffee in downtown.
DYNASTY DUEL (Downtown): PG RATING
Created by: Nerissa McNaughton, Art by: Teddy Edwards, Narration by: Matt Mihilewicz
Two feuding families. One massive payout. The battle is on!
Choose your side: The Smiths or The Jenkins. In this dinner-party-mystery-style adventure, you’ll pick a character, tackle unique challenges, and navigate Austin’s high society in a race for fortune—or total ruin.
Play solo or team up with friends for a competitive showdown where every decision changes the game. Try the preview!
This story starts at the Driskill in Downtown.
PASSPORT TO POUTINE: THE EH-LYMPICS (Downtown): PG RATING
Sponsored by the Canadian Innovation Lounge
Think you can blend in seamlessly as a Canadian?
Test your cultural knowledge through three interactive challenges and earn your “Fake Honorary Canadian” certificate at the Canadian Innovation Lounge.
But be warned—real Canadians are watching. Will they let you in or call you out?
Your adventure starts at the Blind Pig Pub on 6th Street near Trinity St.
ESCAPE DOWN UNDER (Downtown): PG RATING
Sponsored by Australia House and the American Australian Association
Do you have what it takes to survive in Australia?
This challenge will put your knowledge of deadly creatures, iconic foods, Aussie slang, and cultural quirks to the test.
From Drop Bears to Tim Tam Slams, you’ll navigate hilarious trials to prove you’re “Officially Australian Enough.”
Complete the quest and earn a certificate to convince Aussie border guards you belong! Try now!
Your adventure starts at Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que on Congress Ave between East 2nd St and East 3rd St..
Who Is Story City?
Story City doesn’t just tell stories—it drops you inside them. Using our creator driven platform, the Story City app transforms cities into interactive playgrounds where the next chapter unlocks only when you’re standing in the right spot, guiding you from one chapter to the next. It’s storytelling that moves with you.
From high-stakes puzzle trails to thrilling choose-your-adventures and hidden historical gems, every Story City experience is crafted to unfold exactly where it was meant to—right in the real world, through the Story City app.
Whether you’re a gamer, explorer, traveler, or storyteller, Story City turns every city into your personal adventure map—unlocking its best-kept secrets in a way you’ve never experienced before.
How It Works
📍 Head to the start location and explore Austin through immersive, interactive storytelling.
🧩 Solve puzzles, make choices, and uncover hidden surprises.
🚀 Only when you reach the right location will the next chapter unlock.
The only question is: where will your choices take you next?