Austin’s “keep it weird” identity shows up in different ways, but rarely this literally. This week, a Guinness World Record vehicle known as the Big Banana Car (BBC) makes another stop in Austin, pairing up with a historic Barton Springs location for a short, high-energy event.
TL;DR
The World’s Longest Banana Car is stopping in Austin
Free Banana Party: Friday, March 27 from 6 to 8 PM (RSVP)
Location: JuiceLand Barton Springs
Built from a 1993 Ford F-150, ~23 feet long, created in 2011 (~$25,000 build)
Guinness World Record holder for over 10 years
Creator Steve Braithwaite has been bringing the car to Austin for ~12 years
JuiceLand’s Barton Springs location traces back to a 2001 juice stand origin story and sits in one of the oldest buildings on the road
Event Details: Banana Party at JuiceLand
When: Friday, March 27
Time: 6 to 8 PM
Where: JuiceLand Barton Springs
Free event includes:
Rooftop DJ set
Rides in the Big Banana Car
Free smoothies if you wear a banana costume (Here is a link to order on Amazon)
Banana toss game into a giant gorilla statue
RSVP tied to the “Bananarama Dance Party”
The Big Banana Car: Specs, Story, and Guinness Record
The Big Banana Car (BBC) is not just a visual stunt. It is a fully engineered, Guinness-certified vehicle with a decade-long presence in pop culture and the art car scene.
Verified specs and build
Base vehicle: 1993 Ford F-150
Length: approximately 23 feet (7+ meters)
Build year: 2011
Build cost: ~$25,000
Guinness World Record holder for Longest Custom Banana Car for over 10 years
Fully drivable and frequently used for public rides
The design required extending the truck’s chassis while maintaining structural integrity, steering control, and road usability. Unlike static art cars, this vehicle is built to move consistently across cities and events.
Background and creator insights
Created by Steve Braithwaite, the car reflects a mix of engineering and performance art.
Originally from Britain
Based in Michigan, but has been traveling to Austin regularly for about 12 years
Views the project as part of a broader philosophy tied to the art car movement
One phrase he referenced is “smiles per gallon”, a concept used in the art car world to measure success not by efficiency, but by public reaction. The banana car is designed to maximize that metric.
Austin connection
The car’s relationship with Austin is not incidental.
First major local connection came through JuiceLand’s founder reaching out via Facebook
Within minutes, Steve was offered a place to stay near Barton Springs
That interaction helped establish an ongoing connection between the banana car and Austin’s creative community
Since then, the vehicle has appeared repeatedly in the city, aligning with events, pop-ups, and the broader “keep Austin weird” ecosystem.
JuiceLand Barton Springs: History, Origin, and Location Significance
The setting is not incidental. The Barton Springs JuiceLand location carries its own layered history within Austin.
Founding story (2001 origin)
JuiceLand traces back to Matt Shook, the Founder
In 2001, after swimming at Barton Springs Pool, he stopped at a small juice stand called the Juice Joint
Located in a stone cottage near the Springs
What started as a part-time summer job quickly evolved into ownership
That early experience shaped the brand’s identity:
Focus on community and lifestyle, not just product
Strong ties to Barton Springs culture
Emphasis on energy, music, and customer experience
The Barton Springs location today
Located in one of the oldest commercial buildings on Barton Springs Road
Previously operated as a crystal shop, reflecting the area’s historic alternative culture
Positioned near Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, a central gathering space in Austin
Physical and visual identity
Known for its yard sculptures, murals, and rotating art installations
The front space functions as an informal public hangout area
Acts as a visual landmark along Barton Springs Road
Brand evolution
Expanded from a single stand into a multi-location Austin staple
Maintains focus on smoothies, juices, and plant-based offerings
Continues to emphasize community engagement through initiatives like donation programs and sustainability efforts