Whether it's a desire for a smaller footprint, the need for a less tethered life, or just because real estate can be expensive, tiny houses are a big deal in Texas — and the promoters of the Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree have taken note. The convention has announced it's coming to the Lone Star State on August 23-26.
Held at Austin's Travis County Expo Center, the Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree is both a trade show and public exhibition. The indoor and outdoor floor shows feature unique and innovative tiny houses, including those built on wheels, park models, school bus conversions, and yurts, as well as modular and manufactured homes.
More than 60 structures will be on display, all of which clock in at less than 800 square feet. The tiny home builders exhibiting include ATX Tiny Casas, Beaver Boxes, Kasita, Tex Zen Tiny Homes, Titan Factory Direct/Athens Park Model Homes, Village Farm, and Volstrukt. In addition to dwellings, the fest will also feature decor, furniture, and more tiny living accessories.
The goal, according to the website, is more than just showcasing unique homes. Instead, organizers want to provide both education about the small living movement and a platform to discuss affordability within the housing market.
As part of its 2018 programming, the jamboree is expanding to include educational seminars on construction, regulations, and development. "With increasing acceptance at the state and local government levels and so many communities and buyers embracing the benefits of tiny homes, there is a need for increased education and a central networking event," organizers said in a release.
There is no lack of interest in tiny homes in Dallas-Fort Worth. In fact, what is billed as the first project of its kind in the U.S. — a downtown village of tiny houses — is taking shape in the Denton County suburb of Lake Dallas, expected to open later this year.
The first two days of the Tiny House & Simple Living Jamboree (August 23-24) will serve as the trade show portion, open to industry and real estate professionals. Weekend dates (August 25-26) are open to the general public. (Go here to see the list of approved trade show attendees.)
General admission tickets for August 25-26 are $25 per day in advance or $30 at the door. Weekend tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. Discounted student tickets are priced at $15 per day in advance or $20 at the door per day; $25 in advance or $30 at the door for weekend passes.
Austin's own Kasita will be exhibiting at the event.
