KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station
Photos: Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up comes to Austin
By Wynne Davis
May 3, 2025 at 5:01 AM CDT
Hi, Barbie!
Hi, Ken!
You wanna go for a ride?
Sure, Ken!
Jump in — we're going downtown to the Malibu Barbie Cafe!
If you're looking to get a head start on summer or go back to 2023's peak Barbiecore moment, this pop-up installation is full of photo ops, including a life-size Barbie box like the dolls come in, a rollerskating rink and a lifeguard stand.
Austin is the latest destination for the pink-drenched concept from Bucket Listers and Mattel. The experience opened last month and goes until June 8. Tickets start at $25 plus fees and include a $5 credit for the gift shop and a $10 credit for the cafe, with food prepared from the team at Wholly Cow Burgers.
Of course there are no rules that you must wear pink, but you're sure to be in good company if you do. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect.
Azara Donaldson, 8, and her mother, Ashley Sellers, walk to their table at the Malibu Barbie Cafe to start their 90-minute experience. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Some highlights at the cafe include ice cream floats delivered in Barbie's pink convertible, a cupcake bar that comes on her pink yacht, and a smash burger from Wholly Cow Burgers. Those seen here were provided by the cafe for the purpose of photos. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Lauren Ormsbee and Erin O’Brien take a spin around the roller rink in their themed outfits. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Traci Loftton poses for a photo dressed as Barbie's pink convertible. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Jacob Garcia works at the roller-skating rink where visitors can donate $1 to the American Red Cross to skate. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Six-year-olds Rose, Harper and Saylor pose for a photo in the outdoor portion of the pop-up. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Heidi Diallo of Dallas says she and her friend were already wearing pink-themed outfits for another event when they saw the Barbie cafe on social media and decided to check it out. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Hi, Ken!
You wanna go for a ride?
Sure, Ken!
Jump in — we're going downtown to the Malibu Barbie Cafe!
If you're looking to get a head start on summer or go back to 2023's peak Barbiecore moment, this pop-up installation is full of photo ops, including a life-size Barbie box like the dolls come in, a rollerskating rink and a lifeguard stand.
Austin is the latest destination for the pink-drenched concept from Bucket Listers and Mattel. The experience opened last month and goes until June 8. Tickets start at $25 plus fees and include a $5 credit for the gift shop and a $10 credit for the cafe, with food prepared from the team at Wholly Cow Burgers.
Of course there are no rules that you must wear pink, but you're sure to be in good company if you do. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect.
Azara Donaldson, 8, and her mother, Ashley Sellers, walk to their table at the Malibu Barbie Cafe to start their 90-minute experience. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Some highlights at the cafe include ice cream floats delivered in Barbie's pink convertible, a cupcake bar that comes on her pink yacht, and a smash burger from Wholly Cow Burgers. Those seen here were provided by the cafe for the purpose of photos. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Lauren Ormsbee and Erin O’Brien take a spin around the roller rink in their themed outfits. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Traci Loftton poses for a photo dressed as Barbie's pink convertible. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Jacob Garcia works at the roller-skating rink where visitors can donate $1 to the American Red Cross to skate. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Six-year-olds Rose, Harper and Saylor pose for a photo in the outdoor portion of the pop-up. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)
Heidi Diallo of Dallas says she and her friend were already wearing pink-themed outfits for another event when they saw the Barbie cafe on social media and decided to check it out. (3000x2000, AR: 1.5)