Published May 22, 2025

Celebrate Memorial Day in Austin: Food, Fun, Music & More!

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Written by Susan Arant

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Memorial Day Weekend in Austin is the perfect blend of honoring our heroes and kicking off summer in true Texas style. Whether you're into live music, outdoor adventures, family fun, or just soaking up the sun, there's something for everyone. Here's your guide to making the most of the long weekend in the Live Music Capital of the World.



🎶 Music & Festival Vibes

Hot Luck Festival (May 22–25)
Curated by barbecue legend Aaron Franklin, this four-day celebration combines live-fire cooking with late-night concerts. Highlights include the new Friday night street food event, Nite Moves, and the signature Al Fuego live-fire feast. 

The Drop-In Summer Concert Series (Starts May 23)
Kick off the season with this free outdoor concert series at the Long Center. Bring a blanket, enjoy the skyline views, and groove to live music every Thursday through August 15 (except July 4). 

Rooftop Day Party at Speakeasy (May 25, 7 PM)
Dance the night away with Austin's hottest DJs spinning hip-hop, reggae, afrobeat, and R&B on Speakeasy's rooftop. 



🇺🇸 Honor & Remembrance

Close Assault 1968 at the Texas Military Forces Museum (May 24)
Experience a living history program honoring Vietnam Veterans, featuring reenactments and exhibits showcasing the uniforms and equipment of American soldiers.

Memorial Day Ceremonies (May 26)

  • Round Rock: Join the community at Old Settlers Park for a ceremony conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9078, including a flyover by the Falcon Flight Formation Team.

  • Lakeway: Attend a solemn ceremony at Emmaus Catholic Church to honor those who have given their lives for our country.



🏞️ Outdoor Adventures

Paddleboarding & Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
Rent a paddleboard or kayak from local shops like Live Love Paddle, Rowing Dock, or Austin Rowing Club and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline from the water.

Barton Springs & Deep Eddy Pools
Cool off in these iconic spring-fed pools, maintaining a refreshing 68–70°F year-round. Perfect for a sunny day dip.

Krause Springs in Spicewood
Take a short drive to this lush natural spring, offering a serene setting for swimming and relaxation.


Tubing the Hill Country Rivers
Escape to the Hill Country for a classic Texas river adventure. Grab a cooler, hop in a tube, and spend the day floating down the crystal-clear, spring-fed San Marcos River with Texas State Tubes. Want something closer to New Braunfels? Cruise the Comal River and take advantage of Rockin’ R’s convenient shuttle service from any of their six local outposts. For a more scenic float, head to Gruene and drift along the Guadalupe River—whether you’re tubing, rafting, canoeing, or joining a guided trip, it’s the perfect way to unwind.



🍔 Food & Drink Highlights

Treaty Oak Distilling Memorial Day Block Party (May 24, 12–4 PM)
Head to Dripping Springs for a family-friendly block party featuring gourmet tacos, craft cocktails, and local vendors.

Explore New Eateries
Check out the newly opened Swedish Hill in South Austin for coffee, pastries, and rotisserie dishes in a bright, indoor



👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

Dinos in the Wild at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Explore life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs set among native Texas plants, offering an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.

Mysteries of Science at the Science Mill (May 24–26, 10 AM–4 PM)
Engage in hands-on activities exploring phenomena like Antarctica’s Blood Falls and black holes, perfect for curious minds. 



🏃‍♂️ Get Active


Memorial Day Freedom Run (May 24, 7:30 AM)

Participate in a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon at Brushy Creek Lake Park to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom. 

Ascension Seton CapTex Tri (May 26)
Join athletes from around the area in this premier downtown triathlon, featuring swimming, cycling, and running events. 



🎉 Nightlife & Parties

Splash Days Events (May 25–26)
Celebrate with a series of parties, including a Lake Day at Hippie Hollow Park and the High Tide Closing Party at Roma/Reina, featuring international DJs and vibrant atmospheres. 



Whether you're honoring our nation's heroes, enjoying the great outdoors, or dancing the night away, Austin offers a diverse array of events to make your Memorial Day Weekend unforgettable.




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