Best Ways to Spend Memorial Day Weekend Near Austin

Memorial Day weekend in Austin is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and the city knows how to celebrate it in style. Whether you’re into live music, family-friendly block parties or laid-back lake days, Austin and its scenic surroundings offer something for everyone. Here’s how to make the most of your long weekend!

Saturday May 24

Start your Saturday off on a good note and sign up for the Memorial Day Freedom Run! This event is perfect for families and people of all ages and abilities with options from a one mile run all the way to a half marathon. This run will take place in Cedar Park and is a great way to have some fun this Memorial day weekend while also honoring the brave people who have fought for our country. You can sign up on the race website!

Another great family-friendly option is the Treaty Oak Distilling Memorial Day Block Party! This event is free to enter and will feature a live DJ, taco station, local farmers market and an array of drinks and cocktails. This party will take place at Treaty Oak Distilling just outside of Austin in Dripping Springs. No RSVP or tickets are necessary, so just bring your friends, family and head out there for a good time!

Sunday May 25

On Sunday you can stop by the Rooftop Day Party at Speakeasy! This party brings DJs, dancing and incredible skyline views all afternoon long. You can purchase tickets from Eventbrite with options for different pricing options including general admission all the way up to a VIP section. Take advantage of having Monday off and have an exciting Sunday!

For Fun All Weekend Long

If you’re looking to fill your time with some classic Austin fun, check out these activities and events that can be enjoyed all weekend long!

Attend a Hot Luck Fest Event

Hot Luck Fest is a food and music festival happening all over Austin from May 22nd to 25th featuring amazing chefs and performers you don’t want to miss. You can get tickets to individual events or for the whole weekend and there are plenty of things to choose from! Check out their website to see the schedule of events for the weekend to plan your visit!

Rent a Boat or Barge on Lake Travis

Gather your friends, pack a cooler and spend the day cruising or swimming in one of Austin’s favorite lake escapes. If this is your plan make sure to book a boat as soon as possible, with the popularity of being on the water for Memorial day weekend, they are sure to go fast!

Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking on Lake Austin

If you want to have a more active outing, rent a paddleboard or kayak on Lake Austin and glide along the water under the Texas sun. This is a great option for groups looking for a way to be on the water without spending too much money! There are many rental places along the lake that take walk ups and reservations for this fun activity so you have plenty of different options and price points to choose from.

Go Tubing on the Comal River

Nothing says “Texas summer” like a lazy float with a drink in hand, the Comal River is a short drive from Austin and this activity is totally worth it. This is another amazing option for groups so get your family, friends and plenty of snacks and drinks! You can bring your own tubes or rent them from a company in New Braunfels, some of them will even provide transportation from the rental facility to the river!

Head to Your Favorite Restaurant Patio

Whether it’s brunch, barbecue, or tacos, take advantage of Austin’s stellar patio dining scene and spend some time outside this long weekend! Some local favorites include:

• Sour Duck Market
• Flo’s Wine Bar
• Better Half Coffee and Cocktails
• Fresa’s South 1st
• Perla’s

Whether you’re soaking up the sun on Lake Travis or enjoying a cocktail in the Hill Country, Memorial Day weekend in Austin offers the perfect blend of relaxation, celebration, and Texas charm. With so many events and outdoor adventures to choose from, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the long weekend, just make sure you do it your way! Honor the spirit of the holiday, spend time with the people you love, and take full advantage of everything this vibrant city and its surroundings have to offer.