Memorial Day Weekend (May 24–26, 2025) in Austin offers a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a local or visiting the Live Music Capital of the World®, here's your ultimate guide to making the most of the holiday weekend.

Man in a kayak paddling towards Austin's skyline on Lady Bird Lake.Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. Credit @princessdianaventura on Instagram. 

Water Adventures: Paddle, Cruise & Tube

Paddleboarding & Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
Experience the heart of Austin by renting a paddleboard or a kayak on Lady Bird Lake. Rental shops like Live Love Paddle, Rowing Dock and Austin Rowing Club offer easy access to the water, providing stunning views of the city skyline.

Sunset Bat Cruises
Witness the awe-inspiring flight of 1.5 million bats from the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. Join a guided sunset cruise with Lone Star Riverboat or Capital Cruises for a unique perspective of this natural spectacle.

Tubing the Hill Country Rivers
Head to the Hill Country and get on the river with a cooler and a tube. Float the day away on the super clean, spring-fed San Marcos River with Texas State Tubes. Swish down the Comal River near New Braunfels and enjoy shuttle service to and from the river from Rockin' R's six area locations. In Gruene, it’s all about the Guadalupe River. Rent a tube, raft or canoe or take a guided trip down the river.

man and dog tent camping at inks lake state park near austin texas
Inks Lake State Park. Credit Pierce Ingram.

Camping & Hiking Escapes

Just outside the city lies thousands of acres of untamed wilderness perfect for setting up camp with your favorite folks.

McKinney Falls State Park
Just a short drive from downtown Austin, McKinney Falls State Park offers scenic trails, swimming spots, and camping facilities. It's an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Pedernales Falls State Park
Explore the picturesque waterfalls and hiking trails of Pedernales Falls State Park. Don't forget to make reservations for day visits or overnight camping during the busy holiday weekend.

Inks Lake State Park
Located about an hour from Austin, Inks Lake State Park offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, and camping along its sparkling waters.

Pick up everything you need for roasting hotdogs and s'mores from local grocers like Wheatsville Co-op. Plus, pick up a six-pack of local beer from the breweries themselves, or specialty shops with wide selections like Whip In, Whichcraft Beer Store and more.

Explore privately owned RV parks and campgrounds.

People sitting at picnic tables on a large restaurant patio with string lights and heaters.Loro. Credit Arts + Labor. 

Dining & Patio Experiences

Spend the day exploring Austin's shopping destinations before treating yourself to a relaxed happy hour at one of Austin's many patio bars and restaurants.

Loro's sprawling, pecan tree-shaded patio is the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back bite in the sun with a cocktail in hand. At Juliet Italian Kitchen, you'll find locals casually sipping DIY mojito and Aperol Spritz cocktail kits on the shaded patio.

Enjoy a craft beer and hand-made pizza on the spacious patio at the ABGB. The high-end beachy patio vibe at Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar is a beautiful setting to indulge in oysters, champagne cocktails and fresh seafood.

Enjoy a spectacular view overlooking the Barton Creek Greenbelt at Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden South Lamar. Keep it casual with a hand-tossed pizza or an order of crispy buffalo wings on the patio at Home Slice Pizza North Loop. 

Sip on a sangria or mojito at South Austin's Habana. The Austin staple is famous for its handmade empanadas, authentic seafood paella, and savory Cuban sandwiches. Listen to a local band on the outdoor stage at the Far Out Lounge & Stage, voted Best New Venue by the Austin Chronicle.

Image of the outdoor space at Hot Luck Festival with people everywhere and food tents in the background with string lights hung over the crowd.Hot Luck. Credit Chad Wadsworth.

Festivals, Events & Live Music

Hot Luck Festival (May 22-25)
Celebrate the intersection of food and music at the Hot Luck Festival, featuring renowned chefs and live performances across multiple Austin venues.

Austin Sketch Fest (May 22-25)
Catch the best in scripted comedy from performers across the nation. Be prepared to laugh until your face hurts. 

CapTex Tri (May 26)
Rather fit in some fitness? Get registered for the CapTex Tri and race against rookies and top athletes in Downtown Austin.

If you really want to fill your schedule, check out our events calendar to find more things to do in Austin during Memorial Day Weekend.

Two children climbing on a netted playscape while their parents watch.Alliance Children's Garden. Credit Inti St. Clair. 

Family-Friendly Activities

Zilker Park
Soak up plenty of Vitamin D during your long weekend! Bring your kids and a frisbee to Zilker Park. Ride the Zilker Eagle train around the park, let the kids play on the playground, enjoy a picnic on the lawn or take a refreshing dip in Barton Springs Pool.

Alliance Children's Garden
Watch the kids explore the two-acre Alliance Children's Garden, built with learning in mind for all ages and abilities. 

Horseback Riding
Go for an urban trail ride with Texas Trail Rides, or travel just a bit outside of the city limits to become a ranch hand for the day with Maverick Horseback Riding.

Pioneer Farms
Take a step back in time with this living history museum, where kids can experience what life was like in 19th-century Texas. Expect log cabins, blacksmith demos, and even farm animals to meet.

Texas Science and Natural History Museum
Explore the wonders of science and Texas history at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum, where families can discover everything from dinosaurs and fossils to space exploration and wildlife exhibits—all in an engaging, kid-friendly environment.

Find more family-friendly summer activities.