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How To Celebrate Memorial Day in Austin, TX: From Fireworks to Festivities
Anyone else counting down the days until Memorial Day AKA, the “unofficial” start to summer? While we’re all looking forward to warm days and outdoor festivities, it’s also a time to pause and remember the true meaning of the day: honoring everyone who gave their lives in service to the country. It’s one of those rare moments we get to blend gratitude with celebration and there’s no better place to do that than Austin, TX.
If you didn’t already know, Austin is one of the best places to celebrate Memorial Day. The weather? The energy? The amount of unique attractions and celebratory events? Chef’s kiss. It’s no wonder The Skinny Confidential’s Lauryn and Michael traded LA for Austin check out this episode to hear all about it.
The city is PACKED with ways to pay tribute to the U.S. military and live it up all at the same time. If you’re looking for some of the best ways to celebrate your Memorial Day weekend, we got you. Consider this guide your go-to for making the most of your long weekend! From live music to backyard BBQ vibes, there’s nothing ATX can’t do. Let’s get into it!
How To Celebrate Memorial Day in Austin, TX: From Fireworks to Festivities
Set up a Memorial Day BBQ at one of Austin’s Parks.
What screams memorial day more than a good-fashioned BBQ? If you don’t already know, one thing Austin is known for is all of the hidden gems inside their parks. There’s natural swimming holes (we’ll get to that, don’t worry), scenic trails, city views you name it, Austin has it.
Plus, what sounds better than laying out a blanket, cracking a few cold ones, and just vibing with your friends? Oh, and tuning into this Texas-themed episode of House Guest, obvi. Whether you hit up Butler Metro Park for the city views or Pease Park for the nature, you can’t go wrong with some classic grillin’ and chillin’.
Pro tip: Bring some lawn games (cornhole FTW), throw on some funny podcasts, and let the good times roll!
Watch the fireworks from the top of Mount Bonnell.
Soooo here’s the thing. Austin doesn’t typically host a grandiose firework show, but you can definitely find more private displays. And, let us let you in on a little secret: You want the best view possible? Put on your hiking shoes and climb to the top of Mount Bonnell.
Mount Bonnell is the tallest natural viewpoint in Austin, so you can already imagine what the view from up top is like. Imagine panoramic views of the city and tons of firework displays all at once. Does it get any better than that? It gets super crowded, so make sure to get there early!
Also, if you love hidden gems like this, make sure to check out the Transform podcast. The Sami duo both live in Austin and have the hottest local recs. Check out some of these episodes for more:
- Q&A with Sami Spalter: Grief, Weightloss, and Living Alcohol Free
- Shoot the Shit: All the Juicy Details from Sami’s Joint Bach
- Sami and Andrew’s Love Story Pt. 2: Supporting Each Other Through It All
Take a paddleboard ride down Lady Bird Lake.
Whether you’re in the mood to work on your tan or you just want to float around and admire one of the most stunning, up-close-and-personal views of Austin, Lady Bird Lake is where it’s at. It’s actually a part of the Colorado River that runs through the city, and there’s so much to do.
Paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, donut boats, retro boats you can even grab some friends and cruise down the river in a swan pedal boat! With so many fun boat rentals available, it’s one of those “only-in-Austin” experiences you have to try out for yourself.
Attend a local event for live music and entertainment.
There are tons of local events happening in Austin on Memorial Day weekend don’t worry, we’ll list them below. But, one thing you have to check out hands-down is the Hot Luck festival. It’s got alllll the food and music you could possibly dream of to get that full, authentic Austin experience.
Hot Luck isn’t your average festival this 4-day event takes over venues across Austin, offering a unique dining experience each day. One day it’s authentic Austin BBQ, the next it’s nostalgic American food, the third day is flame-fueled cooking, and the fourth is brunch. Grab your friends and hit the city because it’s not an event you wanna miss.
Spend a day relaxing by Barton Springs Pool.
If you haven’t experienced the luxury of swimming in a natural pool yet, Barton Springs Pool needs to be on your itinerary. Fed from the natural underground springs, this pool stays around 68 degrees year-round. Helllooooo perfect temperature!
Whether you lounge in a float or tan on the banks, you get to enjoy a skyline view while you’re there. Grab your “Here Comes the Sun” beach towel, throw on a “Bad Broad Bikini Club” tee, and treat yourself to a Memorial Day full of sun and relaxation.
Rent a boat to enjoy a Memorial Day Boat Cruise at Lake Travis.
If there’s ever been a time to gather up your girl gang and take a boat cruise, it’s Memorial Day weekend. Lake Travis is the hottest spot for boat rentals for a reason. Not only do you have a range of different size boats you can rent, but it also comes with tons of amenities.
We’re talkin’ a floating mat, a beer pong table, an extra-large cooler (pre-filled with ice and water, might we add), and tons more. When you wanna take a break from your excursion for lunch or dinner, float right up to a restaurant. We meant it when we said Austin does it all.
What Are Memorial Day Events In Austin, TX?
Austin does it big, which means the celebrations start Friday, the 22nd, and go allll the way until Memorial Day on Monday. Check out a list of local events so you don’t miss anything!
- Friday, May 22nd – Sunday, May 25th from various times and venues across Austin
- Friday, May 23rd from 9:00 pm – 1:00 am at West 6th Street
- Saturday, May 24th from 7:30 am – 11:30 am at Brushy Creek Lake Park
- Saturday, May 24th from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Speakeasy
- Saturday, May 24th from 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm at Brazos Street
- Saturday, May 24th from 6pm – 11pm at Radio at Radio East
- Monday, May 26th from 5:30 am – 1pm at Auditorium Shores
- Monday, May 26th from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at Spyglass Drive
How will you be celebrating Memorial Day in Austin, TX this year?
If you aren’t celebrating Memorial Day in Austin, WYD??? No matter how you plan to spend your weekend, there are sooo many exciting events happening that you can’t miss out on. From relaxing BBQs with friends to once-a-year bar crawl opportunities, we’re getting FOMO just thinking about it.
And, if you’ve already got Memorial Day plans but you still wanna visit the city sometime, check out this post: “What To Do In Austin Texas” for even more fun recs! Want another Texas Guide? This episode of House Guest gives you all of the best things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Check out the Dear Media blog for anything from the latest pop culture updates to essential relationship advice. And, don’t forget to check out the DM shop for tons of must-have products! You, this “Luckiest Girl” crop tee, a super cute “Texas Forever” trucker hat, and a weekend full of celebrations = match made in Heaven.
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