Live music. Grilled meats. Breezy patios. Let summer begin.

Memorial Day Weekend is here, and Austin’s serving up all the sunshine, cocktails, and festival vibes you need to kick off the season. Whether you’re in the mood for a food-fueled concert, a chill patio hang, or a family-style BBQ feast, here’s where to spend the long weekend — Austin style.

Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival

May 22–25 | Various Locations

The city’s biggest Memorial Day weekend festival is back. Hot Luck — curated by Aaron Franklin, James Moody, and Mike Thelin — blends world-class live fire cooking with national touring bands and some of Austin’s most iconic venues.

Music at Mohawk

  • Friday, May 23: The Spits + Mujeres Podridas
  • Saturday, May 24: White Denim + Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band

Food events like Nite Moves and Al Fuego bring the heat during the day, with fire-grilled bites from top chefs. Whole Enchilada passes and à la carte tickets available now.

Canje Block Party

Monday, May 26 | 4–9 PM | 1914 E 6th St, Ste C

Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph is bringing the heat back to East Austin with the return of Canje’s 3rd Annual Block Party — a Memorial Day celebration that’s quickly become one of the city’s most anticipated neighborhood events. This year, the award-winning chef is joined by:

  • Ashleigh Shanti (Good Hot Fish, Asheville) – James Beard nominee and author of Our South
  • Ian Corral (Mezquite, San Antonio)
  • Grace Aguilar (Five O Four, Austin)

Each guest chef will serve a signature dish, while DJ Jamie Dred and The All the Vibes Crew set the mood with music throughout the day. Canje’s bar team will also be slinging specialty cocktails.

Entry is free, and food/drink tickets are available on-site for $12 per item.

Sneak Peek: Shipwreck’d Pirate-Themed Cocktail Pop-Up at The Eleanor

Coming July 1–Aug 2 | 307 W 5th St

It’s not officially Memorial Day weekend material, but if you’re already planning your summer escapes, keep Shipwreck’d at The Eleanor on your radar. Launching July 1, this immersive cocktail pop-up transforms the downtown bar into a pirate-infused, moody maritime hideaway with dramatic decor, spooky seafaring vibes, and expertly crafted cocktails.

  • 12 original cocktails
  • “Musket shot” shooters, shareable punches, and non-alcoholic grogs
  • Pirate beers, snacks, and a Spotify playlist to set the ghostly tone
  • 10% off if you show up in pirate attire (yes, even just an eye patch counts)

Perfect for cooling off and escaping the Texas heat, Shipwreck’d offers a playful and air-conditioned break from the ordinary. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged via OpenTable. Guests under 21 are welcome before 7 p.m. with a parent or guardian. Come thirsty, and maybe a little cursed.

Tómalo Grill – Rainey Street Vibes

Looking for breezy energy, tacos, and margaritas with friends? Tómalo Grill on Rainey is your go-to for patio hangs with bold flavors, ceviche, and kid-friendly options. The sunny vibes stretch all weekend long.

Codependent Cocktails + Coffee – Chic Downtown Escape

Sleek and stylish, Codependent is your all-day oasis. Sip espresso in the morning, then shift into cocktails like the Seasonal Spritz or Espresso Martini on their downtown patio. Whether you’re ramping up or winding down, this spot brings the mood.

Industry Eastside – Covered Patio + Brunch Fuel

Home to one of the largest covered patios in town, Industry is built for Memorial Day chill. House-smoked meats, fresh bowls, and cold cocktails make this Eastside staple a top pick for brunch groups and happy hour crews.

Odds Bar & Bistro – Round Rock Edition

Round Rock’s Odds Bar & Bistro is casual, elevated, and ready for the weekend. Expect house cocktails, craft beer, and tasty shareables with plenty of space to lounge — indoors or on the patio.