Austin Weekend Guide: May 15-17

George Strait is in town for two nights, which means half the city is in boots and the other half is avoiding I-35. It's also the first properly hot weekend of the year. Here's how to do it right.

Saturday Morning Pick

Get to Barton Springs Pool early. It opens at 5 a.m. and the crowds don't build until around 11, so anytime before 9 you'll have room to actually swim laps. The water holds at 68 to 70 degrees year-round, which is going to feel very good this weekend with highs near 90. Entry is $9 for non-residents and $5 if you live in Austin. Bring cash and a towel, and remember the pool closes Thursdays for cleaning.

Brunch Worth the Wait

Launderette on East 11th turns into one of the better brunches in town on weekends. Get the pull-apart cinnamon buns and the plancha burger, and expect a 30 to 40 minute wait if you show up after 11. If you'd rather skip the line entirely, Paperboy has a walk-up window on East Cesar Chavez with solid breakfast tacos and a soft scramble plate. Order there and eat at the picnic tables out front.

Live Music This Weekend

George Strait plays Moody Center both Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are neither cheap nor plentiful, so check resale if you waited too long. For something smaller, Chet Faker is at Emo's on Friday with doors at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Mac DeMarco runs two nights at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, doors at 8 p.m. And if you want a cheap night out, Smells Like Nirvana plays Antone's on Friday at 8 p.m. for about the price of two drinks.

Sunday Chill

Rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Rowing Dock on Lady Bird Lake and get out before the afternoon heat lands. Two hours runs about $30 and you get the downtown skyline from the water. If paddling isn't your thing, the lawn at Auditorium Shores is free, partly shaded, and good for doing nothing with a breakfast taco and an iced coffee.

Local Hidden Gem

El Marisquero is a seafood truck most people drive right past. It does the best aguachiles in town, plus ceviche and fish tacos big enough to be lunch on their own. Prices are everyday-cheap, not influencer-cheap. It's the kind of spot you mention carefully, because you'd like it to stay quiet.

ATX Weekly App Tip

💡 ATX Weekly Tip: Before you head to Barton Springs or anywhere outdoors this weekend, open the Peak Times tab in the app. It shows live crowd levels for pools, trails, and parks so you can time your trip for the quiet window. With George Strait crowds downtown, check it before you drive near the Moody Center too.