Austin Weekend Guide: May 22-24

Memorial Day weekend is here and Austin is buzzing. Triple-digit heat will probably show up by Sunday, so plan the outdoor stuff early and lean into shaded patios after that. Here's what's worth your time.

Saturday Morning Pick

Start at Barton Creek Farmers Market. It's tucked into the Barton Creek Square Mall parking lot off Capital of Texas Highway, open Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Get there before 10 if you want parking near the entrance and tomatoes that aren't picked over. Grab a kolache from one of the prepared-food vendors, walk the loop, then head down to Barton Springs for a cold dip before the pool fills up. Entry runs around $9 for non-residents.

Brunch Worth the Wait

Two options depending on your tolerance for crowds. Paperboy on Rainey Street is still the East Austin favorite. Walk-ins on Saturday or Sunday usually run 60 to 90 minutes around 11am, so put your name down and grab a drink at a nearby bar. Order the migas sandwich. If you want something calmer, Perla's on South Congress opens for weekend brunch at 10:30am and reservations book up fast. The shrimp and grits and the bloody mary are reliable. Saturdays move faster than Sundays.

Live Music This Weekend

Friday night, head to The Creek and The Cave for Madam Radar at 11pm. Small room, late doors, cover usually under $15. Saturday is stacked. Anxious! At The Disco plays Mohawk on Red River at 8pm, outdoor stage, tickets around $25. Over on the south side, Joel Corry brings a big EDM set to ACL Live at 3TEN, doors at 8pm with tickets closer to $40. Indie folks should check out Here Be Monsters at RADIO/EAST on Saturday and Sunday, a two-day showcase of 27 Austin classical-leaning acts running 5pm to 12:30am both nights.

Sunday Chill

Barton Fest at Omni Barton Creek runs 5pm to 8pm Sunday with free admission. Local food vendors, Texas wineries pouring, live music outside on the resort lawn. Easy parking, no cover, and a calm way to coast into Memorial Day Monday. If you'd rather stay close to downtown, the south side of the Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike loop has enough shade for a late afternoon walk.

Local Hidden Gem

Almost Real Things hosts the grand opening of their 4th annual Touch the Art Experience on Friday night. It's an interactive installation with sound sculptures you actually touch, themed drinks, and a rotating lineup of local artists. The space is tucked into an east side warehouse and most Austinites still haven't heard of it. Tickets run around $20 and opening night gets the best crowd.

ATX Weekly App Tip

💡 ATX Weekly Tip: Open the Map view in the app and toggle the Live Music Tonight filter to see every venue with a show that night, sorted by walking distance from where you are. Tap any pin to see set times, cover, and whether tickets are still available at the door.