
City Cast Austin
🎉 10 things to do during Memorial Day weekend
May 20, 2026 · Kelsey Bradshaw
☀️ It’s that time, y’all! I’m making a summer bucket list and I want your input. What are your must-dos, must-eats, and must-sips in Austin for the season? Hit the button below to send me your recommendation and you may see your name appear in this newsletter next week! 👀

What's CITY Talking About
Trump Makes Endorsement in Texas Senate Race
President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton to be the state’s Republican nominee in the May 26 runoff election for U.S. Senate against incumbent John Cornyn. Trump called Paxton a “true MAGA warrior.” [The Texas Tribune]
City Brings Back Zilker Loop for Summer
A free shuttle to Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Hillside Theater, and Zilker Botanical Garden, returns on Saturday, the city announced. The shuttle, called the Zilker Loop, will run every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday noon to 6 p.m. [City of Austin]
Police Release Shooting Spree Timeline
Austin police have released a detailed look at what happened and where the shootings occurred over the weekend that left four people injured. Most of the shootings happened in South and East Austin, a map shows. [KUT]
AISD Senior Took Final Exam in ICE Detention, Congressman Says
Luis Fernando Cabrebra, an 18-year-old senior at Northeast Early College High School, took one of his final exams in a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center this week, Congressman Greg Casar said. Austin Independent School District is coordinating with the teen’s legal team to make sure he can access his school work. [KXAN]
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10 Things To Do During Memorial Day Weekend in Austin

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and there’s so much fun to choose from!
Here’s a list of 10 great events happening this weekend:
Start the Weekend Early at El Raval
El Raval in Zilker is hosting a birthday party on Thursday in honor of its three-year anniversary. The party starts at 5 p.m., is open to everyone, and includes free tapas, including paella, and live music.
See a Cher Drag Show
Cher turned 80 today and to celebrate, 29th Street Ballroom near the University of Texas at Austin campus is hosting a drag show. The show is on Friday at 7 p.m. and includes a performance by Brigitte Bandit. Tickets are $14.
Swim All Weekend at Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin downtown is hosting a three-day pool party for Memorial Day weekend. DJs, activations, and special menus are available noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Passes start at $40.
Eat Crawfish at Thai Fresh
Thai Fresh is hosting a crawfish boil in its parking lot on Saturday at noon. The Bouldin Creek restaurant is offering crawfish plates served with Thai sauce, boudin balls, gumbo with a light roux, local potatoes, corn, and drinks. The boil goes until the restaurant sells out!
Float at Volente Beach
Volente Beach Resort and Waterpark on Lake Travis is hosting Floatopia on Saturday at 3 p.m. The event includes live music, floating, and more. Entry is free if you bring your own float and $15 if you need to rent one!
Celebrate ‘Spy Kids’ With Robert Rodriguez
Paramount Theatre is hosting a 25-year anniversary viewing of “Spy Kids” on Saturday at 3 p.m. After the movie, its director Robert Rodriguez will perform with his band. Tickets start at $10.

What To Do
Wednesday, May 20
- ❓“Summer House” Trivia at Bouldin Acres
- 🦠 Homeschool Day: Citizen Science at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- 🖼️ Literary Arts Fest Night at the Jones Center
- 🎶 Big Loud Texas Live! at ACL Live at 3TEN
- 📚 Special Author Storytime: Snow Zheng at BookPeople
- 🎥 “Space Jam: A New Legacy” at Hyperreal Film Club
Thursday, May 21
- ❓ “The Office” Trivia at 1972 Pub
- 💃 Celebrate AANHPI: Bollywood Dance at Austin Public Library John Gillum Branch
- 🪩 Adult KPOP Night at Austin Public Library Milwood Branch
- 🎶 The Drop-In at the Long Center
- 💬 ATXplained Live at Bass Concert Hall
- 🐇 Tiny Tails to You Petting Zoo! at BookPeople
Friday, May 22
- 🎭 Broadway Rave at 29th Street Ballroom
- 🤠 Neon Rainbows’ STAMPEDE at the Highball
- 🎶 Jason Isbell at the Long Center
- 🎥 “Casablanca” + “The Maltese Falcon” at Paramount Theatre
- 🇬🇷 Austin Greek Festival at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
- 🐶 Community Volunteering: Make Dog Toys with APA! at Austin Creative Reuse
🤔 Hmmm! A “Grey’s Anatomy” spinoff will follow a group of doctors in West Texas and I don’t know how to feel. One of the executive producers is a UT grad, so that’s good!
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