Looking for the best ways to spend Memorial Day weekend? We’re here to guide you through the holiday weekend's top events (all of which happen to be better options than burning hamburgers on your grill at home).
Austin Sketch Fest: Thursday, May 22 – Sunday, May 25
Focusing solely on the art of sketch comedy, Austin Sketch Fest at Spider House Ballroom will highlight the diverse depths of the city’s best comedy troupes taking the stage to present sketches that are probably better than what you’d see on Saturday Night Live these days. Local favorites such as Master Pancake Theater and STAG! Comedy will be on hand, along with shows from other cities, including the wildly popular and risqué Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction.
RedFest 2014: Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25
Spend the weekend out at the world-class Circuit of the Americas as it becomes the home to country music stars and blue-collar comedians for RedFest. Grand marshal and festival creator Jeff Foxworthy presents a three-day celebration of music, comedy, reality TV, camping, hunting, fishing and loads of hands-on activities for all people who work hard, play harder and love the outdoors.
Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival: Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25
The annual Jaycees’ Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival returns to Downtown Marktplatz in Fredericksburg, Texas for this weekend. Not only does it feature all of the crawfish you can eat for three days straight, the entire family can work up an appetite with fun activities, crawfish races and live local music. For a more refined dining experience, guests can enjoy a special Creole brunch featuring appearance by Chef John Russ of the renowned Lüke San Antonio.
Texas Military Forces Museum Presents "Close Assault - 1944": Saturday, May 24 – Sunday, May 25
The Texas Military Forces Museum reminds local citizens of the true meaning behind Memorial Day with a look at what life was like for American troops during World War II. The program at Camp Mabry focuses on the specific history of the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard during the war. Free to the public, the living museum is open on Saturday and Sunday.
Austin Jazz Festival: Sunday, May 25
Taking place in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, the Austin Jazz Festival will make the hills come alive with beautiful music. Groove to the smooth tunes of headlining international jazz master Kirk Whalum. Additional must-see acts including Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber and Everette Harp, saxophonists Jessy J and Kyle Turner, and San Antonio flautist Althea Rene.
Midway Memorial Day Party: Monday, May 26
If you want to enjoy a Memorial Day cookout but don't have any good grill skills, head to Midway Field House for all of the burgers and hot dogs you can eat. Sip on complimentary Budweiser tallboys and take a ride on Midway's own mechanical bulldog.
Head to Fredericksburg for the annual crawfish festival.
