Memorial Day is a time to honor the women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. As the unofficial start of summer, the long weekend offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy everything that makes Houston special. From backyard bar-b-que and poolside lounging to exploring local events and hidden food gems, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the holiday. Whether you're visiting Houston or planning a fun staycation, there's something for everyone to do, see, and eat this Memorial Day weekend.

 

MAY 22 - MAY 25, 2026

Take advantage of this special offer: 3 parks, 4 days, one pass! This Memorial Day weekend, enjoy unlimited admission on rides at Kemah Boardwalk, Downtown Aquarium, and Galveston Island Pleasure Pier. The Memorial Day pass is $49.99 and is valid at all three locations from May 22 - May 25. Besides unlimited rides at all three parks from Friday to Monday, your Memorial Day weekend Pass includes: one FREE Zip Line Ticket at Kemah Boardwalk, one FREE 5D Theater Experience Ticket at Pleasure Pier, and one FREE Stingray Reef Fish Food at Downtown Aquarium.

 

MAY 23 - 24, 2026

Launch your family camping trip into orbit in our Family Overnight program at Space Center Houston! You and your entire family can experience a unique overnight camping experience.Pack your tent and set up camp under a twice-flown Falcon 9 rocket or in Independence Plaza, right underneath a Boeing 747, the shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905, and our high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence. Prefer to cozy up indoors? All you need is a sleeping bag and a pillow to complete your campsite, surrounded by some of the rarest spaceflight artifacts on Earth. Tickets: $79.95 per person. View details of the program here.

Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive

 

MAY 24, 2026

Celebrate the official start to summer at the annual Memorial Day in The Woodlands festival (5-9 p.m.)! The Sunday event pays tribute to all military service men and women who lost their lives while serving the United States. The festival features live music, children's activities, strolling entertainment and more at Town Green Park. The evening concludes with a dazzling display of fireworks in sync with a patriotic soundtrack. Concessions will be available for purchase. Please be advised the Festival beverage booth will be cashless. Guests may pay with cash but will need to have exact change.

3535 War Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77084

 

MAY 25, 2026

This cherished tradition takes place every year at the War Memorial, a tribute built in 1985 to honor the brave Harris County residents who lost their lives in WWI and subsequent wars. Join the community to honor their sacrifices and celebrate their bravery. This annual Precinct 4 tradition offers a meaningful time for reflection and remembrance. The ceremony begins at 2:30 PM.

 

MAY 23 - 24, 2026

Splash into summer at Welcome Back Beach Bash at Typhoon Texas this Memorial Day weekend as they celebrate 11 years! Whether you float the lazy river or dive into the wave pool, this is the place to start your sunny adventures. Enjoy live music, exciting rides, entertainment, and much more this Memorial Day weekend.

 

MAY 25, 2026

Don't miss this sun-soaked Memorial Day pool party at the Hotel Saint Augustine from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. filled with good vibes and great company. Enjoy delicious bites, beats by DJ G-Funk, and refreshing poolside drinks as you kick off summer in style. This ticketed event delivers a lively, resort-style atmosphere—and each ticket includes one complimentary cocktail or bite. Space is limited, so secure your spot early and get ready to splash into the season. Pool chairs are limited. Early arrival is recommended to secure seating.

Where to Eat on Memorial Day Weekend

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Hongdae 33

 

Like any holiday, Memorial Day Weekend planning starts with one question: what are we eating? Whether you’re planning patio brunches, family barbecue gatherings, rooftop cocktails, poolside bites or late-night taco runs after a long day in the sun, Houston’s food scene is fully in its element over holiday weekend. From longtime local favorites to buzzy new restaurants, food trucks and bakeries worth setting an alarm for, we’ve rounded up the spots Houstonians and visitors alike should have on their Memorial Day Weekend radar. Come hungry. Houston doesn’t do holiday weekends halfway.

Hongdae 33

Hongdae 33 (pictured above, photo by Jenn Duncan) is turning up the energy on Memorial Day with half-priced cocktails alongside its popular Korean barbecue experience. Standout drinks include the fruity “Banana Drama,” the strawberry-forward “K-Shawty” and the bright “Sour Apple Tequila.” Between the sizzling grills, shareable dishes and colorful cocktails, it’s an ideal spot to settle in with friends for the holiday.

The Union Kitchen

On Monday, May 25, all Houston-area locations will offer a special Memorial Day BOGO entrée promotion: buy one entrée and receive a second entrée of equal or lesser value free. The special is available for dine-in only, with one offer per table. Guests must mention or show the restaurant’s online post to their server to redeem.

Molina’s Cantina

Memorial Day Weekend and margaritas just make sense — and Molina’s Cantina is leaning all the way in. From May 23 to 25, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s legendary Molina’s Margaritas for $8.50 all day at every location. Made with 100% agave tequila, Triple Sec, and fresh lime juice, the classic margaritas are available frozen or on the rocks and pair perfectly with Tex-Mex staples like fajitas, queso, and enchiladas. Hosting your own fiesta? Molina’s is also offering half gallons of premium batched margaritas for $35 and full gallons for $70, making it easy to bring the party home for the holiday weekend.

Texas de Brazil

 

Texas de Brazil

 

Texas de Brazil is honoring service members, EMS personnel and teachers throughout Memorial Day Weekend with 15% off dine-in lunch and dinner. The popular Brazilian steakhouse is known for its endless parade of fire-roasted meats, expansive salad area and celebratory atmosphere, making it an easy choice for gathering with family and friends over the holiday weekend. Whether you’re loading up on gaucho-style cuts or settling in for a long dinner downtown or near the Galleria, it’s a festive way to spend Memorial Day Weekend in Houston.

Kolache Shoppe

Kolache Shoppe is honoring service members this Memorial Day with 20 percent off purchases for guests who present a valid military I.D. at checkout. Available at the Greenway and Memorial locations, the offer applies to the bakery’s lineup of sweet and savory kolaches, coffee and fan favorites like the Ranchero, Brisket, Egg & Cheese, Peach and Apple varieties. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast on the go or stocking up for the holiday weekend, it’s a delicious way to start Memorial Day morning.

Duck N Bao

 

Duck N Bao
Photo by Jenn Duncan

Duck N Bao is bringing the fun this Memorial Day with half-priced cocktails served all day outside of happy hour windows. Known for its lively atmosphere and dim sum favorites, the restaurant is serving playful drinks like the layered “Dance of Fire & Ice,” the citrusy “Kung Fu Panda” and the smoky “Dragon’s Breath.” Pair them with soup dumplings, bao buns and shareable plates for an easy holiday weekend outing.

Seven Sushi

Seven Sushi is offering half-priced cocktails all Memorial Day long outside of happy hour, making it a great stop for sushi, robata and late-night vibes. Cocktail highlights include the tropical “Japanese Sunrise,” the citrusy “Kimono Racer” and the refreshing blueberry-forward “Purple Rain.” With sleek interiors and beautifully plated sushi, Seven delivers an elevated but energetic way to spend the holiday weekend.

Brennan’s of Houston

While not technically a Memorial Day Weekend special, Brennan’s of Houston still earns a spot on the list simply because it’s one of the city’s true dining classics — and a perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a long holiday weekend brunch or lunch. Throughout May, the iconic restaurant is featuring live performances from duo Alfred and Thanushka of Bandara every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., adding upbeat energy to an already timeless atmosphere. Between the craft cocktails, signature Creole dishes and Brennan’s beloved roaming jazz band during Sunday brunch, it’s the kind of quintessential Houston experience visitors and locals alike should have on their radar. Reservations are encouraged.

Pier 6

 

PIer 6
Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

 

If you don’t mind taking a short drive toward the coast this Memorial Day Weekend, Pier 6 in San Leon is making a strong case for a bayside day trip. Typically closed on Mondays, the Gulf Coast favorite will open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Memorial Day with fresh seafood, live music and family-friendly, carnival-inspired festivities throughout the day. Known for its laid-back waterfront atmosphere and Gulf Coast fare, Pier 6 offers an easy way to trade the city for bay views, oysters and a breezy holiday weekend meal. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are encouraged.

However you spend Memorial Day Weekend in Houston, whether patio hopping, brunching, margarita sipping or road-tripping toward the coast, the city has no shortage of ways to celebrate. Come hungry, make reservations where you can, and enjoy one of the best weekends of the year to eat your way through Houston.

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