The Ultimate San Antonio Memorial Day Weekend Family Guide: May 22–25, 2026

Memorial Day weekend in San Antonio always feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer. Across the city, families gather for pool days, outdoor concerts, baseball games, farmers markets, and patriotic tributes honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Whether you’re looking for free kid-friendly activities, meaningful ways to honor fallen heroes, or affordable events the whole family will enjoy, this guide has you covered for May 22–25, 2026.

Why Memorial Day Weekend in San Antonio Is Special

There’s something uniquely meaningful about Memorial Day weekend in San Antonio. As Military City USA, our community deeply understands the importance of honoring those who served, while also embracing the joy of gathering with family and friends.

You’ll find that balance all weekend long. One minute you’re floating in a pool watching Jaws under the stars, and the next you’re standing alongside volunteers placing flags at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. It’s one of the reasons this holiday weekend feels so special here.

San Antonio also knows how to celebrate the start of summer. Splash pads reopen, outdoor pools fill with laughter, the River Walk comes alive with visitors, and local markets are packed with fresh food, music, and handmade goods.

Free Events for the Whole Family

River Walk Memorial Day Artisan Show

Friday–Monday, May 22–25 | 11 AM–11 PM (Monday until 8 PM)
Downtown River Walk near Rivercenter Mall

One of San Antonio’s favorite holiday weekend traditions returns with more than 40 artisan booths lining the River Walk. Families can stroll along the river while browsing handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, woodwork, and unique gifts. It’s an easy, relaxed outing that works for all ages, especially if you pair it with dinner downtown.

Historic Market Square Memorial Day Celebration

Friday–Monday, May 22–25 | 10 AM–6 PM
Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.

If you want a true San Antonio family atmosphere, this is it. Expect live music, dancing, artisan vendors, a Kids Zone, and festive patriotic decorations throughout the plaza. One especially touching tradition happens daily from 1–2 PM when 50 white roses are given to families who lost loved ones in the line of duty.

City of San Antonio Outdoor Pools Opening Weekend

Saturday–Monday, May 23–25 | 1–7 PM

Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off pool season in San Antonio. Several city pools including Woodlawn Lake Park, Elmendorf Lake Park, Heritage Pool, Fairchild Park, and Kingsborough Park open for the first time this year, and admission is completely free.

For families with younger kids, this is one of the best budget-friendly activities of the weekend. Just remember kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

“Movie in the Pool” — Jaws

Sunday, May 24 | 8:30 PM
Woodlawn Lake Park Pool

This may be the most uniquely San Antonio event of the weekend. Families can literally float in the pool while watching Jaws on a giant outdoor screen. It’s free, first-come first-served, and one of those experiences your kids will probably talk about all summer.

City Splash Pads Open Daily

May 22–25 | 9 AM–9 PM

If your little ones aren’t ready for full pool days yet, San Antonio’s free splash pads are a lifesaver. They’re open daily across the city and are perfect for toddlers and younger children who just want to cool off and run around.

USAF Band of the West Memorial Day Concert — Seguin

Saturday, May 23 | 2:30–4:30 PM
Seguin ISD Performing Arts Center

This free concert combines incredible live music with patriotic reflection. Performed by the Air Force Band of the West, it’s a wonderful way to introduce children to the meaning behind Memorial Day in a welcoming and family-friendly setting.

Honor & Remember: Memorial Day Concert at the Alamo

Sunday, May 24 | 7 PM
Alamo Plaza

Watching a patriotic concert outside the Alamo is one of those “only in San Antonio” moments. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy an evening honoring fallen service members in one of the city’s most iconic locations.

Blue Star Museums Free Military Admission

Starting Memorial Day Weekend

Military families should absolutely take advantage of this program. Active-duty military personnel and up to five family members receive free admission to participating museums including the McNay Art Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, Briscoe Western Art Museum, and Witte Museum. Even better, kids 19 and under are always free at the McNay.

Paid Events & Attractions

SeaWorld Electric Ocean — Drone Show Launch Weekend

Starting Friday, May 22
SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld’s brand-new Electric Ocean event debuts this Memorial Day weekend and honestly sounds spectacular. The biggest draw is San Antonio’s first-ever 400-drone nighttime show featuring glowing marine animals across the sky.

Families can also enjoy fireworks, water ski stunt shows, nighttime parades, and the new Barracuda Strike family coaster. If you’re planning to go, stay after dark because that’s when the full experience really comes alive.

Riverwalk Anime Convention

May 23–24
Henry B. González Convention Center

Anime fans are going to love this one. The family-friendly convention includes celebrity voice actors, cosplay, artist booths, autograph sessions, and interactive fan panels. It’s especially fun for tweens and teens looking for something different this weekend.

San Antonio Missions Baseball Homestand

May 22–25
Nelson Wolff Stadium

Minor league baseball remains one of the best-value family outings in San Antonio. The Missions host the Midland RockHounds all weekend long, and holiday games usually include fun promotions and giveaways. Between affordable tickets and kid-friendly energy, it’s hard to beat.

Tejas Rodeo Weekend Shows

Friday & Saturday Nights
Bulverde, TX

If you have family visiting from out of town, this is the perfect “Texas experience.” Kids love the bull riding, animals, music, and outdoor atmosphere, while parents get Hill Country views and live entertainment just outside the city.

Memorial Day Hike — Government Canyon

Monday, May 25 | 8 AM

This veteran-led hike through Government Canyon offers a meaningful and active way to honor fallen heroes. Participants are encouraged to carry flags or memorabilia, making it a reflective experience while still enjoying the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

Memorial Day Run 5K / 10K / Half Marathon

Saturday, May 23 | 7:30 AM
Lady Bird Johnson Trail Park

Families who enjoy active weekends can participate in this scenic run honoring fallen service members. Whether you’re a serious runner or just there for the atmosphere, it’s a positive and community-focused event to start the holiday weekend.

Farmers Markets This Weekend

San Antonio absolutely shines when it comes to local markets, and Memorial Day weekend is packed with great options.

Pearl Farmers Market

Saturday, May 23 | 9 AM–1 PM

The Pearl Farmers Market remains one of the city’s best weekend traditions. Families can shop local produce, artisan foods, baked goods, and handcrafted items while enjoying one of San Antonio’s most walkable districts.

Pearl Sunday Artisan Market

Sunday, May 24 | 10 AM–2 PM

A slower-paced version of the Saturday market featuring local makers, gifts, and food vendors. Perfect for a relaxed Sunday morning.

Mission Marquee Farmers & Artisans Market

Saturday, May 23 | 9 AM–1 PM

This family-friendly market starts with a free fitness class before transitioning into shopping, cooking demos, and local vendors. It’s also pet-friendly.

Garden Ridge Market Days

Saturday, May 23 | 9:30 AM–2:30 PM

Known as one of the area’s largest family-friendly pop-up markets, this event includes boutique shopping, farm-fresh goods, and free kids activities.

Alamo Heights Farmers Market

Sunday, May 24 | 10 AM–2 PM

Located at the Quarry Market, this is an easy stop to combine with brunch or shopping nearby.

Herff Farm Farmers Market

Saturday, May 23 | 9 AM–1 PM
Boerne, TX

If you want a scenic Hill Country morning, this market is worth the short drive. Expect organic produce, artisan products, and a peaceful outdoor setting.

Sundays at the Square Market

Sunday, May 24 | 10 AM–2:30 PM
St. Paul Square

This laid-back downtown market combines local vendors with optional yoga sessions and a relaxed community atmosphere.

Ways to Honor & Remember

Flags for Fallen Vets — Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Sunday, May 24 | 9 AM–Noon

This is one of the most powerful experiences families can participate in all weekend. Volunteers place approximately 127,000 American flags across the cemetery grounds honoring fallen service members, including Medal of Honor recipients and Buffalo Soldiers.

Children are welcome and encouraged to participate, making it an important opportunity to teach younger generations about service, sacrifice, and remembrance.

Memorial Day Ceremony — Fort Sam Houston

Monday, May 25

The official remembrance ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery brings together veterans, military families, and community members in solemn reflection.

VFW Post 688 Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 25
Boerne Cemetery

This Hill Country ceremony offers a quieter, heartfelt community tribute honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country.

City of Boerne Memorial Day Concert

Monday, May 25
Main Plaza, Boerne

This outdoor concert by the Boerne Concert Band is a beautiful way to close out the weekend. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks and enjoy small-town Hill Country charm.

Practical Tips for the Weekend

• All seven city pools open at 1 PM and fill quickly on hot afternoons, so arriving early is a smart move.

• If you’re heading to SeaWorld, plan to stay after dark Friday through Sunday nights for the full Electric Ocean drone show experience.

• The Flags for Fallen Vets volunteer event on Sunday morning is one of the most memorable family activities of the weekend.

• Downtown parking fills up fast during holiday weekends. Consider using VIA Metropolitan Transit Park & Ride options for River Walk and Market Square events.

• Military families should bring their ID cards to participating Blue Star Museums for free admission benefits.

• Double-check event times, ticket pricing, and registration requirements before heading out since schedules can occasionally change.

Memorial Day weekend in San Antonio truly offers something for everyone, whether your family wants pool days, live music, baseball, farmers markets, or meaningful ways to honor those who served. Bookmark this guide, share it with friends, and start planning your long weekend now because this one is packed with incredible family-friendly events across the city.