San Antonio Memorial Day Weekend Guide: Rooftop DJs, Pool Parties, and New Hotspots
With Memorial Day Weekend marking the unofficial start of summer, San Antonio is buzzing with energy. Whether you are a local planning a staycation or a visitor exploring the Alamo City, top local establishments are rolling out the red carpet. From rooftop DJs and curated cocktail tastings to resort-style pool days and exciting new venue launches, here is how you can celebrate the long weekend in style. (La Panadería, Miles, The Newstand Coffee & Sandwiches, Kimpton Santo San Antonio, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Pearl, The Gunter Hotel, 2026)
Bakery Lorraine, Otto’s Ice House, and Freight Fried Chicken will be open for business on Memorial Day for guests looking for places to dine with loved ones. Corinne San Antonio located inside Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa will also be offering its brunch menu from 7a.m. – 3p.m. on Memorial Day.
🍹 Sips & Snacks
What: Seasonal Drinks Launch & Memorial Day Brunch When: Launching Friday, May 22 & Friday, May 29 (Available all summer)
Just in time for the warm weather, La Panadería is introducing a limited-time lineup of seasonal beverages blending citrus, spice, and refreshing summer flavors. They will also be open on Memorial Day hosting a spectacular brunch.
- Launching May 22:
- La Panadería Mont Blanc: Vanilla-orange cold brew topped with orange cold foam and fresh orange zest.
- Matcha Mont Blanc: An iced matcha latte topped with orange cold foam and orange zest.
- Launching May 29:
- Spicy Sparkling Pomegranate Lemonade: A refreshing mix of jalapeño simple syrup, lemonade, and pomegranate syrup topped with sparkling water. Bonus: This mocktail can be made alcoholic by adding tequila.
The Newstand Coffee & Sandwiches
What: National Wine Day Celebration When: Monday, May 25
Celebrate National Wine Day with a specially curated wine experience helmed by Advanced Sommelier & Beverage Director Austin Tabbone. The Newstand’s menu breaks wine down into approachable, fun categories like Bubbles and Sweets, Red and Berry Fruited, Weighty and Textured, and The Weird Reds. Pair your glass with refined light bites like a cheese board, house-made Focaccia, or stuffed dates for the perfect date night or girls’ night out.
🏖️ Poolside Vibes & Rooftop Parties
Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk
What: Tenfold Spin & Swim: Lover’s Rhythm Edition When: Sunday, May 24 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Summer returns with a sunset state of mind at Kimpton Santo’s skyline celebration. Hosted atop the Tenfold Rooftop Bar in collaboration with For Lovers Only and Release The Rhythm, guests can enjoy panoramic views, poolside energy, and flowing Aperol cocktails.
- The Beats: Soundtrack provided from day to dusk by DJ Cura, DJ Natvillain, DJ OmgNini, and DJ Retrostatic.
- Admission: Tenfold access is free and open to the public (space is limited; reservations via OpenTable are highly encouraged).
- Pool Access: Non-hotel guests can access the pool via ResortPass. For May 24, Day Passes are $80 and private cabanas are available for $300.
What: Summer Reset: Garden + Pool Kickoff When: Sunday, May 24 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Join Plaza San Antonio poolside at the Anaqua Garden Bar for a sun-drenched sanctuary experience featuring live music from DJ Mars and curated cocktail tastings by High Desert Vodka.
- Featured Cocktails:
- Desert Bloom: High Desert Vodka, lemon, prickly pear, agave, elderflower liqueur, soda.
- Anaqua Crush: High Desert Vodka, cucumber juice, lemon, agave, yuzu.
- Desert Water: High Desert Vodka, lemon, prickly pear, lime, soda.
- Admission: Access to Anaqua Garden Bar is free and open to the public (space is limited; reservations via OpenTable encouraged).
- Pool Access: Non-hotel guests can access the adjacent pool via ResortPass. For May 24, Day Passes are $40 and cabanas start at $100.
💡 Locals’ Tip: Summer Kick-off with ResortPass Can’t make it this Sunday? Both Kimpton Santo and Plaza San Antonio offer ResortPass access all summer long.
- Kimpton Santo: Features the tallest luxury open-air rooftop pool in the city. Standard summer day passes start at $55; cabanas start at $100. Book Here
- Plaza San Antonio: Enjoy a lush garden oasis, spa, and pool nestled between Downtown and Southtown. Standard summer day passes start at $30; cabanas start at $50. Book Here
🎶 Live Music & Festivals
What: A District-Wide Live Music Festival When: Saturday, May 23 | Starting at 11:00 AM Where: Pearl Parking Lot (under Highway 281), 303 Pearl Pkwy
Pearl Fest is bringing over 15 bands to the heart of the Pearl district, headlined by the legendary Los Lonely Boys.
- 11:00 AM (Free): The music kicks off during the weekly Farmers Market with a free, open-to-the-public stage at Pearl Park.
- 4:00 PM (Ticketed): Doors open for the main stage under the 281 highway. Day-of tickets are $35 (available in person at the gate).
- District-Wide Free Showtimes:
- Sternewirth (Hotel Emma): The Pertnears (2 PM – 5 PM), Diego Martinez (6 PM – 9 PM), DJ Cura (10 PM – 1 AM).
- Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott: Live music from 3 PM – 5 PM.
- Pullman Market (Karnes Patio): Live DJ from 3 PM – 10 PM.
- Otto’s Ice House: Josh Baca and The Hot Tamales (6 PM – 10 PM).
- Stable Hall: Reverend Horton Heat at 8 PM.
- After-Parties (10 PM): Keep the night going at Cape Bottle Room and Jue Let.
🏨 Staycations & New Openings
What: “Where Summer Comes Alive” Staycation Package When: Bookable now through August 31
Looking to extend your holiday weekend? The Gunter Hotel in downtown San Antonio is debuting a brand-new summer travel package.
- The Deal: Book two nights and get a complimentary third night.
- Perks: Includes discounted valet parking ($39/night) and access to the hotel’s unique Vinyl Library Experience, where you can check out up to three vinyl records to enjoy right in your room.
- How to Book: Head to the “Offers” page on the Gunter Hotel Website.
What: Grand Opening / Memorial Day Weekend Celebration When: Soft opening Friday, May 22 Where: 1170 E. Commerce St.
The East Commerce corridor has a brand new rhythm. Say hello to Miles, a high-energy bistro and cocktail-forward neighborhood bar from Dreamers & Doers Hospitality Group. Inspired by the legendary jazz innovator Miles Davis, the space is anchored by an expansive 360-degree central bar designed for late-night conversations and sharing elevated small plates.
- Hours: Post-holiday weekend, Miles will be open weekly from Wednesday through Monday, 5:00 PM to midnight (extended until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays).
- Reservations: Secure your spot now via Resy.
SA Examiner 