Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer in the Texas Hill Country, and there is no better place to be than right here on Canyon Lake. At Lakehouse Bed & Breakfast, you are perfectly positioned to make the most of one of the most action-packed weekends of the year. Whether you are looking for thrills on the water, live music under the stars, or a slow morning with coffee and a lake view, we have you covered. Here is everything you need to know about making Memorial Day weekend 2026 one for the books.
Get Out on the Water
Canyon Lake is the heart of it all, and Memorial Day weekend is when the lake truly comes alive. Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are in full swing, and the warm Texas sun makes every minute on the water feel well earned. Comal Park and Canyon Park are both open and ready for visitors, with easy lake access and plenty of room to spread out. If fishing is your thing, Texas Parks and Wildlife keeps anglers up to date with real-time fishing reports for the lake, so you can chase bass and catfish with confidence.
Tube the Guadalupe River
Memorial Day weekend is the traditional opening of Texas river tubing season, and the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels is ground zero for the celebration. The water flows out of Canyon Lake at a steady 68 degrees and the energy on the river over this holiday weekend is electric. Multiple outfitters along the river offer tube rentals, shuttle service, and cooler tubes, with options typically starting around fifteen to twenty-five dollars per person. If you want something a little calmer, the Comal River in New Braunfels is a shorter, gentler float that is perfect for families with younger kids. Either way, you are just a short drive from the B&B and the river will be calling your name.
Explore Canyon Lake Gorge
One of the most unique experiences in all of Texas is right in your backyard. Canyon Lake Gorge is a 64-acre geological wonder carved out of the earth during a catastrophic flood in 2002, when more than 34 inches of rain fell in the upper Guadalupe watershed in a single week. The floodwaters sliced open the ground below the dam’s spillway and exposed ancient Cretaceous limestone, fossils, and dinosaur footprints that are 110 million years old. Guided tours are available and this is an absolute must-do for anyone who loves the outdoors and a good story.
See Dinosaur Footprints at the Dinosaur Tracks Museum
Speaking of dinosaurs, the Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country located on FM 2673 between Startzville and Sattler features over 350 dinosaur footprints and multiple trackways, all protected under a covered pavilion. Dating back approximately 110 million years to the early Cretaceous period, this is one of the most impressive fossil sites in the state of Texas and a fantastic stop for families.
Hike and Explore
The Curry Nature Center near Canyon Lake offers a peaceful one-mile loop trail that winds through native plant species and wildlife habitat. Located on Skyline Drive near the intersection of FM 2673 and River Road, the trail is easy, takes about 30 minutes, and delivers the kind of quiet beauty that reminds you why people fall in love with this part of Texas. The park is open from sunrise to sunset with drinking water available on site.
Live Music at Gruene Hall
No Hill Country weekend is complete without live music, and Gruene Hall delivers in a big way this Memorial Day weekend. Texas’ oldest continuously operating dance hall has been hosting live music every single day since 1878, and the 2026 Memorial Day weekend lineup is stacked.
Friday, May 22: Kody West takes the stage at 7:00 PM. Kody West is one of the hardest-working songwriters in Texas country, known for his raw, honest sound and loyal following. Tickets are $20 plus fees.
Saturday, May 23: The Wilder Blue performs at 7:00 PM. This acclaimed Texas harmony duo has been turning heads across the country with their blend of classic country and Americana. Tickets are $20 plus fees.
Sunday, May 24: Dale Watson and His Lonestars headline at 8:00 PM. Dale Watson is a true Texas original, a tireless road warrior and honky-tonk purist who has been carrying the torch for real country music for decades. Tickets are $20 plus fees.
Gruene Hall also features free music on multiple stages throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, so even if you do not have tickets to the headliners, there is something to enjoy at every turn. Get tickets and full details at gruenehall.com.
Live Music at Whitewater Amphitheater
Just a few miles away on the banks of the Guadalupe River, Whitewater Amphitheater is one of the most celebrated outdoor music venues in the country. Nestled below the canyon bluffs on FM 306, it holds up to 5,600 fans and delivers an experience that is hard to match anywhere in Texas.
This Memorial Day weekend, Whitewater hosts Shane Smith and the Saints on Saturday, May 23, with support from Sammy Kershaw and Rob Leines. Shane Smith and the Saints have become one of the most electrifying live acts in Texas country music, known for their powerful sound, emotional depth, and performances that leave audiences on their feet from start to finish. This show is already sold out, which tells you everything you need to know about how big this weekend is going to be. If you still need tickets, check the secondary market early.
Get tickets and updates at whitewaterrocks.com.
Honor the Holiday
The City of New Braunfels hosts a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday morning at the New Braunfels Veterans Memorial, located at 3030 West San Antonio Street. The service begins at 8:30 a.m. and is a meaningful way to start the holiday and honor those who served.
Come Back to the B&B
After a full day on the lake, the river, or the dance floor, there is no better feeling than coming back to Lakehouse Bed & Breakfast. Wake up to lake views, a home-cooked breakfast, and the kind of quiet that only comes with being somewhere truly special. Memorial Day weekend fills up fast in Canyon Lake, so do not wait to book your stay.
Canyon Lake is ready. The Hill Country is ready. And Lakehouse B&B is ready for you.
Visit us at www.thelakehousebb.com or call us at 830.899.5099 to reserve your room today.