A Super week of music

Free and affordable Super Bowl concerts touch down all across Houston

Calling all music fans: Want a taste of the Super Bowl experience without breaking the bank? The greatest show on turf kicks off this Sunday, but already there have been a multitude of celebrations across the city around the big game, with plenty more scheduled through the week.

The beauty of the chaos surrounding the Super Bowl is there is something for nearly every musical taste at venues across the city, with first rate lineups that even those with a heavy aversion to the holy grail of sports can enjoy.

Shows include exclusive parties that require an invite or exorbitantly high cover charges, touting performances by internationally known acts such as Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift. Let's face it, many of us regular folks won’t get a sniff at these events, much less attend.

The good news is there are many more that are affordable to no cost at locations across the greater Houston area for those with a phobia of Super Bowl traffic and having to drive around too long to find a decent parking spot.

Downtown

Super Bowl LIVE is the biggest official Super Bowl party, lasting all week and featuring an impressive lineup of Texas-bred performers. The fan festival takes place on Discovery Green, it’s family friendly, and free to attend.

Headliners this week include the rising Austin-based alternative psych-rock band The Bright Light Social Hour Tuesday night; rootsy rural Texas country from Ryan Bingham on Wednesday; Houston-native and Beyoncé sibling, R&B soulstress Solange — fresh off one of the best albums of 2016 — on Thursday night; throwback R&B gospel soul from Dallas with Leon Bridges on Friday; and Houston's very own Rock N Roll Hall of Fame inductees ZZ Top Saturday night. (For a full schedule, check out the Super Bowl LIVE website.)

Within walking distance of Discovery Green’s Super Bowl LIVE event, 8th Wonder Brewery, 2200 Dallas Street, will host its Wonder Bowl event with live shows February 1-3. Wednesday offers an official City of Houston event that showcases the East Downtown aka EaDo neighborhood with Camera Cult, The Wheel Workers, Glass The Sky and Jealous Creatures on the bill.

It doesn’t get more H-Town than Thursday’s Welcome to Brewston event at the 8th Wonder tap room, hosted by Houston hip-hop luminary Paul Wall. Local DJs will spin to the backdrop of a S.L.A.B. (Slow Low And Bangin’) car show and custom grill fittings by Wall’s Grillz on Wheelz.

All Wonder Bowl events are free. Grills are not.

Midtown

Eclectic indie-rock kids at heart will want to check out the other free party a few stops on the METRORail from SuperBowl Live. The Mid Main SuperFest, 3600-3700 Main Street, will feature musical performances taking place from February 2-5 in the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District. Headliners are the hip hop and soul influenced Stooges Brass Band of New Orleans on Thursday, Houston’s alternative-indie darlings The Tontons on Friday, and the uplifting Dallas psych choir veterans The Polyphonic Spree on Saturday, plus many more.

Venues adjacent to the Mid Main SuperFest, The Continental Club, Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge and Alley Kat Bar & Lounge will also host music acts during the festival. The Continental Club hosts funk-soul six-piece Soul Creatures on Thursday, 60s revivalists Picture Book Happy Hour on Friday night, and 79 year-old rock legend Wanda Jackson on Saturday. Ticket prices for Wanda Jackson are $25.

If sipping beer in hammocks, listening to local talent is more your speed, Axelrad Beer Garden, 1517 Alabama St., has you covered with a massive bill of Houston acts and limited tappings all week.

Funk-rock Handsomebeast and syth-inflected rock band Birthday Club headline Tuesday; jazz artist Kermit Ruffins headlines Wednesday night; post-punk group Young Mammals take the stage Thursday; trippy Latin-influenced Gio Chamba headline Friday; the indie-pop Telephantom and neo-new wavers Rex Hudson are set for Saturday; with DJ Rex and The Waxaholics closing out Sunday’s festivities. Shows start at 6 p.m. and admission is free.

For tailgating diehards, get a taste of barbeque before the big game on Feb. 4 at the Tailgate on McGowen: A Local Celebration of the Big Game! jointly hosted by Mongoose versus Cobra and Leon’s Lounge, 1011 McGowen Street.

In addition to grub by Harlem Road Texas BBQ and specialty cocktails and craft brews, Houston bands Blaggards, Soulshine and Edgebrook will play two outdoor sets before Americana band Mystery Loves Company performs inside. Tickets are $20 advance/$25 day of show/$30 for parking.

The Heights

Those looking to stay far from the official Super Bowl LIVE experience downtown, Texas troubadour Robert Earl Keen heads to the relatively intimate setting of the Heights Theater, 39 W. 19th Street, for two shows on Feb. 3 and 4, bringing along a few of his friends at the Super Weekend of Music event.

One of the state’s most popular country-roots artists, Keen has been going strong the last couple of decades and this show should see him running through his extensive catalogue of classics, including “Feelin’ Good Again,” “The Road Goes On Again,” and “Corpus Christi Bay.” Tickets are $75.

The White Oak Super Street Party from February 2-5, between Studewood and Heights Boulevard, brings together venues and restaurants Fitzgerald’s, Onion Creek, Little Woodrow’s, Christian’s Tailgate and the Ritual for food and drink specials in addition to a stellar lineup of music and comedy.

Thursday night highlights Kentucky rockabilly band Legendary Shack Shakers, Friday sees comedian Hannibal Burress in town for two sets, and Saturday offers retro soul band Cuba Gooding and The Main Ingredient. Most performances take place at Fitzgerald’s at varying cover charges.

Outside the Loop

The award for largest Super Bowl party outside downtown goes to The Players Party at Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway W., from February 2-5, featuring meet-and-greets with NFL legends (Drew Brees, Earl Campbell and many more) alongside popular touring acts.

Headliners are Country Music Award winners Montgomery Gentry and Britney's sis Jamie-Lynn Spears on Thursday; legendary surf-rockers The Beach Boys on Friday; country-pop upstart Hunter Hayes and country vet Tracy Byrd on Saturday; and decades-spanning party starters KC and the Sunshine Band to close out Sunday.

Four-day passes to the family-friendly event are $79 for adults and $59 for children, ages 5-12. Children under 5 years old are free. Single-day tickets for adults are $30 and $24 for children.

It doesn’t get more H-Town than Thursday’s Welcome to Brewston event at the 8th Wonder tap room, hosted by Houston hip-hop luminary Paul Wall.

Photo by Chad Wadsworth

It doesn’t get more H-Town than Thursday’s Welcome to Brewston event at the 8th Wonder tap room, hosted by Houston hip-hop luminary Paul Wall.

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weekend event planner

Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

Courtesy of Pat Green

See Pat Green at ZiegFest.

With the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo about a week away, several events this weekend are preparing Houstonians for the western splendor of it all, including a pop-up at Autry Park, a rodeo glam brunch at Zanti Cucina Italiana, and a Boots & Brews Market at Bayou Heights Bier Garten.

This weekend, we also have a couple of DACAMERA shows, a music festival at Karbach Brewing, and one more Lunar New Year celebration at Space Center Houston.

Thursday, February 19

Autry Park and Tidbits present Rodeo Ready Pop-Up: Grand Opening
Autry Park is saddling up with Tidbits to present the Autry Park Rodeo Ready Pop-Up — a three-weekend shopping and social experience. Running Thursdays through Saturdays, the limited-time pop-up brings together Western-inspired fashion, accessories, gifts, and immersive experiences designed to get Houstonians ready for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Attendees are invited to stroll, sip, shop, and stay awhile — making a day (or night) of it in the heart of Autry Park. Through Saturday, March 7. 11 am.

Laura Rathe Fine Art presents Meredith Pardue: "Stones That Learned to Breathe" opening reception
Laura Rathe Fine Art artist Meredith Pardue introduces an opulent collection of new large scale paintings that merge the solidity of natural minerals and gemstones with the ephemeral quality of breath. Pardue wildly layers hues ranging from bold, commanding jewel tones to subtle, opalescent washes reflecting actual fragments of light from the surface, as if each stone holds a quiet, living presence. Through Sunday, March 22. 6 pm.

Texas Children’s Hospital presents Cooking Up a Cure
The 8th Annual Cooking Up a Cure is a culinary experience spotlighting Houston’s top chefs and restaurants. Guests enjoy bite-sized signature dishes in a dynamic, networking-focused atmosphere. Participating restaurants include Le Jardinier, Latuli, Loro, Navy Blue, State of Grace, The Blind Goat, Truluck’s, Uchi, Uchiko, and Xalisco. The event supports research and exceptional care for patients in the Department of Allergy and Immunology at Texas Children’s, led by Dr. Lisa Forbes Satter. 6:30 pm.

Friday, February 20

Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas presents Versus
For years, Houston celebrated the right to safe and legal abortion with the annual Roe v. Wade Luncheon, and Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas will continue this legacy in a new era. Held at Hilton Americas-Houston, the event will honor Melaney A. Linton with the Second Century Award. It will also feature a panel discussion with Dr. Anitra Beasley, Taylor Edwards, and Olivia Julianna, moderated by Elena M. Marks. Noon.

DACAMERA presents Brooklyn Rider: Frida’s Dreams
Composer Gabriela Lena Frank explores the tumultuous relationship between Mexican painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in a new string quartet based on her acclaimed 2021 opera El último sueño de Frida y Diego. This new multi-media DACAMERA production features projections based on the paintings of Frida Kahlo. Musical quartet Brooklyn Rider will make their DACAMERA debut, as DACAMERA Young Artists join the quartet for Osvaldo Golijov’s octet Ever Yours and Rider’s arrangements of traditional folk music. 7:30 pm.

Alley Theatre presents English
Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize, English is a heartfelt, humorous play that follows five strangers in an Iranian TOEFL class as they navigate language, identity, and unexpected friendships. Each brings a personal reason for learning English, discovering along the way what is lost and found in translation. While some things may get lost, the human spirit shines through. Through Sunday, March 8. 8 pm (2 & 8 pm Saturday; 2 & 7 pm Sunday).

Theatre Under the Stars presents Million Dollar Quartet
Million Dollar Quartet transports audiences to December 4, 1956, when a twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together for an unforgettable jam session at Sun Records in Memphis. The musical features iconic hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and many more. This once-in-a-lifetime moment comes alive onstage with a mix of broken promises, untold secrets, fiery betrayals, and joyous celebrations. Through Sunday, March 1. 8 pm (7:30 pm Thursday; 2 & 8 pm Saturday; 2 & 7:30 pm Sunday).

Saturday, February 21

Space Center Houston presents Lunar New Year Celebration
Join Space Center Houston to celebrate Lunar New Year and experience the rich traditions behind this vibrant holiday. This two-day event will have you enjoying cultural activities, discovering fascinating facts about the moon, and engaging in fun, hands-on science experiments. There will also be lion dances, pop-up labs and astronaut presentations with NASA astronaut Col. Carl Walz. It’s a perfect way to ring in the new year while learning about space and the wonders of our lunar neighbor. 10 am.

Zanti Cucina Italiana presents Rodeo Glam Brunch
The River Oaks restaurant will transform into a western-glam hotspot, featuring new brunch menu offerings, rodeo-inspired cocktail specials, and tableside moments, all set to a live DJ spinning country favorites alongside music from artists performing at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Customers are encouraged to embrace the western glam dress code and enjoy a curated hat pop-up by A.B. Lino. 11 am.

Karbach Brewing Co. presents ZiegFest Music Festival
The ZiegFest Music Festival, presented by Karbach Brewing Co., will feature performances by Pat Green, Mike Ryan, and the Droptines. The festival will include bars, concessions, official band merch, event merch, and specialty items from local vendors for purchase throughout the biergarten. VIP passes will include complimentary drinks, food, ZiegenBock swag and special access to VIP areas. 4 pm.

Rice Cinema presents Manila in the Claws of Light
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution in the Philippines, Rice Cinema (In collaboration with Anakbayan Houston) will screen the 1975 film Manila in the Claws of Light. Júlio Madiaga, a young fisherman from the province of Marinduque, arrives in Manila and descends into social alienation as he searches for his lover, Ligaya. Filmmaker and activist Lino Brocka’s work sheds light on the harsh realities of life under martial law. 7 pm.

Sunday, February 22

Bayou Heights Bier Garten presents Boots & Brews Market
Bayou Heights Bier Garten will transform into a rodeo-ready playground with its Boots & Brews Market. Houstonians are invited to spend an afternoon packed full of entertainment, including local Western-inspired vendors, live music from the Saint E Street Band, mechanical bull rides (starting at 5 pm), and rodeo ticket giveaways and prizes throughout the afternoon. Reservations available on Resy, but walk-ins are welcome. 3 pm.

DACAMERA presents Branford Marsalis Quartet Belonging Tour
Branford Marsalis brings his trademark energy and virtuosity to a re-imagining of Keith Jarrett’s classic 1974 album, Belonging. Quartet’s Belonging recording has been nominated for a Best Instrumental Jazz Album Grammy, and named album of the year in the DownBeat readers poll and one of the 20 best jazz albums in last year’s Jazzwise critics poll. A three-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master, Marsalis has led his quartet with clarity and power for over three decades. 5 pm.

Cullen Performance Hall presents Muertas de la Risa
Muertas de la Risa (Dying of Laughter) is a hilarious story starring two women in a crazy and absurd situation. Lorna Cepeda and Natalia Ramírez will reveal their deepest secrets and face a decision that will have the audience roaring with laughter. They will question the love they felt for their man and realize that love cannot be shared, bought, or sold, and that having self-love is more important than loving someone else. We’re talking unspeakable confessions, tumultuous love affairs, and a truth that will surprise everyone and leave them dying of laughter. 6 pm.

Courtesy of Pat Green

See Pat Green at ZiegFest.

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