Now that the work week is almost history, it’s time to look ahead to the weekend. There's a ton of great stuff to do around town, from a meatball throwdown to an international film fest, and we’re giving you a guide so you can make the most your time. Here are the top 10 things to do in Houston this weekend.
For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Shop 'til you drop
Thursday, April 20
Shop, sip and stroll at "Third Thursday" in the Heights, where the merchants of 19th Street not only extend their hours, but also serve up complimentary cocktails. (5-9 pm; tickets: free)
339 W. 19th St.; 713-869-5885
Purple rain
Friday, April 21
Lucille’s restaurant in the Museum District goes purple with a tribute to Prince on the one-year anniversary of the legendary singer's death. Don your purple attire, dig into a buffet of delicious fare, enjoy sips from a cash bar, and party like it’s 1999 to tunes by a Prince cover band. Reservations required. (7 pm; tickets: $35 per person)
5512 La Branch St.; 713-568-2505
Get the Led out
Friday, April 21
Rock out at the The Music of Led Zeppelin concert as the The Houston Symphony, accompanied by a band and vocals by singer Randy Jackson, performs hits songs by the English group at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. (8 pm; tickets: free for lawn and mezzanine seating; $20 per person for orchestra seating).
2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands; 281-363-3300
International film fest
Friday, April 21-April 30
The 50th WorldFest Houston independent film festival showcases 200 new indie movies from 43 countries, including 34 premieres. For a full schedule of films, click here. (Various times; tickets: $7.50-$750 per person)
AMC Studio 30, 2949 Dunvale Rd.; 888-262-4386
Walk for a cause
Saturday, April 22
Help stomp out breast cancer by being part of Avon Breast Cancer Crusade’s two-day, 39-mile walk. (6:30 am; tickets: $50 per person)
1031 Stude St.; 888-426-9255
Celebrate Earth Day
Saturday, April 22
Join nonprofit Recipe for Success Foundation in celebrating Earth Day and the opening of Hope Farms. Score organically grown fresh produce for sale and tours of the farm. Food trucks and kids activities are also part of the fun. (10 am; tickets: free)
10401 Scott St.; 713-520-0443
Party on the bayou
Saturday, April 22
Spend the afternoon down on the bayou at Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Bayou Bash. Expect crawfish, live music, libations, lawn games, a silent auction, pontoon boat rides, and more. (Noon; tickets: $25 per person for Bayou Buddies members; $30 per person for non-members).
105 Sabine St.; 713-752-0314
Horsing around
Saturday, April 22
The Fandango Tejas horse show features champion mares and stallions from the Southwestern region, competing in categories from bella forma to fino gait and scored by Paso Fino judges. (2 pm; tickets: free)
9055 Airport Rd., Conroe; 832-349-5445
Mama mia
Sunday, April 23
Chefs from some of Houston’s most popular eateries, including Brennan's of Houston, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, Nobie’s, and Weights and Measures, compete for first place in the Meatball Brawl at Italian mainstay Damian's restaurant. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Texas Italian-American Sports Foundation and The 100 Club. (1-4 pm; tickets: $55 per person)
3011 Smith St.; 713-524-2800
Carnival fun
Sunday, April 23
Montrose’s Underbelly restaurant celebrates its five-year anniversary with carnival-themed blowout, boasting delectable globally-inspired street fare. The lineup also includes games (think ring toss and dunk tank), cotton candy, and snow cones made with house-made shrubs. (1-4 pm; tickets: $45 per person for five food tickets and three game tickets; kids under 12 years are free).
1100 Westheimer Rd.; 713-528-9800
The 50th WorldFest Houston independent film festival showcases 200 new indie movies from 43 countries.
