The weekend is roaring with things to do, from a comic and pop culture con to live music and comedy performances. There are also festivals, arts, a taco and brews brunch, and more. Keep reading for our guide to the 11 best things to do in Houston.
For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar. And for where to brunch with mom on Sunday, check out this story.
Take it easy
Thursday, May 11
The Eagles tribute band, Already Gone, performs at Market Street in The Woodlands as part of an eight-week spring concert series, which runs through June 8. Enjoy the performance from the patio at any of Market Street’s restaurants, including Jasper’s, Cru Wine Bar, Tommy Bahama Tropical Cafe, Uni Sushi, and 1252 Tapas Bar. (6 pm; tickets: free)
9595 Six Pines Dr., The Woodlands; 281-419-4774
Comics, sci-fi, and more
Friday, May 12-Sunday, May 14
Comicpalooza, comic and pop culture con, hits the George R. Brown Convention Center with a lineup of celeb guests like Chuck Norris (of films like Delta Force, The Expendables, and TV’s Walker, Texas Ranger), Anthony Mackie (The Falcon in the Captain America franchise), Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger in the A Nightmare on Elm Street films), Lance Henriksen (Bishop in Aliens), and the cast of Marvel's Iron Fist. The weekend-long event features a film festival, live art auction, kid’s area, gaming competitions, comic retailers, and more. (Various times; tickets: $30-$40 per person for a single day pass, $70-$275 per person for a three-day pass)
1001 Avenida de las Americas; 713-853-8000
Rockin’ good time
Friday, May 12-Saturday, May 13
Pop artist Jason Derulo, 2016’s The Voice winner Sundance Head, hip-hop superstar Flo Rida, and the “I Love the 90’s” tour featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Vanilla Ice, All 4 One, Color Me Badd, Tone Lōc and Young MC, are all scheduled to play at the Rock the Ranch Music Festival at the Valley Ranch Town Center Amphitheater in New Caney. All American Rejects, LeCrae, and New Respects are also on the bill. While you're there, feast on tasty ‘cue as 35 amateur teams compete on a cook-off. (Various times; tickets: $79-$159 per person)
11985 N Grand Pkwy. E., New Caney; 855-542-3378
Stand-up comedy
Friday, May 12-Saturday, May 13
Saturday Night Live alum Chris Rock brings his Total Blackout tour to Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land for two nights. This marks the comedian’s first tour in over nine years. Rock has won four Emmy Awards and three Grammy Awards, and is a New York Times best-selling author. (Friday at 8 pm. Saturday is sold out; tickets: $69.50-$125 per person)
18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land; 281-207-6278
Six for one
Friday, May 12-Saturday, May 13
Award-winning writer and performer Chase Padgett premieres his original work “6 Guitars” for Houston audiences at the Alley Theatre. Padgett delivers an 85-minute virtuosic performance as he becomes six different guitar players, each with a distinct voice, view and musical style. (8 pm; tickets: $27-$37 per person)
615 Texas St.; 713-220-5700
Make yourself at home
Saturday, May 13-Sunday, May 14
Get an inside look at Galveston’s architectural history as the doors of several privately-owned abodes open to visitors during the 43rd annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. (10 am; tickets: $35 per person)
811 Broadway St.; 409-765-3405
Puppy love
Saturday, May 13
The Puppies for Breakfast event at downtown's Market Square Park showcases all things dog-centric, with more than 40 dog industry vendors and artists on-hand, plus a play area for our four four-legged friends, and lots more. (10 am; tickets: $5 suggested donation)
301 Milam St.; 713-650-3022
Shop it up
Saturday, May 13
Shop for folk art and artisan crafts, including packaged specialty foods at The Market at The Silos on Sawyer. (11 am; tickets: free)
1502 Sawyer St.; 832-273-4798
Tacos and beer
Saturday, May 13
Fusion Taco teams up with Saint Arnold Brewing Company to host a special brunch at the Fusion Taco locale in the Heights, featuring tasty tacos paired with ice-cold Saint Arnold's craft brews. (12-2:30 pm; tickets: $35 per person)
4706 N. Main St.; 713-686-9494
Watt's up?
Saturday, May 13
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt goes to bat for charity at the 5th annual J.J. Watt Charity Classic. Joining him on the field at the competitive softball tournament are 31 of Watt's fellow Texans teammates. Keep an eye out for The Terminator, aka Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is expected to be in the stands. Proceeds from the event benefit the JJ Watt Foundation. (Game time is 7 pm, with a home run derby at 6 pm; tickets: $5-$200 per person).
501 Crawford St.
Park it
Sunday, May 14
Grab your chairs and blankets, and picnic at Midtown's Baldwin Park. The family-friendly afternoon will also include food trucks, lawn games, and music by Ruben Moreno and Zydeco Re-Evolution. (2-4 pm; tickets: free).
1701 Elgin; 832-394-8805
Chris Rock brings his Total Blackout tour to Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land for two nights.
