Weekend events planner

Here are the top 7 things to do in Houston this weekend

With the weather promising to be more nice than ice, this weekend offers plenty to do — from an art reception, an outdoor market, and a bake sale, to a documentary about a fashion icon. We've rounded up a guide to the seven best things to do in Houston. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.

Mexican comic books
Thursday, January 18
Head to Lawndale Art Center for the opening reception of Mexican comic book Between Love & Madness, a micro-cuentos (or mini-tale), with approximately 380 works, including original interior art, original painted cover art, and ephemera. Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display until March 25. (6 pm; tickets: admission is free)
4912 Main St.; 713-528-5858

Mattress Mack
Friday, January 19
Take part in a conversation with Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale at the Junior League of Houston. McIngvale will share stories and lessons from the days following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, including how he navigated the logistics of moving supplies and people during the crisis, what nonprofits can learn about volunteer management, and details about his role as both fundraiser and philanthropist. (Registration and networking starts at 11 am, lunch starts 11:30 am, keynote speaker is from 12-1pm; tickets: $40 per person.)
1811 Briar Oaks Ln.; 713-266-2800

Outdoor market
Saturday, January 20
Here you can snap up items from a collection of vendors, including an organic farm, at Market in the Park at Evelyn's Park. The market is held on the third Saturday of every month. (9 am; tickets: admission is free)
4400 Bellaire Blvd.; 281-909-3737

Seriously sweet
Saturday, January 20
Fluff Bake Bar in Midtown reopens, with a bake sale featuring special guest, Jason Schimmels of 44 Farms. Pastries priced per item. (10 am-12 pm)
314 Gray St.; 713-522-1900

A day at the Park
Saturday, January 20
Celebrate the grand opening of Midtown Park at an all-day event featuring food trucks, live music, face painting, and a preview of 2018 fitness classes. You can also expect park tours, photo booths, and spins by DJ Sun. (10 am; tickets: admission is free)
2811 Travis St.; 713-526-7577

Kids art fest
Sunday, January 21
Spend the afternoon at celebrating art, created by and for children, at the Children’s Texas Art Festival at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Enjoy art-making workshops, interactive games, art demonstrations, and more. (1 pm; tickets: admission is free)
6003 Memorial Dr.; 713-639-7750

Fashion film
Sunday, January 21
Catch a screening of The Gospel According to André, a documentary about the life and career of iconic fashion editor André Leon Talley, at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The film reveals Talley’s own reflections on his experiences, and boasts appearances by Manolo Blahnik, Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, Valentino Garavani, Marc Jacobs, and Anna Wintour, among others. (Two screenings: 4 pm and 7 pm; tickets: $9 per person)
1001 Bissonnet St.; 713-639-7300

Fluff Bake Bar in Midtown reopens Saturday. Pictured: the Veruca Salt cake.

Courtesy photo

Fluff Bake Bar in Midtown reopens Saturday. Pictured: the Veruca Salt cake.

event-planner

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo