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    Weekend Event Planner

    Here are the top 11 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Marcy de Luna
    Apr 5, 2017 | 2:52 pm

    The weekend is meant for fun. But with so much to do in America’s fourth largest city, it can be tough to narrow down the choices. Let us help with our guide to the weekend’s top events, from the return of Cirque du Soleil to a can't-miss barbecue fest. Read on for the top 11 things to do in Houston this weekend.

    For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.

    Cool cars
    Thursday, April 6-Sunday, April 9: Gear up for the 34th Houston Auto Show at NRG Center. The event showcases nearly 800 new car models by 30 automakers, from Chrysler to Lamborghini (times vary; tickets: $12 per adult, $5 per child). 8400 Kirby Dr.; 713-629-3700

    More cool cars
    Thursday, April 6-Sunday April 9: A four-day festival celebrating the 30th Annual Houston Art Car Parade Weekend culminates in the big parade in downtown on Saturday at 2 pm with more than 250 entries. Cheech Marin is the grand marshal. Other events include the Sneak Peek at Discovery Green on Thursday night, the Legendary Art Car Ball on Friday night around Houston City Hall, and The Houston Art Car Parade Awards Ceremony on Sunday at Smither Park. www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

    Under the big top
    Thursday, April 6-Sunday, April 30: Cirque du Soleil rolls into town for a month-long run of Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities, a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world filled with strange characters and reality is relative (times vary; tickets: $35-$210 per person). Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W.

    An affair to remember
    Thursday, April 6-Sunday, April 9: The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair amps things up this year with a dinner, called “The Boiling Point,” by renowned chef Bryan Caswell (Reef), James Beard Award nominee and BravoTV Top Chef alum Ed Lee, and chef David Bancroft (Acre Restaurant in Auburn, Alabama) on Thursday (7:30 pm; tickets: $150 per person). The foodie fun continues through the weekend with tasting sessions and classes (times vary; tickets: $65-$200 per person). Multiple locations; 713-747-9463

    Beer dinner
    Friday, April 7: Head to Hotel Granduca’s new al fresco dining venue Il Giardino for a four-course Italian meal paired with craft beers by Italian beer distributor Birradamare, all part of a special “National Beer Day” dinner (7 pm; tickets: $75 per person). 1080 Uptown Park Blvd.; 713-418-1104

    Wine fest
    Saturday, April 8:
    Sip, nosh and stroll at the Brenner's on the Bayou Wine Fest (3 pm-6 pm; $75 per person in advance; $85 at the door; $135 VIP). The event, which takes place on the scenic grounds near Buffalo Bayou, showcases eclectic wines, live music and light bites from several Landry's chefs, including Jason Cole (Brenner’s Steakhouse), Michael O’Connor (Vic & Anthony’s) and pastry chef Eunice Grassa (Landry’s Signature Group). 1 Birdsall St.; 713-868-4444

    Pop life
    Saturday, April 8:
    Singing sensation Ariana Grande brings her Dangerous Woman concert tour to downtown’s Toyota Center (7:30 pm; tickets: $49.95-$250 per person). The tour supports Grande’s third studio album by the same name, which features hits including the title song, plus “Everyday,” Let Me Love You,” and “Into You.” 1510 Polk St.; 866-446-8849

    Hot beats
    Saturday, April 8:
    Iceland’s DJ Yamaho brings her eclectic spins, from disco to techno and to house, promising a hot night at the Opera Ball Encore after-party (10 pm; tickets: $150 per person). UPDATE 04/06: DJ Yamaho had to cancel her appearance because of a family medical emergency and has been replaced by DJ Whitney Fierce, who is currently touring in Mexico but will fly to Houston for the Encore party. 501 Texas Ave.; 713-546-0277

    Sunday funday
    Sunday, April 9:
    This weekend, brunch at Hugo Ortega’s newest concept, Xochi, includes more than just the delicious buffet (11 am-2:30 pm; $34 per adult, $12 per child). Actor, comedian and writer Cheech Marin will be on-hand, celebrating his new memoir, Cheech Is Not My Real Name: …But Don’t Call Me Chong. Buy a copy and have it signed by Marin (11 am-1 pm; tickets: free entry), while you sip $6 cocktails stirred with Tres Papalote Mezcal (11:30 am-2:30 pm). Marriott Marquis Houston Downtown, 1777 Walker St.

    Goals
    Sunday, April 9:
    The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team takes on Russia in an international friendly game (1 pm; tickets: $25-$250 per person). BBVA Compass Stadium, 2200 Texas St.

    Tasty ‘cue
    Sunday, April 9:
    The Houston Barbecue Festival boasts tasty barbecue from favorite joints near and far, including Houston’s El Burro & the Bull, Feges BBQ, Killen's Barbecue, and The Pit Room, Taylor’s Louie Mueller Barbecue, and Elgin's Southside Market (1 pm-4 pm; tickets: $60 per person). NRG Park, Gate 13; 832-454-6106

    Singing sensation Ariana Grande brings her Dangerous Woman concert tour to downtown’s Toyota Center.

    Ariana Grande at Houston Rodeo
    Photo by Chinh Phan
    Singing sensation Ariana Grande brings her Dangerous Woman concert tour to downtown’s Toyota Center.
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    weekend event planner

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

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Mar 4, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    Lizzo
    Photo courtesy of RodeoHouston
    Houston native Lizzo plays RodeoHouston on Friday, March 13.

    We’re officially in rodeo mode, which means Ubers and METRORails will be filled with cowboy hat-wearing folk, heading over to NRG Park and indulging in all the western extravagance.

    But there are always other things going on in the city, including the grand opening of a new restaurant, a stage adaptation of a F. Scott Fitzgerald masterwork, the opening night of FotoFest, and the beginning of Jazzy Sundays in the Park.

    So, go outside and feel the power of love!

    Thursday, March 5

    The Green Room Grand Opening
    The Green Room, an intimate, 26-seat restaurant next to Heights & Co, will have its grand opening this weekend. This restaurant aims to offer Houstonians a more intimate, technique-driven and hospitality-forward dining experience. The dinner menu will change monthly, with an optional five-course Chef’s Dinner Party menu and a wine program featuring grower champagnes, certified organic producers, and premium wines by the glass. 4 pm.

    Mid Main Houston presents First Thursday Block Party
    The businesses of Mid Main Mid Main Lofts invite the community to celebrate another First Thursday, benefiting the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation and supporting Team Escalante Express in the upcoming Run for the Rose 5k. The block party will also celebrate the birthday of Jennifer Escalante, the Sig’s Lagoon co-founder who passed away in 2024. This First Thursday honors her lasting impact and legacy within the community. 6 pm.

    Akaash Singh: Generational Triumph Tour
    Akaash Singh is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His career took off with many television shows including MTV’s Wild’n Out, Netflix’s Brown Nation, and HBO’s The Leftovers. After finding success in TV, he pivoted his focus toward the podcast Flagrant, co-created with fellow comedian/pal Andrew Schulz. His two-day stop in Houston has him performing four shows, but the early shows are already sold out. Thankfully, the late shows still have tickets. 9 pm.

    Friday, March 6

    Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
    The annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo features a wide variety of events, including a livestock & horse show, music & concerts, attractions & activities, and daily rodeos. Headlining music performers this weekend include Lizzo, Dwight Yoakam, and Forrest Frank. Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 pm, with the main show happening at around 8:45 pm. Weekend rodeos start at 3:45 pm, with the entertainer taking the stage at approximately 5:45 pm. For a full schedule of events, go to the official website. Through Sunday, March 22. 8 am.

    Improv Houston presents Jordan Jensen
    Jordan Jensen started comedy in upstate New York before moving to Nashville, where she spent a year working for clubs and taking her comedy on the road in her pickup truck. Last year, she dropped her first Netflix special, Jordan Jensen: Take Me With You, as well as co-star in the Will Arnett-Laura Dern dramedy Is This Thing On? Catch her this weekend at Improv Houston, where she’ll hit audiences with tales of her bizarre upbringing, highly unconventional family, and filterless confessions of her time on this filthy planet. 7:30 & 9:45 pm (7 & 9:30 pm Saturday).

    Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents The Great Gatsby
    The Great Gatsby, based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage. The story of extravagance and longing features choreography by Dominique Kelley (So You Think You Can Dance), a book by Kait Kerrigan (The Mad Ones), and a jazz- and pop-influenced original score by Jason Howland (Little Women) and Nathan Tysen (Paradise Square). 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 & 7 pm Sunday).

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Moonlight Movies: Back to the Future
    The MFAH begins its annual, month-long, time “Moonlight Movies” series with a screening of a 1985 classic. In Back to the Future, 17-year-old Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is accidentally sent back 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his scientist pal Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). A headset is provided to each guest for premium sound quality. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably for weather and backless bench seating, and they are allowed to bring seats or cushions. 8 pm.

    Saturday, March 7

    The Blue Bird Circle presents Eggstravaganza
    The Blue Bird Circle will present Eggstravaganza, their annual Spring Event that will feature a day of shopping, creativity, and community impact. The women-led nonprofit is committed to advancing pediatric neurology research and improving the lives of children with neurological disorders. Entering its 103rd year of service as a staple in the Houston community, the organization has created a lasting legacy built on hope, compassion, and volunteer-driven impact. 10 am.

    Exwon.art presents "Blue Triumph: Art Against Colon Cancer" opening reception
    "Blue Triumph: Art Against Colon Cancer" is a multifaceted creative exhibition dedicated to celebrating the victories and inspiring the ongoing fight against colon cancer. Running for one month, aligning with Colon Cancer Awareness Month, it will combine visual art, storytelling, and interactive experiences to raise awareness, honor survivors, and fuel the conversation around prevention and research. The exhibition aims to educate, inspire action, and evoke deep emotional responses, reshaping the way art is used to promote health awareness. 4 pm.

    FotoFest Opening Night Party
    This weekend, celebrate the grand opening of the FotoFest Biennial 2026. Global Visions – FotoFest at 40 marks four decades of groundbreaking photographic arts and education programming in Houston. The central exhibition highlights significant works and themes from each of the 20 previous biennials, from 1986 to 2024, and features work by over 450 artists from 58 countries. Experience an energetic atmosphere filled with creativity, music, and delicious food. 8 pm.

    Prauper Studios present Prauper Radio: A Night of UK Soul and R&B
    If you dig the soul music that comes out of the U.K., whether it’s legends like Sade and Amy Winehouse or new kids like Olivia Dean and Kwn, Prauper Studios will have a night of DJs playing nothing but British R&B. Come sip, view art, and catch the vibe the selectors are providing for the night. Complimentary RSVPs are available now. $10 admission for guests who’ve missed the RSVP window, but still wish to attend. Limited capacity. Early arrival suggested. 9 pm.

    Sunday, March 8

    The DeLuxe Theater presents B*tch, You Doin’ a Good Job!
    In honor of the 30th anniversary of Spike Lee’s 1996 phone-sex dramedy Girl 6, The DeLuxe Theater will have a special screening and critical conversation centered on the commodification of voice, body, and identity. Following the screening, we will host a dynamic panel discussion examining the intersectionality of sex work, corporate America, and Black womanhood—and how these forces shape economic opportunity, agency, respectability politics, and community impact today. 1 pm.

    Jazzy Sundays in the Park
    Every Sunday this month at Discovery Green, Jazzy Sundays in the Park will celebrate the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz as well as the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and a pop-up market featuring locally crafted items, food, and wearables will be on site. First up to the stage will be James Francies Trio and Kinder HSPVA Jazz Ensemble. 5 pm.

    93’ Til and Swanky Maven present Vinyl & Vibes: A Culinary Spin
    93’ Til and Swanky Maven (the nom de plume of Houston creator Felice Sloan) will hit us with an intimate, music-driven dining experience, featuring a four-course dinner by chef Lung Ly with curated cocktail pairings. Each course is inspired by live ’80s R&B and hip-hop spun throughout the night. The experience also includes an optional vinyl exchange and on-site pop-ups by Blessings Plants & Music Houston, creating a seamless night of food, music and connection. 6:30 pm.

    Lizzo
    Photo courtesy of RodeoHouston
    Houston native Lizzo plays RodeoHouston on Friday, March 13.
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