You’ve been working hard all week, so let loose this weekend with our picks for the best things to do in Houston. Enjoy some amazing concerts, a standout dinner prepared by some renowned chefs, and a soccer exhibition competition. And don’t forget to get your tickets and head to CultureMap’s Country Club Social. Read on for nine can’t-miss happenings going on Thursday through Sunday.
For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
It's a dog-eat-dog world
Thursday, July 20-Sunday, July 23
The World Series of Dog Shows heads to NRG Park. The canine extravaganza features agility and performance events, creative grooming contests, AKC conformation, and breed judging, plus goods and services from more than 230 vendors. (Various times; tickets: $5-$20 per person)
8400 Kirby Dr.; 281-536-0528
Quintessential preppy
Thursday, July 20
Put on your pearls and tennis skirts, pop your collars, and head to CultureMap’s Country Club party at SkyHouse River Oaks. Held on the 25th floor of the luxe high-rise, both inside the chic clubhouse and on the rooftop terrace, expect amazing views, bites by Liberty Kitchen, and beverages by Gentleman Jack whiskey, Deep Ellum Brewing Company, and Topo Chico. Shop 'til you drop with Sid Mashburn and Ann Mashburn and play games, from bocce ball to mini golf. All proceeds benefit Candlelighters Houston, which supports families facing childhood cancer. (6:30- 9 pm; tickets: $25 per person)
2031 Westcreek Ln., 25th floor
Game on
Thursday, July 20
English Premier League rivals Manchester United F.C. and Manchester City F.C. face off at NRG Stadium in the Manchester Derby, part of the 2017 International Champions Cup. This match is the first Manchester Derby played outside of the United Kingdom in the rivalry’s 115-year history. (8:30 pm; tickets: $50-$250 per person)
8400 Kirby Dr.; 713-629-3700
Weekend flick
Friday, July 21-Saturday, July 22
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents a film series starring award-winning English actor Sir Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy. The Ladykillers plays July 21, while The Lavender Hill Mob screens on July 22. (Various times; tickets: $9 per person)
1001 Bissonnet St.; 713-639-7300
Country star
Friday, July 21
Country artist Travis Tritt, who has 11 studio albums under his belt, performs at the Arena Theatre. Tritt’s hit songs include “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” "Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares),” "It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” and “"Best of Intentions.” (8 pm; tickets: $$25.50-$65.50 per person)
7326 Southwest Fwy.; 713-772-5900
Say I Do
Saturday, July 22-Sunday, July 23
The Bridal Extravaganza Summer Show at downtown’s George R. Brown Convention Center presents 350 wedding vendors, fashion shows, cake tastings, and more. (Various times; tickets: $15-$45 per person)
1001 Avenida de las Americas; 281-340-7777
Puppy love
Saturday, July 22
Score refreshing treats by Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Hot Rod Pops at the Dog Days of Summer event at Doc’s Motorworks Bar and Grill. The afternoon, which benefits BARC animal shelter, also offers a dog costume contest and frosty PUPsicles to keep Fido cool. (4-7 pm; tickets: free to enter)
1303 Westheimer Rd.; 713-521-3627
Pop concert
Saturday, July 22
Singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes performs onstage at Toyota Center in support of his newest album, Illuminate. Songs by the 18-year-old Canadian heartthrob include “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” “Lights Out,” “Stitches,” and “Handwritten.” (7:30 pm; tickets: $47.50-$67.50)
1510 Polk St.; 713-758-7200
Good eats
Sunday, July 23
At the Salty Supper No. 3 dinner at Midtown’s Reef restaurant, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by local and national top chefs including Bryan Caswell (Houston’s Reef), James Beard award-winning chef John Currence (Oxford’s City Grocery, Big Bad Breakfast), Kelly English (Memphis’s Restaurant Iris, The Second Line), Ryan Pera (Houston’s Coltivare, Revival Market), Martha De Leon (Houston’s Pax Americana), and Sarah Schnitzer (Houston’s Pax Americana). As well, sip cocktails created by Morgan Weber (Houston’s Eight Row Flint). (6:30-9:30 pm; tickets: $250-$2,000 per person)
2600 Travis St.; 713-526-8282
The World Series of Dog Shows heads to NRG Park.
