Now that the work week is coming to an end, it’s time to start planning for the weekend. There's a ton of great stuff to do around town and we’re giving you a guide so that you can make the most your time. From some festivals galore to a Sunday market, here are the top seven things to do in Houston this weekend.
For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Film fest
Thursday, September 28-Sunday, October 1
The multi-day Italian film festival Umbria in Sugar Land boasts screenings of seven award-winning, subtitled films from the 2016 international film festival in Spello, Italy, plus food, wine, and art from the region. (Various times; tickets: $8-$20 per person)
226 Lakeview Dr. Sugar Land; 281-275-2045
Innovative dance
Friday, September 29-Saturday, September 30
NobleMotion Dance presents Catapult: Dance meets Design, an evening of daring choreography at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The production features five custom-built interactive sets (think deconstructed tunnels and flipping doors) that shape the space and offer terrain challenges for the dancers. (7:15 pm; tickets: $25-$35 per person)
800 Bagby St.; 713-315-2525
First Lady of Song
Friday, September 29
The Jazz Houston Orchestra, with artistic director Vincent Gardner, perform tunes by Ella Fitzgerald including "I Ain’t Got Nothing But the Blues" and "A Tisket A Tasket” at Midtown Arts and Theatre Center Houston (MATCH). They’ll be joined by vocalists Belinda Munro and Yvonne Washington, and vocalist/saxophonist David Caceras. (7:30 pm; tickets: free)
3400 Main St.; 713-521-4533
Ren Fest
Saturday, September 30-Sunday, November 26
The Texas Renaissance Festival returns for its 43rd season with the addition of a ninth weekend. The festival transports patrons to the 16th century offering live entertainment, works by master artists and craftspeople, food and drink, hand-powered rides and games, and over 100 interactive characters. (Various themed weekends through November 26; tickets: $11.95-$23.95 per person per day; $40 for weekend pass per person)
21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission
Beer fest
Saturday, September 30
Oktoberfest at The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park features German and local craft beers, live music, Olympiad Games for prizes, and more. You can also show off your dirndls and lederhosen in the best dressed contest. (11 am; tickets: $25-$30 per person for general admission and $100-$125 per person for VIP)
105 Sabine St.
Black Heritage Fest
Saturday, September 30
Eric Benét, Tamia, and Elle Varner lead the group of performers at the Black Heritage Festival at Discovery Green. This year's festival pays homage to Houston’s legendary Black Heritage history makers who have made a profound impact in various industries. (Gates open at 4 pm; tickets: $25 per person for general admission and $125 per person per VIP pass)
1500 McKinney St.; 713-400-7336
Book talk
Saturday, September 30
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon will read from his latest book, Moonglow. It chronicles the life of Chabon's grandfather, a World War II soldier, engineer and rocket enthusiast who marries a troubled Jewish survivor from France and lives a challenging, wandering life in postwar America. The reading is presented by Brazos Bookstore at Christ Church Cathedral. (7:30 pm; tickets: $16.99 plus tax for one, $21.99 plus tax for two. Each ticket option comes with a paperback copy of Moonglow.)
1117 Texas Ave
Market time
Sunday, October 1
Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Urban Harvest host the Urban Harvest Farmers Market at the brewery. Expect vendors from Lira Rossa Artisan Cheese (Italian cheeses) to Sinfull Bakery (vegan baked goods) to Pain Train Salsa. Saint Arnold will also offer special brew, "Urban Harvest No.2," a blend of its popular Fancy Lawnmower beer and Java Pura’s Panamanian Hartmann Estate Geisha Coffee. (11 am-4 pm; tickets: free entry)
2000 Lyons Ave
NobleMotion Dance presents Catapult: Dance meets Design, an evening of daring choreography.
