As the hectic work week comes to a close, it’s time to unwind and have some fun. Below are nine can’t-miss events, from a classic holiday flick to wrestling action to concert fun. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Latin vibes
Thursday, November 16
Grammy-winning recording artist Enrique Iglesias performs at downtown’s Toyota Center. Iglesias' hit songs include "Bailamos,” “Escape,” and “Hero.” He's joined by co-headliner and fellow Grammy Award-winner, Pitbull, who's touring in support of his 10th full-length album, Climate Change, featuring singles “Options,” “Greenlight,” and “Messin’ Around.” (7:30 pm; tickets: $39.95-$199.95 per person)
1510 Polk St.; 713-758-7200
Christmas cheer
Friday, November 17
Get into the holiday spirit with a showing of the 2003 comedy, Elf, starring Will Ferrell, at Miller Outdoor Theatre. (7 pm; tickets: free admission)
6000 Hermann Park Dr.; 281-373-3386
Outdoor fest
Saturday, November 18-Sunday, November 19
The 12th annual Houston Via Colori Street Painting Festival, with a 2017 theme of “70 Years in Color,” boasts work from more than 200 local and international artists and band performances on three stages. The art and music fest also features family-friendly activities, food, and beverages. Proceeds benefit nonprofit, The Center for Hearing and Speech. (10 am- 5 pm; tickets: $7 per person for general admission and $40 per person for a VIP pass)
900 Smith St.; 713-523-3633
Ugly sweater soiree and shopping galore
Saturday, November 18-Sunday, November 19
Celebrate the holidays at the Winter Holiday Arts Market Ugly Sweater party and happy hour, presented by Fresh Arts, at Winter Street Studios. On Friday, the event gives guests an early preview of the annual curated market featuring fine art and handmade crafts from over 65 local artists. Find a unique gift for everyone on your list Saturday and Sunday when the market opens to the public. (Friday from 6 - 10 pm, Saturday from 10 am – 7 pm and Sunday from 11 am – 4 pm; tickets: For Friday, tickets are $15 per person in advance and $25 per person at the door. Admission on Saturday and Sunday is free).
2101 Winter St.; 713-868-1839
Hit the ice
Saturday, November 18
Head to the opening of The Ice at Discovery Green at Frostival for a fun-filled night including an ice carving by Reverend Butter and DLG Ice Factory, music by The Peterson Brothers, and the debut of the park's new winter art installation, "Hello Trees!" The outdoor ice skating remains open through January 21, 2018. (Frostival is Saturday from 6-10 pm. Click here for ice rink hours of operation; tickets: Frostival tickets are $20 per person contribution to Discovery Green Conservancy and ice rink tickets are $14 per person for regular admission)
1500 McKinney St.; 713-400-7336
WWE
Saturday, November 18
At World Wrestling Entertainment NXT Takeover: War Games at Toyota Center, fans can catch Drew McIntyre, Aleister Black, Hideo Itami, Adam Cole, Ember Moon, Sanity, Authors of Pain, Kassius Ohno, and more in the ring. (6:15 pm; tickets: $20-$300 per person)
1510 Polk St.; 713-758-7200
Thanksgiving farmer's market
Sunday, November 19
FM Kitchen and Bar converts its parking lot and patio into a Thanksgiving-themed Farmer’s Market presented by Urban Harvest. Shop for items from 15 local vendors, including Artisana Bread, Texas Hill Country Olive Company, Tejas Heritage Farm (turkeys, chicken, wild boar), Plant it Forward Farms (vegetables), and Java Pura Coffee Roasters, offering a mix of items to get your household ready for T-Day. Shop away and then grab brunch as FM Kitchen and Bar serves a special midday menu inspired by the market. (11 am - 3 pm; tickets: free admission)
1112 Shepherd Dr.; 832-804-6006
Taco Sunday
Sunday, November 19
Your ticket to the second annual Gr8 Taco Challenge at 8th Wonder Brewery gets you a custom souvenir pint glass, tunes by Heapin' Helpin', four beer tokens, and a taco sampling from participating restaurants like Presidio, Riel, State Fare,The Pit Room, and Uchi. A portion of proceeds goes to Kids' Meals Houston. (12-4 pm; tickets: $40 per person in advance and $50 per person at the door)
2202 Dallas St.
New museum exhibit
Sunday, November 19
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, presents "Bestowing Beauty: Masterpieces from Persian Lands," an exhibition of more than 100 works highlighting the artistic and cultural heritage of Iranian civilization from the 6th to the 19th century. Highlights include miniature paintings from the Shahnama, the Iranian national epic and a range of historically significant ceramics. The exhibit runs through February 11, 2018. (12:15 pm; tickets: $15 per person for general admission to the museum)
1001 Bissonnet St.; 713-639-7300
The twelfth annual Houston Via Colori Street Painting Festival boasts pieces from more than 200 local and international artists.
