weekend event planner

14 best things to do in Houston this weekend: illusions, silent disco, and more

Your partner will loom large at the new Museum of Illusions.

Photo via Museum of Illusions

Plenty of fun events await this Labor Day weekend (check out our Labor Day events list here). A mind-bending museum is all an illusion, while a gripping art exhibit on the sad reality Black Americans used to face while traveling.

Things get loud — and quiet — with silent disco in River Oaks, bird watching soars at Houston Audubon, and a smooth, soulful singer comes to town on Sunday.

Enjoy; here are your best bets for Labor Day weekend.

`Thursday, August 31

Black Restaurant Week presents Nosh: Houston Culinary Showcase

Black Restaurant Week presents their sixth annual culinary showcase, featuring Houston's premier Black chefs, caterers, and bartenders. Guests can dive into the African diaspora and tantalize taste buds with flavors of African, African-American, and Caribbean cuisine. From spicy and savory, to sweet and subtle, there will be an array of options suited for every taste. 6 pm.

Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino presents Carlos Cruz-Diez: "A Legacy in Color" opening reception

Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino will present its seventh solo exhibition of the master artist, featuring three large-scale Physichromies, each from different periods, representing Carlos Cruz-Diez’s ever-expanding investigation of color. Cruz-Diez set out to challenge viewers’ traditional understanding of fine art. He searched for what he called “a new starting point” and to create work that had never been seen before. Through Thursday, October 12. 6 pm.

Houston Museum of African American Culture presents The First Rainbow Coalition

Chicago, 1969: Activists from the Black Panthers, Young Lords, and Young Patriots united African Americans, Latinos, and poor whites to confront police brutality and unfair housing practices. A timely story of collective action, this documentary tells this little-known chronicle of political struggle with insight and urgency, using archival footage and interviews with those who lived it. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Black Panther Party member Henry "Poison" Gaddis, director Ray Santisteban, and artist El Franco Lee. 6:30 pm.

Friday, September 1

Museum of Illusions Grand Opening

Museum of Illusions will celebrate its grand opening this weekend. This is a unique and exciting museum dedicated to providing visitors with a fun, interactive and educational experience that challenges perception and inspires creativity. The museum features 60 interactive exhibits that combine entertainment and education into an “edutainment” amalgamation, using optical illusions, visual tricks, and hands-on interactive displays to create a playful environment that engages visitors of all ages. 10 am.

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service presents "The Negro Motorist Green Book"

The Green Book provided life-saving information on restaurants, gas stations, department stores and other businesses that welcomed African American travelers during an era of segregation and Jim Crow laws. The exhibition will offer an immersive look at the reality of safe travel for African Americans during the mid-century, including artifacts like business signs and postcards to historic footage, images, and firsthand accounts to convey the apprehension felt by Black travelers. Through Sunday, November 26. 10 am (Noon Sunday).

Stages presents POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive

One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he most relies upon risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. This uproarious, all-female farce took Broadway by storm in 2022. After all, behind every great man is a great woman — or seven of them. Through Sunday, October 8. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Home Run Dugout presents Legends

Starting this weekend, Home Run Dugout is launching a concert series, with the inaugural concert featuring some of Houston's favorite home-grown talent. The venue's Biergarten Baseball Field will be transformed into a concert venue, giving concert-goers a unique “field of dreams” live music experience. The series kicks off with a concert featuring H-Town rap icons Lil' Keke, Slim Thug and Paul Wall. Proceeds from the show will go to benefit Spring Spirit Foundation. 9 pm.

Saturday, September 2

Conroe Sports Cards & Collectibles Show

The two-day Conroe Sports Cards & Collectibles Show will include cards, toys, memorabilia, art, comics, board games, video games, Funko pops and more. Guests can expect chances to win prizes through giveaways and raffles. There will be 200+ tables of collectibles set up and admission is free for all ages. Houston Astros legend Larry Dierker will also be making an autograph appearance on Saturday at 11 am. FCG card grading will be available onsite. 9 am (10 am Sunday).

Agora Haus presents Grapes & Grooves Festival

There will be a fusion of wine, music, and sophistication at the Grapes & Grooves Festival. General admission tickets let guests savor wine tastings and indulge in lite bites at the Haus Patio. VIP admission guests will gain exclusive access to Agora Haus and discover a selection of wines during a private tasting session, as well as a dinner reception at B&B Butchers, curated by chefs. VIP+ guests will also enjoy all the benefits of VIP admission, including exclusive wine tastings and lite bites. 11 am.

Redbud Arts Center presents Wayne Goodman: "Storyville" and Daniel Anguilu: "Memories from the Future" opening reception

71-year-old Wayne Goodman has masterfully harnessed his lifetime of experiences to produce “Storyville,” a body of work that reflects on past and present narratives. (Through Saturday, September 30.) Also, Redbud presents the opening of Daniel Anguilu’s show, “Memories from the Future.” Anguilu is an acclaimed artist renowned for his compelling journey to creating monumental murals that engage with social and political issues, while paying homage to the symbolism of his ancestors. (Through Saturday, October 28.) 6 pm.

River Oaks District presents Silent Disco in the Park

As the finale to its summer series of monthly activations, Houston’s River Oaks District presents its first-ever silent disco event. Open to the public and free of charge, this alfresco silent disco welcomes guests of all ages to grab a wireless headset and groove to a selection presented by two live DJ’s. Adding to the festivities, The Traveling Spirit Bar will also be serving complimentary disco-themed cocktails and mocktails, while Wonder Pops will showcase complimentary boozy and kid-friendly popsicles. 8 pm.

Sunday, September 3

Wine VIbes Micro Winery and Bistro End of Summer Celebration

Wine Vibes Micro Winery closes out the summer and frosé season with a family-friendly luau celebration. Slip into your best Hawaiian or vacation outfits (or come as you are), enjoy wine and frosé, a DJ, photo ops, and free popsicles for the kids. Each person who purchases a glass of frosé will be entered into a drawing to win a Wine Vibes t-shirt. As they celebrate with Hawaiian vibes, they will be raising money to support the victims of the Maui wildfires. A QR code will be available to directly donate to the impacted Hawaiian communities. 3 pm.

Houston Audubon presents Purple Martin Watch Parties

Houston Audubon will give visitors a chance to experience the spectacle of the migration of thousands of purple martins. There will be an info table for guests to chat with the Houston Audubon staff and volunteers about purple martins and their amazing migration. Guests must bring their own lawn chairs and water. Registration is highly encouraged. The event will take place in the Willowbrook Plaza parking lot near the At Home store. 7:45 pm.

Anthony Hamilton in concert with The Ton3s and TMF

R&B singer Anthony Hamilton will be in town this weekend, which means a lot of sistas will be heading up to Smart Financial Centre – probably with a flask of Hennessy on them – ready and willing to sing along with the North Carolina native and his smooth, soulful love songs. The man has released seven albums in his career, most recently 2021's Love is the New Black, which actually includes a song called “White Hennessy.” He'll be joined by The Ton3s and TMF. 7 pm.

Weekend event planner

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

Photo courtesy of NBC

Seth Meyers will perform at Bayou Music Center on October 24.

If you wanna get in the spooky, cinematic spirit before Halloween pops off next weekend, on Thursday, Kefita Coffee will screen the cult vampire flick Ganja & Hess, while Box 13 ArtSpace will have a demonic double feature of The Exorcist and The Devils. And, on Sunday, Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge will close out its horror-tinged month of Mid Main Movie Club double bills with The Shining and The Thing.

Here are some other events and happenings going down this weekend, from a Mediterranean festival to an East Montrose tour/walk to a two-night performance from someone who really adores Beyonce.

Photo courtesy of NBC

Seth Meyers will perform at Bayou Music Center on October 24.

Thursday, October 22

Architecture Center Houston presents "Big Dome, Bigger Dreams: Visions for Harris County Domed Stadium" opening reception
"Big Dome, Bigger Dreams: Visions for Harris County Domed Stadium" explores the history, significance, and possible future of one of Houston’s most recognizable landmarks. The exhibition traces the Astrodome, from its groundbreaking development and revolutionary engineering achievements through its decades of historic events, decline, and ongoing debate over its future. Through Friday, January 22. 5:30 pm.

Gente de Teatro presents El Test
Would you prefer $100,000 now or $1,000,000 in 10 years? The play El Test (The Test) begins with a simple question and uses humor and intelligence to strip away the masks we all wear. What starts as an innocent game ends up questioning everything: love, success, failure, friendship, ethics, the fear of time's passage, and the small lies each character has used to construct their identity. All performances are in Spanish. Through Sunday, November 1. 7:30 pm (3:30 pm Sunday).

Theatre Under the Stars presents Mrs. Doubtfire
Based on the beloved 1993 film, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of a Scottish nanny in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. A hysterical and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy that proves we’re better together. 7:30 pm (8 pm Friday; 2 & 8 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Friday, October 23

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation presents Power of Literacy Luncheon
Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild will host its annual Power of Literacy Luncheon, now in its 11th year. The luncheon will feature a conversation with Grammy/Emmy winner Harry Connick, Jr., who will discuss his new book, Babe: Elaboratio - A Tribute to My Mother. Attendees will also enjoy a silent auction, raffle and special “Giving Tree” opportunity. Proceeds from this year’s luncheon will benefit childhood literacy initiatives throughout the Houston area. 11 am.

St. George Orthodox Christian Church presents Houston Mediterranean Festival
The Houston Mediterranean Festival celebrates the culture and flavors of the Mediterranean, featuring dishes like gyro, shawarma, and baklava, plus Arabic entertainment from around Houston and dancing from the St. George Dabke troupe. For two days, families can enjoy petting zoo visits, face painting, and balloon artists. Visitors can also explore the Mediterranean marketplace, take a tour of the church, and bid in the silent auction for a chance to take home something special. 11 am.

Rice Cinema presents The Fall
In co-writer/director Tarsem Singh’s 2006 fantasia, a young immigrant girl recovers from a broken arm in a Los Angeles hospital during the 1920s. She befriends a bedridden stuntman who was paralyzed after an accident on set. He tells her an epic, fantastical tale about a group of outcast heroes seeking revenge against an evil ruler. As the line between reality and imagination blurs, the stuntman’s story reflects his own fragile emotional state, and the girl weaves herself and the people around her into his vivid mental landscape. 7 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "Hocus Pocus Pops"
"Hocus Pocus Pops" is packed with music, costumes, candy, and just the right amount of mischief. The Houston Symphony will present a family-friendly concert full of spooky favorites, playful surprises, and magical moments that bring the spirit of Halloween to life. Folks are encouraged to come dressed in their best costume. Before the concert, kids and families can explore the plazas for trick-or-treating, activities, and festive fun. 7:30 pm.

Saturday, October 24

The East Montrose Civic Association presents the 15th Biennial Home Tour and Art Walk
The East Montrose Civic Association will host its day-long, 15th Biennial Home Tour and Art Walk this weekend. During the 1960s, East Montrose became a center for the counterculture and hippie communes. Today, this pedestrian-friendly area exhibits a diverse mix of people and architecture. Tourgoers can get a glimpse of how the architecture has been transformed over the years, with results of unique renovations that are characteristic of this distinctive, eclectic neighborhood. 10 am.

Flying Saucer presents 15th Anniversary Celebration
Flying Saucer will celebrate 15 years in Sugar Land Town Square with a block party featuring craft beer, music from DJ Jetplane, anniversary beer experiences, exclusive merchandise, and raffles featuring prizes from our Sugar Land Town Square neighbors. Attendees can join the beer-sampling experience for $30. They will receive a taster card and a custom 15th Anniversary Taster glass, along with access to a choice of up to 10 rare beer pours. 4 pm.

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts presents Beyond Broadway: Tituss Burgess
Tituss Burgess is known from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Schmigadoon, one of his many star turns on Broadway (Oh, Mary!, Moulin Rouge, Guys and Dolls, The Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys), or all these memes. Wherever you know him from, he’s one of the most versatile and dynamic performers out there. This one-night-only concert will feature a wide swath of music, ranging from classic and modern musical theatre hits to songs by John Mayer, Shirley Bassey, Bette Midler, music from Porgy & Bess, and more. 7:30 pm (1 pm Sunday).

Bayou Music Center presents Seth Meyers
When he’s not trying to make sense every weeknight on his NBC late-night talk show, Seth Meyers still heads out on the road and does stand-up. The former Saturday Night Live head writer/Weekend Update anchor has already dropped two specials (Netflix’s Lobby Baby in 2019 and HBO’s Dad Man Walking in 2024). He’ll be in the Lone Star State for two shows this weekend – first hitting Dallas on Friday, then Houston on Saturday. 7 pm.

Sunday, October 25

Space City Fest
Space City Fest is a Christian music festival recognized as one of the largest Christian hip hop festivals in the country. This year’s festivities will be headlined by four-time Grammy winner Lecrae. It will also feature performances from other Christian hip hop artists. The event will be hosted by Houston’s own Von Won — Christian hip hop artist, community leader, and lead pastor of Space City Church. 4 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The Third Man
Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles star in director Carol Reed’s gripping 1949 drama, set in post-World War II. Allied-occupied Vienna. An American novelist arrives in the city, learns that his longtime friend Harry Lime is dead, and sets out to find out what happened while also becoming involved with his friend’s lover. Globally acknowledged as a masterpiece, The Third Man (which will be shown in glorious 35mm!) is must-see essential cinema. 5 pm.

BEAR...BE A Resource presents Stetsons & Stilettos
Stetsons & Stilettos is BEAR...BE A Resource's largest fundraising event of the year. The Western-inspired evening supports the group's work providing essential resources, comfort and dignity to at-risk and CPS-involved children and their caretakers across Greater Houston.

People can enjoy food, an open bar, live music, a magician performance, silent and live auctions, a wine and liquor pull, bandana embroidery, and more. Attire can range from Western wear and boots to cocktail attire and stilettos. 6:30 pm.

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