weekend event planner

These are the 14 best things to do in Houston this weekend

Even when times are rough, sometimes you gotta forget about all that and have a laugh or two. Thankfully, you’ll have several chances to do that this weekend, from superstar stand-up/podcaster Tom Segura and comic YouTuber Funny Marco headlining shows to the Riot Comedy Festival serving up an arsenal of local and visiting comedians.

We also have a hot sauce festival, a barbecue festival, a Final Four watch party, and — not to toot our own horn or anything – the 2025 CultureMap Houston Tastemaker Awards! As a cornrowed funk legend once said, enjoy yourself!

Thursday, April 3

Mid Main Houston presents Mid Main First Thursday Block Party
The Mid Main First Thursday Block Party is doing something a little different this month. Pasadena rock band Matamoros will be performing live right out there on Winbern St. at 8 pm. This month’s donation will be going to The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. (Art cars will also be on display.) Saint Arnold Brewing Company will have free suds available, while art shows will be going on at Mid Main Art Gallery and Sig's Lagoon. 6 pm.

2025 CultureMap Houston Tastemaker Awards
The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate Houston’s top restaurant and bar talent for 2025. Our mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Houston a world-class culinary destination. At the signature tasting event and awards ceremony, we’ll celebrate all of the nominees as emcee Chris Shepherd unveils this year’s winners. Guests will enjoy an evening full of chef-prepared bites and specialty drinks. 7 pm.

Chaparelle in concert
Alt-country supergroup Chaparelle consists of Texas-based musicians Zella Day, Jesse Woods, and Beau Bedford. What began as a songwriting partnership between Day and Woods evolved into a deeper connection and the couple is now engaged. They began working with acclaimed producer Bedford, who eventually joined the band, solidifying the group’s distinct sound, vocal prowess, and celebrated contributions to their genres. Before their debut album Western Pleasure drops in a couple weeks, you can see them live this weekend. 7:45 pm.

Friday, April 4

Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra presents Princess Mononoke
This weekend, Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra will give audiences two versions of a Studio Ghibli classic. In the 14th century, the harmony that humans, animals, and gods have enjoyed begins to crumble. Ashitaka – infected by an animal attack – seeks a cure from deer-like god Shishigami. In his travels, he sees humans ravaging the earth, bringing down the wrath of wolf god Moro and his human companion Princess Mononoke. His attempts to broker peace between her and the humans brings only conflict. 12:45 and 6:15 pm (dubbed).

3rd Annual Riot Comedy Festival & BBQ Cookoff
It’s time once again for Houstonians to get their funny on at the 3rd Annual Riot Comedy Festival & BBQ Cookoff. The four-day festival will feature over 30 comedy shows, including stand-up from over 50 comedians with famous headliners, live podcasts, improv, music, and a national comedy contest. Chris Redd, Sam Tallent, Hans Kim, Katherine Blanford and others will be dropping jokes all weekend. Saturday adds a barbecue cook-off with AYCE passes available. 6 pm (3 pm Saturday; 4 pm Sunday).

Houston Symphony presents "Showstoppers! Celebrating Iconic Women of Broadway"
In this spectacular Broadway show, audiences will hear electrifying showstoppers from Wicked, In the Heights, Hamilton, and more, each with a nod to powerful female characters who never let anyone bring them down. Possessing one of the most dynamic and expressive voices on Broadway, no one’s better suited to these songs than Mandy Gonzalez. As a special treat, Gonzalez will also share a song written just for her by Lin-Manuel Miranda. All ticketholders are invited to a free Encore After Party following Saturday’s performance. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Punch Line Houston presents Funny Marco
Kansas City native Funny Marco was born to entertain. The YouTube content creator and social media personality rose to fame by pranking his friends, family, and strangers. He’s best known for the intentionally awkward interviews he’s done with GloRilla, Boosie Badazz, and other Black performers. (Think of it as a ‘hood Between Two Ferns.) This weekend, he’ll be performing at Punch Line Houston, most likely continuing his bad fashion choices by showing up in a suit that’s too big for him. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 and 9:15 pm).

Saturday, April 5

The Menil Collection presents Neighborhood Community Day
[Update: Due to weather, this event has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 17.] The Menil Collection's Neighborhood Community Day is an afternoon of art, music, poetry, and family activities in celebration of the museum’s vibrant neighborhood and the 30th anniversary of the Cy Twombly Gallery. Participating organizations include DACAMERA, Houston Center for Photography, Inprint, The Menil Collection, Plant It Forward, Rothko Chapel, Watercolor Art Society, and Writers in the Schools. Next door at the Rothko Chapel, Express Children’s Theatre will present “Art Class for Families with Frida Kahlo,” an interactive performance and hands-on art-making workshop designed to give children of all ages an opportunity to express themselves. 1 pm.

Archway Gallery presents "New Visions, New Voices: Inspiring Connections Through Art" opening reception
Archway Gallery will premiere its latest group exhibition "New Visions, New Voices," putting the spotlight on the work of five artists who are the newest members of the Archway family. The exhibition will feature Rhonda Radford Adams’ vibrant mixed-media collages, Michael Angell’s fantastical metal castings, Gözde Kaya Hepişler’s whimsical ceramic sculptures, Kay Sarver’s expressive oil paintings and portraits, and Eric Stiles’ striking abstract paintings. Through Thursday, May 1. 5 pm.

Avenida Houston and Houston First present Houston Men’s Basketball Final Four Watch Party
The top seed UH Coogs made it into the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. With the team's defeat of Tennessee behind them, UH will square off with Duke in San Antonio. Local fans can come together to have fun and cheer on the hometown team at a free watch party over at Avenida Plaza. Fans will watch the game on a huge, 20-foot LED screen as well as on multiple 80-inch monitors that will be placed throughout the Plaza. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and restaurants on Avenida will be open for dining. 6:30 pm.

Tom Segura: Come Together Tour
Comedian, actor, and writer — and Austin native — Tom Segura is a major player in the comedy podcast game. He’s best known for going back-and-forth with wife/fellow comic Christina Pazsitzky on Your Mom’s House and going back-and-forth with work wife/fellow comic Bert Kreischer on 2 Bears, 1 Cave. But he’s also got a rep for being a funny guy; he does have five Netflix specials under his belt. He’ll be hitting us with yuks this weekend at NRG Arena. 7:30 pm.

Sunday, April 6

Karbach Brewing Co. presents Hot Sauce Festival
Prepare to get your tastebuds scorched at the 5th Annual Hot Sauce Festival. The day-long spicefest will feature a chance to sample and shop sizzling sauces galore from top hot sauce vendors across the United States. Visitors will vote for their favorite to help crown the hottest and best-tasting sauces. There will be a live DJ, food trucks and cold beer, and more. Just don’t get your Conan O’Brien on and go overboard. Noon.

12th Annual Houston Barbecue Festival
The Houston Barbecue Festival is back, celebrating 12 years of smoky, mouthwatering tradition. This annual event showcases the passion, dedication, and craft of Houston’s top pitmasters, drawing fans from near and far for an unforgettable culinary experience. You’ll also have a star-studded roster of legendary and up-and-coming pitmasters. Adding even more fire to the lineup, this year’s special guest is none other than Burnt Bean Co. from Seguin. 1 pm.

Houston Repertoire Ballet presents Celebration of Dance
Houston Repertoire Ballet celebrates its 29th season with a Celebration of Dance. Classic storybook characters jump from the page onto the stage in Storybook Fantasy. Two new contemporary works will be premiered, including Gray Matter, a new modern dance work by JoDee Engle, and a contemporary ballet piece en pointe choreographed by Kristy Nilsson accompanied by a live string quartet to Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. The finale, Paquita, is a classical ballet, featuring guest artists Yuriko Kajiya and Connor Walsh. 1 and 4:30 pm.

Tom Segura: I'm Coming Everywhere

Tom Segura/Facebook

Tom Segura returns to Houston this weekend.

event-planner weekend events

weekend event planner

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

Steve Aoki/Facebook

See Steve Aoki in concert at NOHO in EaDo.

This weekend, it’ll be a brand new year. Although some may be partied out after New Year's Eve, some cool stuff will be happening.

Welcome 2026 with a festive brunch. Music from Nat King Cole and Steve Aoki will be played on Friday night. Saturday begins with a matcha pop-up and ends with a salute to goth/darkwave at Wonky Power. And, on Sunday, you can get in a fun run/walk and see the Thin White Duke on the big screen.

Thursday, January 1

The Union Kitchen presents New Year’s Day Brunch
The Union Kitchen is kicking off 2026 with a celebratory New Year’s Day brunch at all Houston-area locations. Customers will enjoy festive brunch sips, including $2.50 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys, and $4 bellinis. Additionally, in true Southern tradition, the restaurant will offer cabbage, black-eyed peas, and cornbread — the classic good-luck trio for prosperity in the year ahead. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. 10 am.

EZ’s Liquor Lounge presents New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch
For those who know they’ll be party-hopping this New Year’s Eve, here's a place to go and deal with that gnarly hangover the day after. The annual Hangover Brunch will feature fried chicken, biscuits, champagne specials, and caviar at cost. 11 am.

MKT Bar presents New Year's Day Brunch
While some people are known to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day – for good luck and prosperity for the year ahead – head over to MKT Bar (located inside Phoenicia Specialty Foods' location downtown) and get their famous chicken and waffles for half-off. The Danielle Reich and Bruce Saunders Quintet will also be on the premises, performing some eclectic, jazz/pop numbers. Noon.

Friday, January 2

Punch Line Houston presents Sam Jay
Stand-up comic Sam Jay will be doing a two-night stint at Punch Line Houston this weekend. The Emmy-nominated former Saturday Night Live writer has been seen on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay, a weekly late-night series on which she served as host and executive producer, as well as Bust Down, the Peacock sitcom she co-created and co-starred in. Recently, she did her solo show Sam Jay: We the People at the Edinburgh Festival and New York’s Lincoln Center Theater. 7 and 9:15 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "A Nat King Cole New Year"
The Jones Center for the Performing Arts will have an “Unforgettable” start to 2026 as Byron Stripling, Denzal Sinclaire, and the Houston Symphony Big Band perform the timeless hits of Nat King Cole, along with well-known songs by other jazz legends. The program will include songs like “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy,” “When I Fall in Love,” “Just One of Those Things,” and more. (We wonder if we’ll get Cole’s “The Christmas Song” one last time.) 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Theatre Southwest presents Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie’s legendary, literary masterwork will be brought to the stage at Theatre Southwest. On a train traveling through Europe, a wealthy American tycoon is found dead in his compartment, the door locked from the inside. Enter world-famous detective Hercule Poirot, who must navigate a train full of suspects and solve the murder before the killer strikes again. Through Saturday, January 17. 8 pm (3 pm Sunday).

NOTO Houston presents Steve Aoki
Did you know that DJ/producer Steve Aoki invented the trend known as “caking”? That’s when he throws a huge cake out into the crowd while playing Autoerotique’s “Turn Up the Volume,” a song whose video features people getting splattered by exploding cakes. We bring this up because Aoki will be doing a late-night DJ set at NOTO Houston, and there’s a very good chance people in the crowd will get hit with a very delicious dessert. Stay in the back to avoid getting icing on your outfit. 10 pm.

Saturday, January 3

Kazzan Ramen & Bar and Tomo Matcha Pop-Up
Houston’s ramen scene is getting a green tea glow-up. Kazzan Ramen & Bar is teaming up with Tomo Matcha for a one-day pop-up this weekend. For the collaboration, guests who dine in at Kazzan Ramen will receive 20% off Tomo matcha, and customers who purchase a matcha drink will enjoy 20% off their meal. If you can’t make it, Tomo will also do a Sunday-afternoon pop-up at GLO Pilates. 11 am.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Resurrection
Bi Gan (whose Long Day’s Journey into Night screened at MFAH in 2018) directs this ambitious, 160-minute, sci-fi detective movie starring Chinese superstar Jackson Yee (Better Days) and actress Shu Qi (The Assassin). In a future where humanity has surrendered its ability to dream in exchange for immortality, an outcast finds illusion, nightmarish visions, and beauty in an intoxicating world of his own making. 2 pm.

Archway Gallery presents June Woest: "Weather Inside Out" opening reception
Archway Gallery will present an exhibit of new work by June Woest that captures the interplay between photography, sculpture, and AI. "Weather Inside Out" explores Woest’s experiences with the unpredictable nature of the weather by challenging the notion that we are helpless against it. Her works are an invitation to embrace change and find comfort in the unpredictable.Through Thursday, February 5. 5 pm.

Wonky Power presents Dia de los Darks
The first Dia de los Darks of the year kicks off this weekend, bringing a night powered by darkwave, goth, rock en español, and cumbia. Scheduled to perform are El Turko Sonidero, DJ Fredster and guitar-playing masked man Orpheus Von Doom. Expect haunting beats, immersive visual installations lighting up the night. A night market will be open late with art, fashion, and local vendors — giving attendees that dark underground vibe. 8 pm.

Sunday, January 4

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium presents Saint Arnold Social Fun Walk/Run
Saint Arnold Fun Runs are back for 2026. Close out the first weekend of 2026 by getting some exercise, taking a social run/walk, and purging yourself of everything 2025-related. Participants get a guided and marked, 3.5(ish)-mile run/walk with beer pacers, three tasty brews from Saint Arnold, a Saint Arnold pint glass, and a Texas tamale breakfast. Rain or shine. 8 am.

Cousins Maine Lobster at Car Spa
Get your car shining and your cravings satisfied all in one stop as Cousins Maine Lobster rolls its truck over to Car Spa this weekend. Whether you're cleaning up your ride or just passing through, swing by and sample such delicacies as Maine, Connecticut, and garlic butter lobster rolls, lobster tacos and quesadillas, lobster tots and lobster tails, lobster grilled cheese, creamy lobster bisque, clam chowder, whoopie pies, and more. 11 am.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema LaCenterra presents The Man Who Fell to Earth
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s “Art Decade: Films of David Bowie 1973-1983” series begins with this 1976 sci-fi curio. The story of an alien (Bowie, of course) on an elaborate rescue mission provides the launching pad for Nicolas Roeg’s examination of alienation in contemporary life. The film’s hallucinatory vision was obscured in the American theatrical release, which deleted nearly 20 minutes of crucial scenes and details. This screening is of Roeg’s full, uncut version. Noon.

Steve Aoki in concert

Steve Aoki/Facebook

See Steve Aoki in concert at NOHO in EaDo.

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