weekend event planner

These are the 15 best things to do in Houston this weekend

This weekend in Houston is all about art and music.

On the art side, we have new exhibit openings over at Reeves Art + Design and Community Artists’ Collective. CAMHLAB will host a workshop featuring artist-in-residence Tay Butler. See a documentary on Texas artist Kermit Oliver at the MFAH.

As for music, we have live shows featuring Jason Aldean, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Swedish rock band Ghost, and a ‘90s mixtape concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Cactus Music is hosting a listening party for Jon Batiste’s latest album.

Well, it seems like you can’t stop the beat this weekend.

Thursday, August 14

Jo’s Houston presents Half-Birthday Drink Specials
Located on the corner of Studewood and E 10 1/2 St. in the Heights, Jo’s Houston is the first location of Bunkhouse Hotels' iconic Jo’s Coffee shop to open outside of Austin. In honor of its first half-birthday, Jo’s will be celebrating with half-off coffee from 7-10 am on Thursday. There will also be a specialty Birthday Cake Latte available throughout the weekend, plus festive birthday decorations to set the mood. 7 am.

Reeves Art + Design presents Jaymes Earl: "Roots and Rhymes" opening reception
Reeves Art + Design will present an exhibition that celebrates the profound influence of African and hip-hop cultures through the expressive medium of string art. The collection by Houston-based artist Jaymes Earl intricately weaves together vibrant threads that reflect the rhythms, colors, and narratives inspired by these rich cultures. Each piece serves as a homage to the dynamic spirit of hip-hop, echoing its boldness and creativity while drawing from traditional African patterns and storytelling. Through Tuesday, August 26. 6 pm.

River Oaks Theatre presents Film Strip: Hairspray
It's Baltimore, 1962, and a rebellious teenager with the biggest bouffant on the block attempts to win the coveted "Miss Auto Show" crown as she fights against racial discrimination. The great John Waters brought this 1988 musical romp (featuring Diving in his/her last role) to the screen. Now, Grimm and Ghoulia, headmistresses of The Sisterhood of Lili St. Cyr, will screen the flick this weekend, followed by a show featuring a cast of strip teasers. 8 pm.

Friday, August 15

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents A Portrait of a Postman
This fascinating new documentary profiles Texas artist/veteran postman Kermit Oliver. An alumnus of Texas Southern University who was mentored by professor and muralist John Biggers, Oliver created a remarkable body of work that includes paintings, works on paper, designs for Hermès silk scarves, and commissions. (Beyoncé’s mama Tina Knowles is a longtime collector.) Discussions with filmmaker Christopher Charles Scott and guests follow each screening. 7 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Improv Houston presents Marlon Wayans
After years of being the little brother of Keenan Ivory, Damon, and Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans is about to make some major moves at the multiplex. He and his bros will drop another Scary Movie (the horror-parody franchise they started way back in 2000) next summer. And, next month, he’ll get serious in the Jordan Peele-produced sports-related scary movie Him. Until then, catch him doing standup all weekend at Improv Houston. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7, 9:30 and 11:30 pm Saturday; 7:30 pm Sunday).

Jason Aldean and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings in concert
Local country fans will have to make a choice this weekend: Which country star will they see on Friday night? Multi-platinum Grammy nominee Jason “Try That in a Small Town” Aldean will be performing at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, along with Nate Smith, RaeLynn, and Dee Jay Silver. However, if you like your country with some bluegrass and Americana mixed in, Gillian Welch and her musical partner David Rawlings will be over at Cullen Performance Hall, playing tunes from their 2024 album Woodland. 7:30 pm.

Classic Replay presents '90s Mixtape
Remember the thrill of going to the record store and tearing the plastic off a brand new CD? How about listening to the radio, hoping to hear the latest hits from Alanis Morissette, Boyz II Men, Britney Spears, Green Day, Nirvana, En Vogue, or NSYNC? Miller Outdoor Theatre will have those – and more. With a lineup of four Broadway vocalists putting their own spin on classics like “Smells like Teen Spirit” and “I Will Always Love You,” this show is nothing but the biggest bops of the decade. 8 pm.

Saturday, August 16

93' Til X Khói Barbecue
Chef Lung Ly of 93’ Til and pitmaster Don Nguyen of Khói Barbecue join forces for a one-day-only collaboration menu of Vietnamese barbecue. Available on a first-come-first-served basis, the pop-up marks a rare opportunity for diners to experience the culinary styles of both chefs, who will showcase their Vietnamese culture through dishes cooked with fire, smoke, and wok hei. 11 am.

Community Artists’ Collective presents JajaH: "As It Is" opening reception
A former member of Project Row Houses and co-founder of the Annunaki Artist Collective, JajaH (aka Joshua Gray) has exhibited widely, including his 2018 solo show “The Light Machine.” Community Artists’ Collective will present “As It Is,” showcasing the works of JajaH, who describes his work as exploring themes of self-awareness and inner transformation. The opening reception will feature an artist talk and musical performance. Through Saturday, September 27. 4 pm.

AEG presents An Evening with Dan Carlin
Dan Carlin is a podcast pioneer whose Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcast has been downloaded more than 100 million times to date. Carlin’s passion for history, politics, and storytelling has provided audiences with unforgettable listening experiences and sparked a renewed appreciation for the past. This weekend, you can head over to Cullen Performance Hall and catch Carlin go into hard mode as he drops historical nuggets in front of a live audience. 7:30 pm.

Ghost in concert
This Swedish band is known for doing “theatrical rock,” which means a lot of makeup, costumes, and an arena rock-style theatricality. Whatever they’ve been doing, it’s working like gangbusters. Skeleta, their sixth, recently-released album, was also the first album they’ve done that reached the top of the US Billboard 200 chart. (The last time a Swedish band did this was Ace of Base’s The Sign in 1993.) Houstonians will be able to see them glam it up when they play Toyota Center this weekend. 8 pm.

Sunday, August 17

Gracie’s Corner Live: Gracie’s Global Adventure
Gracie’s Corner, the award-winning, family-favorite YouTube series, comes to Houston to present a live version of the show's beloved songs, characters, and educational magic. Created by Drs. Javoris and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth and starring their daughter Graceyn "Gracie" Hollingsworth, Gracie’s Corner was launched to celebrate inclusivity, cultural representation, and educational empowerment through music. Noon and 4 pm.

CAMHLAB Public Program: History, Houston, and Collage with Tay Butler
Join CAMHLAB Artist in Residence Tay Butler for a workshop which blends historical images, documents, and ephemera of Houston's past with contemporary collage for a fun-filled analog exercise in archival study. From Freedmen's Town to Third Ward, downtown to Fifth Ward, participants will learn intimate details and happenings that make Houston the culturally rich metropolis it is now. Dive deep into the imagery of this past to create interesting and abstract collages to take home. 1 pm.

Cactus Music presents Jon Batiste Big Money Listening Party
Oscar/Grammy-winning soul man/former The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Jon Batiste will drop Big Money, his seventh album, next Friday. Batiste melds classic and modern styles of R&B, Americana, soul, roots, jazz, gospel and more to create sounds of jubilee and diasporic expression. Drink Saint Arnold beer and chowing down on free slices from Star Pizza during the performance. 4 pm.

Ghost Facebook

Ghost haunts the Toyota Center.

event-planner weekend events

where to party on WLN

More than 20 White Linen Night parties happening in the Heights and beyond

Photo courtesy of White Linen Night in the Heights

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Goodness – it’s White Linen Night time again.

It’s that time of year when folks put on their finest, cleanest linens and walk around the Heights, just taking in all the fanciness. As this year marks the night’s 20th anniversary, Houston has a whole slew of WLN-related events, from day parties to outdoor markets to late-night shindigs. But there will also be a few alternative events (Black denim, anyone?) going on at the same time.

As always, the main celebration happens on 19th Street in the Heights. Organized by the 19th Street Merchants Association, a crowd of thousands of people — all dressed in white — shows up for this festival that features live music, street performers, food and drink stands, and more than 50 local vendors. Held from 6-10 pm, tickets are $20. Get more details and purchase tickets here.

In addition to the party 19th Street, these bars, restaurants, and other businesses in the Heights and beyond are also getting in on the White Linen Night festivities.

Agnes and Sherman will turn its space into a WLN pit stop, where folks can level up the experience with a spot to refuel and refresh. Enjoy indoor AC, restrooms, a dedicated bar, and food and drink specials available for purchase all night long. 6 pm.

ARTECHOUSE Houston will celebrate White Linen Night with an immersive evening of art, music, and cocktails. Visitors can explore the "Blooming Wonders" exhibition, featuring digital gardens and interactive installations by internationally renowned artists. 5 pm.

Best Regards will host an all-white affair featuring a specialty food and cocktail menu. Linen wearers can expect a night full of live DJ sets, elegant cocktails and delicious food. 4 pm.

Botanic Beer Garden will serve up special cocktails all day. There’s the White Linen (cucumber, elderflower, lemon, and fresh mint), Salted Honey Hibiscus Margarita (house-made hibiscus, honey, fresh lime, and a salted rim), and Dragonfruit Spritz (dragonfruit, sparkling wine, and citrus). 11 am.

Bungalow Heights promises to keep things cool if the weather gets a bit too heated. It will have an air-conditioned tent and an upper patio, where attendees can enjoy the all-day food and drink specials. A DJ will take over at 6 pm. 10 am.

By the Wayside is teaming up with Miradela for a White Linen Makers & Creators Market. Browse the market, meet the people behind the work, grab a cocktail and some food, and stick around as the night rolls on. 5 pm.

Cattlemen’s Country Club will have a White Linen Party, featuring live music from Hillbilly Deluxe and Christian Walker. This is part of a multi-venue WLN takeover that includes Heights Social, BLVD Park, and Say No Mas. Noon.

Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar sets off Black Denim festivities at Sunset Heights this year with its “Lilith Fair Festival” theme. Marley Moon, Hate Mail, and Enochian Project will be some of the artists performing, with The Suffers frontwoman Kam Franklin providing DJ grooves. 6 pm.

Donna’s WLN throwdown will include a tented parking-lot party, tropical cocktails, snacks and sandos from Bayou Butchers, and a DJ Demo vinyl set at 8:30 pm. White linen encouraged, and good times guaranteed. 6 pm.

With its WLN after party, Mexican-inspired cocktail lounge 1111 wants people to leave the Heights in white and head over to Montrose for an afterparty. Keelan Foreal will provide the sounds for this late-night soiree. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. 10 pm.

ELLIO Fine Art’s fifth annual WLN celebration will feature artwork from artists Audrey Tulimierro Welch, Kristina Rose Baker, and Houston’s own Shanti Conlan. The exhibition brings together voices whose practices span abstraction, painting, and printmaking. 4 pm.

Emerson Rose will feature a performance from local cover band The Pipe Dream. The three-piece outfit will play crowd favorites from the 90s through today. 6 pm.

Heights Antiques on Yale will be holding its 1st Saturday sale before WLN. The sidewalk sale will feature discounts of 20-50 percent off storewide. A complimentary food and drinks buffet will also be available. 10 am.

Heights Bier Garten will be offering its open-air garden for folks to sip cocktails, listen to live music, and soak in the vibes. Good Time Muffin will be kicking things off with live tunes, followed by a DJ spinning grooves at 8 pm. 4 pm.

Hotel Daphne will hold a White Linen Soiree — aka “An Elevated Al Fresco Evening.” This event will feature spritz-forward cocktails, alongside bites such as oysters, shrimp with pepperoni butter, and focaccia pizza. A live DJ will keep the party going in the courtyard. 6 pm.

M-K-T and Houston Plant Market present the fourth annual White Linen Market. The open-air market will feature a curated mix of local makers, artists, plant vendors, accessories, specialty goods, and food finds. 4 pm.

Melrose will celebrate WLN all through the wee hours with its Late Night Affair. It’ll be a night of cocktails, sounds, and late-night service, with JJOSHALLENN and Kyle Baron providing the tunes. Dress in white and stay all night. 10 pm.

Moon Rabbit is inviting all the white-wearers to swing by the Vietnamese restaurant for a patio party. It will have light bites, specialty cocktails, a DJ spinning live music, and lots of fun. Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Topo Chico are a few of the sponsors. 5 pm.

Patterson Park Patio Bar will serve as a free, pre-game, WLN destination. It will have all-day drink specials (including $10 white spritzes and $8 white teas), complimentary drink vendors, and a live DJ. 11 am.

Permission Whiskey will have a day-long throwdown, complete with a turf parking lot, Woodford Reserve on deck, and live performances from Peter & the Coconuts and The Bocock Brothers. DJ Gusgus and DJ Low-Key As-Me will spin the late-night grooves at 10 pm. 2 pm.

Raven Tower will be going the opposite route with Black Denim: The Anti-White Linen Night, with rock, emo, pop-punk, and alternative hits all night. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best black denim, band tees, leather, or all-black fit while spending WLN on the darker side of the Heights. 8 pm.

Reata Cellars will have chef Michelle Free serving up her signature "Bad Ass Burgers." This will be followed by John Egan performing some Texas blues at 8 pm. Free will also have a pulled pork sammy to-go kiosk on 19th Street until 11 pm. 6 pm.

Shady Acres Saloon will have live music going during its WLN event. Southern rock/country group Brian Taylor and the High Society will serve as the headliners. Country artist Cooper Mohrmann will perform at 3 pm. 8:30 pm.

Tribeca will hold a Purple Durag Party, hosted by White Durag and The Chopstars. DJ Candlestick, DJ Hollygrove, Lonny, and others will spend the night spinning chopped-and-screwed classics and Houston club anthems. 9 pm.

It’ll be a Whimsy White Linen Night over at The Whimsy Artisan Boutique. The free evening of art, atmosphere, and discovery features local artists, outdoor artist tents, curious collections, and wonderfully strange discoveries. 5 pm.

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