weekend event planner

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

Houston will basically be going into Christmas overdrive this weekend.

We got theaters doing yuletide-themed stage shows, holiday parties that encourage you to come out in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater, holiday markets, and lots of toy drives. A ramen spot will even have actual snow and a Mariah Carey doppelganger on its premises. The weather may not know it’s Christmastime, but the city definitely does.

Thursday, December 19

Improv Houston presents Joel Kim Booster
LA-based comedian and writer Joel Kim Booster cares deeply about cats, appointment television, various feuds, and more. He has co-hosted Quibi’s Singled Out remake alongside Keke Palmer and starred as Jun Ho in NBC’s Sunnyside. Recently, he wrote and starred in the film Fire Island, and co-starred on the Apple TV+ comedy Loot. His stand-up has been featured on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Conan, Netflix, Comedy Central and more. 7:30 pm.

Stages presents Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold
It's CSI: Bethlehem in this holiday mystery extravaganza, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages — whatever happened to the Magi's gold? ("We know that Mary used the frankincense and myrrh as a sort of potpourri — they were in a barn after all.") Employing her own scientific tools, as well as a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any you've ever seen. 7:30 pm (7:30 pm Friday and Saturday; 2:30 pm Sunday).

93' Til 4 Year Anniversary & Holiday Party
Houston restaurant and vinyl bar 93' Til is celebrating its fourth anniversary with an evening of dinner, drink specials, music, and entertainment. In honor of the milestone, 93' Til is featuring its new seasonal dinner and holiday cocktail menus, as well as special promotions featuring Rosaluna Mezcal cocktails. An all-vinyl (we’re talking all 45s, all night here!) lineup of DJs will set the evening's soundtrack, with performances from Fire Frunk, Demo, and L080. 8 pm.

Friday, December 20

Ninja Ramen presents Ninja Winter Wonderland
Ninja Ramen will be going all the way out for its annual, indoor snow event with 10,000 pounds of real, actual snow inside the restaurant — dress warmly. There will also be a “Mall-Mariah” (aka a Mariah Carey lookalike) around to take pictures with customers. Casamigos and Mezcal Union will be making special drinks and cocktails like the MezCaliente, a boozy Mexican hot chocolate with a giant marshmallow. (Non-alcoholic offerings will also be available.) And, of course, don’t forget about the ramen. 4 pm (4 pm Saturday and Sunday).

Taste Kitchen + Bar’s Ugly Sweater Happy Hour & Toy Drive
Downtown eatery Taste Kitchen + Bar will be getting its holly-jolly on with its Ugly Sweater Happy Hour. Taste will be collecting toys to donate to the City Wide Club for children at their 46th Annual Christmas Super Feast event on Christmas Eve. This is an opportunity to put on that favorite ugly Christmas sweater, donate a new toy to make a difference in the life of a child at Christmastime, enjoy food and drinks at special prices, and have a chance to win some awesome prizes. 4:20 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les parapluies de Cherbourg)
In this dazzling, bittersweet 1964 musical from Jacques Demy, an umbrella-shop owner’s daughter (Catherine Deneuve) glows with first love for a garage mechanic (Nino Castelnuovo). When he is sent to fight in Algeria, the two pledge their hearts to each other, but this true love succumbs to the realities of life and unexpected consequences. It’s one of the most revered and unorthodox movie musicals of all time, exquisitely designed in a kaleidoscope of colors, and told entirely through the lilting songs of the composer Michel Legrand. 7 pm (7 pm Saturday and 2 pm Sunday).

A.D. Players presents A Texas Carol Part Deux
Everyone's favorite dysfunctional East Texas family is back. The Dinkel family is gathering back on Mee-Maw's beloved ranch on Christmas Day to celebrate Ginny and Hugo's wedding. But Hugo, the new head coach of the Houston NHL expansion team, is stuck in Dallas, snowed in by a whopping eighth of an inch. Hugo's absence forces Gretta, Erik, and Van to once again run a poorly conceived (but well-meaning) scheme to keep the truth from the ultra-anxious Ginny. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 21

Acres Home Chamber Holiday Farmers Market
The Acres Home Chamber hosts its free, monthly, second Annual Holiday Farmers Market, featuring photos with Santa, toys for a limited number of neighborhood children, and a holiday giveaway for SNAP/EBT users. As parents wait for their children to capture memories with Santa, they’ll have the chance to learn more about healthy eating through a cooking demonstration and support local farmers, artisans, and food vendors — something that has a lasting impact in food deserts like Acres Home. 10 am.

First Saturday Arts Market
The First Saturday Arts Market will extend its season with a special rain date. Under partly sunny skies and cooler temperatures, more than 30 artists will gather for what they’re calling the Last Chance Holiday Art Market. This event offers a final opportunity for holiday shoppers and visitors to experience Houston’s original, monthly, outdoor art market. Attendees can browse paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and more. Live local music and offerings from Houston Cider Co. will contribute to a festive atmosphere. 11 am.

William Beckmann in concert
Texas crooner William Beckmann comes to Houston as part of his 2024 Las Posadas Tour, a six-city special set of performances featuring an intimate night of Christmas music, Spanish songs, storytelling, and select Beckmann originals. He'll be joined by special guest Harper O'Neill. One hundred percent of VIP package sales will be donated to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation to fund and support hundreds of children’s charities and organizations throughout Texas. 7 pm.

The Copacabana Hall’s Grand Opening Celebration and Toy Drive
Brand-new, downtown/East River event venue The Copacabana Hall is inviting the community to its Grand Opening Celebration and Toy Drive this weekend. Admission to the event comes with a simple yet meaningful request: guests are asked to bring one new, unwrapped toy per person to brighten the holidays for local children and families in need. The collected toys will benefit Katy Angels and will be distributed to children in the East River community. 8 pm.

Sunday, December 22

White Oak Music Hall presents Houston Toy Drive Hosted by d4vd
19-year-old global artist d4vd will be holding a toy drive at White Oak Music Hall this weekend. d4vd emerged as a visionary artist only one year after he began writing and recording heart-piercing tracks alone in his sister's closet here in Houston. d4vd developed his eclectic taste in rap and indie music from internet wormholes and fan-made Fortnite videos on YouTube, which he also started creating as a homeschooled teenager. The toys will be donated to a local foster care group ahead of Christmas. 10 am.

Color Factory presents Winter Colorland Night
Houstonians can kick off holiday week at Color Factory’s Winter Colorland Night. Attendees will receive a free Winter Colorland mug (while supplies last). In addition, there’s a chance for guests to unwrap a surprise. Find one of five shimmering stars hidden in Color Factory’s ball pit and win a $50 Color Shop gift card. Don your festive attire and bring your friends and family for a memorable night of joy, dazzling photo ops with instant digital photos, holiday tunes and a reimagined confetti room. 4 pm.

Punch Line Houston presents Alok
American comedian/poet Alok will be in town this weekend to perform their comedy show “Hairy Situation” – which first debuted at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. From captivating global audiences as an author, poet, comedian and actor to challenging norms and launching trends in fashion and beauty, Alok has cemented their status as a transformative influence in contemporary art, culture, and advocacy. They have captivated audiences in over 40 countries, as well as headline the Netflix is a Joke and Just For Laughs festivals. 6:30 pm.

Photo courtesy of William Beckmann

See William Beckmann in concert on Saturday.

event-planner

Dia de los Muertos 2025

20 Houston Dia de los Muertos celebrations with music, food, and more

Courtesy of Discovery Green

Discovery Green's Dia de los Muertos celebration takes place this Sunday, November 2.

Houstonians have myriad Halloween offerings to celebrate that spooky night. But many people are also psyched about Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, where Houstonians honor their loved ones that are no longer with us. But it’s also a time to celebrate Latin culture, enjoy live music and dancing, and snack on some pan de muerto (translation: bread of the dead).

Here’s a rundown of Dia de los Muertos-related events happening all over the city this weekend:

Friday

Over at Trebly Park, enjoy a free outdoor screening of Coco under the stars. You can also enjoy pre-movie fun with character meet-and-greets, free face painting, popcorn, and candy. 6 pm.

Saturday

Azteca’s Farmer’s Market will celebrate Dia de los Muertos with ballet folklorico dancers, music, a fashion show, art displays and much more. The ofrenda will be open for all to see and you can bring a photo of your loved ones to place on the altars. Noon.

Casa Ramirez FOLKART Gallery will have a procession and reception, honoring the departed with respect, warmth, ceremony, art, performance and a touch of humor. Traditional refreshments, including tamales and pan de muerto, will be served. 5:30 pm.

Children’s Museum Houston will be transformed into a Land of the Dead. Step into a celebration bursting with vibrant marigolds, dazzling sugar skulls, and meaningful traditions. Experience Mexican culture through storytelling and dance that bring Día de los Muertos to life. 9 am.

Over at City Place, enjoy live music, special photo moments, an Azteca indigenous dance performance, along with other pop-up craft activations. Stroll through a curated Día de los Muertos mercado, contribute to a 360 community altar, and more surprises. 2 pm.

FR33DOM will host “NEON DE LOS MUERTOS TRIFECTA,” the third annual Day of the Dead EDM celebration. They will have over 10 vendors with arts, crafts, ravewear, food, drinks, sugar skull face painters, and three warehouses with different music and immersive art. 8 pm.

Multicultural Education & Counseling through the Arts (MECA) will have its two-day Día de Muertos Festival. From Danza Azteca Macuixochitl, Duo Menil, Los Regioñarios to Vanessa y Banda La Garita, Danza Folklorico de Solei, the lineup is packed with incredible performances celebrating culture and community. 11 am.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will have a punch party at Rienzi. Explore the grounds and the art collection while enjoying a time-honored blend of spirits, citrus, sugar, and spices. Masquerade attire and Día de los Muertos makeup are encouraged. 6:30 pm.

Numbers’ Underworld Monthly Bash will salute Dia de Los Muertos with the Women of the Underworld: DJ Cyberina Flux, DJ Pthalo, and DJ Mina. Cover is $10 (over 21) and $15 (under 21). $5 off if you come in your Dia de los Muertos best creation. 9 pm.

St. Bernard’s Pub will celebrate with a Dia de los Muertos/Halloween show featuring live performances from The Skatastrophics, Palookas, Dubtrine, and DJ Bobbydust. Costumes are welcome, of course. 8 pm.

Under the Volcano’s Day of the Dead shindig will feature DJ Felipe Galván spinning a mix of cumbia, reggae, mambo, jump blues, ska, rockabilly, soul, & punk. Enjoy delicious pan de muertos while honoring this special tradition. 6 pm.

Verde Garden will be celebrating all weekend long with face painting, folklorico dancers, live mariachi performances, live DJs, festive photo opportunities, food and drink specials, and more. There will also be a market, a mechanical bull and flower bouquet-making. 7 pm.

The Westin at the Woodlands’ Como Social Club will have a party with refined shareables —mini quesadillas, salsa y escabeche, and guacamole con chicharrones—alongside crafted cocktails. Raise a glass to recuerdos, sabor, and good company. 8 pm.

Wonky Power will honor the spirits through a free night of goth, darkwave, rock en español, and cumbia sounds that move between worlds. The late-night market will feature art, fashion, and local vendors — all under the glow of the altar. 8 pm.

Sunday

Axelrad will have a free Dia De Los Muertos tribute on its new festival stage, with live sets from Los Skarnales, King Baby, Indaskies, & Phil Lerma. There will be food trucks and plenty of live vendors, courtesy of Tulip’s Market. 1 pm.

Discovery Green begins its celebration with a procession led by Danza Azteca Macuilxochitl, followed by the Catrín y Catrinas Parade. At sunset, there will be a concert by the Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus and a tribute concert curated by Nick Gaitan. 3 pm.

Forest Park Lawndale will have an afternoon filled with tradition, culture, and celebration. We’re talking about folklorico dancers, a Selena tribute, food & merchandise vendors, music, raffles, lotería & much more. Noon.

Historic Hollywood Cemetery will have a community celebration with a community ofrenda, live music, food and drinks, a vendor market, and family activities. You can also explore the historic property and learn about the cemetery’s history. 10 am.

Karbach Brewing Co. will have a full day of music, dance, and tradition. The day will include a Catrina fashion show, ballet folklórico, a car show featuring lowriders & classic rides, and exclusive event glassware (available while supplies last). 11 am.

Tago will welcome Caférreo for a celebration of coffee, music, and Latin culture. They will also host the Don Julio Truck at 2 pm, where guests can enjoy handcrafted Don Julio cocktails, festive photo moments, and half-off all Don Julio cocktails. 11 am.

dia de los muertos festivals holidays