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

It’s the first weekend of December, and people are truly going in with the holiday events.

We got several stage productions popping off, including a working-class retelling of a Christmas classic. Memorial Park will be setting up its holiday lights. Kings Harbor will have a yuletide party. Twin Peaks will be giving out free christmas trees, for Pete’s sake!

This weekend has non-holiday related happenings, too, like a concert featuring an American Idol winner, a concert featuring a beloved Nickelodeon cartoon, a couple of movie screenings and – believe it or not! – a nostalgia con.

Thursday, December 5

Alley Theatre presents The Night Shift Before Christmas
Here’s a retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol for anyone who’s ever worked at a Whataburger. The Christmas Eve overnight shift is Margot’s personal tradition — even if that means dealing with grumpy drive-thru customers. But when her dead best friend Jackie Marley drops by to warn her of impending late-night visits by spirits, Margot has no choice but to roll with the punches and confront the very Scrooge she’s become. Through Tuesday, December 24. 7 pm (1 & 6:30 pm Sunday).

Avatar: The Last Airbender in concert
Avatar: The Last Airbender in concert will feature a live orchestra bringing the show’s musical score to life, in harmony with highlights and favorite moments from the series. Taiko drums and erhu strings will share the spotlight with violins and clarinets, while the series' scenes play out on screen, bringing viewers into the Avatar world to experience memorable moments with Aang, Katara, Toph, Sokka, Zuko, and more. 7 pm.

Theatre Under The Stars presents The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical
Pull out your most appalling holiday fit for The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical. Described as interactive and hysterical, the leaders of Regalia Uniforms are looking to save their beloved company from a takeover by an international conglomerate by making the best ugly Xmas sweater ever. Audiences are invited to come dressed in their ugly Christmas sweaters, sing along, and walk the runway with the cast. Through Tuesday, December 24. 7 pm (7:30 Friday; 1 & 7:30 Saturday; 1 & 7 pm Sunday).

Friday, December 6

Buffalo Bayou Partnership presents Cistern Illuminated
Buffalo Bayou Partnership presents Cistern Illuminated, an immersive light and sound installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. The annual tradition transforms the underground, decommissioned drinking water reservoir into a spectacle, showcasing the Cistern’s repeating columns and their uncanny reflections on the surface of the water below. A unique and original soundscape follows the moving lights around the cavernous Cistern. On select dates, the Cistern Illuminated installation will be accompanied by live choral performances. 10 am.

The Nostalgia Con
A traveling, throwback throwdown known as The Nostalgia Con will be going on this weekend at George R. Brown Convention Center. Take yourself back to the ‘90s and early 2000s with this three-day convention, filled with top-notch artists, celebrity guests, vendors, and music from that area. Get ready for an enchanted respite from the humdrum of reality, as you and a bunch of millennials/gen-Zers collectively indulge in an unforgettable experience of nostalgia. 1 pm.

Memorial Park presents Holiday Lights
Memorial Park’s Holiday Lights, presented by CenterPoint Energy Foundation, will feature new lighting features, including a one-of-a-kind Holiday tree on Bowden Terrace lit against Hines Lake. The outdoor holiday wonderland will be a festive spectacle, with lights and lanterns throughout the half-mile Promenade. Guests are invited to walk the natural surface pedestrian path encircling nine acres of open space, native plantings, and habitat. Through Wednesday, January 8. 5 pm.

DACAMERA presents Terri Lyne Carrington: “New Standards”
Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington – an NEA Jazz Master and four-time Grammy Award winner (as well as the first houseband drummer on The Arsenio Hall Show – has worked tirelessly over the last decade to advocate for inclusivity in jazz. Carrington and her bandmates delve into New Standards Vol. 01, a 2023 Grammy winner for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, shining a light on music from great women composers, including Carla Bley, Cassandra Wilson, Gretchen Parlato, Abbey Lincoln, Eliane Elias, and Marilyn Crispell. 8 pm.

Saturday, December 7

AFG/Twin Peaks 11th Annual Christmas Tree Giveaway
The Twin Peaks Restaurant on Kirby and owners Avalanche Food Group will be brightening the holidays for 250 Houston veterans, military families, teachers, and first responders with the gift of a fresh-cut Christmas tree, stands, lights, and decorations at their 11th Annual Christmas Tree Giveaway. Trees will be distributed on a first come, first served basis: one tree, stand, and trimmings set per vehicle. Participants must present a military, first responder, or teacher ID at the giveaway. 9 am.

A Tale of Two Bridges presents I Love 11th Neighborhood Festival
At this free, family-friendly celebration of community and culture, visitors can experience the businesses, art, and spirit that make 11th Street thrive. The day kicks off with a 5K Run hosted by Eureka Heights and Houston Run Clubs. Festival activities begin at noon and include four curated markets featuring unique local goods; 25+ live music performances; the Nuro autonomous vehicle showcase; a toy village with Santa and a fire truck; and more. Noon.

Archway Gallery presents Robert L. Straight and Eric DePan: "Time for Glass" opening reception
Archway Gallery artist Robert L. Straight and guest artist Eric DePan believe that it is “Time for Glass” to be brought to the forefront of the Houston art scene. Through this collaborative exhibition, the two artists, a half-century apart in age but have been working with glass together for 15 years, offer a new lens through which to view this material that surrounds us every day. With their innovative approach to fusing, fabricating, and blowing glass, they show us what is possible. Through Thursday, January 2. 5 pm.

Moody Center for the Arts presents Moody Movie Night: Home
Folks can enjoy a night under the stars, free popcorn, and a welcoming atmosphere at the Moody's annual outdoor Movie Night. Inspired by the exhibiting artist Do Ho Suh's exploration of place and belonging, the center will screen the animated 2015 movie Home, featuring the voices of Rihanna and Houston-native Jim Parsons. With quirky humor, a multi-layered message of tolerance, and a catchy score, Home is enjoyable for all ages. 6 pm.

Sunday, November 8

Kings Harbor presents Holiday at the Harbor
Kings Harbor Waterfront Village in Kingwood invites guests for Holiday at the Harbor, a free holiday extravaganza that will feature face painting, balloon and caricature artists, a live band, and professional photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on their sleigh. After visiting with Santa, shop and dine in the harbor and enjoy free goodies from your favorite local businesses, including a coffee bar at Pretty Little Things Boutique, a complimentary queso from Loco Cantina, treats at X Label Boutique, and more. 1 pm.

Asia Society Texas presents Rent-a-Cat
In the corner of the city, a young woman named Sayoko lives alone in a traditional, one-story Japanese house. However, she's not really alone; in every part of the house is a cat. Get to know an assortment of quirky characters — and the emotionally supportive cats — of Rent-a-Cat, a film by award-winning Japanese director Naoko Ogigami. This film screening is presented as part of the Japan Foundation New York's nationwide tour. 2 pm.

Fantasia in concert
Last Christmas, Fantasia was all over multiplexes, singing her heart out as Celie in The Color Purple, the movie-musical version of the Broadway show, the Steven Spielberg movie and, of course, the Alice Walker novel that started all of this. (Fantasia won an NAACP Image Award for her performance.) Although she hasn’t dropped a new album since Sketchbook in 2019, the third-season winner of American Idol is still out there touring and belting her head off. She'll be joined by special guest K. Michelle. 7 pm.

Photo courtesy of Fantasia

American Idol winner Fantasia comes to Sugar Land on Sunday.

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weekend event planner

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

Photo courtesy of Billy Idol

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This weekend offers plenty of events that promise a good friggin’ time. Several festivals – African, Polish, dance – will be going down. At the Houston Zoo, Houstonians can eat and drink alongside the zoo’s wildest animals. Billy Idol will rock audiences with his whiplash smile and throwback hits. And don’t be surprised if Steve-O inflicts some bodily harm to himself during his stand-up set.

Thursday, May 1

Mid Main Houston presents First Thursday Block Party
Let’s see what’s popping off at Mid Main’s First Thursday Block Party this month. There will be performances from Sam Houston Mariachi Band, Little Outfit, and Greg Koch. Carlos Mendoza will show off some new work at Mid Main Gallery, while Mark “$RapDaddy” Bradford will have sculptures on Winbern St. Visitors can check in at 3550 Main St. to make a $10 donation to the monthly nonprofit partner (this month, it’s Plant It Forward) for an all-access wristband to the festivities. 6 pm.

Photo courtesy of Billy Idol

Billy Idol returns to Houston this weekend.

Dance Source Houston presents Barnstorm Dance Fest
Barnstorm Dance Fest will feature 15 live performance works, six dance films, three artist panels, and a class series that offers Houstonians a deep dive into the rich world of dance from the city, region, and beyond. Performance works and dance films are split across three unique programs, allowing audiences to experience a range of dance forms within each program. The lineup includes Bharatanatyam, contemporary, dance on film, flamenco, modern, and more. 7:30 pm (5:30 and 7:30 pm Saturday)

Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents The Wiz
This all-new production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical returns “home” to stages in an all-new pre-Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. The groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway - from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping '70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 and 7 pm Sunday).

Friday, May 2

Houston African Art Festival
Houston African Art Festival will be a tribute to the artistry and vibrancy of African culture that has long enriched the neighborhood in which it takes place. There will be a live performance by DJ Towii, art exhibitions, culinary delights, and more, celebrating the richness of African culture. Featured artists will include Landess Walker and Makala McCoy. The three-day event will take place at a newly renovated venue at 2509 Alabama, nestled in the historic Third Ward. 10 am.

Houston Polish Festival
The Houston Polish Festival brings Polish culture, cuisine, and family fun to the heart of Texas. Highlights include authentic Polish food like pierogi, kielbasa, and potato pancakes; locally brewed Polish-style beer, wine, and other drinks; traditional Polish folk dancing and live music; family-friendly activities; a silent auction with hand-painted Bolesławiec pottery and more; and unique local vendors and handmade goods. 4 pm (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

Houston Zoo presents Feast with the Beasts
Get ready for Houston’s wildest foodie night out! Feast with the Beasts is back at the Houston Zoo, serving up a one-of-a-kind evening filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, and unforgettable animal encounters —all after hours, and without the kids. Your ticket Includes Houston Zoo admission, food from more than 40 of Houston’s top restaurants, two complimentary drinks, unique animal experiences, live music, and more. 6:30 pm.

Improv Houston presents Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed
Get ready for some fabulous, fierce stuff as the flamboyant-as-hell Jonathan Van Ness will be in town this weekend, as part of his Hot and Healed tour. Van Ness is an Emmy-nominated television personality, two-time New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, and comedian best known for his role on Netflix’s Emmy-winning reboot series Queer Eye, where he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 pm Saturday).

Saturday, May 3

East End Cultural District presents East End Street Fest
The 2025 East End Street Fest will feature headlining performances by Del Castillo and Sunny Sauceda. The celebration continues with Cumbia Nights by Wonky Power, circus arts by Cirque La Vie, and high-flying lucha libre matches presented by Coliseo Houston. Festivalgoers can explore more than 30 local food and art vendors, witness traditional dance performances, and experience family-friendly fun at multiple themed plazas. 3 pm.

Christopher Seymore in concert
Christopher Seymore is a hillbilly poet from upstate South Carolina making down-home honky-tonk music in Houston, TX. Steeped in outlaw tradition and rooted in Appalachian old time, Seymore brings a genuine authenticity that’s undeniable. On his anticipated debut album King of Nothing, produced by Kevin Skrla, Seymore offers a snapshot of the community he’s built, night after night. He also proves that razor-sharp lyricism and heartbreaking storytelling still have a home in honky tonk. 7 pm

Billy Idol in concert
At 69, Billy Idol is still out there hitting audiences with his “Rebel Yell.” Back in the ‘80s, he was the resident pinup bad boy, churning out post-punk, new-wave ditties as “White Wedding,” “Flesh for Fantasy” and “Eyes Without a Face.” Idol comes to The Woodlands, in support of his new 2025 album Dream Into It, as part of his It’s a Nice Day To…Tour Again!. He'll be joined by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. 7:30 pm.

Stageworks Theatre presents The Odd Couple, Female Version
The Odd Couple, Female Version is a new and refreshing take on Neil Simon's much-loved hilarious play. It follows unlikely roommates, neurotic neat freak Florence Unger, and unkept, messy Olive Madison, as they attempt to inhabit the same apartment without killing each other. Tensions escalate when Olive arranges a double date, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and uproarious moments. 7:30 pm (3 pm Sunday).

Sunday, May 4

Marriott City Place presents Seasons of Love – A South Asian Wedding Showcase
Marriott City Place invites future brides and their entourages to the Seasons of Love wedding showcase—a complimentary afternoon event spotlighting the beauty and richness of South Asian wedding traditions. The immersive experience will spotlight moments of a South Asian wedding—from the ceremony to the reception—while featuring some of the region’s top wedding professionals. Attendees can explore the hotel and grounds while visiting with designers, caterers, bakers, photographers, DJs, florists, musicians, and more. 1 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents "Floating World: A.A.Murakami" opening day
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents its annual Summer Immersive, a project by Tokyo- and London-based artist duo A.A.Murakami. Melding science, art and nature to create unique environments, a series of four sensory landscapes will unfold across the galleries of the MFAH, immersing visitors in environments of light, fog, plasma and sound. In their presentation for Houston, the duo brings together four distinct immersive spaces. Custom-designed for the MFAH, the exhibition is their largest to date. Through Sunday, September 21. 12:30 pm.

Bad Astronaut Brewing presents Steve-O
Steve-O was willing to do whatever it took to become famous, even if it meant stapling his ball sack to his leg. But it was his relentless attention whoring that ultimately led to working with Johnny Knoxville on the stunt-based reality show Jackass. The rest, as they say, is history. Since then, he's had continued success as both a New York Times best-selling author and a stand-up comic. Steve-O regularly produces content for his YouTube channel and he also hosts the Wild Ride with Steve-O podcast. 7 pm.

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