weekend event planner

Here are the 14 best things to do in Houston this Halloween weekend

This year, Halloween fell on the weekend – Friday, to be exact.

While we here at CultureMap have already given y’all oodles and oodles of places that’ll be celebrating All Hallows’ Eve, we also have some non-Halloween stuff coming up. The MFAH starts its yearly Korean Film Nights series. The City of Tomball will have a Depot Day Fall Fest. New York Deli and Coffee Shop celebrates its 50th anniversary. And, then, there are the two baddies.

All of that is happening this weekend. And don’t be surprised if you get the uncontrollable urge to check out some legendary new-wave bands as well.

Thursday, October 30

The Woodlands Arts Council presents Annette Palmer: “Where Distance Meets Connection"
Thursday will be the last day to check out “Where Distance Meets Connection,” a pop-up exhibition featuring the semi-abstract paintings of local artist Annette Palmer. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artist and explore her collection, which bridges the landscapes of her native Scotland with those of her home in Texas. A resident of The Woodlands for over 20 years, Palmer’s work explores the interplay of memory, emotion, and geography through atmospheric compositions that evoke both distance and connection. 1 pm.

Houston Grand Opera presents Il trittico
Houston Grand Opera will open its first-ever full production of Il trittico, Puccini’s masterful trilogy of one-act operas — Il tabarro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi — in a staging by James Robinson, Musical America’s 2025 Director of the Year. The production represents one of two opportunities this season for audiences to witness maestro Patrick Summers at the podium, in his final year as HGO’s artistic and music director. Through Friday, November 14. 7 pm (2 pm Sunday).

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents A Girl with Closed Eyes
MFAH’s annual Korean Film Nights festival returns for its seventh edition. Selections showcase new movies and cult favorites that reflect the energy and talent of the South Korean film industry. It kicks off with A Girl with Closed Eyes, director Chun Sun-young’s stunning 2024 debut that blends classic thriller tropes with wickedly seductive flair, crafting enigmatic twists and gripping suspense. There will also be opening-night remarks by a representative from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Houston. 7 pm.

Friday, October 31

Children at Risk presents Accolades Luncheon
Over at Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District, Children at Risk will host its annual Accolades Luncheon, The Texas Academy Awards of Child Advocacy. Several of the state’s largest children’s medical centers will serve as the honorary chairs of this year’s event, which recognizes child advocates across the state, elevates key priorities for children, and raises needed funds to support our mission to improve the quality of life for Texas children. 11 am.

Hidden Omakase Halloween Edition
Celebrate Halloween at Michelin-recommended Hidden Omakase with a limited-time omakase experience that transforms fine dining into something delightfully eerie. From “Bloody Bites” to “Witch’s Brew,” guests can enjoy a multi-course menu where familiar favorites take on spooky, artful twists designed to thrill the senses. Featured dishes include Oyster “Red” (white soy ponzu with beet juice and “bloodshot” beet caviar) and Dracula’s Delight (A5 nigiri with garlic soy and charred onion relish). 6 and 8:30 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "From Stage to Screen: Broadway Meets Hollywood"
Over at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, vocal powerhouses Hugh Panaro and Elizabeth Stanley will perform songs from Broadway musicals inspired by iconic films, alongside beloved tunes from movie adaptations of Broadway’s greatest hits. The evening will transport audiences through a blend of cinema and theater, celebrating the timeless connection between stage and screen. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Doechii in concert
One of two baddies who’ll be in town this weekend, Florida rapper/singer Doechii comes to Houston in support of her acclaimed 2024 mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, which won the Grammy for Best Rap Album earlier this year. (She’s the third woman to win in that category.) Although her Live from the Swamp Tour has had some on-set difficulties here and there (Houston resident 50 Cent even trolled her online about her latest mishap), she’s still gonna whip her hair back and forth when she comes to H-Town. 8 pm.

Saturday, November 1

City of Tomball presents Depot Day Fall Fest
The Depot Day Fall Fest is a day where trains meet autumn charm. Going down at the Tomball Railroad Depot Plaza, attendees can enjoy a massive model train display, the Tomball Depot Museum, and trackless train rides through the scenic fall setting. Kids can get their fill of carnival games and fun, while parents can browse unique local vendor booths offering everything from crafts to seasonal treats. 11 am.

First Saturday Arts Market
Houston’s original pop-up art extravaganza, the First Saturday Arts Market, returns this weekend. Since 2004, this open-air celebration has been a cornerstone of Houston’s creative scene, showcasing 50 talented artists in a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere. Expect a dazzling array of fine art, live music, and craft beverages, all with free admission. This month’s market is especially poignant, marking the final appearance of Houston Cider Company as they close their beloved cidery. 11 am.

Katy Sip N Stroll
Katy Sip N Stroll returns with the 30th edition of Katy’s community food and wine event. This fall, it’s all about after-dark sparkle with the theme "Let's Glow!" Guests will get a chance to sip over 300 beverages, including over 200 selections of wine, craft beer, emerging categories, and craft spirits. There will also be bites from more than 35 local restaurants and food vendors. Plus, Kroger Experience Alley will feature 60-feet of gourmet food selections. An award will also be given for best neon costume. 6 pm.

Tate McRae in concert
And here’s the other baddie. Tate McRae, the most bodacious female vocalist to come out of Canada since Anne Murray (who has a new album out, btw) comes to Houston as part of her Miss Possessive Tour, in support of her latest album, So Close To What. 7:30 pm.

Sunday, November 2

New York Deli & Coffee Shop 50th Anniversary
New York Deli & Coffee Shop is set to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of its founding with a day filled with family fun, food, music, and more. With a live DJ providing music throughout the day, attendees will enjoy $0.50 wood-fired pizza slices in addition to other sweet and savory deli favorites for purchase, a face painting and tie-dye shirt-making station, merch giveaways, a cookie decorating station, and other fun activities. Council member Abbie Kamin will be on-site to deliver a proclamation in honor of the landmark anniversary. 11 am.

FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge presents Chef's Table Dinner Series
FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge welcomes renowned celebrity chef Tobias “Huncho” Dorzon, the 2025 Chef of the Year, for an exclusive Chef's Table Dinner Series. Chef Dorzon is known for his innovative dishes that fuse flavors and elevate traditional cuisine. This special event will feature two unique dinner services, providing food enthusiasts with a chance to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience. Attendees can expect a meticulously curated menu that showcases Chef Dorzon's signature style and culinary expertise. 7 pm.

Mammoth presents Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons
Audiences can step into a musical journey of Stardew Valley, with an orchestra performing brand new arrangements of the game’s soundtrack and video on screen. Symphony of Seasons is the new Stardew Valley concert, featuring a 35-piece orchestra performing the most memorable music from the game and a screen above the stage playing gameplay footage, plus original content exclusively created for this concert. 7 pm.

Photo courtesy of Tate McRae

See Tate McRae in concert at the Toyota Center.

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Music feature

Texas country star Cody Johnson's new album goes to 'Banks of Trinity'

Photo by Cameron Powell

Cody Johnson.

There's a moment at every Cody Johnson show where the Texas-born-and-bred country star asks the crowd, “How many of you tonight are watching me and this band live for the very first time?” he told The Associated Press. “And every night, I would say at least 80% of the crowd raises their hands.”

It's not the kind of reaction most veteran artists receive. “And I’m thinking, you know, 20 years is a long time to work for something. But when you see that … What’s the next 20 years look like?” he asks.

The rancher, rodeo competitor, and onetime prison guard started his two-decade career playing honky tonks and dive bars. That led to slow and steady growth for the country traditionalist, but in the last few years, something has shifted. He landed his fifth career No. 1 song with “The Fall.” He was named Entertainer of the Year at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, the show's highest honor. That was a month after he headlined Stagecoach Music Festival. For an artist with legions of fans, it looked like he was accessing new heights.

“I feel like I’m closing a book and I’m opening another one and it’s all blank pages,” he says of this period. “Let's get to the next chapter." On June 26, that new era began with the release of his latest album, Banks of the Trinity.

Traveling to the Banks of the Trinity
It hasn't been an easy road. Last fall, Johnson had to cancel a bunch of tour dates after upper respiratory and sinus infections caused a burst eardrum that required surgery — an intimidating medical procedure for anyone, but especially nerve-wracking for a musician. “I was scared,” he said simply. But “in a roundabout way, it’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

It forced him to take three months off, which allowed him to be home during the birth of his son. It also rejuvenated his approach in the studio. Before the incident, he thought the album was complete. It was not. The additional time resulted in the inclusion of a few songs that now feel inextricable from the record: “Thank Somebody Country,” “Take Me Back (Leave Me There),” “Cricket on a Hook,” and the resilient “I Have” among them.

“What a blessing to have that kind of song fall in your lap when you’re kind of up against the ropes,” he says of the latter. “I mean, we thought we had the record done. It wasn’t done.”

A title track with real resonance
At the heart of Banks of the Trinity is its title track, which recalls Eagles' cover of “Seven Bridges Road” meets bluegrass and Southern gospel.

Lyrically, it's an ode to Johnson's childhood. “I grew up on the banks of the Trinity [River.] Fishing for catfish, not so much out of pleasure or sport but for necessity to put food in the freezer. Deer season for me was not a trophy thing,” he said.

And while that track inspires a feeling of nostalgia within the listener, he doesn't consider this album a throwback collection. He says it's about showcasing his evolving sonic diversity.

"The rest of the album for me is a musical journey from track one to track 16,” he said. “There’s a little bit of a flavor for everybody. It does kind of hit Motown. It does kind of hit bluegrass. It does hit progressive country. It does it old country. It does a little rock here and there.”

It's the result of a new kind of freedom, one that is at least partially due to his recent accomplishments, including taking home the top prize at the ACM Awards.

“I just did the thing that I’ve aspired to do in my career my entire life,” he says. “A really good place is a really good way to describe where I am.”

And now that the album is out, he's ready to take a breather.

“I will be shirtless with no shoes on a beach at an undisclosed location,” he jokes about the days after record release. “'Cause I have already done all the prep work. I've been working on this album for two years. I’ve done all of the interviews. I’ve shook all the hands. Me and my wife and kids are gonna disappear for 10 days and I’m gonna become, I guess, every Kenny Chesney song ever.”

texas country artist cody johnson interview music