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    weekend event planner

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

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jan 15, 2025 | 6:30 pm

    This weekend, there will be events celebrating two beloved, American icons: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dolly Parton. A swing concert and a rap concert will be saluting the King, while Truck Yard will honor the Queen of Country with a day of fun and music.

    But we also have live music from Killer Mike and Ani DiFranco, the Houston Symphony live-scoring a Harry Potter film, a “wellness sip soiree,” and – for all those hungry cinephiles – free popcorn at the movies!

    Thursday, January 16

    The Menil Collection presents Saving Cinema: A Conversation and Film Screening
    Analog film isn’t completely dead. Filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino still shoot movies on 35 and 70mm. And now, guests can explore the world of film preservation and the fragile future of cinema with Academy Film Archive preservationist Mark Toscano and film scholar/curator Tish Stringer. The conversation will be followed by a screening of Tacita Dean’s 2006 film Kodak, a meditation on the materiality of analog film, as well as additional archival films. 7 pm.

    Congregation Emanu El presents Music at Emanu El: Got That Swing - American Big Band Greats
    If you’re familiar with the expression, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing,” we have an event right up your alley. Congregation Emanu El will celebrate MLK weekend with a night of swing music, dancing, desserts, and drinks. The concert will feature the sounds of jazz greats like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, as performed by Phillip Hall, Ernesto Vega, Erin Wright, Cantor Rollin Simmons, and their big band. 7:30 pm.

    Houston Symphony presents Killer Mike & The Mighty Midnight Revival
    The Houston Symphony will present Killer Mike, with The Mighty Midnight Revival, for an evening of music, power, and artistic synergy. The Dungeon Family alumni and one-half of the rap supergroup Run the Jewels will be performing tracks from Michael, his critically acclaimed, three-time Grammy-winning album, including fan favorites like “Scientists & Engineers,” “Down By Law,” and “Ric Flair.” Mike will join forces with the Mighty Midnight Revival and the Houston Symphony to reimagine his music in a way that is both bold and breathtaking. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, January 17

    Ani DiFranco in concert
    It always struck us as strange that indie folk-rock goddess Ani DiFranco never played Lilith Fair, the late ‘90s, female-centric, traveling music festival where some of the folksiest female artists of the era (Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Lisa Loeb) came together and performed. You’d think the Buffalo-born singer/songwriter, who showed everyone you can release music on your own label and still gain a loyal, massive following, would’ve been the star attraction. But DiFranco has always been an artist who did things on her own, which she continues to do to this day. 7 pm.

    Rice Cinema presents 62nd Ann Arbor Film Festival Tour
    Established in 1963, the Ann Arbor Film Festival is the oldest avant garde and experimental film festival in North America. In 2024, the festival featured over 40 programs consisting of 110 films from nearly 40 countries of all lengths and genres, including experimental, animation, documentary, narrative, hybrid, and performance-based works. For two nights, Rice Cinema will play selections from the 62nd festival, which took place last spring. 7 pm.

    Paranormal Cirque
    Paranormal Cirque is a unique creation of combined theatre, circus, and cabaret, with a new, European-style flare from Cirque Italia that is for a mature audience. The horror story features different shades of sexy and a storyline that will fall into a parallel world and end up surrounded by monstrous creatures with hidden talents that amaze with the circus arts. The show includes the Wheel of Death, magic, and more. Through Monday, January 27. 7:30 pm (6:30 and 9:30 pm Saturday; 5:30 and 8:30 pm Sunday).

    I'm Ready Productions presents “One Time For The City”
    I’m Ready Foundation, Inc, under the leadership of director Je'Caryous Johnson, will present “One Time For The City,” a musical celebration marking the start of MLK Day Weekend. Performers will include Houston artists Scarface (who might pull out his trusty guitar for this one), Slim Thug, Lil Flip, Mike Jones, Devin The Dude, Lil Keke, Lil Troy, Z-Ro, DJ Michael 5000 Watts, and more. 8 pm.

    Saturday, January 18

    J-Bar-M Barbecue presents Free Walls
    J-Bar-M Barbecue will host the first-ever Free Walls art event featuring several established and up-and-coming graphic artists and vendors from Houston. Led by Houston graphic artist and icon Donkeeboy, the event will see several brand-new, permanent murals taking shape outside of J-Bar-M throughout the day. Featured graphic artists include Sylvia Roman (Donkeemom), Jesse de Leon, David Maldonado, Floyd Mendoza III, and Gabriel Escobedo. Donkeeboy will collaborate with several students from his Young Art Pros art collective on a mural. 11 am.

    Truck Yard Houston presents Dolly Day
    Sunday will be Dolly Parton’s 79th birthday, and Truck Yard Houston will be celebrating one day earlier with some Dolly-riffic festivities. There will be Dolly-themed cocktails, a Dolly and Jolene costume contest, live performances of Dolly’s classic hits, and, starting at 5 pm, pictures with a Dolly Parton impersonator. Attendees who bring a new or used children’s book to donate get a special Dolly Parton pin. Donated books will benefit the Houston Public Library. Noon.

    Houston Symphony presents Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert
    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is our favorite entry in the Harry Potter cinematic universe, mainly because it’s the one that has Harry getting into his awkward teen years. Based on the third installment of the classic saga, the thrilling tale is accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen. 2 and 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    McClain Gallery presents Tim Braden: "The Colouring Garden" opening reception
    McClain Gallery will present Tim Braden: "The Colouring Garden," the gallery's first exhibition of the British artist’s work. The exhibition will feature works from a new series that gathers both interior scenes and abstracted landscapes. A carefully orchestrated riot of colors pours from the paintings, and Braden’s attention to art history and the methods that make artists artisans is on display in this enchanting group of works. Through Saturday, March 8. 3 pm.

    Sunday, January 19

    Culinary Khancepts presents National Popcorn Day.
    Sunday is National Popcorn Day, which means movie theaters around the country will be luring in moviegoers with the promise of free popped kernels. As far as popcorn in Houston, fine dining operators Culinary Khancepts has got the city on lock. All the theaters they own – River Oaks Theatre, Reel Luxury CInemas in the Woodlands, and all eight Star Cinema Grill locations will be handing out complimentary popcorn (Star Cinema will have free, small servings) for anyone who buys a ticket. 11 am (10 am River Oaks).

    Plume presents GLOW: A Wellness Sip Soiree
    Heights cocktail bar Plume will introduce a new wellness food/mocktail menu, curated by Travis “Chef T” Turner. The spot will be celebrating with an exclusive GLOW: A Wellness Sip Soirée launch party. Houstonians looking to celebrate self-care, connection, and mindful indulgence in 2025 are invited to toast the New Year with wholesome, nourishing ingredients alongside wellness enthusiasts and like-minded individuals. 1 pm.

    MATCH presents 8th Annual Family Fun Day
    At MATCH’s 8th Annual Family Fun Day, kids and families can enjoy an afternoon packed with excitement. It will feature live performances throughout the day from local favorites like Main Street Theater for Youth, Prelude Music, and Open Dance Project. Other activities include face painting, balloon art, stilt walkers, bounce houses, and chalk art displays. Visitors can explore MATCH’s four theaters, gallery, and open-air breezeway. There will also be food trucks and MATCH concessions on-site. 1 pm.

    Paranormal Cirque
    Photo courtesy of Cirque Italia
    Cirque Italia presents Paranormal Cirque.
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    Weekend Event Planner

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

    Craig Lindsey
    Jan 28, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    ​Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants
    Photo by Matthew Murphy
    Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants.

    Now that the arctic blast has finished with us, several events that were cancelled last weekend – Gallery Sonja Roesch’s 35th anniversary show, a dual opening at Foltz Fine Art, Asia Society Texas’s Kawaii Market – have been rescheduled for this weekend.

    As for the scheduled events this weekend, there’s an “autoboative” show, a screening of a sci-fi classic with live musical accompaniment, an all-star show for autograph collectors, a fashion competition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the return of Houston's noisiest music festival.

    Thursday, January 29

    Houston Autoboative Show
    It’s the 42nd Houston Auto Show at NRG Park this weekend, which is also combined (for its third year) with the Houston Boat Show. The event showcases a diverse array of vehicles, from electric cars to trucks and sedans. It also offers a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the hottest models on the market and learn from brand experts about each vehicle/vessel without the pressure of being sold to. 11 am (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

    Asia Society Texas presents Offside
    Asia Society Texas will kick off the World Cup with Offside, a 2006 dramedy from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. (It’s also part of this year’s Festival of Films from Iran.) Set during a World Cup qualifying match between Iran and Bahrain, the film follows a group of young women who attempt to circumvent a ban on women attending sporting events by disguising themselves as men to enter the stadium and watch the game, leading to a series of increasingly absurd situations. 7 pm.

    Performing Arts Houston presents Blade Runner Live
    Ridley Scott’s stylish, 1982 noir classic Blade Runner (aka the 2007 Final Cut) will screen while Vangelis’ synthesizer-led cult score is performed live by The Avex Ensemble. In this futuristic hriller, detective Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) must continue as Replicant Hunter following the escape of four Replicants (including main baddie Rutger Hauer – RIP) from colonies who’ve returned to earth. His mission, however, is complicated when he falls for Rachel (Sean Young), a Replicant based at the Tyrell Corporation. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, January 30

    TRISTAR Houston Collectors Show
    For three days, a lot of stars will be flocking to the NRG Arena in order to give Houstonians their signature. Along with lots of sports memorabilia for sale, the 40th Annual TRISTAR Houston Collectors Show will have tons of celebs signing autographs. Just on Saturday alone, we’ll get Karate Kid/Cobra Kai castmates Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, and Martin Kove; the cast of The Sandlot, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Dennis Rodman, former Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich, former Rockets player Elvin Hayes, and Houston’s own Randy Quaid. 2 pm (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

    The Hobby Center presents Houston Is Inspired - [Jk]creativ: Our Road Home
    Multidisciplinary company [Jk]creativ gives us Our Road Home, an interactive rhythmic production created and directed by native Houston artist Jakari Sherman. Through layered rhythmic storytelling - spoken, rapped, preached, and sung - the work honors the communal labor and ingenuity that built spaces of freedom across time. Inspired by the legacy of Houston’s Freedmen’s Town, the work asks: Once freedom is gained, how do we live in it, preserve it, and pass it on when the pull of bondage lingers near?

    MFAH and HCC present Fashion Fusion X
    Frida Kahlo meets contemporary couture in Fashion Fusion, the 10th edition of the annual fashion competition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Open to aspiring designers in the Fashion Design program at Houston City College, Fusion challenges students to create original garments in response to art on display in the museum’s galleries. This year, the aspiring designers will showcase garments addressing the exhibition, "Frida: The Making of an Icon." 7 pm.

    Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants
    After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train, unsure of where the road will take him. He finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life - and love - beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 and 7 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, January 31

    The List One Year Anniversary
    East End creative space The List will be celebrating its first anniversary with a bevy of weekend events, with two going down on Saturday. The day starts off with the return of the Vinyl & Furniture Garden Market, curated by local DJ vet Malcolm Bravo, over at the List Cafe. Bravo and other DJs will be spinning tunes as stores and vendors will be open for business. Later that evening, DJ/TikToker Sheri Koko will be working the turntables, along with some special-guest pals, at Room808. 11 am and 9 pm.

    Burger Bodega present For the Culture
    Chef and restaurateur Abbas Dhanani is taking a break from burgers to pay homage to his Pakistani heritage by partnering with the PX Project for a one-day only pop-up. Working with his mother and his aunt, the four-item menu showcases some favorite childhood dishes, including Nihari, slow-braised, spiced beef stew with naan; Hina Khala's Chicken Biryani, fragrant basmati rice layered with boneless chicken; the Chicken Sixty-Five Po' Boy; and a mango lassi sundae with a cardamom snickerdoodle cookie.

    \u200bBroadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants
    Photo by Matthew Murphy
    Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants.

    Seven Sisters presents Ping Zheng: Soft Interference opening reception
    Soft Interference presents a new series of oil-stick works on paper by Ping Zheng, following her 2024 exhibition Nature’s Canopy at Seven Sisters. In these works, Zheng continues her investigation of landscape as a site of perception and interiority. Through repeated mark-making and shifting chromatic fields, she constructs images that hover between observed nature and remembered experience. Through Saturday, February 28. 2 pm.

    MGEntertainment presents The 5th Annual Harsh Noise Houston
    Believe it or not, there’s a heavy experimental-music scene here in H-Town. This weekend, you have the opportunity to see a lot of the scene’s most valuable players over at Super Happy Fun Land, where the fifth annual Harsh Noise Houston fest will be going down. 13 acts, representing some of the best experimental music, performance art, and noise that Texas has to offer, will be performing, including HauntedPixel, Ether Research, Astrogenic Hallucinating, and Psychosomatic’s sister project Del Norte. 7 pm.

    Rice Cinema presents American Sons
    Film producer and Rice alum Elizabeth Avellán presents American Sons, a documentary using first-hand footage captured by fallen Marine Cpl. Jorge “JV” Villarreal, a native of San Antonio. The film focuses on a brotherhood of U.S. Marines a decade after their Afghanistan deployment, focusing on their struggle with combat trauma, PTSD, and reintegration, especially after losing their friend Villarreal. Avellan and director Andrew James Gonzales will be around for a post-screening Q&A. 7 pm.

    Sunday, February 1

    ReelAbilities Houston presents ReelArt For All
    The ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival’s ReelArt For All program will feature art and interactive activities, brunchy bites, and more. Guests can see the world through the eyes of artists from Celebration Company, an entrepreneurial employment program for adults with disabilities, and explore the works of featured artist Emmett Kyoshi Wilson. A Chicago-based artist living with Down syndrome, Wilson has created over 150 works, exhibited in five galleries, and even painted the American Flag for the U.S. Embassy in Croatia. 10:30 am.

    Shepherd School of Music presents Inside Look: Modern American Operas
    The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will present a deconstructed look at two full-length American comic operas: Karim Al-Zand’s 50th anniversary commission A Joint Interest and William Bolcom’s Lucrezia. Aleko Endowed Artist Paul Curran guides audiences through these mischievous and delightfully theatrical worlds. Shepherd School Chamber Players will accompany both contemporary operas from the pit, led by Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Bolcom's Lucrezia contains adult content and is not suitable for all audiences. 2 pm.

    Cultural Center Our Texas presents Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
    The World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, and the talents of his furry costars. There are more than 30 pets (dogs, cats, horses, birds, etc.) in the show, and each one has been rescued from animal shelters and given a new leash on life. Bad pun aside, this show will be a joy for viewers of all ages. 4 pm.

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