weekend event planner

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

Now that we’re getting back to that dysfunctional, Houston winter weather where it’s in the 60’s and 70’s in January, we can get back to going outside and doing some fun things over the weekend.

We have a bevy of cool things in this week’s planner: boats, cars, fashion, theater, comedy, monster trucks, a freakin’ water circus. If you can’t find something to do in this week’s list, we have only one question — why not?

Thursday, January 30

Houston AutoBoative Show
For the fourth year, the Houston Auto Show and Houston Boat Show are teaming up to present the ultimate sea and land experience. Visitors will have access to the latest in automotive, boating, and outdoor sports technology, along with activities for the whole family. From cutting-edge electric cars to powerful trucks and luxurious sedans, this year’s Auto Show has something for everyone. 11 am (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

The Periwinkle Foundation presents Hops & Hot Tamales
Friends of The Periwinkle Foundation presents this fundraiser (and “friend raiser”) to thank current supporters and invite community members to learn more about the nonprofit. Guests will enjoy tamales and other goodies from El Patio, while sampling an array of local beers from Bad Astronaut Brewery Company. There will be games, brief presentations, and opportunities to engage with The Periwinkle Foundation staff, board members, long-term survivors, and patients impacted by the organization’s programs, all in a fun and casual atmosphere. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Fashion Fusion
Asian art meets contemporary couture at the ninth edition of the annual fashion competition at the MFAH. Open to aspiring designers in the Fashion Design program at Houston Community College, Fashion Fusion challenges students to create original garments in response to art on display in the museum’s galleries. The aspiring designers will showcase garments addressing the theme, Arts of Asia, based on the MFAH collections of Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Korean art. Winning garments will be displayed at The Galleria and the MFAH. 7 pm.

Friday, January 31

A.D. Players presents The Foreigner
This uproarious comedy by Larry Shue is one of the funniest shows to ever hit the American stage. Froggy, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base in the deep hills of Georgia, brings his friend Charlie, a pathologically shy Englishman who has just learned of his wife's newest infidelity, to a friendly lodge for a period of rest and relaxation. But some folks in these parts of Georgia don't take too kindly to foreigners. Through Sunday, February 23. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 7:30 pm Sunday).

Cirque Italia Water Circus
Cirque Italia will present their new production, a story about Rafael, a farm boy swept away by a tornado who lands in the heart of the city's chaos. On the comedic escapade, Rafael the Clown seamlessly transitions from farm life to the dazzling lights of the city, weaving humor into both worlds. As he navigates the city, he encounters many personalities, reflecting the diverse facets of urban life. Attractions include a trampoline wall, the Rolla Bolla, a rope act, juggling, and more. 7:30 pm (1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 pm Sunday).

Houston Grand Opera presents West Side Story
From the moment Maria and Tony step onto the dance floor, their intense chemistry sends sparks flying, igniting a romance destined for tragedy. Transporting Shakespeare’s story of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet to a New York setting, West Side Story is the creation of composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, choreographer Jerome Robbins, and playwright Arthur Laurents. Through Saturday, February 15. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash
With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voice, and spot-on mannerisms, Shawn Barker’s uncanny resemblance to the original Man In Black revitalizes the true character and spirit of Johnny Cash himself, one of America’s greatest musical icons. The show features Barker in character throughout the entire evening, taking the audience through each era of Cash’s life and music, including hits like "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk The Line," "A Boy Named Sue," "Hurt," and "Ring of Fire," complete with a full backing band. 8:30 pm.

Saturday, February 1

Kumail Nanjiani: Doing This Again
Kumail Nanjiani comes to Houston as he returns to his roots in stand-up comedy. Nanjiani has a rich history in comedy, as he's best known for his role on the HBO series Silicon Valley. In recent years, he's appeared in the lead role on Hulu's Welcome to Chippendales and was nominated for an Oscar alongside his wife, Emily V. Gordon, for co-writing The Big Sick. Despite his success on screen, stand-up has always been a true passion. Now, he's ready to bring his sharp observations and unique comedic voice back to live audiences. 7 pm.

Monster Jam
Monster Jam will be an adrenaline-charged weekend featuring heated rivalries, high-flying stunts, and fierce head-to-head battles. It will feature Monster Jam trucks like the legendary Grave Digger, Megalodon, El Toro Loco (which will be on display this Thursday afternoon at Northern Tool + Equipment), Zombie, and more in freestyle, skills, and racing competitions. They will also have pit parties and driver meet-and-greets after the event. 7 pm (3 pm Sunday).

Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour
Ever since he gave an endlessly tea-spilling interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast last year (which currently has 88 million views on YouTube), Katt Williams has now gotten a rep for being one of the most outspoken, provocative comics out there. Even GQ recently declared he’s responsible for the sordid celebrity scandals (Diddy, anyone?) that have surfaced. Nevertheless, Williams continues to be a pimpalicious comedian, and he’ll be performing two shows in Houston this weekend. 8 pm (7 pm Sunday).

Sunday, February 2

Maven at Thompson presents Beats & Brews
Over at the Thompson Houston Hotel, coffee shop and cafe Maven is hosting its first Beats & Brews event, combining laid-back DJ sets in a cozy coffee shop atmosphere. Guests can unwind, recharge, and connect over expertly crafted coffees and indulgent bites, while enjoying beats by popular Houston DJ Christopher Reid (aka DJ Saynt Chris). Known for their premium coffee and cocktails, Maven’s Beats & Brews is the latest in their ongoing efforts to create dynamic, community-driven moments through curated events, pop-ups, and lifestyle experiences. Noon.

ReelAbilities Houston presents ReelArt opening reception
At ReelArt, visitors can see the world through the eyes of artists from Celebration Company, an entrepreneurial employment program for adults with disabilities, and featured artist Keith Wasserman. The artists work with a variety of mediums, such as painting, photography, and glass fusion. This wide range of mediums allows the artists multiple ways to excel at expressing themselves. To view the art virtually or to purchase products, go here. 1 pm.

River Oaks Theatre presents Cinemaniacs: The Manchurian Candidate
Local pop-culture critic/writer Chris Vognar (Rolling Stone, New York Times, etc.) closes out his Paranoia, the Destroyer: American Political Thrillers film series he programmed over at River Oaks Theatre this weekend. The final film will be John Frankenheimer’s psycho-thriller/neo-noir/downright-bananas Cold War satire from 1962, based on Richard Condon’s novel, starring Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Harvey, Janet Leigh, and Angela Lansbury as one bad mother. Vognar will introduce the film and host a post-screening talkback. 6 pm.

Bebop Bounty Big Band: Cowboy Bebop Live Tour
Folks who grew up watching the Cartoon Network’s Toonami block will definitely love this. Cowboy Bebop Live is an experience highlighting the story of the anime Cowboy Bebop on the big screen with live music by the Bebop Bounty Big Band. The 14-piece jazz ensemble features world-class musicians, with members from the Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando Jazz Orchestra, and Disney’s Main Street Philharmonic. 7 pm.

Photo by Lynn Lane

The cast of HGO's West Side Story stays cool.

event-planner

Weekend Event Planner

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

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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