weekend event planner
Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend
Stroll downtown for holiday fun and IG-perfect moments.
This weekend, locals can wild at the zoo in adults-only night of lights, wine, music, and more. A hilarious comedy fest comes to town, as does a delish French food fest.
Downtown gets totally lit for the holidays, soccer fans can pack downtown for World Cup action, and hot cars go fast and furious at a luxe and exotic car show.
Stay warm; here are your best bets for the weekend.
Thursday, November 17
Houston Zoo presents Sip & Sparkle
The Houston Zoo is going wild about wine and giving the 21-and-up crowd a chance to see the holiday spectacular in a different light – without the kids. (More on the fun here.) Guests will taste wines from different world regions (including California, France, and Argentina), stroll through the zoo, and take in the sparkling holiday lights while stopping to taste wine or sip their favorite Saint Arnold brew. Food and additional drinks will be available for purchase along the TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights path. Guests can also enjoy live music, games, and a 360-photo booth. 6 pm.
The Secret Group presents Come & Take It Comedy Festival
After getting delayed earlier this year, The Secret Group’s Come and Take It Festival is finally here. This four-day comedy bonanza will feature performances by Rory Scovel, Akaash Singh, Harland Williams, Jackie Kashian, Doug Benson, Joe Derosa, Sean Patton, Jenny Zigrino, River Butcher, Kate Quigley, Daniel Van Kirk, Billy D. Washington, Ashton Womack, and more. There will also be live editions of such podcasts as Doug Love Movies, The Pen Pals Podcast, and others. 6 pm (1 pm Saturday and Sunday).
The French Food and Wine Festival is here for all those classy foodies whose taste buds are refined AF. This event will feature over 30 local chefs, a French cheese buffet by Spec's Gourmet Foods, a selection of French wines, a French wine open bar, music, and an art exhibition. Look for foie gras, caviar provided by DR Delicacy, lobster bisque, fresh seafood, truffle-flavored dishes, etc. There will also be a gourmet tasting at the VIP area with Chef Fox and Chef Ferrara. 6:30 pm.
Friday, November 18
Houston Antiques + Art + Design Show
This weekend-long, antiques/art/design extravaganza (returning to Silver Street Studios) features 50 national and international exhibitors. Many of these exhibitors have previously participated in the Theta Charity Show, offering fine antiques, art and design items represented by the 17th, 18th, 19th and vintage 20th centuries, all for sale. There will be antique, English and continental furniture, silver, fine art, oriental rugs, porcelain, pottery, french antiques, modernism, bronzes, antique & estate jewelry, and more. 11 am.
La Colombe d'Or presents Oysters & Champagne Social
Guests can dine and drink al fresco in La Colombe d'Or's Sculpture Garden and Romanelli Courtyard for this extremely fancy social. The shindig will feature sustainably farmed, Gulf Coast oyster varieties from Prestige Oysters paired with selections of the best Telmont Champagne. There will also be live shucking, seasonal, champagne-themed cocktails, live music, and a photo booth. Price of admission includes unlimited oysters and selections of champagne & caviar. 4 pm.
Now in its 12th year, this Fort Bend holiday market returns this weekend. Nearly four dozen vendors will be onsite showcasing an array of gift and holiday items, including candles, wreaths, clothing, toys, jewelry and more. Several participants will also be offering a variety of food items, from chocolate to olive oil to jams. Admission is one or more canned goods that will be donated to Second Mile Mission Center. The donation entitles attendees to light hors d’oeuvres, three signature cocktails and a custom shopping bag while supplies last. 5 pm.
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic
Houston First and Central Houston, Inc are joining forces to transform Downtown Houston into the ultimate holiday destination this year. (Read our full story here.) The festivities kick off with a ceremonial lighting on the plaza at Avenida Houston. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or co-workers, an evening of family fun, a memorable activity for visiting friends and relatives, or just some “me” time, there is something special for everyone and all ages to enjoy. The experience continues through Monday, January 2, 2023. 5:30 pm.
Saturday, November 19
A small cluster of artists' warehouses, galleries, and businesses in a hidden part of Houston downtown will open their doors for this annual, one-day-only art showcase – now in its 30th year. Participants displaying artwork: Bisong Art Gallery, Hardy & Nance Studios, and Mother Dog Studios. And don’t forget about Cinema Crawl, which will be happening over at Canal Street Studios at 6 pm. That will consist of shorts made by local filmmakers, as well as a feature presentation, screening in the outdoor back area. 10 am.
November Family Capoeira at Midtown Park
Do you and your loved ones ever feel like getting together and taking part in a martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, music and spirituality? Well, Midtown Park will be giving y’all that opportunity. Experience Afro-Brazilian martial-art teachings that develop strength, coordination, and discipline in this family capoeira session. Held on the third Saturday of every month, instruction is provided by the Brazilian Cultural Institute and is open to families of all sizes and skill levels. 10 am.
UNCF Houston Leadership Council presents “A Mind Is…” Gala
“Hip Hop You Don’t Stop…,” the theme of this year’s UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala, will feature famed rapper MC Lyte. The gala welcomes celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, HBCU alumni, and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college. UNCF will be honoring Dr. Ruth Simmons, Nicolas Perkins, and Rommel Quarterman. Proceeds will benefit scholarships for students attending UNCF-member schools and local colleges & universities. 6 pm.
Inspire Film Festival: Thunder Soul
For a decade starting in the late ’60s, the Kashmere Stage Band - a funk-infused outfit from Houston’s Fifth Ward - built a reputation as the most formidable, high-school band in the country. Under the leadership of Conrad O. Johnson Sr., the band embraced the sounds (and moves) of James Brown and Otis Redding, while its peers were mimicking the standards of ’40s big bands. Mark Landsman’s 2010 documentary recalls the band’s history, while following an effort to reunite alumni for a special tribute concert to Johnson. 6:30 pm.
Sunday, November 20
The World Cup is finally starting this weekend and Lyric Market, Houston’s newest food hall, is celebrating with a specialty menu of eight cocktails inspired by the eight World Cup groups, using spirits or ingredients taken from, or enjoyed in, at least two of the nations featured. All eight World Cup cocktails will be available throughout the tournament through Sunday, December 18, for just $8. Guests can also enjoy $5 beers during the games, which will be played via a large projector and screen in the food hall. 10 am.
7th Annual Houston Exotic Auto Festival
This 7th annual automobile show brings together all luxury and exotic brands to a single site. Exotic/ultra-luxury car owners and collectors will enjoy the unique opportunity to celebrate their masterpieces in front of an enthusiastic audience. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the best automobiles in Houston under several categories. Winners will be selected by a team of judges, and one of the two “Best of Show,” and second-best of show awards will be picked by the audience. 10:30 am.
Italian Cultural & Community Center Open House
The Italian Cultural & Community Center will present an afternoon of "all things Italian." Guests of all ages can meet the staff and discover the magic of the Italian language through demo classes, entertainment, light bites, and refreshments. Enjoy the beauty of Italian culture and look forward to a curated selection of Italian vendors, a fine, Italian chocolate tasting; live music from Houston-based, Italian soul band Gran Sassy; a dance performance from Andrea Minotti; and more. One lucky guest will go home with a special prize. 2 pm.
