weekend event planner

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

Permission Whiskey & Service Co. Kentucky Derby

Get down and Derby at Permission Whiskey.

Permission Whiskey & Service Co./Instagram

Houston's weekend is jam-packed, what with Kentucky Derby parties, coronation of King Charles III events, festivals, and more.

Foodies can dig into some pop-ups and specials events, an Elvis-themed drag musical brings burnin' love to town, and Asia Society celebrates incredible India.

Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

Thursday, May 4

The Menil Collection presents In Conversation: Art Spiegelman on Si Lewen and Graphic Novels

Art Spiegelman, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1992 for his masterful Holocaust narrative Maus, will discuss Si Lewen’s art and the history of graphic novels with Rebecca Rabinow, director of the Menil Collection. A public reception will follow at the Menil Drawing Institute. The exhibition "Si Lewen: The Parade" will be open to attendees. As always, Menil programs are free and open to all. 4 pm.

Gulf Coast Comics Comicbook Co. presents Underneath: Children of the Sun

Celebrate Star Wars Day with a free movie screening (presented by Gulf Coast Cosmos Comicbook Co.) at University of Houston-Downtown’s New Sciences & Technology building. An ultra-powerful alien artifact passes through generations of bloody fingers and inheritors here on Earth, including the present, and ultimately leads to an epic battle for control. Filmmaker David Kirkman in person for the event. 7:30 pm.

Mildred's Umbrella Theater Company presents Tooth & Tail

Mildred’s Umbrella Theater presents the world premiere of Tooth & Tail, their postponed production by Elizabeth A.M. Keel. Jam-packed with princesses, dragons, pirates and more, the play is part fairy-tale, part rescue mission, part love story, and all adventure. The play has been developed and workshopped through support of Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company, and their ongoing commitment to the empowerment of female artists and their stories. Through Saturday, May 13. (8 pm Friday; 2:30 and 8 pm Saturday; 2:30 pm Sunday).

Friday, May 5

DACAMERA Gala 2023: Music Salons and Jazz Supper Club

DACAMERA's 2023 gala, Music Salons and Jazz Supper Club, will welcome guests for an evening featuring a lively cocktail hour, a wine pull, and a gourmet seated dinner with a selection of curated wines. Jazz vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, winner of the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition will treat guests to a performance. Tickets are $550, while tables are $5,000. 7 pm.

Houston Symphony presents Broadway Hits Go to Hollywood

From Singin’ in the Rain to La La Land, Hollywood has a flair for movie musicals, and the Houston Symphony will salute some of the very best this weekend. Audiences will hear favorite songs from My Fair Lady, The Music Man, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Les Misérables, The Wiz, Cabaret, Funny Girl, The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, and more, sung by Broadway stars Nikki Renée Daniels and Hugh Panaro. 8 pm (2:30 pm Sunday).

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Joyland

Named Best International Feature at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Saim Sadiq’s film is set in Pakistan’s patriarchal society. Haider, the youngest son in a traditional family, secretly becomes a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque. He falls for the lead performer, who is transgender. Once discovered, their relationship has a profound effect on Haider’s family. Since premiering at Cannes, this groundbreaking film has earned multiple honors at international film festivals. 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

Stages presents The Legend of Georgia McBride

Casey is desperate to be the best Elvis impersonator, complete with his flashy sequin jumpsuit. But his audiences lose interest and his act is replaced by the new drag show in town. With rent overdue and a baby on the way, “The King” takes the plunge and transforms into an all-out queen. With snappy zingers and dance-worthy numbers, this wildly entertaining story challenges our perceptions of identity and classic gender roles with extraordinary humor and depth. Through Sunday, July 2. 7 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Saturday, May 6

Bridgeland presents Nature Fest

Bridgeland will host the 15th annual Nature Fest, headlined by Jeff Musial, a renowned animal rescuer and wildlife expert who has garnered national recognition educating the public on various daytime and late-night talk shows. Children and adults alike can have fun learning about the joys of nature through pony rides, a petting zoo, nature exhibitions and other roaming entertainment. Kids can enjoy a creative experience through arts and crafts, face painting and balloon art; or get wild in the inflatable zone, or through laser tag. 10 am.

Permission Whiskey presents Derby Day

Permission Whiskey will host its third annual Kentucky Derby party. This year’s Derby celebration will feature a broadcast of the race, live music, a trumpet player, Derby-themed roses, a festive hat contest and other surprises to truly capture the experience of the Kentucky Derby. Fresh mint julep cocktails will be flowing, and Maker’s Mark will be on site giving away branded swag to encourage guests to celebrate the Derby with the iconic brand. Noon.

Archway Gallery presents Becky Soria: "Gaia’s Oracle" opening reception

For some years now, Becky Soria’s work has focused on human and animal figures. In those works, Soria re-constructed female and animal forms from within, though not in any literal sense of depicting internal organs and such. In this new group of works, Soria has moved her penetrating gaze from those figures into the external world they inhabit. This is the dwelling place of Gaia - Mother Earth. “I feel this urge, as an artist, to respond to the urgent call of Mother Earth,” quotes Soria. Through Thursday, May 1. 5 pm

Echoes Cafe Grand Opening Party

Echoes Cafe, a Greek and Mexican kitchen, will officially open this weekend with a grand opening party. The Kazilas family curated the menu with chefs Armando Ramirez and Ana Stanciu. Ramirez, an understudy of Hugo Ortega, was formerly a chef at Hugo's, Backstreet Cafe, BCN, Da Marco, and Vic & Anthony's. The party will feature live music from Curley Cormier and the Gladiators, the legendary rhythm and blues band from the Silver Slipper. 5 pm.

Sunday, May 7

b’Tween Sandwich Co. Pop-Up Event

b’Tween Sandwich Co., helmed by chef Michelle Wallace, is bringing their dynamic and flavorful bites to brand new event space Fareview. The pop up event will feature five menu items the chef has become known for. Customers can also look forward to the inclusion of Devin Strahan of Devin’s Spiked Root Beer, who will be serving sip-worthy samples of his spiked root beer, and spiked root beer floats. Noon.

Houston Area Parkinson Society presents Blues, Brews and BBQ

Houston Area Parkinson Society’s Blues, Brews and BBQ includes live blues music, barbecue, a raffle, games, and more. Live music will be provided by Steve Krase Band (with guest vocalist Allie Rae), Bluestown Shakedown, Staggolee, and Vin Mott Blues Band. The barbecue will be provided by 2Guys1Pit. Proceeds from this event will help fund the free programs and services Houston Area Parkinson Society provides to those living with Parkinson’s disease. Noon.

Asia Society Texas and the Consulate General of India in Houston present Celebrating Incredible India!

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence with an evening of fashion, dance, and food. Hosted by Emmy award-winning journalist Rekha Muddaraj, this event will feature a fashion show, performances by Anjali Center for Performing Arts and Rhythm India, mixing from DJ Rocky of South Asian and Bollywood hits from the ‘70s to today, and a reception catered by Daawat Catering. 4 pm.

weekend event planner

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

Steve Aoki/Facebook

See Steve Aoki in concert at NOHO in EaDo.

This weekend, it’ll be a brand new year. Although some may be partied out after New Year's Eve, some cool stuff will be happening.

Welcome 2026 with a festive brunch. Music from Nat King Cole and Steve Aoki will be played on Friday night. Saturday begins with a matcha pop-up and ends with a salute to goth/darkwave at Wonky Power. And, on Sunday, you can get in a fun run/walk and see the Thin White Duke on the big screen.

Thursday, January 1

The Union Kitchen presents New Year’s Day Brunch
The Union Kitchen is kicking off 2026 with a celebratory New Year’s Day brunch at all Houston-area locations. Customers will enjoy festive brunch sips, including $2.50 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys, and $4 bellinis. Additionally, in true Southern tradition, the restaurant will offer cabbage, black-eyed peas, and cornbread — the classic good-luck trio for prosperity in the year ahead. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. 10 am.

EZ’s Liquor Lounge presents New Year’s Day Hangover Brunch
For those who know they’ll be party-hopping this New Year’s Eve, here's a place to go and deal with that gnarly hangover the day after. The annual Hangover Brunch will feature fried chicken, biscuits, champagne specials, and caviar at cost. 11 am.

MKT Bar presents New Year's Day Brunch
While some people are known to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day – for good luck and prosperity for the year ahead – head over to MKT Bar (located inside Phoenicia Specialty Foods' location downtown) and get their famous chicken and waffles for half-off. The Danielle Reich and Bruce Saunders Quintet will also be on the premises, performing some eclectic, jazz/pop numbers. Noon.

Friday, January 2

Punch Line Houston presents Sam Jay
Stand-up comic Sam Jay will be doing a two-night stint at Punch Line Houston this weekend. The Emmy-nominated former Saturday Night Live writer has been seen on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay, a weekly late-night series on which she served as host and executive producer, as well as Bust Down, the Peacock sitcom she co-created and co-starred in. Recently, she did her solo show Sam Jay: We the People at the Edinburgh Festival and New York’s Lincoln Center Theater. 7 and 9:15 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "A Nat King Cole New Year"
The Jones Center for the Performing Arts will have an “Unforgettable” start to 2026 as Byron Stripling, Denzal Sinclaire, and the Houston Symphony Big Band perform the timeless hits of Nat King Cole, along with well-known songs by other jazz legends. The program will include songs like “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy,” “When I Fall in Love,” “Just One of Those Things,” and more. (We wonder if we’ll get Cole’s “The Christmas Song” one last time.) 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Theatre Southwest presents Murder on the Orient Express
Agatha Christie’s legendary, literary masterwork will be brought to the stage at Theatre Southwest. On a train traveling through Europe, a wealthy American tycoon is found dead in his compartment, the door locked from the inside. Enter world-famous detective Hercule Poirot, who must navigate a train full of suspects and solve the murder before the killer strikes again. Through Saturday, January 17. 8 pm (3 pm Sunday).

NOTO Houston presents Steve Aoki
Did you know that DJ/producer Steve Aoki invented the trend known as “caking”? That’s when he throws a huge cake out into the crowd while playing Autoerotique’s “Turn Up the Volume,” a song whose video features people getting splattered by exploding cakes. We bring this up because Aoki will be doing a late-night DJ set at NOTO Houston, and there’s a very good chance people in the crowd will get hit with a very delicious dessert. Stay in the back to avoid getting icing on your outfit. 10 pm.

Saturday, January 3

Kazzan Ramen & Bar and Tomo Matcha Pop-Up
Houston’s ramen scene is getting a green tea glow-up. Kazzan Ramen & Bar is teaming up with Tomo Matcha for a one-day pop-up this weekend. For the collaboration, guests who dine in at Kazzan Ramen will receive 20% off Tomo matcha, and customers who purchase a matcha drink will enjoy 20% off their meal. If you can’t make it, Tomo will also do a Sunday-afternoon pop-up at GLO Pilates. 11 am.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Resurrection
Bi Gan (whose Long Day’s Journey into Night screened at MFAH in 2018) directs this ambitious, 160-minute, sci-fi detective movie starring Chinese superstar Jackson Yee (Better Days) and actress Shu Qi (The Assassin). In a future where humanity has surrendered its ability to dream in exchange for immortality, an outcast finds illusion, nightmarish visions, and beauty in an intoxicating world of his own making. 2 pm.

Archway Gallery presents June Woest: "Weather Inside Out" opening reception
Archway Gallery will present an exhibit of new work by June Woest that captures the interplay between photography, sculpture, and AI. "Weather Inside Out" explores Woest’s experiences with the unpredictable nature of the weather by challenging the notion that we are helpless against it. Her works are an invitation to embrace change and find comfort in the unpredictable.Through Thursday, February 5. 5 pm.

Wonky Power presents Dia de los Darks
The first Dia de los Darks of the year kicks off this weekend, bringing a night powered by darkwave, goth, rock en español, and cumbia. Scheduled to perform are El Turko Sonidero, DJ Fredster and guitar-playing masked man Orpheus Von Doom. Expect haunting beats, immersive visual installations lighting up the night. A night market will be open late with art, fashion, and local vendors — giving attendees that dark underground vibe. 8 pm.

Sunday, January 4

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium presents Saint Arnold Social Fun Walk/Run
Saint Arnold Fun Runs are back for 2026. Close out the first weekend of 2026 by getting some exercise, taking a social run/walk, and purging yourself of everything 2025-related. Participants get a guided and marked, 3.5(ish)-mile run/walk with beer pacers, three tasty brews from Saint Arnold, a Saint Arnold pint glass, and a Texas tamale breakfast. Rain or shine. 8 am.

Cousins Maine Lobster at Car Spa
Get your car shining and your cravings satisfied all in one stop as Cousins Maine Lobster rolls its truck over to Car Spa this weekend. Whether you're cleaning up your ride or just passing through, swing by and sample such delicacies as Maine, Connecticut, and garlic butter lobster rolls, lobster tacos and quesadillas, lobster tots and lobster tails, lobster grilled cheese, creamy lobster bisque, clam chowder, whoopie pies, and more. 11 am.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema LaCenterra presents The Man Who Fell to Earth
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s “Art Decade: Films of David Bowie 1973-1983” series begins with this 1976 sci-fi curio. The story of an alien (Bowie, of course) on an elaborate rescue mission provides the launching pad for Nicolas Roeg’s examination of alienation in contemporary life. The film’s hallucinatory vision was obscured in the American theatrical release, which deleted nearly 20 minutes of crucial scenes and details. This screening is of Roeg’s full, uncut version. Noon.

Steve Aoki in concert

Steve Aoki/Facebook

See Steve Aoki in concert at NOHO in EaDo.

new year's day entertainment weekend events event-planner