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    Spooky season

    Halloween in Houston: boat bashes, Dia de los Muertos, family fun, and spirited 21+ parties

    Holly Beretto
    Oct 26, 2023 | 5:55 am

    Halloween weekend is upon Houston, and that means there's plenty of fun to scare up all over the city. Here are some of favorite spook-tacular findings.

    Food and drink

    Yelloween with Veuve Clicquot
    a'Bouzy hosts its annual Halloween Sunday Funday on Sunday, October 29 with a host of Veuve Clicquot specials, including Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV for $62 a bottle and Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut Rosé for $152 a bottle. Costumes encouraged and reservations are recommended.

    The Cursed Cauldron Pop-Up
    Through October 31, this creepy incarnation takes root at Ninja Ramen, transporting guests to a realm of magic and mystery. Those who dare will find cocktails like Coven’s Calling, a blend of Aviation Gin, dry sherry, elderflower, sage, black pepper, lemon, and Fever Tree Tonic Water, and Freyja’s Cup, which blends Heaven’s Door Bourbon, strawberry, rose, honey, lemon, and Fever Tree Blood Orange Ginger Beer. The pop-up is located at 4219 Washington Ave., and offers "char-BOO-terie boards," along with other tricks and treats.

    Día de los Muertos Mezcal Dinner at Xochi
    The downtown restaurant marks the traditional Mexican celebration of the deceased on Wednesday, November 1, with a four-course seated dinner, created by Chef Hugo and Chef Ruben. Each course is paired with a Amaras cocktail. Expect items such as toasted masa pancake, braised beef cheeks, mole pasilla and blue masa triangular envelope stuffed with hoja santa , paired with a Xochirita, made with Amarás Verde Mezcal, orange liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, gusano salt, or bacon-wrapped quail, pasilla mixed sauce, chochoyotes paired with Ama Chocolate, a combination of Amarás Azul, chocolate wash, Pimm’s liqueur, cardamom, lime, agave. The cost is $110 per person. Tickets available online.

    Parties and events

    Punch Party
    Kick off Halloween weekend at Rienzi with this 21+ party starting at 6 pm Friday, October 27. Guests can sip and savor English punch while exploring the museum's collection of 17th- and 18th-century European art, and enjoying the sounds of live music. The cost is $65 per person. Buy tickets on the MFAH website.

    Spooky Karaoke
    Finn Hall hosts this frighteningly fun evening of karaoke on Friday, October 27 from 9 pm to midnight with host Mathis Jones. Enter the “Spook Eazy” at Swallow’s Nest for bewitching decorations, live music, and specialty cocktails.

    7th Annual Night at the Haunted Mansion
    On Saturday, October 28at 8 pm, Chapman and Kirby completely transforms into a hauntingly delightful space, perfect for celebrating Halloween in style. Spooky decorations, eerie music, DJs, Halloween-themed cocktails, and a Trick-or-Treat Bar highlight the festivities. Costumes are required, and guests have the opportunity to win exciting prizes. The event is free, but registration online is requested.

    Boos on the Bayou
    Moody Gardens celebrates Halloween with 21+ only cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel on Saturday, October 28. There's a costume contest, DJ and dancing, light bites, some spooky treats, and each guest will receive two drink tickets. The cruise sets sail at 9 pm. More information here.

    "Thriller" Halloween Bash
    The Moran CityCentre hosts this celebration of the iconic Michael Jackson hit, complete with Level One Band, an MJ cover band. The fun starts at Fireside on Saturday, October 28 at 7 pm, and there's a costume contest, with prizes including a stay at the hotel. The first 50 guests get a Tito's Vodka swag bag. Tickets are $25. Reserve online.

    FestiFall at Wooster's Garden
    On Sunday, October 29, the Midtown gathering spot hosts this party from 4 pm to 10 pm. featuring a costume contest, food trucks, shopping pop ups, raffle prizes, games, a DJ, and live music

    URBE Día de los Muertos Fiesta
    On the heels of Halloween comes the Day of the Dead, the traditional Mexican celebration that honors the deceased and welcomes their spirits back to earth to visit friends and family. On Thursday, November 2 from 6 pm to 9 pm, the Uptown street food fave closes for dinner service to host this blow out, where guests can sample Chef Hugo’s street food with interactive stations, custom cocktails, music, a face painter, festive decorations, and even prizes for the best dressed. The cost is $75 per person. Purchase online.

    Family fun

    Halloween Spooktacular for Kids
    On Saturday, October 28, the Houston Symphony invites families to Jones Hall. Guests can dress in their favorite spooky costumes and enjoy as an orchestra full of costumed musicians perform chilling tunes from beloved films including Harry Potter, Wednesday, Coco, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Lobby activities include trick-or-treating and an Instrument Petting Zoo, where kids can try instruments from the orchestra. Two outings are offered, at 10 a.m and 11:30 am. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased online.

    Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade and Costume Contest at Levy Park
    Perfect for the whole family, this festival starts with a pup parade around the park at 4 p.m. on October 29, followed by the costume contest. Categories include Spooky Season (anything fall or Halloween related), From the Screen (any character or theme from TV or movies), and Best Ensemble (must include three or more people and/or dogs in coordinating costumes). Pooch owners register here. The event is free.

    CityCentre’s 11th Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat
    Kids and adults alike will love strolling around the shopping district for this safe trick-or-treat experience. Trick-or-Treating is Monday, October 30 from 5 pm-7 pm, followed by music and performances by the Real Witch Wives of Houston at 7 and 7:30 pm. Participating merchants will be identified with balloons, including lululemon, The Moran, Seasons 52, Bowl & Barrel, Lily Rain, RA Sushi, Tecovas, and more. Bring a bucket or bag to collect the sweets.

    Kids Eat Free at Cyclone Anaya's
    Children under 12 who come dressed in costume to any Cycle Anaya's location on Halloween, October 31, will receive a free meal. Adults in costume get a free order of queso.


    Couple in costume at Wooster's Garden

    Emily Vitek

    Wooster's Garden hosts FestiFall on Sunday, October 29. Come in costume and enjoy music, raffle prizes, food trucks and more.

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    weekend event planner

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

    Craig Lindsey
    Jun 3, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    Ismali Center, Houston exterior
    Photo by Iwan Baan
    The building is reflected in the pool, a feature common in Muslim design.

    This weekend in Houston will be a very cinematic one.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s yearly Jazz on Film series starts this weekend. The DeLUXE Theater recently launched its first Black Music Month film series. And Saturday will mark the grand opening of Lost and Found Media, a brand-new video store located inside Misfit Toys.

    More movie-related happenings will be going down this weekend, along with food events, art events, music events, and the return of a local star we affectionately refer to as The Pompadoured One.

    Thursday, June 4

    Sabine Street Studios presents "Ballet of the Masses" Awards Ceremony
    Experience the vibrant fusion of sport and art at "Ballet of the Masses," where over 40 Houston artists have transformed soccer balls into works of art. The aerial installation celebrates the incredible diversity of styles, skills, techniques, and media brought together by these talented creators. This awards ceremony will honor the artists, led by special guest juror/sports commentator/expert Glenn Davis, whose unique perspective bridges the worlds of athletics and creativity. Through Saturday, July 25. 6 pm.

    Wine & Food Week
    Located in The Woodlands, Wine & Food Week is one of the region’s premier culinary and wine events, with this year’s theme being Going Places, a culinary journey highlighting global flavors, emerging talent, and the innovators shaping the future of food, wine, and hospitality. With hundreds of wines, standout chefs, special guests, and immersive experiences, Wine & Food Week promises a week of indulgence, discovery, and unforgettable flavors. 6 pm (7 pm Saturday).

    Liverpool Legends
    Liverpool Legends are four musicians/actors, handpicked by Louise Harrison (yes, George’s sister), to honor her brother’s legacy and re-create the band that changed the world forever. The audience will experience the complete history of The Beatles, from the early mop-top hits to the Magical Mystery Tour through the psychedelic era, and other classics. With note-perfect vocals, authentic costume changes, and stunning state-of-the-art multimedia, Liverpool Legends allows audiences to experience The Beatles like never before. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, June 5

    Yuma Weekend Pop-Up Takeover
    In anticipation of its brick-and-mortar location opening later this summer, Brazilian/Cuban sandwich pop-up Yuma have scheduled three upcoming pop-ups. The pop-ups will preview some items from their menu, consisting of flavors that blend authentic Brazilian flavors with Cuban sandwich classics. The first pop-up will go down on Friday at cafe/chef residency Third Place, followed by Berwick’s Bird of Paradise on Saturday and 13 Celsius on Sunday. 11 am (1 pm Sunday).

    Cactus Music presents Thomas Csorba In-Store Performance
    Thomas Csorba will be at Cactus Music to perform and sign copies of Tender Country, his third studio album. The Houston-born, Dallas-based Csorba writes country music that feels less like performance and more like witness. His work belongs to the long lineage of Texas songwriters who understand that restraint can carry more weight than spectacle, and that the quietest lines are often the ones that speak the loudest. (For our CultureMap Austin readers, he’ll also be at Waterloo Records on Thursday.) 5:30 pm.

    La Calle Tacos, Juneteenth Houston, and Black Cinema Club HTX presents Bagby Park ‘90s Movie Night
    La Calle Tacos will host a special collaboration with Juneteenth Houston and Black Cinema Club HTX during 19 Days of Juneteenth. It’ll be an outdoor showing of the 1993 hit sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, where Whoopi Goldberg returns to don the nun outfit and lead a teen choir (featuring a young Lauryn Hill!), on a large outdoor screen at La Calle's Midtown location at Bagby Park. Come enjoy tacos, drinks, and good vibes. Seating will be available, but feel free to bring chairs and blankets as well. 7 pm.

    Lyle Lovett with the Houston Symphony
    Houston’s own Lyle Lovett joins the Houston Symphony for a one-night-only performance. With countless accolades — including four Grammy Awards, the Americana Music Association’s Trailblazer Award, and the title of Texas State Musician — Lovett blends country, jazz, folk, swing, and blues into a sound that’s uniquely his own. Known for his dry wit, poetic lyricism, and genre-defying artistry, Lovett remains one of America’s most distinctive and enduring musical voices. 7:30 pm.

    Saturday, June 6

    Time Mission Houston Grand Opening Weekend
    Time Mission is a new, immersive adventure experience from the team behind Museum of Illusions and Sandbox VR. Located at the Marq*E Entertainment District in Spring Branch, teams of 2-5 players (ages 6-106) move through 25+ interactive, mental/physical challenge portals. Time Mission is also giving away 1,000+ free tickets to the first Houstonians to book their experiences. Additional tickets are half-off through Thursday with the code, OPEN50. 11 am.

    Ismali Center, Houston exterior
    Photo by Iwan Baan

    The Ismaili Center hosts the Cardamon Challenge this Sunday.

    Meow Wolf presents Phenomenomaly
    Meow Wolf presents a production that turns Meow Wolf’s newest exhibition into a living stage. The experience marks the first full-scale performance season inside Radio Tave, blending Houston’s creative pulse with Meow Wolf’s signature storytelling. The event invites guests to explore at their own pace through every dimension of the exhibition, with special performances by Houston artists throughout the season. Through Sunday, August 9. 2 pm.

    Michael Carbonaro: Wonderboy
    Michael Carbonaro is best known for his truTV series The Carbonaro Effect on truTV, where he performed inventive tricks on unsuspecting people, unaware that he is a magician. Carbonaro's illusions, along with his absurd, matter-of-fact explanations, leave people bewildered and families laughing out loud. On this tour, audiences will discover him as the Hero of Mischief in a world where magic is the superpower and laughter is the sidekick. 6 pm.

    River Oaks Theatre presents Stolen Kingdom with Filmmaker Q&A
    The 2025 documentary Stolen Kingdom delves into the history of mischief, scandal, and theft at Walt Disney World, ultimately leading to the theft of an animatronic valued at nearly half a million dollars. The film features key figures from the park’s underground exploration community, each sharing their unique stories. As the narrative unfolds, early pranks and antics are shown to have inspired more recent crimes, culminating in a true crime mystery. Filmmaker Joshua Bailey and other guests will be around for a post-screening Q&A. 7 pm.

    Sunday, June 7

    The Ismaili Center, Houston presents Spice Routes: The Cardamom Challenge
    The Ismaili Center, Houston will open its doors for a culinary/cultural experience celebrating the global journey of cardamom through food, art, and community, as well as serving as the debut of the Center’s permanent art collection. Attendees will experience chef-driven tastings with people’s choice voting, a judged, “Chopped”-style culinary competition, curated exhibitions, architecture and garden tours, family programming, and The Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace featuring artisan goods, specialty foods, crafts, and cultural vendors. 11 am.

    I'll Have What She's Having presents Preventative Health Care Bake Sale
    The Houston-based nonprofit has collected baked goods from more than 30 Houston bakers, which will be available for between $2-8. In addition, star pastry chefs such as CultureMap Tastemaker Award winners Christina Au (Blacksmith), Jane Wild (Jane and the Lion), Stephanie Velasquez (Casaema), and Vanarin Kuch (Koffeteria) are contributing "fancy cakes" for a silent auction. Proceeds support the IHWSH healthcare fund which provides no cost preventive wellness appointments to uninsured food and beverage employees. 12 pm.

    Texas Best Music Fest
    The Texas Best Music Fest was created in 2013 to bring together Lone Star musicians to help some deserving children. Proceeds from the show go to Champions Kids Camp, which helps little ones who have survived a traumatic injury, illness, or personal loss. This year’s fest will feature performances by headliners Scotty Alexander and Hayden Bakers, as well as Bill, Kim, and Jimmy Nash, special guest Grace Harrison, and more. 2 pm.

    The Big Queer Picture Show and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston present Cactus Pears
    Cactus Pears is the first of many screenings the Big Queer Picture Show will be co-hosting this Pride Month. Anand, a 30-something urbanite, returns to his rural home village for a 10-day mourning period for his father. He reconnects with Balya, a family friend and local farmer. As the mourning ends, Anand returns to the city and must decide the fate of his relationship with Balya. Winner of the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, where judges proclaimed it to be “the great modern love story . . . the world needs right now.” 5 pm.

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