weekend event planner

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

Spring Break has sprung, which means a fair number of Houstonians are heading out of town. Those of us who remain will undoubtedly turn our attention to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, where Luke Bryan, Major Lazer, Lainey Wilson, and attendance record holder Los Tigres Del Norte will all take the star-shaped stage.

This weekend offers plenty of other entertainment opportunities. Sushi loves have a chance to meet the man who created pioneering dishes like miso-glazed cod and hamachi and jalapeno sashimi. Dinosaurs are roaming the grounds of Katy Mills. Down in Sugar Land, the Champions of Magic will dazzle people with their performances.

Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

Thursday, March 7

Taste of Nobu Houston hosted by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa
Nobu Houston will welcome acclaimed chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa back to its location in the Galleria for an evening to remember. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey with signature canapes, live chef stations, and hand-crafted cocktails made with Nobu’s Qui Tequila, all while having a chance to meet the pioneering Japanese chef. Tickets ($250 a pop!) include food and drinks for the evening. The event is 21+ only and tickets are non-refundable. 6:30 pm.

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts presents Beyond Broadway: Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age
In Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age, Alan Cumming – star of stage, screen and however you watch TV now – covers all the bases: sex, death, and bacchanalia, with a set list as eclectic as the man himself. Songs from Cabaret authors Kander and Ebb blend with contemporary favorites and even a self-penned paean against plastic surgery. He also discusses the effects of gravity, the time the mum from The Brady Bunch punched him, and what his dog taught him about the quality of life. 7 pm.

Performing Arts Houston presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
When Alvin Ailey and a small group of African American dancers took the stage in 1958 at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, the engagement was for one night only, but it turned out to be the start of a new era in the arts. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continues its reign as an American “cultural ambassador to the world,” having performed live for an estimated 25 million people in 48 states, 71 countries, and six continents. The gifted and gorgeous Ailey dancers infuse energy and emotion to classics and new works alike. 7:30 pm (2 & 7 pm Saturday).

Friday, March 8

City Place presents Threads of Time: Sewn Through Generations
Through the lens of fashion, the unique exhibit, curated by City Place resident Denise Zimmermann, PhD, spotlights the perspective of five women representing five generations. Each participant was given the same dress to reinterpret, based on her perspective of the corresponding generation. To accompany the fascinating results, an accompanying commentary will describe the strengths, struggles, celebrations, and restrictions each felt their generations were confronted with and were able to overcome. Through Thursday, March 21. 8 am.

Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Jurassic World: The Exhibition is a family-friendly exhibit of massive proportions based on one of the biggest blockbuster franchises in cinema history. Visitors walk through the iconic Jurassic World gate, where they will explore richly themed environments inspired by the films, coming face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs such as the towering Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors including Blue, and the most fearsome of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex. Through Tuesday, October 29. 9 am.

Funbox: The World's Biggest Bounce Park
It’s time to get your bounce on, y’all. Funbox is a unique entertainment and amusement experience consisting of 25,000 square feet of inflatable fun. Designed with a kid-first, social media-second approach, it is filled with 10 play zones, including the Tumble Temple, Marshmallow Mountain, Gumball’s Gallop, and an obstacle course. It’s fun for adults too, with tons of photo ops! Admission is good for an 80-minute session. 5 pm (10:30 Saturday and Sunday).

Art Factory presents Stranger Sings!: The Parody Musical
Art Factory introduces a side-splitting rendition of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, bringing its comically upside-down perspective center stage and embracing the nostalgic glory of the 1980s. Embark on an evening filled with the escapades of Mike, Eleven, Lucas, Dustin, and the entire Hawkins crew. Experience a night of adventure, thrills, teenage turmoil, synth beats, questionable parenting, intricate love triangles, low-budget effects, dance-worthy monsters, and who knows, perhaps (finally) some justice for Barb. 8 pm (5 pm Sunday).

Saturday, March 9

Lagoonfest Texas Spring Break Party
Are you ready to dive into your Spring Break and beat the Texas heat? Well, Lagoonfest Texas is open for business for 2024 Spring Break. From all the water sports you can imagine, including a brand new Flowrider, to relaxing on the lagoonside with a drink, Texas City is the place to be. Guests will be able to enjoy all the lagoon has to offer, including food, drinks, and live entertainment, all Spring Break long. Through Sunday, March 17. 10 am.

KevOnStage & That Chick Angel: Here’s The Thing
We’re big fans of KevOnStage, the El Paso-born comedian and content creator who has his own streaming service full of funny, called KevOnStage Studios. This weekend, KevOnStage and singer/comedienne/KevOnStage Studios regular That Chick Angel will present a live version of their comedy podcast, Here's the Thing. This isn't them sitting on stools and talking; this is an extravaganza, a live comedy show with a little podcast. 7:30 pm.

Biennial 2024 Opening Night Party
Join FotoFest to celebrate the grand opening of the Biennial 2024 central exhibition, Critical Geography. Meet the artists, curator, and team behind the Biennial, and immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with creativity, music, and refreshments. It will be held at Silver Street Studios, with remarks by FotoFest executive director and Biennial curator Steven Evans. Free parking is available for Biennial guests. A limited run of totes and t-shirts featuring the Biennial 2024 Critical Geography logo will be available for purchase. 8 pm.

Michele Brangwen Dance & Music Ensemble presents Faces of Sun and Wind
Faces of Sun and Wind is a new work from the Michele Brangwen Dance & Music Ensemble that explores the power of one person linking their energy to another, as in a microgrid set up to deliver renewable energy to a community that has united to generate it. The program will include UNENDING, a work inspired by the music of John Coltrane, with choreography by Michele Brangwen, music by Grammy-nominated composer & trumpeter Tim Hagans, and movement and music created in the moment by all performers. 8 pm (7 pm Sunday).

Sunday, March 10

Jurassic World: The Exhibition debuts at Katy Mills.

The Orange Show presents Spring 2024 Eyeopener
For more than four decades, the Orange Show's Eyeopener Tours have provided opportunities for participants to see, learn, and interact with visionary artists and art environments across the world. Guests will travel around Houston by bus with the Orange Show, visiting a series of artist homes and studios, learning about their lives, crafts, and inspirations. Lunch, snacks, and both alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. 10 am.

Calle Ocho Festival
Washington Avenue restaurant Buena Vista Cuban Café pays homage to the iconic Miami festival with this all-day affair. Enjoy a traditional Cuban pig roast, while shopping with market vendors and watching dance performances. Raffles and giveaways offer prizes that include art, meals, swag, and more. 12 pm.

14 Pews Academy Awards Viewing Party
Watch the 96th annual Oscars on the big screen, as part of 14 Pews’ Academy Awards viewing party. Witness the glitz, the glamour, the celebrities sitting in a theater for several hours in layers of makeup and undoubtedly tight clothing! There will be drinks and popcorn, and giveaways throughout the night. Come in style or come as you are, bring your friends and watch this year's festivities. 6 pm.

Champions of Magic: The Worldwide Wonders Tour
Champions of Magic comes to Houston as part of the The Worldwide Wonders Tour. The ensemble of premier illusionists includes globally acclaimed artists showcasing awe-inspiring mind-reading feats, mesmerizing up-close magic, and audacious large-scale illusions. These cats astound with interactive illusions of unparalleled brilliance—an escape defying possibility from Houdini’s infamous water torture cell, an unfathomable prediction that defies belief, levitation high above the stage, and a grand finale that transcends explanation. 7 pm.

weekend event planner

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

Photo by Larry Niehues

The Black Keys are coming to H-Town.

National Tequila Day is on Friday, and many spots in Houston will be pouring agave spirits all day long.

Pinkerton's Barbecue, Mambo Seafood, Long Weekend, The Original Ninfa’s, Winsome Prime, and Bar Buena (which is also celebrating its first anniversary this weekend) are just a few of the restaurants that will have delicious specials for everybody on this day.

Let's not forget about the other events happening this weekend: drag bingo, a sake festival, a Black dance fest, some live performances, etc. As always, here are some things to check out and enjoy during these strange times.

Thursday, July 23

The Waxaholics present Vinyl Dining: A Tribute to D’Angelo
Houston chef Ashley Gadson and DJ Big Reeks are joining forces for an immersive evening that pairs the depth of Southern cuisine with the sounds of the late D'Angelo's 2000 R&B masterpiece Voodoo. The evening includes four courses, a complete vinyl listening session on audiophile equipment, and champagne pairings by Cornelius Anthony Jr. Be prepared to mix and mingle in different rooms while enjoying the fusion of cultures, flavors, and art forms. Limited early bird tickets are available. 6 pm.

Shabach Enterprise presents Challenging Brown
Challenging Brown is a powerful story of perseverance, education, and the cost of breaking barriers in a divided America. Set in 1967 Texas, the play follows Gordon Brown as he becomes the first Black teacher at an all-white high school, stepping into a world shaped by open hostility, quiet resistance, and the daily pressure of proving he belongs. This presentation is the third installment of the Shabach Enterprise Vanguard Series, which spotlights compelling new work and bold contemporary voices. Through Sunday, August 2. 7:30 pm (3 pm Sunday).

Hotel Daphne presents Drag Bingo
Head over to Hotel Daphne’s Bar Daphne for Drag Bingo, where high-energy entertainment meets dazzling drag. Queen Persephone will be calling the numbers, serving looks, and bringing the party with her signature charisma, humor, and sparkle. Expect exciting prizes, themed rounds, and plenty of surprises along the way. Whether people are coming for the bingo, the drinks, or the vibes, this is a chance to celebrate community, inclusivity, and pure joy. Come for the game; stay for the Queen. 8 pm.

Friday, July 24

The Black Keys in concert
Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, better known as Ohio blues-rock gods The Black Keys, will be in town this weekend. They’ll most likely play tunes from their two recent releases – last year’s No Rain, No Flowers and the recently-dropped covers album Peaches!, which includes songs originally done by George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Dr. Feelgood, and R.L. Burnside. Hey, as long as they perform some tunes from their Danger Mouse-produced era, we’ll be as happy as campers in an El Camino. 6 pm.

Houston Public Library presents Author Talk with Mychal Threets
Over at Houston Public Library’s Julia Idelson Library, author and Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets will be discussing his debut picture book I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, followed by a book signing. Threets is a librarian, literary ambassador, and the library’s number one fan (according to himself, admittedly). He is also a recipient of the 2023 “I Love My Librarian” award from the American Library Association and one of TIME Magazine’s 2024 Next Generation Leaders. The event will be livestreamed on HPL's Facebook page. 6 pm.

Alley Theatre presents The Girl on the Train
The Girl on the Train is a modern psychological thriller, adapted from Paula Hawkins’s best-selling novel (and the film adaptation starring Emily Blunt), that follows Rachel, a woman struggling with dependency. She must piece together her fragmented memories to find a girl who’s gone missing. As her night comes back to her, she considers: who can you trust when you can’t trust yourself? Through Sunday, August 30. 8 pm (2 & 7 pm Sunday).

Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band in concert
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band comes to Houston for the Keep The Party Going Tour. The Coral Reefer Band began their journey with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (and resort entrepreneur) Buffett in 1973. While members have changed over the years, most of the band have performed with the tropical rocker for over 30 years. Together, they will celebrate the songs and community that defined a generation of fans. 8 pm.

Saturday, July 25

The DeLUXE Theater presents Forever Con
Forever Con is all about good vibes, cool cosplays, and nonstop fun. This family-friendly event features a double film screening (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem at noon, Blade 2 at 7 pm), vendors, panels, giveaways, and much more. Whether someone is into comics, games, or just meeting new friends, this event has it all. 9 am.

Power Station Bar & Lounge presents Sakenaut Festival
Sakenaut Festival is a Tokyo nightlife-inspired, all-you-can-drink sake festival, bringing a Japanese nightlife and sake experience directly to Houston audiences. The fest will feature sake and sake cocktails, Japanese drinking games, Nintendo Switch play, and a late-night DJ session, featuring Japanese spinners DJ Senna and DJ TSÜBEE, all built around a fun, social, Japan-inspired atmosphere. 2 pm.

Texas Monthly presents Taco Fest
At Texas Monthly's Taco Fest, attendees can enjoy an evening of live entertainment, culture, and some of the best tacos Texas has to offer. Tickets include access to bites from 15 taquerias featured on Texas Monthly’s most recent list of Top 50 Tacos in Texas, including No. 1 Ana Liz Taqueria (Mission) and No. 1 barbecue joint Burnt Bean Company (Seguin). VIP tickets are $85 and include bites from all featured joints, plus an extra thirty minutes of VIP access. GA tickets are $60 and include bites from all featured taquerias. 6 pm.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Arthouse Houston present Batman on the Bayou
Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Arthouse Houston will be giving us Batman on the Bayou, a free evening celebrating one of Houston’s most unique nighttime species. Presented as part of BBP’s Summer Species series exploring all things BATS, the event will feature family-friendly activities, a puppet show by Afasneh Aayani, nature education, and opportunities to learn more about the important role these night flyers play in our urban ecosystem. The evening also includes a screening of 1992’s Batman Returns – and costumes are encouraged! 7 pm.

Blaze x Black Halftime Performance
Houston rappers Blaze x Black have got some major events coming up this Tuesday, August 4 (aka Blaze x Black Day). That’s when they’ll drop the physical album release of their 2025 album NAHIMSAYIN, as well as their new single “Timmy Chan #2." But, before that happens, the pair will perform at halftime during the Houston Dynamo vs. Austin FC, over at Shell Energy Stadium. 7:30 pm.

Sunday, July 26

Dance Afrikana presents the 2nd Biennial Houston Black Dance Festival
Presented by Dance Afrikana, the Houston Black Dance Festival is a biennial cultural celebration that honors the richness, innovation, and global impact of African and African diasporic dance traditions through community workshops, artistic exchange, and film. This year also marks an exciting new chapter with the launch of the Black Dance on Screen series, a selection of films by and about Black dancers, followed by live conversations with the filmmakers that explore the stories and creative processes behind their work. 9 am.

Celebrating Whitney Screwston’s Heavenly Birthday
Carla Romero, also known as Whitney Screwston, was a DJ and event organizer whose life was cut short when she passed away last October at age 31. This weekend, come celebrate what would’ve been Whitney’s 32nd birthday at Forest Park Cemetery. Attendees can pay their respects and salute a special someone who brought people together through music, art, and community. People can also contribute to this celebration (as well as support her legacy and future events) by filling out this Google form. 4 pm.

Photo by Larry Niehues

The Black Keys are coming to H-Town.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Allegro non troppo
An enterprising producer believes he has hit upon a winning concept: a program of original animated shorts set to classical music. Undeterred by warnings that this has already been done by an American named “Prisney,” he assembles an all-female orchestra, a bullish conductor, and an animator that he keeps locked in the dungeon. What could go wrong? Allegro non troppo — an irreverent send-up of Disney’s Fantasia — blends live-action slapstick with cheeky animation for a film as joyful and raunchy as it is thoughtful and cutting. 5 pm.

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