WEEKEND EVENT PLANNER
Top things to do in Houston this weekend: 4 fun festivals, a perfect pet party, and more
Celebrate a dynamic, thriving culture this weekend at the Houston Filipino Street Festival.
This weekend, not one, two, three, but four fall festivals invite locals to enjoy Fall at Uptown Park, Asian art, Latino film, and our robust Filipino culture.
Those who can't resist a sweet, furry face can meet more than 1,000 of them at Petco's Mega Adoption event and take one (or 12 ) home for just $35. And speaking of furry faces, Pups & Pints celebrates beer, Oktoberfest, and of course, pups.
Enjoy; here are your bests bets for the weekend.
Thursday, October 19
RARE, The Houston Steak Championship
Houston welcomes RARE, the first festival centered around the juicy cuts of the Wild West. The city’s most revered restaurants will come together to dish up beef bites paired with steak-worthy cocktails. Competitors will aim to garner votes from a panel of judges and festival attendees to determine which steak reigns supreme. Chefs can vie for the hearts of the city’s steak lovers with a tried-and-true classic in the “Traditional Steak” category or throw caution to the wind and get inventive in the “Creative Steak Dish” competition. 5:30 pm.
The Ensemble Theatre presents Walk with Amal
Light My Way is a creative journey in the form of a live, communal expression that is being produced by The Ensemble Theatre and led by BOLD associate artistic director Rachel Hemphill Dickson. In the journey of Light My Way – featuring Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child – Rachel and project collaborators have crafted a storyline that comes to life on the streets of the Third Ward. Little Amal will meet other children (who represent those who have been displaced) near Project Row Houses. 6:30 pm.
Holocaust Museum Houston presents 20 Days in Mariupol
Holocaust Museum Houston, in partnership with FotoFest, will host a screening of this award-winning documentary by Pulitzer Prize-winning Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov. This harrowing film follows Chernov and his team as they document the first 20 days of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in the besieged city of Mariupol. Prior to the screening will be a foreword from Chernov to the city of Houston, as well as a short panel discussion following the screening. 6:30 pm.
Mid Main Lofts Gallery presents “Something Shiny” closing reception
Mid Main Houston’s “Something Shiny” exhibit will be wrapping up this weekend. This closing is really special; it’s a farewell to the well-received, long-awaited collaboration art show between longtime friends Lynzy Lab and Jacob Calle. There’s also a comedy show produced by Calle. There will be magic by Bud Kula and comedy by Emily Peacock, Reier Cammerman, Peter Pecker, Julia Cook, Kate Vance and hosted by Rachel McMillen. There is a $15 minimum donation, which goes directly to the performers. 6:30 pm.
Friday, October 20
Houston Botanic Garden presents "Glass in Flight" opening day
Houston Botanic Garden presents "Glass in Flight," featuring gigantic sculptures of butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, and bees, with some as tall as 12 feet high. Created by Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri, the traveling art and science exhibit showcases 21 pieces made of steel and colorful, hand-cut Dalle de Verre glass that capture the essence of flight and mimic the transparency and iridescence of insect wings in the sunlight. Through Friday, April 19. 9 am.
The three-day Houston Fall Home Show is one of the biggest shows for the home decoration and home remodeling industry. It will provide an opportunity for the visitors to directly connect and interact with professional experts to gain experience and innovative ideas in this field. And guess what? Patric Richardson, star of HGTV’s The Laundry Guy, will be live on stage Friday and Saturday. 11 am.
Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation presents Power of Literacy Luncheon
Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild presents the 8th annual Power of Literacy Luncheon. This year’s event (with a “The Gift of Reading” theme) is chaired by Maureen Higdon. The featured speaker will be Emmy/Tony-winning actress, singer, and New York Times bestselling author Kristin Chenoweth. Proceeds will benefit childhood literacy programs across Houston. Guests will enjoy a captivating author conversation along with a silent auction and raffle. 11:30 am.
This weekend, head over to Marmo for an upscale afternoon garden party. Explore the restaurant’s build-your-own spritz bar showcasing the Italian classic Aperol, while indulging in signature bites such as bruschetta, Tuscan chicken bites, dry-aged NY strip served with sweet potato puree, and delightful, lemon olive oil cakes. Tickets are available for $25 per person and include complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a themed cocktail, and exciting takeaways. 3 pm.
Performing Arts Houston presents An Evening with Bill Nye
Engineer, comedian, author, inventor — audiences revere Bill Nye's infectious blend of humor, intellectual curiosity, and devotion to solving some of the world’s most complex challenges through science. Best known for his Emmy-winning run as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” he brings his love of science and flair for comedy to every appearance — deftly translating complex issues to help inspire audiences of all ages to engage with and improve our world. 7:30 pm.
Saturday, October 21
Petco Love's third annual Mega Adoption Event
This Saturday and Sunday at George R Brown Convention Center, more than 1,000 sweet and lovable furry companions, including more than 100 pets from BARC (the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption Center), and public and private animal shelters, will be looking for their forever home. Big dogs, small dogs, senior pets, puppies, cats, and kittens will be available for adoption for $35, and can go home the same day. All participating BARC pets will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, registered with the city, and up-to-date on vaccinations. All animals will be available on the convention center floor, and meet-and-greet stations will be available for adopters and their potential future family members.
Get ready (finally!) to embrace the spirit of autumn at Fall Fest at Uptown Park. Join in celebrating the beauty of the season with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and local shopping. Attendees can expect over more than 30 unique local vendors to include delicious fall treats, vintage threads, cozy candles, handcrafted jewelry, artisanal food products, and so much more. Additionally, the market will feature face painting, pumpkin painting activities, a fall backdrop and photographer, and a live DJ. 11 am.
Filipino Young Professionals presents Houston Filipino Street Festival
The tapestry of Filipino culture will be on full display at the Houston Filipino Street Festival. Organized by the Filipino Young Professionals of Houston, the annual celebration promises an immersive experience into the heart of Filipino traditions, music, art, and cuisine. Highlighting the event's purpose beyond festivities, a portion of the proceeds will contribute to the annual FYP Scholarship, emphasizing the festival's commitment to empowering the next generation of Filipino leaders through education. Noon.
Houston Latino Film Festival presents Cine De Muertos
The Houston Latino Film Festival presents Cine de Muertos, a two-day, weekend celebration that transcends borders, showcasing films from around the world that capture the essence of the themes of Día de Muertos. In addition to the films, there will be live music, poetry readings, and more. Guests are welcome to stay after for a post-screening social to mingle with fellow film enthusiasts and enjoy free beverages (while supplies last). 1 pm.
The Starry Nite Arts Festival spotlights local and national AAPI talents. Featured artists include the renowned Korean-American artist Justin Park, emerging artist Ninaco, multi-faceted performer Alan Z, and the globally celebrated Katherine Ho, known for her top streams on Spotify's Global Hits. In addition to the live music, the festival offers culinary delights from AAPI chefs and food vendors such as Seoulside Wings, Gyro Hut, Mac N' Mese, Lao Thai Sabaidee BBQ, Sapa & Co., and more. 3 pm (2 pm Sunday).
Peter Gabriel at Toyota Center
The former Genesis frontman and solo powerhouse who boasts tracks like “In Your Eyes” and“Sledgehammer” is back on the tour. As we noted in our top concerts roundup this month, artist as monumental as Peter Gabriel doesn’t tour without intention and this current jaunt feels like a victory lap of sorts. At a spry 73 years, he still puts on unforgettable shows — and his Toyota Center performance promises hits and dazzling visuals, too. 8 pm.
Sunday, October 22
The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency, a nonprofit providing Houston-area women and girls with the tools needed to be advocates for their health, presents the 13th Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon. ABC13’s Gina Gaston will emcee and welcome guests who participate in The Women’s Fund’s Health Education programs to an afternoon featuring keynote speaker Roslyn Bazelle Mitchell. There will be a silent auction as well as a baubles and bubbles champagne raffle for a chance to win luxury prizes and experiences. 11:30 am.
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park presents Pups & Pints Oktoberfest 2023
October is German American Heritage Month and a time for Halloween, so what better way to learn about the largest European immigrant group in the nineteenth century than with a complimentary bier from Saint Arnold in hand and your best friend wagging their tail next to you? One of the afternoon’s highlights will be a costumed pet parade. Pet owners are encouraged to dress up, as well, and even decorated pet strollers are allowed. The number of entries is limited and only friendly, socialized, well-behaved pets will be allowed. Noon.
The Three Graces One Pot Cook Off is one part chili cookoff, one part stew stampede, one part gumbo gauntlet, and one part devilish desserts. A group of celebrity judges will sample all the dishes and award one team the coveted One Pot Trophy. Attendees will get to taste all of the dishes (or as many as they can) and see if they agree with the judges. There will be a raffle and a silent auction. Proceeds from this event will go to the Three Graces Inclusive Scholarship Program. 1 pm.
