weekend event planner

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

Celebrate Popston's sweet one-year anniversary this weekend.

Popston/Facebook

This weekend sees a new music series, a tribute to our very own Deli Man, and the grand opening of a new restaurant/sports bar/cigar lounge.

Asia Society unveils a must-see new journey to five Asian countries with a free exhibit showcase and some choice theater starring pirates, Patsy Cline, and Maya Angelou takes the stage.

And what's more sweet than popsicle on a weekend afternoon or a Peanuts party? Why not try both?

Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

Thursday, July 20

Jax Grill & Bar presents Summer Texas Country Music Series

Beginning this weekend, country singer Rich O’Toole and Jax Grill & Bar will host free, live country music every Thursday. Singer-songwriter Paige Lewis will kick off each Thursday night performing alongside a rotating cast of the city’s best pickers before the week’s headlining act takes the stage. Jax will offer an array of food and drink specials each week, including a custom taco plate created by O’Toole – a noted taco connoisseur – in collaboration with the kitchen team. 6 pm.

Holocaust Museum Houston presents The Deli Man

In tandem with the exhibition, "I'll Have What She's Having: The Jewish Deli," Holocaust Museum Houston will host this movie screening. The documentary tells the story of local "deli man" Ziggy Gruber, who grew up in a family-owned deli in New York City, then went off to the Culinary Institute of America, Le Cordon Bleu in France and eventually a three-star Michelin restaurant. Ziggy moved back to the U.S. and eventually landed in Houston, where he opened Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen. 6:30 pm.

Musaafer presents “House of Illusions” Anniversary Party

For one night only, Musaafer will celebrate its third anniversary by transforming its walls into a realm of enchantment and allure. Guests will be invited to unleash their inner mystic with Tarot and fortune tellers, marvel at the beauty of live statues and elaborate digital projections, get lost in the rhythm of live DJs, and indulge in an array of delectable live food and cocktail stations. Each corner of the restaurant will transform into distinct themed experiences, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees. 7 pm.

Friday, July 21

Asia Society Texas presents "Explore Asia" Grand Opening Weekend

Asia Society Texas presents the grand opening of an immersive exhibition highlighting five Asian countries across six unique experiences.The $4.6 million permanent exhibition focuses on Asian art and culture and transforms the experience of visiting AST’s Yoshio Taniguchi-designed center. The weekend will include free access to the new exhibition, made possible by generous funding from the Ling and George Yang family, along with lion dances and a variety of family-friendly activities. Noon (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipnogsis)

Whether or not you are a fan of Pink Floyd, chances are you recognize the album covers of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. This documentary celebrates the creative duo behind those iconic images, Aubrey “Po” Powell and Storm Thorgerson, revealing the duo’s influence by revisiting their iconic album covers and tracing their career. The documentary features commentary from stars including Peter Gabriel, David Gilmour, Paul McCartney, and Robert Plant. 7 pm Friday (5 pm Sunday).

Quad HTX Restaurant & Sports Lounge Grand Opening Weekend

Quad HTX Restaurant & Sports Lounge, Houston’s hottest new Third Ward destination for sophisticated sports, dining, and leisure, is hosting a massive four-day, grand opening weekend celebration. Quad HTX kicks off its public festivities with a “Flirty Friday” evening of seductive fun, starting at 7pm. Legendary R&B artist Adina Howard will take center stage for this event, and DJ Gloss will provide the beats to dance the night away and enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and flirtatious fun. 7 pm.

The Ensemble Theatre presents Phenomenal Woman

This world premiere collaboration between North Carolina Black Repertory Theatre and The Ensemble Theatre is a profound musical about the life and works of Maya Angelou. Her constant pursuit of a home, true love, and the “right words” are evident in her labored desire, endless searching in the most remote places, heartbreaking failures, and awe-inspiring victories. Her journey culminates in profound epiphanies woven throughout this endearing story. Through Sunday, July 30. 8 pm (2 & 8 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

Saturday, July 22

Cothren Contemporary presents Texas Contemporary Art Brunch

Guests of the Texas Contemporary Art Brunch will be in the studio living space of Houston-based contemporary painter Janice Freeman. South Texas-born and Houston-bred, her colorful abstractions embrace her deep-rooted connection to/love for rivers and the duality of her nomadic nature. Soulful art & conversation, LALO tequila con paleta cocktails, lite Latin brunch bites and music by accordionist Alex Harover and upright bass player Max Winningham will be on the menu. 11 am.

Popston One-Year Anniversary Party

Locally owned-and-operated popsicle and gelato company Popston is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its brick-and-mortar location with the debut of a new Houston-themed ice cream, in collaboration with the iconic graffiti artist behind Houston’s famous BE SOMEONE mural. Inspired by the red artwork on the bridge while being stuck in a traffic jam, Traffic Jam ($10) is a creamy blend of cheesecake ice cream and strawberry jam with chunks of cheesecake and pie crust throughout. 11 am.

IgboFest Houston

IgboFest Houston, hosted by Ndi Ichie Cultural Club, has reigned for over 15 years in Houston, bringing in performers from across the United States and Nigeria. The 20th annual edition will consist of professional dancers of Nigerian and non-Nigerian descent who have embraced the Igbo culture to display an array of cultural dances and folklore with an educational twist. 3 pm.

Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston presents The Pirates of Penzance

The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston presents this family-friendly comic opera filled with infectious melodies, colorful costumes, and dialogue. The story revolves around Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to a band of tender-hearted pirates. Hoping to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, Frederic soon realizes that having his birthday on February 29 means that he will have to serve for decades to come. What becomes of Fredric? Are the pirates as tender-hearted as they claim? 7 pm (2:30 pm Sunday).

Sunday, July 23

Lucy Meet & Greet at Houston Toy Museum

If you grew up a huge fan of Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy, Woodstock, and the whole Peanuts gang, have we got an event for you. Visit the Houston Toy Museum this weekend for a chance to meet Melanie Kohn, one of the original voices of Lucy Van Pelt from the Peanuts cartoons. Guests who have paid museum admission that day ($18 for adults and kids will pay their age) will be able to meet the voice actor for free. Those wanting an autograph will pay just $10. 2 pm.

Stages presents Always...Patsy Cline

In 1961, country music legend Patsy Cline met Louise Seger, a fan from Houston, at a honky-tonk. The two struck up a friendship that continued via letter-writing, until the singer’s tragic death years later. First premiering at Stages 35 years ago, this show welcomes home the fans who made it a hit and invites new generations to discover Patsy and Louise. This timeless tale of friendship and great music features 27 of Patsy Cline’s biggest hits, such as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “I Fall To Pieces,” and “Crazy.” Through Sunday, October 29. 2 pm.

Houston Museum of African American Culture presents Beats on Screen: House Party

The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) and Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC) closes out its Beats on Screen series, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, with an outdoor screening of the beloved 1990 comedy. Rapping/dancing duo Kid ‘n Play made their big-screen debut as teenagers throwing a rowdy, indoor soiree full of rap battles, dance numbers and other wild, raucous stuff. After all these years, the movie is still hilarious, and way better than that weak reboot that came out earlier this year. 7:30 pm.

where to party on WLN

More than 20 White Linen Night parties happening in the Heights and beyond

Photo courtesy of White Linen Night in the Heights

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Goodness – it’s White Linen Night time again.

It’s that time of year when folks put on their finest, cleanest linens and walk around the Heights, just taking in all the fanciness. As this year marks the night’s 20th anniversary, Houston has a whole slew of WLN-related events, from day parties to outdoor markets to late-night shindigs. But there will also be a few alternative events (Black denim, anyone?) going on at the same time.

As always, the main celebration happens on 19th Street in the Heights. Organized by the 19th Street Merchants Association, a crowd of thousands of people — all dressed in white — shows up for this festival that features live music, street performers, food and drink stands, and more than 50 local vendors. Held from 6-10 pm, tickets are $20. Get more details and purchase tickets here.

In addition to the party 19th Street, these bars, restaurants, and other businesses in the Heights and beyond are also getting in on the White Linen Night festivities.

Agnes and Sherman will turn its space into a WLN pit stop, where folks can level up the experience with a spot to refuel and refresh. Enjoy indoor AC, restrooms, a dedicated bar, and food and drink specials available for purchase all night long. 6 pm.

ARTECHOUSE Houston will celebrate White Linen Night with an immersive evening of art, music, and cocktails. Visitors can explore the "Blooming Wonders" exhibition, featuring digital gardens and interactive installations by internationally renowned artists. 5 pm.

Best Regards will host an all-white affair featuring a specialty food and cocktail menu. Linen wearers can expect a night full of live DJ sets, elegant cocktails and delicious food. 4 pm.

Botanic Beer Garden will serve up special cocktails all day. There’s the White Linen (cucumber, elderflower, lemon, and fresh mint), Salted Honey Hibiscus Margarita (house-made hibiscus, honey, fresh lime, and a salted rim), and Dragonfruit Spritz (dragonfruit, sparkling wine, and citrus). 11 am.

Bungalow Heights promises to keep things cool if the weather gets a bit too heated. It will have an air-conditioned tent and an upper patio, where attendees can enjoy the all-day food and drink specials. A DJ will take over at 6 pm. 10 am.

By the Wayside is teaming up with Miradela for a White Linen Makers & Creators Market. Browse the market, meet the people behind the work, grab a cocktail and some food, and stick around as the night rolls on. 5 pm.

Cattlemen’s Country Club will have a White Linen Party, featuring live music from Hillbilly Deluxe and Christian Walker. This is part of a multi-venue WLN takeover that includes Heights Social, BLVD Park, and Say No Mas. Noon.

Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar sets off Black Denim festivities at Sunset Heights this year with its “Lilith Fair Festival” theme. Marley Moon, Hate Mail, and Enochian Project will be some of the artists performing, with The Suffers frontwoman Kam Franklin providing DJ grooves. 6 pm.

Donna’s WLN throwdown will include a tented parking-lot party, tropical cocktails, snacks and sandos from Bayou Butchers, and a DJ Demo vinyl set at 8:30 pm. White linen encouraged, and good times guaranteed. 6 pm.

With its WLN after party, Mexican-inspired cocktail lounge 1111 wants people to leave the Heights in white and head over to Montrose for an afterparty. Keelan Foreal will provide the sounds for this late-night soiree. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. 10 pm.

ELLIO Fine Art’s fifth annual WLN celebration will feature artwork from artists Audrey Tulimierro Welch, Kristina Rose Baker, and Houston’s own Shanti Conlan. The exhibition brings together voices whose practices span abstraction, painting, and printmaking. 4 pm.

Emerson Rose will feature a performance from local cover band The Pipe Dream. The three-piece outfit will play crowd favorites from the 90s through today. 6 pm.

Heights Antiques on Yale will be holding its 1st Saturday sale before WLN. The sidewalk sale will feature discounts of 20-50 percent off storewide. A complimentary food and drinks buffet will also be available. 10 am.

Heights Bier Garten will be offering its open-air garden for folks to sip cocktails, listen to live music, and soak in the vibes. Good Time Muffin will be kicking things off with live tunes, followed by a DJ spinning grooves at 8 pm. 4 pm.

Hotel Daphne will hold a White Linen Soiree — aka “An Elevated Al Fresco Evening.” This event will feature spritz-forward cocktails, alongside bites such as oysters, shrimp with pepperoni butter, and focaccia pizza. A live DJ will keep the party going in the courtyard. 6 pm.

M-K-T and Houston Plant Market present the fourth annual White Linen Market. The open-air market will feature a curated mix of local makers, artists, plant vendors, accessories, specialty goods, and food finds. 4 pm.

Melrose will celebrate WLN all through the wee hours with its Late Night Affair. It’ll be a night of cocktails, sounds, and late-night service, with JJOSHALLENN and Kyle Baron providing the tunes. Dress in white and stay all night. 10 pm.

Moon Rabbit is inviting all the white-wearers to swing by the Vietnamese restaurant for a patio party. It will have light bites, specialty cocktails, a DJ spinning live music, and lots of fun. Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Topo Chico are a few of the sponsors. 5 pm.

Patterson Park Patio Bar will serve as a free, pre-game, WLN destination. It will have all-day drink specials (including $10 white spritzes and $8 white teas), complimentary drink vendors, and a live DJ. 11 am.

Permission Whiskey will have a day-long throwdown, complete with a turf parking lot, Woodford Reserve on deck, and live performances from Peter & the Coconuts and The Bocock Brothers. DJ Gusgus and DJ Low-Key As-Me will spin the late-night grooves at 10 pm. 2 pm.

Raven Tower will be going the opposite route with Black Denim: The Anti-White Linen Night, with rock, emo, pop-punk, and alternative hits all night. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best black denim, band tees, leather, or all-black fit while spending WLN on the darker side of the Heights. 8 pm.

Reata Cellars will have chef Michelle Free serving up her signature "Bad Ass Burgers." This will be followed by John Egan performing some Texas blues at 8 pm. Free will also have a pulled pork sammy to-go kiosk on 19th Street until 11 pm. 6 pm.

Shady Acres Saloon will have live music going during its WLN event. Southern rock/country group Brian Taylor and the High Society will serve as the headliners. Country artist Cooper Mohrmann will perform at 3 pm. 8:30 pm.

Tribeca will hold a Purple Durag Party, hosted by White Durag and The Chopstars. DJ Candlestick, DJ Hollygrove, Lonny, and others will spend the night spinning chopped-and-screwed classics and Houston club anthems. 9 pm.

It’ll be a Whimsy White Linen Night over at The Whimsy Artisan Boutique. The free evening of art, atmosphere, and discovery features local artists, outdoor artist tents, curious collections, and wonderfully strange discoveries. 5 pm.

white linen night the heights houston holidays festivals the-heights

weekend event planner

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

where to party on WLN

More than 20 White Linen Night parties happening in the Heights and beyond

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