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    weekend event planner

    Here are the top 16 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Feb 8, 2024 | 6:00 am
    Lunar New Year Festival + Night Market

    The Lunar New Year Festival + Night Market is a beast of a party.

    Photo by Lee's Golden Dragon/Courtesy of Downtown Houston

    Catch CultureMap's weekend events segment with editor Steven Devadanam and ABC13'a Brittaney Wilmore live at 8:45 am Thursdays on ABC13's livestream and on ABC13 all weekend.

    This Sunday, football fans, Swifties, and people who hate Taylor Swift — but are willing to bet on or against her — will catch the big game. But what to do before? How about rolling out to the Discovery Green roller skating rink. A Queso Bowl is cheesy fun; the party continues at Mardi Gras! Galveston, and Lunar New Year boasts monster parties everywhere.

    Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

    Thursday, February 8

    SIlver Street Studios present Nathan Lindstrom: On Set / Off Set opening reception

    Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of On Set / Off Set, an extraordinary photographic exhibition by Nathan Lindstrom that explores the juxtaposition between art created for commercial endeavors and his personal, fine art exploration. On Set / Off Set serves as a visual dialogue between two distinct worlds, prompting reflection on the intersections and divergences between commercial and artistic realms. Through Monday, February 12. 5 pm.

    Julia Child Foundation presents Julia Child Award 10th Anniversary

    The Julia Child Award, created by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, will commemorate a decade of honoring those who foster profound change in the way America cooks, eats, and drinks. The series will kick-off in Houston with an event featuring a menu curated by chefs Aaron Bludorn, Chris Shepherd, and Chris Williams. The series raises critical funds for The Smithsonian Food History Project at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., home to Julia Child’s kitchen. 6 pm.

    Houston Symphony presents "Perlman Conducts Tchaikovsky 5"

    No composer mines the depths of the human experience more fearlessly or wholeheartedly than Tchaikovsky, and his beloved Fifth Symphony surges with unbridled passion, candid emotion, and balletic grace on its journey from darkness to light. Houston Symphony artistic partner Itzhak Perlman leads these performances, which also feature treasured music from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and George Walker’s deeply moving Lyric for Strings. 8 pm (2:30 pm Sunday).

    Friday, February 9

    Discovery Green presents The Rink Opening Night

    Discovery Green will celebrate the opening night of The Rink, Houston’s only outdoor roller rink. Daisies and Pancakes’s skate community and instructors will showcase their talent with music by DJ Yung Chris. The first 50 skaters in line will skate for free. Forever Green members skate for free from 5-7 pm. Proceeds support Discovery Green Conservancy’s mission, park maintenance and free cultural programs. Tickets must be purchased online. Through Sunday, March 31. 5 pm.

    Houston Grand Opera presents Madame Butterfly

    Puccini’s beloved Madame Butterfly, with its soaring score and unforgettable tragic story, returns in a revival of Tony-winning director Michael Grandage’s acclaimed production. The opera’s diverse cast will be led by internationally sought-after soprano Ailyn Perez, who returns to Houston as Cio-Cio-San, the young Japanese girl who marries American naval lieutenant Pinkerton, performed by tenor Yongzhao Yu in his role debut. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    Art Factory presents On Broadway: A Musical Celebration of Show Business

    Art Factory begins their 2024 Bronze Anniversary Season with On Broadway: A Musical Celebration of Show Business. Vocalists will perform numbers from Broadway’s most popular and beloved musicals. This limited engagement takes the audience from the Golden Era all the way to the musicals that are currently running in New York City today, including Guys and Dolls, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple, The Music Man, and more. 8 pm (5 pm Sunday)

    Galentine's Day at The Plant Project

    Join founder Bree Iman Clarke at her popular plant shop at Montrose Collective for a blooming good, Galentine's Day floral workshop. Grab the gals and take in the beauty of flowers, create stunning floral arrangements, share laughs, and celebrate friendship in full bloom. Consider this the perfect way to spend quality time with your favorite ladies and spread love and joy on this special day. Light bites and sips come courtesy of Fiora’s Bottle Shop. 6:30 pm.

    Professional Bull Riders presents Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour

    For the fourth straight year, PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour will return to Cedar Park. The bull-riding action begins with Round 1 on Friday, followed by Round 2 and the championship round on Saturday. All 40 competing bull riders will get on one bull each in Round 1. The Top 36 riders from Round 1 will advance to Round 2 Saturday evening. The riders’ individual two-round scores will be totaled, with the Top 10 advancing to the championship round for one more out and a chance at the event title. 8 pm (7 pm Saturday).

    Saturday, February 10

    Eureka Heights Queso Bowl 2024

    For the 4th year in a row, Eureka Heights is gathering teams from around the neighborhood to see who can make the best queso. If you have the cheese to compete, follow this link. For those who just want to eat queso, It's free to attend. All you have to do is show up. You'll be the trusty judges and the decider of the Queso Bowl Champion. Please note that it is first come, first served. Once the queso is gone, that’s when they start handing out awards. 1 pm.

    BLCK Market and Top 3! Games present Live Show

    Top 3! Games is partnering with BLCK Market to present an exciting experience. This live game show aims to bring entertainment, engagement, and a sense of community as a way to celebrate Black History Month, a Black-owned game and Black music creators. There will be a total of nine contestants (three players per round), three regular rounds and a championship round composed of the winners from the regular rounds. The championship round winner will go home with the largest prize and be deemed Houston's Top 3! Champion. 3 pm.

    The Museum of FIne Arts, Houston presents I Went to the Dance (J’ai été au bal)

    SInce we’re right in the middle of Mardi Gras season, get in the Fat Tuesday spirit with the definitive 1989 film on the history of the toe-tapping, foot-stomping music of French Southwest Louisiana, directed by the legendary Les Blank with Chris Strachwitz. I Went to the Dance features Cajun and Zydeco greats including Michael Doucet & BeauSoleil, Clifton Chenier, Marc & Ann Savoy, D.L. Menard, and many others. 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

    Urban Souls Dance Company presents Souls of Black Houston

    Urban Souls Dance Company presents Souls of Black Houston, a dance concert dedicated to honoring Black history. This performance marks the company’s 20th anniversary season and pays tribute to two decades of sharing the powerful stories of the African American experience. Highlighting the program is “Colored Carnegie” (originally commissioned by Performing Arts Houston in 2021). Inspired by the history of the segregated Houston Colored Carnegie Library, this piece is a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community. 7:30 pm.

    Sunday, February 11

    Tidbits Rodeo Market at Armadillo Palace

    Houston Tidbits has teamed up with local, independent brands for a shopping market at Armadillo Palace with a Texas twist. Bring the crew and stroll the indoor vendor stalls to shop custom hats, boots, bandanas, bolos, apparel, permanent jewelry, vintage Western wear, custom denim, art, turquoise, Valentine's treats and gifts from a host premium retailers and brands. $5-$22. 11 am-3 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents "Crowning the North: Silver Treasures from Bergen, Norway" opening day

    "Crowning the North: Silver Treasures from Bergen, Norway" explores the art of the Bergen silversmiths from the 16th to early 20th centuries, and examines the evolution of the craft against the backdrop of greater political, social, and economic change in Norway and other parts of the world. Some 200 objects – from spoons, tankards, sugar bowls and salt cellars to elaborate ceremonial wedding crowns and fantastical vessels – are on exclusive loan to the U.S. from public and private Norwegian collections. Through Sunday, May 5. 12:30 pm.

    Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown presents Big Game Watch Party

    Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown invites you to elevate your game day experience at their Big Game Watch Party, featuring the biggest football event of the year on a spectacular 24-foot, state-of-the-art LED screen. Pregame festivities kick off with a live DJ setting the tone for the evening, and a thrilling Usher lip-syncing contest to get everyone hyped for the halftime performance. Attendees can settle in, grab some delicious bites and refreshing drinks from the bar, and enjoy the electric atmosphere as the game unfolds. 5:30 pm.

    The Secret Group presents “Unbelievable Stories”

    Step into a world of side-splitting humor and jaw-dropping tales with 'Unbelievable Stories,' the live, weekly, storytelling comedy show that will leave you laughing, gasping, and clutching your sides. Join host Ku Egenti and other charismatic storytellers as they regale you with the most absurd, outrageous, and utterly hilarious real-life experiences. From epic misadventures to laugh-out-loud encounters, 'Unbelievable Stories' brings you a night of pure, unfiltered laughter. 8 pm.

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    Weekend event planner

    Here are the 14 best things to do in Houston this Christmas weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Dec 24, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
    Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
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    So, Thursday is the big day, when many Houstonians will get together with family and/or friends to celebrate Christmas with presents, egg nog, and a festive meal.

    But that doesn’t mean there still won’t be events popping off this weekend. Some are holiday-related (like Stages’ staging of The Twelve Dates of Christmas and the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet going down in Sugar Land), while others are just some fun things to do (like watching some college football at NRG Stadium or attending the birthday bash of a local punk legend at Dan Electro’s).

    Whatever you do, just have a holly, jolly time this weekend.

    Thursday, December 25

    Toro Toro presents Christmas Brunch
    Embark on a brunch journey over at Toro Toro this Christmas. Executive chef Jonathan Esparza and his team have prepared an extensive, Christmas brunch buffet menu, featuring a selection of traditional holiday dishes and interactive stations. Brunch is priced at $145 per adult and $65 per child (11 and under; children 5 and under eat free). Dinner will also be served a la carte from 5:30 to 10 pm. 10 am.

    Juliet Steakhouse & Fine Dining presents Holiday Buffet Feast
    Juliet will be serving up a fabulous Christmas Day buffet, priced at $59 for adults and $28 for kids 12 and under (children under 5 dine free). The buffet includes carved-to-order turkey and filet mignon, plus sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, cornbread dressing, mac and cheese, collard greens, dinner rolls, Caesar salad, and lobster bisque. Desserts include peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and assorted cookies. Noon.

    The Flat presents DJ Sun’s A James Brown Christmas Tribute
    DJ Sun will be giving the gift of funk, with The Flat’s annual James Brown musical tribute. Flash Gordon Parks will also be spinning some cuts written, produced, and/or performed by the hardest-working man in show business. Special holiday cocktails will also be served, so pull up and close out Christmas night the right way: by getting funky with it! 8 pm.

    Friday, December 26

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Little Kid Flicks and Big Kid Flicks
    A holiday season favorite at the MFAH, Kid Flicks is a compilation of fun, artful, inspired, and thought-provoking short film compilations presented in partnership with the New York International Children’s Film Festival. These award-winning short films offer a chance to explore new frontiers from around the world, across the street, and the ever-expanding boundaries of our own perspectives. Little Kid Flicks is designed for ages 5 and up. Big Kid Flicks is designed for ages 8 and up. 11:30 am and 2 pm.

    Downtown Houston+ presents Movies Under the Stars: The Fighting Temptations
    As part of their Movies Under the Stars series, Downtown Houston+ will present a screening of the 2003 comedy The Fighting Temptations, where our own Beyoncé Knowles-Carter stars as a talented young singer who helps a childhood friend (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) revive a struggling church choir, at Trebly Park. Visitors are encouraged to grab takeout from a surrounding restaurant and bring their own lawn blanket to enjoy the screening. 6:30 pm.

    Improv Houston presents Marcus D. Wiley
    The son of a preacher, Christian comedian (and former Texas Southern University professor) Marcus D. Wiley's charismatic style of delivery is clean, captivating, funny, and knowledgeable. He provides lots of laughter along with a guaranteed message on being a better you. Earlier this year, Wiley released his third, hour-long special Marriage Is Major Surgery (executive-produced by Houston stand-up star Ali Siddiq) on YouTube. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 pm Saturday).

    Stages presents The Twelve Dates of Christmas
    After seeing her fiance kiss another woman at the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart — just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world. It seems nothing can help Mary’s growing cynicism, until the charm and innocence of a five-year-old boy unexpectedly brings a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season. 7:30 pm (3 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, December 27

    Wonky Power presents Jazz & Jokes
    A new night of stand-up, cocktails, and live jazz will debut inside one of Houston’s most intimate creative rooms. Jazz & Jokes brings together two of the best live experiences — laughter and live music — curated for a cozy, seated evening at Wonky Power. Featuring a rotating cast of special stand-up comedians from Houston and beyond, paired with a live jazz band setting the mood all night, this night will offer a warm, relaxed atmosphere, great drinks, and a room built for performance. 7 pm.

    Kinder's Texas Bowl: Houston vs. LSU
    The 2025 Kinder's Texas Bowl will feature a matchup between the Houston Cougars of the Big 12 Conference, making its 31st all-time bowl appearance, and the LSU Tigers of the Southeastern Conference. Houston enters the Texas Bowl ranked No. 21 in the College Football Playoff rankings with a 9-3 overall record, its best record since 2021. This will mark the first time the Cougars have played in the Bowl since 2007. 8:15 pm.

    The Garden Theatre presents Cruel Intentions
    Based on the 1999 teen flick, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical pulls audiences into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaisons: Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. Fueled by revenge and passion, the diabolically charming step-siblings place a bet on whether or not Sebastian can deflower their incoming headmaster’s daughter, Annette Hargrove. The musical features throwback hits by artists like Christina Aguilera, 'NSYNC, and Britney Spears. Through Sunday, January 11. 8 pm (2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

    Goode Co. Armadillo Palace presents Roger Creager Piano Bar
    Award-winning country singer/Texas native Roger Creager will be in town to do a post-Xmas set at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace. With more than a dozen No. 1 singles on the Texas Music Chart and Entertainer of the Year honors from both CMA Texas and the Texas Music Awards, Creager brings a mix of road-tested songwriting and bold melodies. Dine on authentic Texas fare, including signature house favorites the Damn Goode Burger and the Damn Goode Margarita. 9 pm.

    Sunday, December 28

    Dan Electro’s presents J.R.’s Birthday Bash
    Houston punk pioneer (and all-around good guy) J.R. Delgado has been a member of multiple punk, hardcore and garage rock bands. He was also the owner of the legendary rock club The Axiom in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. This weekend, he’lll be celebrating his 70th birthday at Dan Electro’s, and he’ll be having a free throwdown everyone is invited to. Hickoids, Jane Woe, and Bastard Union will be providing the live jams, while DJ LP will be spinning music all day. 1 pm.

    Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
    |Over at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will highlight an international cast and Ukrainian principal artists performing at the peak of classical European ballet. Audiences will be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and hand-crafted sets and costumes. Share the tradition of pure holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages. 3 pm.

    Arthouse Houston presents Hedwig and the Angry Inch with John Cameron Mitchell
    Arthouse Houston will present a one-night-only event of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, with star/creator John Cameron Mitchell. The 2001 indie musical classic (based on Mitchell’s off-Broadway play) follows Hedwig, an East Berliner transplant and lead singer in a band, who is chasing down his ex for stealing his songs. The screening will be accompanied by a live director's commentary by Mitchell, and followed by a live music set led by Mitchell, with band members Amber Martin and Chapman Welch. (Read CultureMap’s exclusive interview with Mitchell here.) 7:30 pm.

    Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
    Photo courtesy of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

    Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will perform in Sugar Land this weekend.

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