weekend event planner

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

Houstonians have numerous entertainment options this weekend. Certified rock and roll legends will take the stage at NRG Stadium, and one of country music’s rising stars is performing at Toyota Center.

Sugar Land celebrates the art, and the Houston SPCA will celebrate a big birthday. On the food front, taco lovers will be heading downtown to devour bites from some of Houston’s best restaurants, and mudbug fans can make the trek to Tomball for a Cajun celebration.

Read on for details of these happenings and all of this weekend’s other best bets.

Thursday, April 25

U.S. Coins and Jewelry presents National Coin Week
U.S. Coins and Jewelry will be celebrating 2024 National Coin Week by bringing in some iconic sports talent. Several sports legends will appear at the store for autograph signings, including three-time Super Bowl champion offensive lineman (and U.S. coin ambassador) Nick Allegretti of the Washington Commanders. Also appearing will be Rockets two-time NBA Champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich, former Astros pitcher & 7-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens, and former Astros first baseman & Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell. Noon (11 am Friday and Saturday).

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents 17th Annual Latin Wave: New Films from Latin America
The MFAH presents the 17th annual Latin Wave: New Films from Latin America. The line-up includes 10 recent releases from Latin America, including Felipe Gálvez Haberle’s The Settlers, María Alché and Benjamín Naishtat's Puan, and Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Pictures of Ghosts. Attending in person are Chilean filmmaker Matias Bize (The Punishment), Paraguayan filmmaker Sebastián Peña Escobar (The Last Ones) and Colombian filmmaker Juan Sebastián Quebrada (The Other Son). 5:30 pm (7 pm Friday; 1 pm Saturday & 1:30 pm Sunday.)

DiningOut presents Top Taco Festival
At Top Taco, festival-goers will sample unlimited taco tastes and signature tequila cocktails from some of the best restaurants in Houston, voting for their favorites to crown four categories of awards: Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco, and Top Cocktail. The event features two stages of live music and entertainment, creative tequila lounge areas, mezcal tasting, and some of the best chefs and mixologists in the city. Top Taco is a 21+ and over event only. 7 pm.

Friday, April 26

The Menil Collection presents "Abstraction after Modernism: Recent Acquisitions" opening day
The Menil Collection will present "Abstraction after Modernism: Recent Acquisitions," which highlights work made by artists who have forged new paths in their approaches to non-representational art. The Menil has actively grown its collection acquiring significant works by women and artists of color. The display includes work by Agnes Denes, Suzan Frecon, Sam Gilliam, Leslie Hewitt, Dorothy Hood, Ellsworth Kelly, Rick Lowe, and Richard Serra, among others. Through August 25. 11 am.

The Happening at the Orange Show
Sound, movement, words, noise, poetry, puppetry, inventions, installations, shapes---Houston's most creative minds are highlighted each month during The Happening, with the Orange Show's sprawling campus as their stage. Curated by artist Alexandra Lechin, no two Happenings are ever the same, and audiences will never know what they'll experience. Anyone interested in presenting a piece of work or engaging audiences in an activity is invited to submit a proposal to be part of an upcoming Happening. 6 pm.

Houston Ballet presents Academy Spring Showcase
The Academy Spring Showcase will feature the Houston Ballet Academy students who represent the future of ballet, with over 60 percent of the company coming through the Academy. The showcase gives students the stage to shine – whether it's performing works from the company repertoire or ballets created specifically for them. This year’s performance includes a world premiere by former Houston Ballet soloist Ilya Kozadayev entitled Echoes. 7 pm (11 am & 4 pm Saturday).

MuXer HTX presents 19th Annual Frida Festival
MuXer HTX’s 19th Annual Frida Festival kicks off with a Frida en Primavera VIP Reception, where guests can indulge in lite bites and drinks at the open bar while enjoying live entertainment, featuring Shame on Me and a Frida pinup-inspired fashion show. At the main event the next day, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity of Frida's world. The family-friendly event will feature an arts market, entertainment, and more to honor the legacy of the iconic Frida Kahlo. 7 pm (11 am Saturday).

Saturday, April 27

Disability Comic Con
Disability Comic Con is back, and this year's theme is "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility." Get ready for a day filled with super heroic fun, where everyone is welcome to embrace their inner caped crusader. Immerse yourself in a variety of engaging activities, including panel discussions, workshops, and cosplay contests. Meet some comic book creators, discover unique merchandise, and explore the vibrant artist alley. Don't forget to bring your own cosplay or create one on-site to truly feel like a part of this extraordinary universe. 10 am.

Houston SPCA presents 100th Birthday Bash
The Houston SPCA, the city’s oldest and largest animal rescue and protection organization, is hosting a 100th Birthday Bash for the community that will be a day filled with fun, including prizes and giveaways, live equine demonstrations in the Equine Rescue Center, a chance to meet wildlife ambassadors, Art Cars on display, free sampling at a beer garden, a coffee and lemonade bar, a live band, the Whatcha Cravin' food truck, free balloon animals and face painting, live feedings in the kitten nursery, pet adoptions, and more. 11 am.

Rails and Tails Mudbug Festival
The Rails & Tails Mudbug Festival will feature food, games, and live music. Guests can enjoy spicy boiled crawfish and other Cajun treats, along with a variety of festival foods and drinks. Vendors will be selling curated crafts and merchandise. There will even be even a “Cajun Kids’ Zone” with bouncy fun for the little ones. There will also be performances by Bayou City Brass Band, Platinum Players Zydeco Band, and The Stringbenders. 11 am.

Houston SaberCats presents UH Night
Calling all Cougars! The Houston SabreCats will extend a warm welcome to the spirited students, alumni, and supporters of the University of Houston for a thrilling evening of rugby action. Show your Cougar pride as they come together in solidarity, painting the stands red and white with fervent cheers and unwavering support for the Houston SaberCats. Make it a night to remember as they unite as one powerhouse community. 7 pm.

Kane Brown in concert
Known for number No. 1 country singles, such “What Ifs,” “Thank God,” “Heaven,” and “I Can Feel It,” the two-time RodeoHouston headliner comes to Toyota Center to support his 2022 album Different Man. He will be joined by Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee. 7 pm.

Sunday, April 28

Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation presents Sugar Land Arts Fest
Sunday is the last chance to catch the Sugar Land Arts Fest, a two-day festival that highlights the cultural and artistic diversity of Sugar Land and beyond. Now in its third year, the event features a wide variety of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, glass art, woodworking, and jewelry. Attendees can also enjoy a wine and beer garden, cuisine from local restaurants, and live music during the festivities. Proceeds benefit the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation. 10 am.

Houston Toy Museum presents Local Author Book Fair
Meet and greet local children's book authors in a nostalgic setting right out of a ‘90s elementary school book fair! Join the Houston Toy Museum as they welcome 10 local authors (including Zariah Cherry, Zoe Cherry, Natrix, Professor J and others) offering a variety of books for kids of all ages. They will have read-alouds from each author at different times throughout the day, plus fun activities for your children. Museum entry is just $5 and kids ages 5 and under get in for free. 11 am.

The Rolling Stones in concert
Yes, folks, it’s time for some satisfaction. You can close the weekend out by seeing the one-and-only Rolling Stones at NRG Stadium. Charlie Watts, the band’s sharp-dressed drummer, may no longer be with them (and us). But Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood are still out there, rocking-and-rolling it up. They’re on tour promoting their latest album Hackney Diamonds, which features appearances from Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, and, yes, their dearly departed drummer. 8 pm.

Photo courtesy of The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones hit NRG Stadium on April 28 for the Hackney Diamonds tour.

event-planner

where to party on NYE

Close out 2025 with a bang at these Houston New Year's Eve parties

Photo by Cathlin McCullough

Experience sets by four DJs at Meow Wolf.

Whether 2025 has been good or bad, you owe it to yourself to end this year with a bang. And that’s why your friends at CultureMap have laid out more than 20 places – bars, pubs, nightclubs, even a children’s museum – that’ll be closing out 2025 in a grand, festive manner.

Happy New Year, and drink as much bubbly as you can reasonably consume — just leave the driving to someone else:

Art Club’s first NYE will feature one of their favorite artists from this year: Neon Indian. Expect an unpredictable sonic journey with an artist who crafts immersive DJ sets that weave deep cuts, vintage textures, and dancefloor energy. 10 pm.

Axelrad will have a free NYE bash with a champagne toast, a midnight cash ball drop, and live music from bands Azul and Rupert & Friends, as well as DJ sets from Rikkiton, Eleven Toes Down, and IYKYK. Shop Local Market will also be there with vendors. 7 pm.

Bar Boheme will get the New Year started with Rudy Rincon & GRUPO KACHE, delivering infectious rhythms that'll have people dancing all night long. They’ll also have an all-you-can-eat buffet until 10 pm, a champagne toast with grapes, and more. 7 pm.

Best Regards will transform into a full winter wonderland/Alps-inspired Après-Ski lounge for “An Après Affair.” For this champagne-forward celebration (complete with DJ-led energy building to a midnight toast), faux fur, metallics, and "Alpine-chic" attire are encouraged. 8 pm.

Children’s Museum Houston will throw its annual NYE-during-the-day bash for kids, where they’ll be counting down until the clock strikes noon. The first 200 children will receive “Happy New Year” necklaces to kick off the celebration. 9 am.

Constellation Field in Sugar Land will host a midnight fireworks display as part of its Sugar Land Holiday Lights display. Adults (21-plus) can upgrade to the New Year's Eve Ball in the Regions Bank Club that includes an open bar, DJ, a champagne toast, and premium seating for the fireworks. 6 pm.

Dan Electro’s will be mixing vibes, funk, world reggae, and rock & roll for a New Year's concert in the Heights. Bayou City Funk, demrootsmusic, and Charlie Danger’s Jet Set will play the music, while champagne will be available for purchase. 8:30 pm.

The Flat will be opening its doors to partygoers looking to ring in the New Year with Jamaican grooves. For this NYE edition of “Reggae Wednesday,” Flabba Dabba and KingFari will be spinning tunes while Caribbean food will be available on the patio. 9 pm.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium will have its third annual, interactive murder-mystery event on NYE. Ticket holders get access to the mystery and a complimentary welcome beer or cocktail, as well as private dining and access to their cocktail and reserve beer menu. 7 pm.

The Foundation Room at House of Blues will get real soulful with “If It Don't Feel Like 90s RnB: New Year's Eve Edition.” Host/local R&B vocalist Keith Jacobs will be providing the vocals, while The Ken Chatham Project serves up the sounds. 9 pm.

Grooves of Houston will throw a “Tux & Tennies” party, where dressing up in your finest evening wear (complete with fresh fly kicks) is a requirement. There will be a midnight cash balloon drop, a champagne toast, a brunch buffet, and much more. 8 pm.

Heights Social will be the starting point for the Heights NYE celebration on W. 20th St. For $60 (and two drinks), you can skip the line and check out the parties at Heights Social, BLVD Park, Say No Mas, and Cattlemen’s Country Club. 8 pm.

Hotel Saint Augustine will be throwing a free soiree in their listening lounge. Described as an evening “filled with elegance and indulgence,” with a complimentary midnight toast. But, to be honest, they had us at “music, decadent caviar, and truffles.” 9 pm.

Hotel ZaZa Memorial City will roll out the red carpet for a Hollywood-style NYE, so dress to impress. Wine, beer and cocktails will be flowing, with a bubbly toast popping off at midnight. There will also be live entertainment and a hors d'oeuvres station. 10 pm.

Houston Museum of Natural Science will ring in the New Year with “Mixers and Elixirs: New Year's Eve.” Enjoy live music from Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band, and catch a screening of Ocean’s Eleven (2001) in the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. 9 pm.

McGonigel’s Mucky Duck continues its tradition of celebrating Irish New Year’s Eve, where they get their “Auld Lang Syne” on at 6 pm. Pat Byrne, Kristopher Wade, EJ Jones, and Frances Cunningham will be around with some fiddle music. 4:30 pm.

Meow Wolf Houston will have its first-ever NYE celebration inside Radio Tave, giving guests full access to explore the worlds while moving through distinct DJ-driven zones. The lineup features Houston artists Machine Elves, IMAX713, PHARAX, and KINOTE. 8 pm.

Neil’s Bahr will be adding something new to their annual NYE rager – karaoke! At their new location, partygoers will get the chance to sing their heads off. The party will also offer cheap champagne, classic cocktails, silly hats, and all the free hors d'oeuvres you can handle. 8 pm.

Numbers will serve up another NYE spectacular, which includes a $2,026 balloon drop at midnight, along with a champagne toast, and complimentary party favors. Longtime Numbers DJ Wes Wallace will be in the booth spinning. 9 pm.

Off the Record Listening Bar is planning a big New Year's bash with live sets from Keith Jacobs (again) & the B-Sides Band, DJ Ortiz, DJ Youngstreetz, and FlemmDoggyDogg. A welcome cocktail is given to the first 50 RSVPs. 8 pm.

Pimlico Irish Pub will continue its tradition of celebrating NYE on Ireland time, when the clock strikes midnight at 6 pm. They will have complimentary swag, a champagne toast, and a livestream of the Ireland NYE celebration. 2 pm.

POST’s New Year's Eve Celebration features a Great Gatsby-inspired celebration of glitz, glamour and over-the-top excitement. The grand finale will be a midnight fireworks spectacle orchestrated by pyrotechnic artists Celestial Displays. 9 pm.

Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge will have a NYE bash with performances by rockabilly group Shame on Me, synth-punk rockers TV Dolls, and Americana band Brightwire. There will also be a free champagne toast at midnight. 8 pm.

The Spot Lounge & Bar will celebrate NYE with its signature welcoming energy, music, handcrafted cocktails, and bubbly. A limited-edition, holiday cocktail lineup features festive twists on classics, blending bold seasonal flavors with approachable comfort. 2 pm.

Tejas Brewery will be celebrating the New Year with a rooftop shindig. Your ticket includes a free first beer and a champagne toast at midnight, as well as live music (from brotherly rock trio Wolf Moon) all night and a great view of the downtown fireworks. 8 pm.

Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge will have a special, family-friendly celebration. They’ll be hosting an exclusive ticketed event featuring unlimited sim racing, a live DJ, goodies throughout the night, light bites and, of course, that midnight champagne toast. 7 pm.

houston new year's eve entertainment