weekend event planner

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

Well, it’s Labor Day Weekend, which means summer is just about over. Close out this freakin’ hot summer by checking out a lot of cool things this weekend.

Squeeze and Boy George will be in town to take you back to the ‘80s. Dustin Nickerson and Beth Stelling will be around to give you some laughs. Jūn and Donkeeboy will provide a day of art and pastries. A Roald Dahl classic will hit the stage. A Japanese Vocaloid artist will provide some experimental grooves. And a Francis Ford Coppola classic will play at the Alamo Drafthouse.

As Jim Morrison sang in that movie, this is the end, beautiful friend. Read on for this weekend’s best bets.

Thursday, August 29

Sawyer Yards and Sabine Street Studios presents "Dance of Gesture" artist talk
As part of the "Dance of Gesture" exhibition, Houston-based Colombian artist Loriana Espinel will host a conversation and live demonstration of her production, Caligrafitis. In her exhibition, Espinel draws inspiration from pre-Columbian pictographs from Chiribiquete National Park in Colombia, as well as Japanese and European calligraphic styles to develop a new visual system. Through Saturday, August 31. 6:30 pm.

Improv Houston presents Dustin Nickerson
Described as “a Seattle native now suffering in Southern California,” Dustin Nickerson describes himself as “the world’s most average person” but is far from it when on stage. He brings audiences into his life through his jokes about the struggles of parenting, marriage, and being generally annoyed by most people. In 2020, he released his debut comedy special, Overwhelmed. Nickerson also has a podcast, Don’t Make Me Come Back There, and a book, How to be Married to Melissa. 7:30 pm.

Squeeze in concert with Boy George
Prepare to take a trip to the new-wave/post-punk days of the ‘80s when UK band Squeeze comes to Houston this weekend. The band, fronted by the great songwriting team of Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, has released 16 albums in their career, most recently The Knowledge in 2017. So, prepare to be tempted (sorry about that!) by their classic hits. They'll be joined by former Culture Club frontperson Boy George, another veteran of the Thatcher-era new-wave scene. 7:30 pm.

Friday, August 30

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Nostalghia
Andrei Tarkovsky explained that in Russian the word nostalghia conveys “the love for your homeland and the melancholy that arises from being far away.” Andrei, a Russian intellectual doing research in Italy, becomes obsessed with the Botticelli-like beauty of his translator, as well as with the apocalyptic ramblings of a self-destructive wanderer. Newly restored in 4K from the original camera negative, this cult favorite is a mystical and mysterious collision of East and West, shot with the tactile beauty that only Tarkovsky can provide. 7 pm.

Moore Vision Entertainment presents Matilda
Moore Vision Entertainment and Broadway Bound Youth Musical Theatre will present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. Matilda, a brilliant little girl with a big heart and even bigger dreams, goes on a journey of self-discovery. She takes on the formidable Miss Trunchbull, champions the power of books, and inspires everyone to stand up for what they believe in. Packed with laughter, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable songs, the adaptation brings Dahl's beloved classic to life like never before. 7:30 pm (2:30 & 7:30 pm Saturday and Sunday).

Russian Cultural Center "Our Texas" presents Marianna Karpinos: "The Beginning" opening reception
Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Marianna Karpinos, a full-time Houston neurologist, quickly discovered that art was an integral part of her life after completing her medical training and obtaining board certification. She relies on her extensive professional and personal experiences to express her inner thoughts on canvas: “In a world full of rigid structure, I view the canvas as an opportunity to be free and express my innermost feelings and desires in a safe and constructive way.” On display through Monday, October 21. 7:30 pm.

Tee-Zee Productions presents Papa Où T'es?
Papa Où T'es? is a coming-of-age story set in Houston that follows four high school friends: Ahmad, Aly, Zain, and Maaria, all second-generation Americans. They grapple with identity crises and the clash between cultural and religious expectations and their personal aspirations. How does the absence of a father impact it all? 8:30 pm (11:30 am & 8:30 pm Saturday; 11:30 am & 3:30 pm).

Saturday, August 31

Running Alliance Sport presents Beneeezy Purple Monkey Fun Run
Running Alliance Sport will present the 20th annual Beneeezy Purple Monkey Fun Run, featuring a 1k kids run, 5k, and 10k. This fun run has been going on thanks to The Ben Garcia Memorial Fund, which has raised over $330,000 over the past 19 years in memory of Ben. His life was a radiant source of joy that is now the spirit of the Beneezy Purple Monkey Fun Run. All proceeds fund college scholarships for graduating Alvin ISD seniors. 7:30 am.

Donkeeboy + Friends at Jūn
Jūn will welcome Donkeeboy and friends for an art show and pastry pop up. Guests will be able to enjoy art curated by Donkeeboy featuring local artists like Donkeemom, Little Poems By Kim, Trispeace, Jatziri Barron, Vanessa Sanez, 87 Collective, and Noke, as well as handmade treats crafted by Jūn. Pastries include a pumpkin spice cupcake with Salvadorian coffee frosting; a chorizo and egg danish with housemade chorizo and pico de gallo; a burger bao with charred onions and oaxaca cheese; and ube and taro concha with brioche and ube capricho. 11 am.

Mercury Chamber Orchestra presents "Vivaldi and Telemann"
Mercury Chamber Orchestra presents "Vivaldi and Telemann," which will include Baroque gems by Vivaldi, Telemann, and Handel in a concert featuring recorder virtuoso Vincent Lauzer. This performance will showcase the recorder in a unique audience experience, unveiling sonic beauty and musical fireworks. Additionally, the concert will include Baroque compositions by Telemann, Haydn, and Purcell, all performed on historical instruments, recreating the composers’ intended sounds. 8 pm.

Rockefellers presents Beth Stelling
Beth Stelling is a comedian, writer, and actress based in Los Angeles. She has two stand-up specials; her latest, If You Didn’t Want Me Then, premiered on Netflix last year. Before that, she was an on-set writer on the Universal movie Good Boys, and wrote for seasons 1 and 2 of Crashing for HBO, Seth Rogen’s Hilarity for Charity, and Sarah Silverman’s Hulu show I Love You, America. Beth’s half-hour special currently streams in The Standups series for Netflix. 8 & 10 pm.

Sunday, September 1

Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra presents Alamo Time Capsule 1979: Apocalypse Now
At the height of the Vietnam War, Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen) is sent on a dangerous mission that officially "does not exist, nor will it ever exist." His goal is to locate – and eliminate – mysterious Green Beret Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who has been leading his personal army on illegal guerrilla missions into enemy territory. Recently restored to Francis Ford Coppola's "perfect vision" (and different from the 2001 Redux edition), see Apocalypse Now the way it was meant to be seen, in all of its grandiose splendor. 1:15 pm.

Chicano Boulevard presents “Funkysoulistic Sunday” with Joey Quinones of Thee Sinseers
Chicano Boulevard presents this free family-friendly “Funkysoulistic Sunday” event that includes deejay tunes, live music from Joey Quinones of Thee Sinseers, and lowriders celebrating Chicano culture, inside and outside of Rabbits Got the Gun. And Hou Got Eatz will be providing the grub. So get your firme outfits pressed up & shine up those ranflas, because it’s going down once again on Hogan St. Early arrival strongly suggested. 5 pm.

Home Run Dugout presents Kikuo
Globally acclaimed Japanese Vocaloid artist Kikuo will be coming through Houston as a part of his highly anticipated world tour. Known for his boundary-breaking approach, Kikuo has been captivating audiences with his innovative use of Vocaloid technology and experimental music since he began sharing his original works online in 2003. Internationally, he’s one of the most listened-to names in this style, with his song “Aishite Aishite Aishite” being the first Vocaloid track to ever surpass 100 million streams on Spotify. 8 pm.

Photo by Danny Clifford

Squeeze perform with Boy George on Thursday.

event-planner

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

undefined

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