weekend event planner

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

The Rodeo may be over, but Houston has reached the time of year when our weather is so good that memories of help sustain us in July and August. No wonder this weekend is loaded with festivals, celebrations, and markets.

Elsewhere, a Midtown bar and restaurant will take Houstoians to a Beirut disco, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will showcase a truly charming film classic. Keep reading for everything else that will make this weekend fun.

Thursday, March 21

Memorial Green presents Spring Live Music Series
Cheers to the return of warmer weather with the Live Music Series at Memorial Green. Head over there for a captivating evening of live music from Michael Flores at the unique wine bar, shop, and bistro VinSanto. The series of local artist performances will continue on the third Thursday of April and May on the Dish Society patio. Whether you are a fan of acoustic melodies, smooth jazz or toe-tapping rhythms, the Live Music Series will deliver captivating performances for all music enthusiasts. 5 pm.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, Project Row Houses, and Hobby Center for Public Affairs at the University of Houston present Samora Pinderhughes: "The Healing Project"
Vocalist, pianist, artist and filmmaker Samora Pinderhughes creates large, multi-disciplinary projects, which invite audiences to examine what is visible and what is hidden in our daily lives, and how to make social change. His latest work, The Healing Project, a recipient of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant, is a searing examination of the prison industrial complex in the United States, amplifying the testimonials of those affected by incarceration, policing, violence and detention through original music and film. 7:30 pm.

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts presents Beyond Broadway: Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes
Some of you may know Patti LuPone as the mom from Life Goes On. But the veteran actress is also a stage legend who will embarrass the hell out of you if you mess with her performance. In Patti LuPone: A Life in Notes, the three-time Tony Award winner (Company, Gypsy, Evita) performs a musical touchstone of her life, singing songs that affected her as a young girl growing up on Long Island, experiencing her first love, finding freedom in Manhattan, career, true love, and family. 7:30 pm.

Friday, March 22

Bisong Art Gallery presents "Electrafine Art"
"Electrafine Art," the collaboration between contemporary fine artist Deborah Argyropoulos and classic neon artist KC Loveless, both originally from Maryland but meeting in Austin after half a century, promises to be a unique and innovative fusion of artistic styles. They have bonded over their shared love of art & creativity, and are set to launch their first collaboration. Their collaboration will explore the interplay between neon light and traditional painting elements, resulting in thought-provoking compositions. Through Saturday, April 20. 5 pm.

ART IS BOND. and FotoFest present PRESENCE opening reception
ART IS BOND will be giving us PRESENCE, a participating show in FotoFest Biennial 2024. PRESENCE captures the essence of our surroundings through a compelling array of photo-based art, delving into the intricate relationship between geography and the lingering imprint of human presence. Participating artists include Antonia Zennaro, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, L.A. Reno, Marc Furi, Sadie Woods, and others. Through Sunday, May 19. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Meet Me in St. Louis
Judy Garland and Margaret O’Brien star in Vincente Minnelli’s heartwarming 1944 musical Meet Me in St. Louis, set in the time leading to the 1904 World’s Fair. The story concerns a colorful, early-20th-century St. Louis family and their emotional experience when they learn their father has been transferred — and they must move to New York. Songs include “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Since this is a “Movies Houstonians Love” presentation, it will be introduced by Khori Dastoor, general director & CEO at Houston Grand Opera. 7 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "Mozart + Beethoven’s Eroica"
The force of Beethoven’s genius is a palpable presence throughout his groundbreaking Eroica Symphony, commanding attention from the dramatic opening chords to the triumphant conclusion. The grace and unparalleled technique of pianist Emanuel Ax shines bright in Mozart’s exquisite Piano Concerto No. 25. Dedicated to her late father, Missy Mazzoli’s These Worlds in Us offers a powerful meditation on memory, grief, and joy. The concert will be conducted by Juraj Valčuha. 8 pm (2:30 pm Sunday).

Saturday, March 23

Urban Harvest Farmers Market 20th Anniversary Celebration
One of Houston’s largest farmers markets is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style. Urban Harvest will mark the occasion with face painting, plant giveaways, and free tote bags for the first 200 shoppers. In addition, James Beard Award winner Benchawan Painter of Street to Kitchen will showcase the Thai omelet that made her a market favorite long before she became Houston’s newest culinary superstar. More than 100 vendors will be on-site selling fruits, vegetables, meat, prepared items, and more. 8 am.

11th Annual Lyons Ave Renaissance Festival
At the 11th Annual Lyons Ave Renaissance Festival, festival-goers can immerse themselves in an eclectic mix of live entertainment with four stages showcasing a diverse lineup of performances, featuring LeToya Luckett as the headliner. This year’s theme is Homecoming, with the fest celebrating the history, art, culture, and current revitalization of Houston’s historic 5th Ward. Beyond the music, the festival streets will include local food vendors, artisans and merchants selling their wares, and a kids' zone. Noon.

Bayou City Art Festival Spring Downtown Art Festival
Bayou City Art Festival, produced by Art Colony Association (ACA), will transform downtown Houston into a lively outdoor gallery and interactive art event with more art, entertainment, and an intimate culinary art and tasting experience with some of Houston’s top chefs for the annual Bayou City Art Festival Downtown. The two-day fest will also celebrate culinary arts with the returning Chef’s Table. Each chef will demonstrate a signature recipe and pass out samples to attendees after each demonstration. Noon.

Community Artists' Collective presents "Third Ward Unity in Faith: Backbone of Our Souls" opening reception
Early African American settlers in Houston’s Third Ward area established small worship places, reminiscent of the praise houses attended during slavery in the Jim Crow era. Images of the still-standing small houses of worship, captured by art photographers Earlie Hudnall, Ray Carrington and Tamirah Collins, will be shared at the exhibition “Third Ward Unity in Faith: Backbone of Our Souls”. Kathleen Coleman, a fourth-generation, Third Ward resident, curated the exhibition. Through Saturday, May 18. 2 pm.

Craft Pita X Winnie's Habibi Night
Craft Pita is teaming up with well-known bar and grill Winnie’s for a special one-night event celebrating Lebanese culture. Craft Pita chef Rafael Nasr and Winnie’s owners Graham Laborde and Benjy Mason are blending flavors from both restaurants, creating an innovative twist on some of their iconic dishes. The night will also feature an Arabic Afro-house set from Dr. House, Arak cocktails, and hookah. 6 pm.

Sunday, March 24

Super Happy Incredible Toy Show and Art Market
Super Happy Incredible Toys, the premier vintage toy store in Houston, presents the return of the Super Happy Toy Show and Art Market. Held at St. Arnold Brewery, this all-ages, pet-friendly event will combine the amusement of a toy show and creativity of an art market with the opportunity to purchase many examples of both. If that wasn't enough, it'll all be dressed up as one of the year's best Easter parties with a special pre Easter egg hunt and maybe even an appearance by the Easter Bunny himself. Noon.

93’ Til and L.O.U.D. Muzik present Beats & Bourbon
93' Til is hosting a special Beats & Bourbon event sponsored by Makers Mark. The event, hosted by L.O.U.D Muzik, will be an unforgettable night with Dallas artist, actor, producer, and songwriter Fat Pimp. It will be an evening full of music, insight, bites from 93' Til, and the finest bourbon. Dive into the world of music, witness beat breakdowns, and connect intimately with Fat Pimp's creative process. 6 pm.

The Music Box Theater presents Damaged Divas of the Decades
The Music Box Theater presents Damaged Divas of the Decades, an all-new production that is a lighthearted musical exploration of some of their most popular divas (and divos) and the songs and scandals that helped shape them. Song selections include “Proud Mary” (Tina Turner), “Walking after Midnight” (Patsy Cline), “I Have Nothing” (Whitney Houston), “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (Elton John), “You Know I’m No Good” (Amy Winehouse), “Killer Queen” (Queen), and more. Through Saturday, April 27. 7:30 pm.

Photo by Michael Ma

Craft Pita owner Raffi Nasr is teaming up with Winnie's for Habibi Night.

event-planner

weekend event planner

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

Courtesy of Don Toliver

Don Toliver will perform at the Toyota Center on Thursday, May 14.

Bowls! Bowls! Bowls!

The annual Empty Bowls Houston event is just one of many things Houstonians can dip into (sorry) this weekend. We got a few musical events, from a hometown rap star headlining the Toyota Center to a spring concert from the Treble Choir of Houston, as well as some interesting stage productions. This weekend also offers a fashion show, two crawfish collabs, and a belly flop contest.

And always remember: If your family tree forks, you might be a redneck.

Thursday, May 14

Asia Society Texas presents Runway to Asia
Runway to Asia honors Asian and Asian American innovators on the global fashion scene. Presented in partnership with Fashion Presenter Tootsies, this second year of Runway to Asia will spotlight the talent of international fashion designer Bach Mai, a Vietnamese American artist born and raised in Houston. Guests will enjoy lunch and a fashion experience blending cutting-edge designs with a celebration of artistry, passion, and journeys. 11:15 am.

Party on the Plaza: Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph
Party on the Plaza will feature an evening of funk, soul, and Gulf Coast grooves led by New Orleans collective Galactic featuring Jelly Joseph, a band steeped in the unique sounds of their city. Known for pushing the boundaries of funk with influences spanning jazz, rock, and soul, Galactic brings its electrifying live show to downtown Houston, alongside local favorite Bayou City Funk, with their horn-driven blend of blues, jazz fusion, and high-energy rhythm. 7 pm.

Don Toliver in concert
Don Toliver is one of Houston’s own. Signed to Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Records, the psychedelic rap star has been crushing it as of late. Earlier this year, he dropped his fifth album Octane, which became his first number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart. All 18 tracks have also charted on the Billboard 100. Most recently, he brought the house down as a headliner at Rolling Loud Orlando. And, now, he’s coming home to do the same thing over at Toyota Center. 7:30 pm.

Friday, May 15

Empty Bowls Houston Preview Party
Empty Bowls Houston, one of Houston’s best-loved grassroots fundraising events, will return for the 20th year on Saturday. At the Empty Bowls Houston Preview Party, attendees can enjoy light bites, beer and wine, live music, and have the first opportunity to see and purchase the array of handmade bowls for the event. There will also be a pottery throwdown event with local potters. BTW, all of the ticket sales ($50) and bowl sales will benefit Houston Food Bank. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Our Land
Filmmaker Lucrecia Martel (The Headless Woman) explores the 2009 murder of Javier Chocobar, a member of Argentina’s Indigenous Chuschagasta community, who tried to defend himself and his community from being forcibly evicted by a local landowner and two former police officers. The documentary triangulates the murder trial, the lives of Chocobar and the Chuschagasta people, and the colonialist legacy of land and property theft across Latin America. 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

The Ensemble Theatre presents Who All Over There?
When Dean, a young professional, and Danya, an aspiring singer, go on a refreshingly candid first date, they keep it real about the dynamics of a potential interracial relationship. As they grow comfortable in their budding love, the real world brings a whirlwind of inflammatory race relations, opinionated family and friends, and troublesome pasts. This production shines a light on the story of what happens when cultures clash in the name of love in today’s times. Through Sunday, May 31. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

Theatre Suburbia presents An Evening of Favorite Carol Burnett Skits
The Carol Burnett Show entertained audiences for more than a decade and was celebrated for its humor and chemistry among the cast members. It has been recognized as one of the greatest television shows of all time, influencing future comedy programs. This weekend’s two shows will be the last chance to catch Theatre Suburbia’s tribute to a beloved part of television history, featuring a variety of favorite sketches. 8 pm.

Saturday, May 16

Alley Theatre presents Dear Alien
After captivating audiences nationwide with her what-if Shakespearean scenario Born with Teeth, playwright Liz Duffy Adams returns to the Alley in her thought-provoking world premiere, Dear Alien. An isolated advice columnist races the clock to make one last deadline before facing financial ruin. In this existential comedy, we ask ourselves: What will we do when it all becomes too much? Through Sunday, May 31. 2 & 8 pm Saturday (7:30 Thursday; 8 pm Friday; 2 & 7 pm Sunday).

River Oaks Theatre presents Steal This Story, Please! With Amy Goodman and Carl Deal Live
Journalist Amy Goodman has reported some of the most consequential stories of our time. Steal This Story, Please! is a gripping portrait of the trailblazer whose unwavering commitment to truth-telling spans three decades of turbulent history. From the frontlines of global conflicts to the organized chaos of her daily news show Democracy Now!, Goodman broadcasts stories and voices routinely silenced by commercial media. Goodman and director Carl Deal will be around for a post-screening Q&A. 3:45 & 7 pm.

Heidi Vaughan Fine Art presents “Vivian Wise: Growing Up Wise” opening reception
Heidi Vaughan Fine Art will present an exhibition of paintings, photographic image transfers, assemblage sculptures, poetry, and original music by artist/poet/songwriter Vivian Wise. This exhibition marks a turning point for Wise, who was once bedridden for 198 days and diagnosed with seven autoimmune diseases a decade ago. She returned to what she loved most: poetry, visual art, and songwriting. She credits all three disciplines as the reason she is still creating ten years later. Through Saturday, June 20. 5 pm.

Little Woodrow’s Tomball presents Belly Flop Contest
Little Woodrow’s in Tomball is making a big splash this summer with a high-energy belly flop competition. Participants will showcase their best flop and compete for prizes including a wrestling-style championship belt and cash — $500, $150, and $50 for the first, second and third-place winners, respectively. Flops will be judged based on splash size, wow factor, and creativity. Contestants are encouraged to register in advance for the competition but can sign up at the event. The $10 entry fee will be donated to a local fire department. 6 pm.

Sunday, May 17

Best Regards and Hot and Buttered present Crawfish Sundays
Heights cocktail lounge Best Regards is teaming up with Hot and Buttered for a two-part crawfish collab this spring. Expect Hot and Buttered's signature boiled crawfish, seasoned in-house across a spice spectrum from mild to "lip burn," paired with craft cocktails – Frozen Paloma, Crawfish Bloody Mary, Blood Orange Margarita, Berry Spritz – from the Best Regards bar program, built to match the heat. 2 pm.

Josephine's presents Backyard Boil with Evan LeRoy
Evan LeRoy, pitmaster and co-owner of Austin's Michelin-starred LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, will be in Houston to serve up some crawfish alongside Josephine's executive chef Lucas McKinney. In addition to boiled crawfish, LeRoy will serve four dishes — Smoked Crawfish Boil Sausage on a Stick, Brisket and Cheddar Croquettes, Oysters on the Half Shell, and Smoked Salsa Matcha with Beef Tallow — all priced a la carte. Tickets are free, but reservations are required via Resy. 2 & 4 pm.

Treble Choir of Houston presents Spring Concert
The Treble Choir of Houston, under the direction of founder and artistic director Marianna Parnas-Simpson, will present its annual Spring Concert. The concert celebrates the choir’s accomplishments of the past year, featuring songs from the 2025-26 repertoire, as well as vocal and instrumental solos from the choristers. The Treble Choir of Houston is an ensemble of young women in grades 6-12, dedicated to transforming lives through excellence and choral singing and music education. 3 pm.

Smart Financial Centre presents Jeff Foxworthy
Jeff Foxworthy is the redneck king – and we mean that in the kindest way. The Atlanta-born comic is one of the most successful comedians in America, the best‑selling comedy recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy nominee, and the author of more than 26 books. And let’s not forget when he got his Original Kings of Comedy on and headlined the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Ron White, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy. He’ll close the weekend out by doing what he does best: telling redneck jokes in Sugar Land. 8 pm.

Courtesy of Don Toliver

Don Toliver will perform at the Toyota Center on Thursday, May 14.

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