weekend event planner

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

We got Halloween over here. We got Day of the Dead over there. Basically, Houston will be celebrating a lot of spooky stuff this weekend.

For those who aren’t into all the dressing-up, trick-or-treating, or remembering the dead, lots of other things re happening, like quilts and crafts shows, an operatic retelling of a beloved fairy tale, the return of an emo legend, and a very musical visit from your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

Thursday, October 31

International Quilt Festival
All weekend long, get your soft-and-cuddly on by checking out The International Quilt Festival, the largest annual quilt show in the U.S. Now in its 49th year, the fest includes shopping at more than 700 booths for quilts, fabric, supplies, and crafts, along with 350 classes and lectures for all experience levels. There will be more than 1,200 quilts and unique works of textile art on display, with attendees from all over the U.S. and more than 25 countries around the world. 10 am.

Meow Wolf: Radio Tave
Meow Wolf will unveil their newest permanent immersive exhibition, Radio Tave. Their fifth interactive art experience is an explorable radio station that will transmit visitors to unexpected frequencies and propel guests into the next chapter of the ever-expanding Meow Wolf Universe.

Visitors will step into an exhibition where an entire radio station has been transported to another dimension, revealing a labyrinth of paths, portals, and hidden doors, all filled with interactive mysteries for guests to solve. 10 am.

Morrissey in concert
So, you could say Morrissey has been tripping in recent years. The former Smiths frontman has given views and opinions that have been so problematic that The Simpsons did a whole episode about Lisa having a crush on a Morrissey-like singer, only to be crushed to discover how bitter and disillusioned he’s become in his later years. Nevertheless, if you’re a person who had a poster of him on your wall as a youngster, singing “This Charming Man” to it every night, one of the most influential figures in British pop will be in town this weekend. 8:30 pm.

Friday, November 1

The Woodlands Arts Council presents Texas Fine Craft Show
The Texas Fine Craft Show, featuring the work of world-class fine craft artists, is a curated boutique shopping experience. The first night will be called “Cheers! A Premier Evening of Shopping & Celebration,” featuring the first opportunities to buy one-of-a-kind fine crafts, passed bubbles, hors d'oeuvres, and more. Proceeds from the show go to the Microgrant Program, which impacts arts educators, organizations, students, and independent artists in Montgomery County. 4 pm (10 am Saturday; noon Sunday).

Arthritis Foundation presents Bone Bash Gala
The Houston Bone Bash Gala makes a comeback with a "Skeletons & Spirits" theme. The event will honor Matt Iseman, comedian and host of American Ninja Warrior, with its second annual Funny Bone Award. The esteemed accolade recognizes outstanding "laugh makers" who inspire through humor, resilience, and grit in their lives. Additionally, 16-year-old Lawson Greenwald, an aspiring Olympic diver for the 2028 Olympics, will be honored as the Champion of Yes. 6 pm.

Houston Grand Opera presents Cinderella
Goodness triumphs in Rossini’s frothy delight, Cinderella, presented in a whimsically bright and colorful production. In this version of the story, Cinderella’s name is Angelina; she has a wicked stepfather, Don Magnifico; a pair of bracelets replaces the slippers; and a group of hilarious life-size rats do their best to steal the show. But at its charming heart, the tale of a sweet young beauty finding love with her prince remains. 7:30 pm.

Rice Cinema presents Perfect Days
One of the best films of last year, Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days follows Hirayama (Koji Yakusho), who spends his days cleaning public restrooms that are part of The Tokyo Toilet design project, and listening to his carefully curated collection of cassette tapes. While that may not sound like riveting cinema, it is a beautifully told story about being present, happiness, the human condition, and finding equanimity in daily life. 7 pm.

Saturday, November 2

The Herb Society of America presents 51st Annual Herb Fair
The Herb Society of America, South Texas Unit presents the 51st Annual Herb Fair. Visitors can speak with experts and shop for culinary blends, herbal teas, jellies and vinegars, baked goods, herbal cleaning products, and handcrafted items. They can also peruse the "Twice Found" space to pick up gently used kitchen and garden treasures, or visit the education table to make their own miniature herbal broom embellished with dried herbs, flowers, seed pods, and more. 9 am.

First Saturday Arts Market
At Houston’s original monthly outdoor art market, First Saturday Arts Market, visitors will find artists with paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and more art mediums. The market has been the go-to for artists and art lovers since 2004. The market features multiple mediums, established and emerging artists, music, food, and libations. There is always a food truck on site and local singer/songwriters can be found providing entertainment at the market. 11 am.

AIA Houston Home Tour
Nine architect-designed houses representing the finest in new residential architecture will be featured in the 2024 AIA Houston Home Tour. The self-guided, two-day event offers a unique opportunity to go inside a range of custom homes designed by local, licensed architects. All the homes on the tour are located within the Houston metropolitan area, designed by AIA architects, and completed within the last five years. Architects will be present at each house to answer questions and provide visitors with inspiration.

Redbud Arts Center presents Lord Karl: "Disruption" opening reception
Redbud Arts Center will present "Disruption," the first solo exhibition by emerging artist Lord Karl, who has quickly gained attention for his daring and unconventional approach. He uses brand-name leather jackets as a canvas to explore profound themes of identity, rebellion, and self-expression. "Disruption" delivers a truly immersive and engaging experience, challenging the viewer to see art in unexpected places. Through Sunday, December 29. 6 pm.

Sunday, November 3

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse In Concert
This weekend, you can revisit the second installment in the Miles Morales saga, complete with a live, booming soundtrack. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse In Concert will feature the movie showcased on a HD screen, complemented by a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists performing composer Daniel Pemberton’s iconic score and soundtrack live. This lineup includes a full orchestra, a skilled DJ on turntables, as well as percussion and electronic instrumentalists. 3 pm.

R-C Ranch Fall Food Festival
Who’s down for a day of sampling some fine Texas beef? The R-C Ranch Fall Food Festival will be an afternoon filled with R-C Ranch wagyu dishes prepared by renowned culinary personalities, a live concert by country music star Kyle Park, open fire cooking by Luka Frugoni, raffles, a cash bar, and more. Tickets include dishes by top culinary figures from award-winning barbecue pitmasters like Pantano BBQ, Underbelly Burger, Alamo Tamales, Crawfish & Noodles, Grazia, and Nacho Wagon. 4 pm.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership presents Sensorium: Sounds of Revival by Frewuhn
Buffalo Bayou Partnership will present a live performance by Houston musician and sound artist, Frewuhn. Sensorium: Sounds of Revival will harmonize with Rachel Rossin’s "Haha Real" installation, currently featured in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern where Frewuhn was a key collaborator. Taking place on the Brown Foundation lawn above the Cistern, the event invites audiences to explore the connections between the senses and the stories they tell. Public tours of "Haha Real" will be available during the day and after the performance. 4:30 pm.

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse In Concert takes place this weekend.

event-planner

Weekend Event Planner

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

Photo by Matthew Murphy

Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants.

Now that the arctic blast has finished with us, several events that were cancelled last weekend – Gallery Sonja Roesch’s 35th anniversary show, a dual opening at Foltz Fine Art, Asia Society Texas’s Kawaii Market – have been rescheduled for this weekend.

As for the scheduled events this weekend, there’s an “autoboative” show, a screening of a sci-fi classic with live musical accompaniment, an all-star show for autograph collectors, a fashion competition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the return of Houston's noisiest music festival.

Thursday, January 29

Houston Autoboative Show
It’s the 42nd Houston Auto Show at NRG Park this weekend, which is also combined (for its third year) with the Houston Boat Show. The event showcases a diverse array of vehicles, from electric cars to trucks and sedans. It also offers a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the hottest models on the market and learn from brand experts about each vehicle/vessel without the pressure of being sold to. 11 am (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

Asia Society Texas presents Offside
Asia Society Texas will kick off the World Cup with Offside, a 2006 dramedy from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. (It’s also part of this year’s Festival of Films from Iran.) Set during a World Cup qualifying match between Iran and Bahrain, the film follows a group of young women who attempt to circumvent a ban on women attending sporting events by disguising themselves as men to enter the stadium and watch the game, leading to a series of increasingly absurd situations. 7 pm.

Performing Arts Houston presents Blade Runner Live
Ridley Scott’s stylish, 1982 noir classic Blade Runner (aka the 2007 Final Cut) will screen while Vangelis’ synthesizer-led cult score is performed live by The Avex Ensemble. In this futuristic hriller, detective Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) must continue as Replicant Hunter following the escape of four Replicants (including main baddie Rutger Hauer – RIP) from colonies who’ve returned to earth. His mission, however, is complicated when he falls for Rachel (Sean Young), a Replicant based at the Tyrell Corporation. 7:30 pm.

Friday, January 30

TRISTAR Houston Collectors Show
For three days, a lot of stars will be flocking to the NRG Arena in order to give Houstonians their signature. Along with lots of sports memorabilia for sale, the 40th Annual TRISTAR Houston Collectors Show will have tons of celebs signing autographs. Just on Saturday alone, we’ll get Karate Kid/Cobra Kai castmates Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, and Martin Kove; the cast of The Sandlot, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Dennis Rodman, former Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich, former Rockets player Elvin Hayes, and Houston’s own Randy Quaid. 2 pm (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

The Hobby Center presents Houston Is Inspired - [Jk]creativ: Our Road Home
Multidisciplinary company [Jk]creativ gives us Our Road Home, an interactive rhythmic production created and directed by native Houston artist Jakari Sherman. Through layered rhythmic storytelling - spoken, rapped, preached, and sung - the work honors the communal labor and ingenuity that built spaces of freedom across time. Inspired by the legacy of Houston’s Freedmen’s Town, the work asks: Once freedom is gained, how do we live in it, preserve it, and pass it on when the pull of bondage lingers near?

MFAH and HCC present Fashion Fusion X
Frida Kahlo meets contemporary couture in Fashion Fusion, the 10th edition of the annual fashion competition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Open to aspiring designers in the Fashion Design program at Houston City College, Fusion challenges students to create original garments in response to art on display in the museum’s galleries. This year, the aspiring designers will showcase garments addressing the exhibition, "Frida: The Making of an Icon." 7 pm.

Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train, unsure of where the road will take him. He finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life - and love - beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 and 7 pm Sunday).

Saturday, January 31

The List One Year Anniversary
East End creative space The List will be celebrating its first anniversary with a bevy of weekend events, with two going down on Saturday. The day starts off with the return of the Vinyl & Furniture Garden Market, curated by local DJ vet Malcolm Bravo, over at the List Cafe. Bravo and other DJs will be spinning tunes as stores and vendors will be open for business. Later that evening, DJ/TikToker Sheri Koko will be working the turntables, along with some special-guest pals, at Room808. 11 am and 9 pm.

Burger Bodega present For the Culture
Chef and restaurateur Abbas Dhanani is taking a break from burgers to pay homage to his Pakistani heritage by partnering with the PX Project for a one-day only pop-up. Working with his mother and his aunt, the four-item menu showcases some favorite childhood dishes, including Nihari, slow-braised, spiced beef stew with naan; Hina Khala's Chicken Biryani, fragrant basmati rice layered with boneless chicken; the Chicken Sixty-Five Po' Boy; and a mango lassi sundae with a cardamom snickerdoodle cookie.

$\u200bBroadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants$

Photo by Matthew Murphy

Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Water for Elephants.

Seven Sisters presents Ping Zheng: Soft Interference opening reception
Soft Interference presents a new series of oil-stick works on paper by Ping Zheng, following her 2024 exhibition Nature’s Canopy at Seven Sisters. In these works, Zheng continues her investigation of landscape as a site of perception and interiority. Through repeated mark-making and shifting chromatic fields, she constructs images that hover between observed nature and remembered experience. Through Saturday, February 28. 2 pm.

MGEntertainment presents The 5th Annual Harsh Noise Houston
Believe it or not, there’s a heavy experimental-music scene here in H-Town. This weekend, you have the opportunity to see a lot of the scene’s most valuable players over at Super Happy Fun Land, where the fifth annual Harsh Noise Houston fest will be going down. 13 acts, representing some of the best experimental music, performance art, and noise that Texas has to offer, will be performing, including HauntedPixel, Ether Research, Astrogenic Hallucinating, and Psychosomatic’s sister project Del Norte. 7 pm.

Rice Cinema presents American Sons
Film producer and Rice alum Elizabeth Avellán presents American Sons, a documentary using first-hand footage captured by fallen Marine Cpl. Jorge “JV” Villarreal, a native of San Antonio. The film focuses on a brotherhood of U.S. Marines a decade after their Afghanistan deployment, focusing on their struggle with combat trauma, PTSD, and reintegration, especially after losing their friend Villarreal. Avellan and director Andrew James Gonzales will be around for a post-screening Q&A. 7 pm.

Sunday, February 1

ReelAbilities Houston presents ReelArt For All
The ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival’s ReelArt For All program will feature art and interactive activities, brunchy bites, and more. Guests can see the world through the eyes of artists from Celebration Company, an entrepreneurial employment program for adults with disabilities, and explore the works of featured artist Emmett Kyoshi Wilson. A Chicago-based artist living with Down syndrome, Wilson has created over 150 works, exhibited in five galleries, and even painted the American Flag for the U.S. Embassy in Croatia. 10:30 am.

Shepherd School of Music presents Inside Look: Modern American Operas
The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will present a deconstructed look at two full-length American comic operas: Karim Al-Zand’s 50th anniversary commission A Joint Interest and William Bolcom’s Lucrezia. Aleko Endowed Artist Paul Curran guides audiences through these mischievous and delightfully theatrical worlds. Shepherd School Chamber Players will accompany both contemporary operas from the pit, led by Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Bolcom's Lucrezia contains adult content and is not suitable for all audiences. 2 pm.

Cultural Center Our Texas presents Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
The World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, and the talents of his furry costars. There are more than 30 pets (dogs, cats, horses, birds, etc.) in the show, and each one has been rescued from animal shelters and given a new leash on life. Bad pun aside, this show will be a joy for viewers of all ages. 4 pm.

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