Plan Your Weekend: January 5 to 8, 2023

Things to Do
All Weekend Long

• Broadway Across America presents Pretty Woman at Hobby Center | Daily – The 1990s rom-com movie gets a Broadway makeover in this feel-good show based on a book from the film’s legendary director Garry Marshall. $35 and up. Showtimes va
• Cistern Illuminated at the Buffalo Bayou Cistern | Daily | Final Weekend – Catch the final days of this special installation at the Cistern, which illuminates more than 200 columns, creating an almost infinite experience. $10. Times vary.
• Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston | Daily | Final Weekend – Downtown’s Marriott Marquis hosts this festival on its 6th floor Altitude Rooftop Bar and pool. Signature cocktails, light displays and other Insta-worthy fun are in store. $25 and up. 5pm to 10pm.
• Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo | Daily | Final Weekend – Stroll through the Houston Zoo with hot chocolate in hand while you admire glimmering displays made up of more than two million Christmas lights at this annual must-see attraction. $21.95 and up; free for ages 2 and under. 5:30pm to 10:30pm.
• Ishida Dance Company presents Stirs Up All Things at MATCH | Daily – With choreography based on Ishida’s original poetry, this performance offers an exploration of love and memory. $45 and up. Showtimes vary.

Pretty Woman
at Hobby Center
^Daily

The 1990s rom-com movie gets a Broadway makeover in this feel-good show based on a book from the film’s legendary director Garry Marshall.

$35 and up | Showtimes vary

• Magical Winter Lights at Houston Raceway | Thursday to Saturday | Final Weekend – Catch the final days of the spectacular holiday attraction decked out in more than 6 million lights across seven dazzling themed displays, held in Baytown’s Houston Raceway Park. $25; $17 for ages 3 to 12 (additional fees for circus and carnival admissions). Times vary.
• The Sale at Bayou City Events Center | Friday & Saturday – Shop ’til you drop from some of Houston’s best boutiques, all under one roof. Look for retailers like Cheeky Vintage, Clorinda Antinori, Paris Texas Apparel Co., Tres Chic and more. Proceeds from the event benefit pediatric cancer research at M.D. Anderson. $30 and up. 9am to 4pm.
• The Riot presents Cipha Sounds at Rudyard’s Pub | Friday & Saturday – On back-to-back nights, the comic featured on Chappelle’s Show, TruTV’s Laff Tracks and as an MTV VJ takes the upstairs stage at Rudz for four shows of laughter. $17 and up. 7pm and 9pm.
• Houston Symphony presents The Music of Elton John & Billy Joel at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – The orchestra welcomes singer-pianist Michael Cavanaugh, who will perform hits like “Your Song,” “New York State of Mind” and others with the symphony. $39 and up. Times vary. 
• 6th Annual Fade to Black Reading Series at MATCH | Friday to Sunday – Returning for its sixth year, this festival celebrates new plays by Black playwrights, where you can be among the first to hear these new works. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Times vary.
• Comedian Bill Bellamy at Houston Improv | Friday to Sunday – The Marq-E comedy venue welcomes actor and stand-up performer Bill Bellamy, who in recent years has starred in the Netflix miniseries Self Made, and featured in 2021’s A Dark Foe, opposite Selma Blair. Tickets are sold by the table; $60 for 2, and up. Times vary.

Woodland Heights, Breweries & More Destinations

• Must Do Things in Woodland Heights – From live music to hitting the bike trails and delicious plates of brunch, Woodland Heights has plenty to offer for those looking to get to know the neighborhoods of Houston.
• Top 27 Breweries in Greater Houston – Explore what’s on tap at 27 of the city’s best breweries and taprooms, from the inner loop to Galveston, Conroe and beyond.
• Limited Time Museum Exhibits & Art Installations Around Greater Houston | Daily | Many FREE – Explore the many striking, stunning, and diverse exhibits exploring history, science, art, culture, and creativity around the Greater Houston metro area.

• Heights Young Professionals Happy Hour at Crust Pizza Co. | No Cover – The Heights Chamber of Commerce sponsors this opportunity for young professionals to meet and greet over great pizza and drinks. 4pm to 6pm.
• Steak Night at Urban South HTX Brewery | No Cover – Chef Leo Espitia, the force behind Amexicun, serves up steak night at the Arts District brewery. Menu prices vary. 5pm to 10pm.
• Basics Houston Fun Shops at Children’s Museum Houston | FREE – This first of five free workshops from Houston Health Department invites parents to learn how to build an early foundation for their children to be able to read, speak, solve problems, do well in school and have positive relationships later in life. This night’s bilingual workshop is about helping to strengthen emotional health and cope with stress to provide a loving and safe environment for your child. 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
• Open House at Glassell School of Art | FREE – Stop by the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Glassell School to learn more about art classes for all ages and abilities. 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
• College Basketball: Houston Cougars vs. SMU Mustangs at Fertitta Center – Cheer on your nationally-ranked hometown Coogs as they take on a Texas rival in SMU. $15 and up, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s marketplace. 6pm.

UH vs. SMU
at Fertitta Center
^{Thursday, January 5}

The No. 3 Houston Cougars take on the SMU Mustangs from Dallas in conference play.

$15 and up | 6pm

• Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz at Toyota Center – Houston takes on Utah in this Downtown matchup featuring Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and a young Rockets squad. $7 and up. 7pm.
• School of Rock Movie Screening at Discovery Green | FREE – Bring your blanket or lawn chair and sit under the stars as you watch this full-of-heart comedy about a down-on-his-luck guitarist who gets more than he bargained for when he lies his way into a substitute teaching position. 7pm to 8:45pm.
• An Evening with Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra at House of Blues – The five-time Grammy nominee and part-time zen monk, Ottmar Liebert, will be back in town at HOB with his band Luna Negra to perform an intimate and sultry set of what Liebert calls “nouveau flamenco.” $20 and up. 7pm.
• Trish Cramblet & Paige Lewis in Concert at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – The singer-songwriters join forces for a co-headlining event at the Upper Kirby Irish pub. $30 and up. 7pm.
• Comedian Jared Freid at Houston Improv – The NYC-based comedian offers his observations on dating and relationships with a one-night only slot at the Improv. Tickets are sold by the table; $80 for 4, and up. 8pm.
• Laughs & Liquor: After Dark Comedy Show at the Brass Tap | No Cover – Laugh it up as the Brass Tap in Midtown hosts local comedians and offers drink specials and $1 wings for the Laughs & Liquor event. 8pm.

• More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do are happening all weekend long. Scroll up and see our list, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum passes, tours, and more.