The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: January 6 to 8, 2023

Take a tour of H-Town’s weekend highlights with our 365 Houston guide to the best things to do in Houston this weekend, from Friday, January 6 to Sunday, January 8, 2023.

Every weekend, Houston has plenty of happenings to be found around town—but which ones are the highlights that can help you plan an enjoyable weekend of outings?

We’ve whittled down our extensive Weekend Guide to offer you some of our favorite things to look forward to from Friday to Sunday.

Looking for more things to do? Dig deeper for all of our weekend picks with the 365 Houston Weekend Guide, or comb through our Calendar for even more events, activities, and things to do this weekend.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: January 6 to 8, 2023

• 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.
• 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 vary.
• 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.
• If It Don’t Feel Like ’90s: R&B HTX Edition at House of Blues | Friday, January 6 – Vibe to music from Brandy, Boys 2 Men, Monica and more at this ’90s R&B party at House of Blues. $25 and up. 9pm to 2am.
• The Sale at Bayou City Events Center | Friday, January 6 & Saturday, January 7 – 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.

• Magical Winter Lights Closing Weekend at Houston Raceway Park | Friday, January 6 & Saturday, January 7 – 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 Riot presents Cipha Sounds at Rudyard’s Pub | Friday, January 6 & Saturday, January 7 – 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.
• 6th Annual Fade to Black Reading Series at MATCH | Friday, January 6 to Sunday, January 8 – 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.
• Houston Symphony presents The Music of Elton John & Billy Joel at Jones Hall | Friday, January 6 to Sunday, January 8 – The piano and vocal virtuoso Michael Cavanaugh—who was handpicked by Billy Joel to recreate the Broadway musical Movin’ Out—puts his talent and performing prowess on display in Downtown Houston, playing the hits from two iconic rock legends, Billy Joel and Elton John. $39 and up. Times vary.

• Japan Junction: Oshogatsu 2023 at Levy Park | Saturday, January 7 | FREE – Usher in the Year of the Rabbit early when Japan America Society of Houston hosts this afternoon celebration that teaches Kakizome (the first Japanese calligraphy of the year), and lets kids play traditional Japanese new year games, make a daruma goal-setting doll, and pound mochi. 11am to 2pm.
• 14th Annual BowiElvis Fest at the Continental Club | Saturday, January 7 – This annual festival returns to Mid-Main, honoring two music legends with a shared birthday; David Bowie and Elvis Presley. Catch tribute tunes from bands across multiple stages, face painting, Bowie and Elvis games, a costume contest, prizes and more. $25 and up. 6:30pm.
• Future & Friends in Concert at Toyota Center | Saturday, January 7 – Pioneer of the melodic trap rap style and everybody’s favorite feature, Future is bringing the party to H-Town on his One Big Party tour with friends Trippie Redd, EST Gee, Boston Richie, and more. $55 and up. 7pm.
• Stargazing Saturdays at the George Observatory | Saturday, January 7 – Make your way to the upper deck of the George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park for a night of stargazing with the pros. Amateur astronomers will guide you along the way to see night sky constellations, planets in our solar system and deep sky objects out in space. $10 (must be purchased online). 7pm to 10pm.
• Bowie All Night at Numbers Nightclub | Saturday, January 7 – The Montrose nightclub spins Bowie music all night long to celebrate the Thin White Duke’s birthday, along with visuals guaranteed to have you dancing. Cover charge at the door. 9pm to 2am. 
• Art Car IPA 5K at Flying Saucer Downtown | Sunday, January 8 – Begin your Sunday with a 3.5-mile run, culminating in brews and a breakfast courtesy of Texas Tamale Company. $35. 8am to 11am.