Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with our Weekend Guide for Thursday, February 16 to Sunday, February 19, 2023.
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Things to Do
All Weekend Long
- Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas in Downtown Beaumont | Daily – Downtown Beaumont hosts multiple days of Mardi Gras revelry, with parades and live concerts from Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Lil’ Keke, Uncle Kracker and more. Plus, try your hand at carnival games, hop on rides, and enjoy other family-friendly fun all weekend long. Single day tickets start at $10; $50 for a 4-day pass. Times vary.
- Comedian Gary Owen at Houston Improv | Daily – The comedian, who most recently dropped his special #DoinWhatIDo, comes to Houston for back-to-back weekends of comedy. $90 and up. Times vary.
- Mekong: SOUL at Asia Society Texas Center | Friday & Saturday – This multidisciplinary performance from Emmy Award–winning musician Vân-Ánh Vanessa Võ and composer Jonathan Berger tells three powerful, multi-sensory stories about life on the Mekong River. Artists from Southeast Asia and Houston’s Apollo Chamber Players are featured. $29. 7pm.
- The Whale Movie Screening at 14 Pews | Friday & Saturday – The Heights indie theater shows why Brendan Fraser was named a Best Actor nominee for his role in this dramatic film. $11. Times vary.
- The Riot Comedy Club presents Geoffrey Asmus at Rudyard’s | Friday & Saturday – A regular at New York’s Comedy Cellar comes to Houston to share his newest material in a live set upstairs at Rudz. $20 and up. Times vary.
- 2023 Cactus Jack HCBU Classic at Minute Maid Park | Friday to Sunday – Baseball teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities compete across three days and nine games. Festivities also include a free college fair on Saturday, plus a HBCU celebration ($100) and a gospel breakfast on Sunday ($25). $10 and up. Times vary.
- 112th Mardi Gras! Galveston | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Galveston’s massive annual Mardi Gras celebration heads into its final weekend before capping off the multi-day festival on Fat Tuesday. Expect elaborate parades, beads on beads, headliner concert performances, family events and more. $14.50 and up; free for ages 12 and under. Times vary.
- George Washington’s Tent at Bayou Bend Collections & Gardens | Saturday & Sunday – The Museum of the American Revolution brings a replica of Founding Father and first president George Washington’s tent to Houston, transforming the Diana Lawn into a Revolutionary War encampment. $10. 10am to 5pm.
- Valentine’s Market for Makers at Silver Street Studios | Saturday & Sunday – Independent artists and makers offer a selection of home decor, fashion, art, design and more. $8 and up. 11am to 4pm.
Mardi Gras! Galveston
Friday to Sunday
Close out the final weekend of Galveston’s biggest event when Mardi Gras rolls on with bead throwing, elaborate parades, headlining concerts, parties and much more. Ends on Fat Tuesday, February 21.
$14.50 and up | Times vary
Ongoing Live Theater & Performing Arts in Houston
- Paradise Blue at Ensemble Theatre | Daily | Ongoing – When gifted trumpeter Blue considers selling his jazz club in Detroit, the fates of many are thrown into question. This drama is infused with music, and explores the connections that make us human. $34 and up. Showtimes vary.
- Roe at Stages | Daily | Ongoing – An examination of the repercussions of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, this play by Lisa Loomer focuses on two women, Sarah Weddington, who argued the case before the Supreme Court; and Norma McCorvey, a/k/a “Jane Roe.” $30 and up. Times vary.
- A.D. Players presents Every Brilliant Thing at the George Theater | Daily | Final Weekend – When he was seven years old, the mother of this play’s protagonist attempted suicide, prompting him to make a list of everything worth living for. An examination of mental illness, love, and the power of joy and forgiveness, it’s a show that offers hope to all. $36 and up. Showtimes vary.
- A Number at Rec Room Arts | Thursday to Saturday | Ongoing – This psychological thriller explores parenthood, genetic experiments, and the debate over nature and nurture. Find out why this “devastating drama” (Time Out London) has “the power to provoke.” (The Guardian). $40; $30 for ages 30 and under. 7:30pm.
- From Africa to the White House & The Storm Is Here at Midtown Arts Center | Friday to Sunday | Opening Weekend – Two original works by playwright Vincent Victoria form a double bill in Midtown, presenting From Africa to the White House, a collage of nearly forgotten African American men and women of the past; and The Storm is Here, which recounts the intertwining lives of two people during the insurrection of January 6, 2021. $25. Times vary.
- Catastrophic Theatre presents Eddie Goes to Poetry City at MATCH | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Eddie imagines that Poetry City must be paradise. But when he gets there, he finds himself disoriented in a place that “melts language.” This production runs through Saturday, March 4. Tickets are pay-what-you-can; suggested price of $35. Showtimes vary.
- Permanent Collection at Main Street Theater | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Who controls art? Who decides what should be seen? Those are just two of the questions raised in this play that finds an African American businessman, newly named head of a renowned art collection, at odds with the collection’s director of education over his proposal to change the collection by adding eight pieces of art. This production runs through Sunday, March 5. $44 and up. Showtimes vary.
- Stages presents cullud wattah at the Gordy | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – This multi-generational saga unfolds against the backdrop of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The New York Times called it “haunting and eye-opening.” It follows a family’s quest for justice, going up against powerful entities, and how that quest could be its undoing. $30 and up. Showtimes vary.
- On The Verge Theatre presents Red Speedo at Gigglin’ Marlin Dive & Swim | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – This provocative comedy drama explores swimming and the American Dream of a level playing field and is performed around an indoor pool in Museum Park. $30 and up. Times vary.
Mardi Gras, Get Rodeo Ready & More Destinations
- Mardi Gras Events in Houston & Galveston – Take in one or more of the traditional, raucous, and family-friendly Mardi Gras events in Houston and along the beach in Galveston through Fat Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
- Ways to Get Rodeo Ready In Houston – Check out 10 ways to get Rodeo Ready with pre-Rodeo events happening in Houston before the big show opens in late February.
- Black History Month Events in Houston – Celebrate African American history, legacies and artistry at current and upcoming events happening throughout Black History Month.
- 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.
THURSDAY
February 16, 2023
- Rodeo Market on the Lawn at Memorial City | No Cover – This rodeo roundup at Memorial City Mall features live music, food trucks, and local vendors doling out all the goods you’ll need to get ready for the Rodeo. 5pm to 7pm.
- Mystery Loves Company: 10th Anniversary Concert at MATCH – The chamber rock ensemble offers an evening of stories and music to mark their milestone anniversary. $15. 7pm.
- Art of the Cameroon Grassfields, A Living Heritage in Houston Opening Reception at Menil Collection | FREE – Enjoy refreshments and music from Analog Africa in celebration of the opening of an exhibition examining enduring artistic traditions from Cameroon and its global diaspora. 7pm.
- Ivan Cornejo in Concert at House of Blues – The singer-songwriter known for his regional Mexican music styles comes to Houston as part of his Dañado U.S. Tour. $25. 7pm.
- Big Thief in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – The Grammy-nominated indie rock four-piece drops by WHite Oak a year after their last release, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe You. $33. 7pm.
- Galentine’s Beginner Calligraphy at Sable Gate Winery – Whether you’re a stationery nerd, DIY bride-to-be, or just a crafty individual, in this workshop you’ll learn an introduction to modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink at the Midtown winery. $65. 7pm to 8:30pm.
- Where Do We Go From Here Opening Reception at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston | FREE – Be among the first to catch CAMH Teen Council’s 13th biennial exhibition, putting on display works by more than 25 teen artists. 7pm to 9pm.
Salsa Night
Post Houston
Thursday, February 16
Love Dance HTX hosts this evening of hot music and great moves. All dance levels are welcome to take part in lessons, social dancing and tasty treats.
FREE with RSVP | 7:30pm to 9pm
- Author Shannon Sarna in Conversation: Modern Jewish Comfort Food at Evelyn R. Rubenstein JCC – The author discusses her take on classic Jewish dishes in this DIY class where you’ll make your own knish. This will be followed by a reception where you’ll enjoy coffee and one of Shannon’s desserts. $19. 7:30pm.
- Salsa Night at Post Houston | FREE – Love Dance HTX hosts this evening of hot music and great moves. All dance levels are welcome to take part in lessons, social dancing and tasty treats. Free with RSVP. 7:30pm to 9pm.
- J.I.D & Smino in Concert at Bayou Music Center – Fresh off 2022 releases—JID’s The Forever Story and Smino’s Luv 4 Rent—the Atlanta and St. Louis rappers team up for this live tour. $62 and up. 8pm.
- Tom Petty Tribute Concert at Main Street Crossing – The Heartachers perform music by the iconic, decade-spanning rock artist at the Tomball venue. $22 and up. 8pm.
- Love Like Blood III with Burlesque Performer Kendall Aranel at Etro Nightclub | No Cover – Look for an evening of Goth, Darkwave and Industrial music, along with a burlesque performance by Kendall Aranel at the Downtown nightclub. 9pm to 2am.
- More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston are happening all weekend long. Scroll up to explore events and shows spanning multiple days, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum and brewery passes, tours, and more.
FRIDAY
February 17, 2023
- We Are the City at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center – In discussions, activities, demonstrations and more, curious kiddos explore what it takes to create (and run) a city. $15. 11am to 4pm.
- Intro to Meditation at the Maud Smith Marks Branch Library | FREE – The Katy library hosts this session focusing on the benefits of meditation and how to begin incorporating its techniques into your life. Registration required. 1:30pm.
- Cirque du Soleil presents Kooza at Sam Houston Race Park – Returning to Houston for the second time in 10 years, the thrilling circus arts of Cirque du Soleil excite under the big top in Northwest Houston, featuring acrobatics, daredevil performances, laughter and wonder. $49 and up. 4pm and 7:30pm.
- Winter & Spring Exhibitions Opening Reception at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft | FREE – Welcome in HCCC’s two latest exhibitions, Tg: Transitions in Kiln-Glass and Philippine-Made: The Work of Matt Manalo, in an evening with complimentary refreshments and open studios by new resident artists. 5:30pm to 8pm.
- Fair Play Movie Screening at the Czech Museum Houston | FREE – Catch this screening of the Oscar-nominated movie about Anna, a spinster who begins training for the Olympic Games. 6pm.
Cirque du Soleil: Kooza
Sam Houston Race Park
Friday, February 17
Continuing its winter run, the thrilling circus arts of Cirque du Soleil excite under the big top in Northwest Houston, featuring acrobatics, daredevil performances, laughter and wonder.
$49 and up | 4pm to 7:30pm
- Sushi Rolling Class at Ingenious Brewing Company – This hands-on class at the Humble brewery helps you create your own signature sushi roll. Beer included. $45 and up. 6pm to 9pm.
- Shayne Brantley: There Opening Reception at Reeves Art & Design | FREE – The painter’s latest exhibit features works that are ambitious in scale and intimately engaging, all of which will be on view at this opening reception in Montrose. 6pm to 9pm.
- Oscar-Nominated Animated Short Films Screening at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston – This annual screening features all of the animated shorts nominated for this year’s Academy Awards. Grab your seat and then tune into the awards show next month to see if your favorites win. $9. 7pm to 9pm.
- LetsDoThisHouston: Date Night to Cidercade Houston – This evening offers a slow cruise from 3rd Ward Tours to Cidercade in EaDo, where you can enjoy food, cider and a wide array of arcade games. $21 and up; bike rentals available. 7pm to 10pm.
- Rainbow on the Rink at Discovery Green – This LGBTQ+ celebration features music by DJ Joe Ross, a drag queen performance and more, wrapped up in the ultimate roller skating party. Free to attend; $12 to skate, including skate rental. 7pm to 10pm.
Bike Ride to Cidercade
3rd Ward Tours
Friday, February 17
This evening offers a slow cruise from 3rd Ward Tours to Cidercade in EaDo, where you can enjoy food, cider and a wide array of arcade games.
$21 and up | 7pm to 10pm
- Josh Abbott Band in Concert at House of Blues – The Red Dirt seven-piece finds their way to the Downtown stage with songs from their catalog of chart-topping releases. $25 and up. 8pm.
- JoiLux Band Dueling Pianos at Wakefield Crowbar | FREE – Expect an evening of hits and covers when JoiLux Band tickles the ivories in Garden Oaks. 8pm.
- Burlesque Classique: the Short & Sweet Speakeasy at Avant Garden – This burlesque performance features a rotation of some of the art form’s best local scintillating performers from the eclectic Montrose stage. $35. 9pm and 11pm.
- Andrew Rayel DJ Set at Rise Rooftop – The EDM Moldovan DJ is on the decks at one of Midtown’s most popular rooftop venues. $15 and up. 10pm.
- Reaper DJ Set at Stereo Live – The drum and bass DJ spins sets at the popular nightspot in West Houston. Rebel Scum opens. $8. 10pm to 2am.
- More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston are happening all weekend long. Scroll up to explore events and shows spanning multiple days, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum and brewery passes, tours, and more.
Things to Do on Saturday, February 18 & Sunday, February 19, 2023.
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