The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: September 8 to 10, 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, September 8 to Sunday, September 10, 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: September 8 to 10, 2023

• DiverseWorks presents D.R.E.A.M = A Way to Afram at MATCH | Ends Saturday, September 9 – This immersive performance and installation features the work of Houston’s Li(sa E.) Harris in collaboration with Alisha B. Wormsley. Using sound, movement and visuals, this experience explores how the universe reveals safe spaces for Black beings to exist in their bodies. Pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
• Tyler Casey: Once Upon a Time Opening Reception at Reeves Art & Design | Friday, September 8 | FREE – Heavily influenced by pop culture, art history and the ever-evolving worlds of politics, artist Tyler Casey presents his work at this solo show in Montrose that addresses contemporary issues and reflects the pulse of our society. 6pm to 9pm.
• Mexico en el Corazón at Discovery Green | Friday, September 8 | FREE – Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of Mexico with this nationally touring group of mariachis and ballet folklorico dancers. More than 50 performers create a magical night with gorgeous costumes, music and culture in this popular annual event that draws thousands to the Downtown park. 7pm.
• Sam Smith, with Jessie Reyez in Concert at Toyota Center | Friday, September 8 – The Grammy, Brit, Golden Globe and Oscar winner arrives in Houston on his Gloria: The Tour—their first North American tour since 2018. Jessie Reyez, who guests on Smith’s Gloria album, supports. $35 and up. 8pm.
• Houston Ballet presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Wortham Center | Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 9 | Ongoing – Based on the classic Shakespeare rom-com, this is the story of a love potion gone awry. It’s one of choreographer John Neumeier’s most famous ballets, with a score that combines selections from Mendelssohn and Ligeti, along with traditional organ music. $25 and up. Showtimes vary.

• Houston Astros vs. San Diego Padres at Minute Maid Park | Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 9 – Cheer on the reigning champs when they play the Padres across three nights of giveaways, including a Kyle Tucker bobblehead, an Astros Hawaiian shirt, and a challenge coin on First Responders Day. $33 and up. Times vary. 
• Market Square Farmers Market at Historic Market Square Park | Saturday, September 8 | FREE – A brand new market opens for the fall, right in the historic heart of Downtown at Market Square Park. Calling back to the markets held here over a century ago, this market spotlights local growers and makers, offering access to seasonal fruits and veggies, as well as meats and prepared goods. Enjoy live music and other entertainment as you stroll the market. 9am to 1pm.
• Native American Heritage Day Festival at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center | Saturday, September 8 | FREE – Head to the Humble park’s Akokisa Village for a celebration of Indigenous culture with demonstrations, talks about life for Karankawa peoples and other Indigenous groups on the Coastal Bend, a performance by the Chikawa Aztec Dancers and more. 9am to 3pm.
• Hummingbird Festival at Kleb Woods Nature Center | Saturday, September 8 | FREE – The Tomball nature center celebrates migration season for the quick and tiny bird with a festival filled with games and activities, plus animal encounters with hummingbirds and live raptor birds. From there, take a guided nature walk, a historic tour of the 1896 Kleb house, and more. 9am to 3pm.
• The Music of Sam Cooke: A Change Is Gonna Come at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Saturday, September 8 | FREE – Explore the life and legacy of the musician who helped invent soul when Bradd Marquis and the Magnificents highlight his iconic hits like “A Change is Gonna Come,” “You Send Me,” and “Wonderful World” live on the Miller stage. 8pm.

• Doomsday Wrestling presents All the World’s a Cage at Urban South HTX Brewery | Saturday, September 8 – The comedy wrestling spectacle returns to the Houston brewery with a steel cage match, pitting your favorites against each other in a chain-link nightmare. $16 and up. 9pm.
• 45th Anniversary Party at Numbers Nightclub | Saturday, September 8 – The iconic Montrose nightclub celebrates its anniversary in style with a prize wheel, music, drinks and more. Whether you’re reliving your club days or making new club memories, don’t miss this celebration of one of Houston’s beloved nightclubs. Cover charge at the door. 9pm to 2am.
• The Diaspora Food Festival at Karbach Brewing Company | Sunday, September 9 | FREE – Experience African-influenced cuisine from around the globe at this foodie event in Spring Branch. There’s also local merchants, live music and entertainment, drinks and other fun. 11am to 6pm.
• Bayou City Outdoors presents Gear Swap at Axelrad | Sunday, September 9 | FREE – Show up with your tents, bikes, kayaks, camping gear, paddles, backpacks and other outdoor paraphernalia to sell or swap it. Need gear? This is the place for you. Sellers must email Bayou City Outdoors in order to reserve a space. Registration is requested for buyers and sellers. Noon to 3pm.
• Let’s Play Loteria with Barrio Dogs at The Ballroom at Bayou Place | Sunday, September 9 – Play some rounds of lotería at this lively fundraising event that helps support Barrio Dogs, who’s mission is to create a better future for pets and the community. Enjoy a hearty tamale and nacho bar, plus drinks and a lotería costume contest. $50. 1pm to 5pm.

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