Top 20 Festivals & Events This Week in Houston: September 18 to 24, 2023

Make the most of your week with our top festivals, events, and things to do this week in Houston from Monday, September 18 to Sunday, September 24, 2023.

We’ve whittled down all the happenings in H-Town to our picks for the week, but you can always check out the extended calendar for more things to do in Houston.

Scroll below to find great things happening in Houston from Monday, September 18 to Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Top 20 Festivals, Events & Things to Do This Week in Houston

• Bourbon Fest 2023 at Julep | Wednesday, September 20 – In celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month, Alba Huerta’s James Beard Award–winning bar on Washington Avenue hosts bourbon tastings and classic bourbon cocktail demos. $25. 4pm to 7pm.
• 2023 Coastal Watershed Symposium: Balancing Growth, Preservation & Conservation | Wednesday, September 20 & Thursday, September 21 | Virtual – This two-day event features a keynote address by Dr. Andrew “Andy” Sansom, offering valuable insights and inspiration to help shape the future of Houston’s and the Gulf Coast’s bayous and waterways. $40. 8am to noon.
• Broken Social Scene in Concert at White Oak Music Hall | Thursday, September 21 – The beloved indie rock band returns to Houston, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their seminal record, You Forgot It In People. $30 and up. 7pm.
• Christian Nodal in Concert at Toyota Center | Thursday, September 21 – Fusing mariachi and norteño, the Latin Grammy-winning Mexican singer-songwriter comes to Houston fresh off his latest EP release, Forajido 2. $66 and up. 8pm.
• Oktoberfest Kick-Off Party at King’s BierHaus Heights | Friday, September 22 | No Cover – Kicking off Oktoberfest ahead of King’s official festival in October, this in-house party features a wooden keg tapping with a Bavarian pig roast, plus VIP ticket giveaways and a Bavarian Stronghuman competition for tickets. 5pm to 11pm.
• When Houston Had the Blues Movie Screening & Concert at Discovery Green | Friday, September 22 | FREE – This electrifying documentary explores the Bayou City’s history as a hub for blues innovation, using interviews, concert footage and more. Soul vocalist Diunna Greenleaf will also perform before the film. 7pm to 10:30pm.
• Kun Yang-Lin/Dancers present KyLin’s Garden at Asia Society Texas Center | Friday, September 22 – See the internationally acclaimed Asian American dance company in its first appearance at Asia Society Texas. Evoking the kylin, an Asian mythological creature that combines elements of five animals into one body, KyLin’s Garden: A Space for Tending, Sharing & Imagination brings together different artistic voices to form an ensemble that flourishes as a whole. $25. 7:30pm.
• Kam Franklin in Concert at Axelrad | Friday, September 22 | FREE – The singer-songwriter and activist, who leads Gulf Coast favorite The Suffers, takes the stage at the beer garden, showcasing her career influences from across soul, country, gospel, reggae and more. 8pm.
• Comedian Ilana Glazer at Cullen Performance Hall | Friday, September 22 – The Broad City comedian and writer brings her energy and wit to this live set at the University of Houston. Her latest standup special, The Planet Is Burning, can be seen on Amazon. $35 and up. 8pm.
• Galveston Island Shrimp Festival in Downtown Galveston | Friday, September 22 & Saturday, September 23 – Sample some of the Gulf Coast’s best shrimp and gumbo, enjoy the L’il Shrimps parade, live music, a Strand merchant market and other family fun. Friday’s Kick Off Party is $65 and includes dinner, open bar and live entertainment. Saturday’s festival is free to attend; sampling cups are $13. Friday 7:30pm to 10pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm.
• Beyoncé in Concert at NRG Stadium | Friday, September 22 & Saturday, September 23 – Houston’s own Queen Bey returns to H-Town for two concerts as part of her Renaissance World Tour. Her first concert in the Bayou City in seven years, these shows are among the most anticipated concerts of the year and are expected to sell out. $230 and up. 8pm.
• Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park | Friday, September 22 to Sunday, September 24 – Kansas City rolls through for the last homestand of the regular season. Marking Hispanic Heritage Weekend, fans can expect giveaways like a Jose Abreu Los Astros jersey on Friday and a sugar skull bobblehead on Saturday. $26 and up. Times vary.
• Bat Fest at Houston Arboretum and Nature Center | Saturday, September 23 | FREE – Learn more about bats and why they are a vital part of our ecosystem at this festival where the whole family can enjoy fun bat-themed activities and crafts, story times, food trucks, and more. 10am to 2pm.
• B52 Oktoberfest at B-52 Brewing | Saturday, September 23 | FREE – Enjoy German brews and traditional foods at the Conroe brewery’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, featuring live music, games and competitions, a best-dressed contest and more. Free to attend; drink bundles are $30. Noon to 9pm.
• Lumikhâ Arts Showcase at the Orange Show | Saturday, September 23 | FREE – This celebration of creativity gathers the works of more than 35 Filipino and Asian American artists and performers that utilize their passion and craft to make a difference in their local and broader communities. Enjoy live music and tasty foods in an exciting night of collaboration and community. 3pm to 10pm.
• Buxton Reunion Show at the Continental Club | Saturday, September 23 – Houston’s own Americana five-piece reunites for the re-release of their 2008 album, A Family Light. Narcons opens the show. $5 in advance; $10 at the door. 9pm.
• 27th Houston Turkish Festival at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou | Saturday, September 23 & Sunday, September 24 – Sample simit sandwiches and falafel wraps, shop a bazaar of art and other unique finds, and enjoy traditional folk dances and music as you celebrate the vibrant culture of Turkey. $10 in advance; free for ages 12 and under. Saturday 11am to 9pm; Sunday 11am to 8pm.
• Fall Fest at Sugar Land Town Square | Sunday, September 24 | FREE – This family-friendly celebration of fall offers something for everyone, including live music, food and beverages, carnival games, a market, and more. 10am to 3pm.
• Festival de la Salsa at Discovery Green | Sunday, September 24 – The Downtown park space hosts a full day of salsa celebration, infused with Latin culture and showcasing the many influences of Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, United States and beyond. Enjoy live music, folklorico and cultural performances, food vendors and more during an event that promotes unity and cultural diversity. $10 in advance; free for ages 12 and under. 1pm to 10pm.
• Kindred Stories presents Ode to Hip-Hop Trivia Night at the Historic Eldorado Ballroom | Sunday, September 24 – Show off your hip-hop knowledge as you crush the competition in this friendly trivia battle at the newly reopened historic ballroom in Third Ward. Compete in a team to combine forces and have fun. $20. 6pm.

Many More Things to Do in Houston

• Top Concerts & Live Shows This Week – Check out our top picks for local and touring musicians, stars, and personalities hitting the stage in H-Town this week.
• Top Games & Sports Events This Week – Scope out professional and select college sports games, touring athletic competitions, local fitness and participatory events, and more.
• Top Things to Do For Kids & Families This Week – Zero in on the best option for families and the junior set around Greater Houston.
• Current Temporary Museum Exhibits & Art Installations in Greater Houston – Explore the newest installations and exhibits on short term display at museums and locations around Houston, with a focus on art, history, and science.
• More Options on Our Calendar – Explore more live entertainment, events, pop-ups, markets, and other options around Houston.

Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!