The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: May 19 to 21, 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, May 19 to Sunday, May 21, 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: May 19 to 21, 2023

• 50th Annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival at Pasadena Fairgrounds | Daily – Barbecue, music, a kid’s zone, mutton bustin’ and more highlight this annual Pasadena festival, packed with family fun. Single day tickets are $15; $5 for ages 6 to 10; free for ages 5 and under. $30 for weekend passes. Times vary. 
• TUTS presents Rent at Hobby Center | Daily | Opening Weekend – The epic musical re-imagining of La Boheme became an anthem to love and acceptance that won the Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony Awards. This brand new production gets a run in Downtown, courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars. $40 and up. Showtimes vary.
• 2nd Annual Activation Festival at the Ion | Friday, May 19 | FREE – The final day of this three-day bash features a full afternoon of networking opportunities, panel discussions and industry insights, as well as a wrap-up Block Party from 5pm to 8pm where a number of local businesses will show off dynamic tech on the plaza, along with food trucks and a “battle of the bands” competition. Free, but advance registration is required. Times vary.
• Skylab 50th Anniversary Celebration at Space Center Houston | Friday, May 19 – This exclusive event gives guests after-hours access to Space Center Houston and a special cocktail hour in the Skylab trainer exhibit. The reception will include passed hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine with liquor available to purchase, live music and the unboxing of Skylab artifacts, followed by a discussion. $75. 7pm.
• Umami Fest Night Market at Railway Heights | Friday, May 19 & Saturday, May 20 | No Cover – This umami-packed, Asian-inspired food festival and night market will rock street food and merchandise vendors, artists, night market games and prizes, and entertainment. 3pm to 8pm.

• Houston Symphony presents Oedipus Rex at Jones Hall | Friday, May 19 & Saturday, May 20 – Actor Kyle MacLachlan (of Twin Peaks fame) joins the Symphony to narrate Stravinksy’s epic Greek tragedy, accompanied by an all-star cast of singers for this monumental season finale. $29 and up. 8pm.
• Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park | Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21 – The Astros host the A’s in a three-game weekend series. The first 10,000 fans in attendance on Friday will snag a Kyle Tucker bobblehead or an Alex Bregman camo jersey on Saturday, and Orbit’s birthday celebration caps the weekend off with a koozie giveaway. $35 and up. Times vary.
• Ascend AAPI Fashion Show at the Julia Ideson Building | Saturday, May 20 | FREE – This immersive experience at the historic library in Downtown Houston celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and features dynamic programming from Project Runway and Houston-native Chloe Dao, Tina Zulu and more. 2pm to 5pm.
• iFest USA at Discovery Green | Saturday, May 20 | FREE – Held around the world, this festival gathers artists and cultural representatives for a day of exchange between cultures, communities and diverse peoples that promotes peace, love and friendship. Expect live music and performances, gourmet foods, and unique art on display. Free with registration. 2pm to 9pm.
• Plantasia: Botanical Art Show 2023 at Hardy & Nance Studios | Saturday, May 20 | FREE – Nearly 70 local artists exhibit their botanical-themed artwork from across a variety of mediums and styles. Plus, you can shop plants for your home from Eden Plant Co, and enjoy a complimentary bar with Karbach brews and other beverages. 5pm to 9pm.

• Opera in the Heights: 25th Anniversary Concert at Lambert Hall | Saturday, May 20 – The opera company marks this milestone with this concert featuring the Oh! Orchestra and some of the company’s favorite artists from seasons past, who will perform the best of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, Strauss, Korngold, Bernstein, Sondheim, and more. $94.50. 7pm.
• Houston Dash vs. San Diego Wave at Shell Energy Stadium | Saturday, May 20 – United States striker Alex Morgan and the Wave roll into town to face the Dash in a Western Conference battle. $10 and up. 7:30pm.
• The Riot Comedy Club presents the 40th Birthday Roast of Brian Gendron at Rudyard’s Pub | Saturday, May 20 – One of the founders of the Riot Comedy Club, Brian Gendron gets the roast treatment for his big 4-0 at Rudyard’s, courtesy of his friends and roast master, the visiting Frank Castillo. $20 and up. 9pm.
• 713 Walks: Cultural Walking Tour of 5th Ward | Sunday, May 21 | FREE – The second of seven city walks explores Houston’s 5th Ward with a two-hour tour that stops by the historic neighborhood’s significant architecture, the DeLuxe Theater, parks and greenspaces, public art along Lyons Avenue and more, plus refreshments from a local cafe. Spanish interpreters will also be along for the tour. 3pm to 5pm.
• Jazzy Sundays: The Gabriel Santiago Project at the Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park | Sunday, May 21 | FREE – One of the final Jazzy Sundays concerts welcomes the award-winning Brazilian guitarist, Gabriel Santiago, joined by trumpet player Matt Serice to open the show. 5pm to 7pm.