Top 19 Festivals & Events This Week in Houston: September 25 to October 1, 2023

Make the most of your week with our top festivals, events, and things to do this week in Houston from Monday, September 25 to Sunday, October 1, 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 25 to Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Top 19 Festivals, Events & Things to Do This Week in Houston

• Houston Grand Opera presents Let the Truth Be Told at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum | Monday, September 25 – HGO hosts a panel discussion that builds on its upcoming 75th world premiere, Intelligence, which tells the seldom heard story of two American women and their work to supply secret intelligence to the Union during the Civil War. The panel consists of members of Houston’s arts community in discussion about what it means to question existing narratives, uncover the truth, and discern the authenticity of stories we hear, don’t hear and those that are suppressed. $25. 6:30pm.
• Loona in Concert at Smart Financial Centre | Tuesday, September 26 – The newest iteration of K-Pop sensation Loona, dubbed Loona Assemble, debuts in a 10-city United States tour that brings them through Houston, marking a new era for the Korean girl group. $82 and up. 7:30pm.
• Becky G in Concert at Smart Financial Centre | Wednesday, September 27 – Fresh off the release of her third studio album, 2023’s Esquinas, the hip-hop, pop, and reggaeton princess is bringing all the energy to Sugar Land when she pops through. $68 and up. 8pm.
• Youth Lagoon in Concert at White Oak Music Hall | Thursday, September 28 – After a seven-year hiatus, Trevor Powers returns as Youth Lagoon, stopping by the White Oak upstairs stage to perform songs from his new album, Heaven Is a Junkyard. $25. 8pm.
• Richie Goods & Chien Chien Lu present Connected at Asia Society Texas | Friday, September 29 – Jazz-funk bassist Richie Goods and vibraphonist, percussionist and composer Chien Chien Lu collaborated on their album, Connected, which resulted from the discussions they had during the pandemic about Black Lives Matter and anti-Asian violence. The result is a thought-provoking, uplifting series of musical selections, which was named Best Instrumental Album at the 34th Golden Melody Awards. $25. 7pm.
• Oktoberfest 2023 at Saint Arnold Brewing Company | Friday, September 29 & Saturday, September 30 | FREE – The spacious beer garden at Saint Arnold hosts high energy live music from Das Ist Lustig with Valina Polka, plus King and Queens of Oktoberfest contests, chicken dances, stein hoisting, glass boots and more. 4pm to 9pm.
• Karbachtoberfest Week 2 at Karbach Brewing Company | Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1 | FREE – The Spring Branch brewery keeps the celebration rolling with Friday night music from The Suffers; a Saturday of stein hoisting, chicken dances and keg races, with polka music, live DJ and The Mockingbirds Band; and Sunday wraps up with wiener dog races, a pup cup truck and pet vendors. Times vary.
• Catastrophic Theatre presents Waiting for Godot at MATCH | Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 1 | Opening Weekend – In Samuel Beckett’s absurdist masterpiece, two penniless tramps wait on a road for Mr. Godot to show up, only to find out that he won’t come today, but surely tomorrow. As they wait, they pass the time in every way imaginable. Greg Dean, Charlie Scott, Kyle Sturdivant and Troy Schulze reprise their roles from Catastrophic’s 2013 production, which was hailed by critics across the city for its brilliance. This production runs through Saturday, October 14. Pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
• Chopd & Stewed Festival at Post Houston | Saturday, September 30 – ChòpnBlọk is putting on this inaugural fest to showcase West African food and culture. The exciting new event will feature appearances by top culinary talent, including Dawn Burrell and Eric Adjepong of Top Chef fame, local stars Ope Amosu and Greg Gatlin, and a whole lot more. Plus, get access to the Culinary Village on the Skylawn, Òrékê Artisan Market, and an evening Sounds of the Motherland Independence Celebration on the eve of Nigerian Independence Day. $45 and up. 9am to midnight.
• Mid-Autumn Festival at Asia Society Texas Center | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – Welcome the autumn harvest and full moon at Asia Society’s all-ages fall festival that will spotlight Taiwan this year with Taiwanese artists, storytelling, parades, and art activities like lantern making, paper cutting and faux mooncakes. Registration is required for one of two festival time slots. 10am to noon, and noon to 2pm.
• Nigerian Belle Full Brunch at Axelrad | Saturday, September 30 – On the eve of Nigerian Independence Day, Kavachi Ukegbu curates a three-course meal that blends Nigerian staples with American favorites, complemented by a selection of Nigerian drinks at the vibrant beer garden of Axelrad. $50. Noon.
• The Wild Things Crafting Party at the Orange Show | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – Ahead of the Orange Show’s 42nd Gala in November, the broader Houston community is invited to join artists and explore their creativity by creating hand-made decorations at this crafting party. For this year, the public is invited to bring old trophies, ribbons and yarn, pliable wire, stuffed animals, and animal horns or antlers for the crafting. El Patio will supply eats for purchase in the afternoon, and Saint Arnold provides free beverages. 2pm to 7pm.
• Art Ramble at Sawyer Yards | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – This first-ever event in Sawyer Yards invites everyone to walk through the open studios of more than 100 artists across five buildings, meeting with the creators and discovering unique works at a variety of price points. Expect local drink vendors, food, and music while you explore. 2pm to 7pm.
• Houston Dynamo FC vs. FC Dallas at Shell Energy Stadium | Saturday, September 30 – Just three days after facing Lionel Messi in the US Open Cup Final (alas, held in Florida), the Dynamo will seek to secure a coveted playoff spot over their rivals from Dallas in the second-to-last home game of the season. $20 and up. 7:30pm.
• Salsa y Salud at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Saturday, September 30 | FREE – Take in a high-energy night of salsa performances, dance theater, visual arts and more at the annual event that will commemorate Miller’s 100th anniversary. 7:30pm.
• Chefs For Farmers at Autry Park | Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1 – Now with an extra day for Houstonians to enjoy, the all-inclusive tasting event in River Oaks has curated a lineup of top culinary talent to showcase family farms throughout Texas. Expect immersive activations and live entertainment, wines from the top vineyards and craft cocktails, and excellent farm-fresh eats. $135; VIP available for $185. 1pm to 5pm.
• Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium | Sunday, October 1 – J.J. Watt will be in attendance for his induction into the Texans Ring of Honor when the Steelers come to town for a Week 4 matchup. $175 and up. Noon.
• Nigerian Food Festival at Royal Palace Event Center | Sunday, October 1 | FREE – This Alief food festival on Nigerian Independence Day is packed with traditional Nigerian dishes, desserts and drinks along with live music, dancing, art, performances and a vendor market. Limited free tickets; free for ages 14 and under. Noon to 7pm.
• Table to Stage with Chris Shepherd & Chris Williams at Stages | Sunday, October 1 – The second installment of renowned Houston chef Chris Shepherd’s intimate talk series welcomes the mind behind Lucille’s and the renovated Eldorado Ballroom, Chris Williams. The one-on-one conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A. $150 and up. 7:30pm.

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!