The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: September 29 to October 1, 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 29 to Sunday, October 1, 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 29 to October 1, 2023

• 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.

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