Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with the 365 Houston Weekend Guide for Thursday, August 8 to Sunday, August 11, 2024.
This weekend in Houston offers a chance to check out art classes and the latest exhibitions, immerse yourself in anime and horror pop culture, prepare for back-to-school time, and savor the dog days of summer on Galveston Island.
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All Weekend Long
- Anime Matsuri at George R. Brown Convention Center | Daily – Anime lovers can get into a weekend of action, from cosplay and voice actor appearances to local vendors, panels, and more. $60 and up. Times vary.
- Lonesome Dove: The Exhibition at The Bryan Museum | Daily – Experience the sweeping imagery of the larger-than-life miniseries based on Larry McMurtry’s epic novel. The 55 classic sepia photographs taken throughout filming are worlds apart from ordinary production stills, offering an inspired take on this beloved Western. $15. 10am to 5pm.
- 50th Houston Shakespeare Festival at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Thursday to Saturday | FREE – See two of Shakespeare’s most-known plays on alternating nights at the Hermann Park theater, celebrating the 50th edition of the festival. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a romantic romp through a mystical forest, as lovers encounter the mischief of fairies. Romeo and Juliet is the tale of the star-crossed lovers, from rival households, who encounter tragedy as they try to stay together. Pre-curtain discussions prior to each performance help provide insight and context. Showtimes vary.
- Comedian KC Shornima at The Riot Comedy Club | Friday & Saturday – A Saturday Night Live writer for Weekend Update, the Austin-based comedian arrives for back-to-back nights in Montrose. $20 and up. 7pm.
- Texas Tax-Free Weekend | Friday to Sunday – Get ready for back-to-school and save money with tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks, as long as your purchase is under $100. This year’s savings begin on Friday and go through midnight on Sunday.
- Houston Horror Film Fest at Houston Marriott Westchase | Friday to Sunday – The annual horror convention returns to Westchase with three days of horror film and pop culture fun, celebrity meet-and-greets, Q&A panels, plus more than 100 local vendors, artists, authors and more. This year’s guests include Dylan McDermott, Mira Sorvino, Edward Furlong, castmembers of the Twilight saga, and many more. $40 and up. Times vary.
- Creative Movement Practices presents Treasure Island at MATCH | Friday to Sunday – Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale, this production promises sword fights, pirates, mutiny and treasure as you follow protagonist Jem Hawkins through a coming-of-age adventure. $30. Times vary.
- Triassic Parq: The Musical at Art Factory | Friday to Sunday – This uproariously daring musical features singing, dancing and dinosaurs—and is narrated by a cardboard cutout of Morgan Freeman. Due to strong language and sexual situations, this production is recommended for mature audiences only. $15 and up. Times vary.
- Houston Reggae Fest at Hermann Square | Saturday & Sunday – Experience the sights and sounds of reggae in this two-day festival featuring live music, local vendors and more. $10 and up. Times vary.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
- Shadow Puppet Theatre: Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School at the Woodlands Children’s Museum – Amelia is excited to start school and make new friends, but when she takes some instructions too literally, like gluing herself to her seat with actual glue, things go slightly awry. Children will enjoy her antics as this story is told with Shadow Puppet Theatre’s signature style. $9. 11am.
- Open House at Glassell School of Art | FREE – Stop by the MFAH’s Glassell School to see art demonstrations, talk to faculty, learn about lessons for children and adults, do a scavenger hunt, enjoy complimentary refreshments, take in tunes from Ice House Radio, and more. 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
- Forrest Frank in Concert at 713 Music Hall – The Waco-based Christian music sensation comes to Houston to perform live. With songs like “Up” and “Good Day,” Frank blends a pop beat with great hooks. $41 and up. 7pm.
- Park After Dark at Discovery Green | FREE – The Downtown gathering place hosts this evening event where guests can enjoy lawn games from Rocket Dog, the Gateway Fountains, music, food trucks, vendors, and special park lighting. There are also free line dancing classes by Gretchen J “Coachgee” during the first part of the evening. 7pm to 9pm.
- Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco at Toyota Center – The explosive comedian and actor, known for film and TV roles, as well as recent Netflix stand-up specials like Is It Me?, performs an arena show in Downtown. $29 and up. 7:30pm.
- Heather McDonald at House of Blues – The comedian’s podcast has captivated millions with its humorous takes on everything from Real Housewives to other pitfalls of pop culture, and now she returns to Downtown Houston to share more. $32.50 and up. 8pm.
- Grease Movie Screening at Market Square Park | FREE – Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and head Downtown for a screening of this 1970s classic. With songs you love, from “Grease Lightning” to “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “Summer Lovin’,” you’ll have a blast watching John Travolta and Olivia Newton John in this story of two teens trying to figure out who they are and what they mean to each other. 8pm.
- Jay Hooks in Concert at Continental Club – The guitarist and singer-songwriter brings a blend of electric blues and rock to Midtown for a live set. With songs like “Where You Going?” and “The Last Time I Left Memphis,” audiences can see why he’s a favorite in Texas and beyond. $10 and up. 9pm.
- Swifites Night Out at Noto Houston – Dance the night away to all your favorite Taylor Swift songs at the East End nightclub. $10 and up. 10pm.
Friday, August 9, 2024
- Cosmic Vibrations at Space Cowboy – The Montrose bar hosts its monthly event with house music, drink specials, DJs, a pool party and art performances. $10 and up. 6pm.
- Short and Sweet Opening Reception at Anya Tish Gallery | FREE – Head to the Montrose arts gallery for this pop-up exhibition featuring a dynamic selection of emerging artists who have previously interned at the gallery. 6pm.
- Sunset Bingo at Levy Park – Bring a blanket and enjoy tunes from DJ Del Sur while you daub your way to great prizes at the Uptown Kirby park. $10; including eight games. 6pm.
- Cory Morrow at Lake Houston Brewery – The Texas Country singer-songwriter with songs like “Whiskey and Pride” and “Lead Me On” comes to Houston for a live set at the brewery along the lake. $25. 7pm.
- Mixers & Elixirs at Houston Museum of Natural Science – Experience the museum after dark and with a cocktail in hand as the Houston Museum of Natural Science opens its doors for the August edition of the popular social event. Hang with the dinos, hit the dance floor, enjoy cash bars, and chow down on food truck eats. $25. 7pm to 10pm.
- Dale Watson in Concert at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace – The Texas outlaw country singer with songs like “Texas Boogie” and “I Lie When I Drink” has been making records for more than 30 years. Part maverick, part troubadour, all Texas, he brings his signature sound to the Upper Kirby stage. $20. 8pm.
- Framing Abstraction: Short Films by Women 1920–1970 at The Menil Collection | FREE – This program delves into the avant-garde visions of women in cinema during the pivotal years of 1920 to 1970, showcasing their innovative use of visual language, unconventional narratives, and abstract storytelling techniques. 8pm to 9pm.
- Broadway Rave at White Oak Music Hall – The Heights-area venue hosts this evening of dancing to all your favorite musical theater tunes. With songs from some of Broadway’s biggest shows, it’s a chance to groove out and experience musical theater across the years. $20. 9pm.
- Mike Ryan’s Birthday Roast & Comedy Show at The Secret Group – Multiple comedians take to the stage to roast comedian and podcaster Mike Ryan in this evening of laughs in EaDo. $15 and up. 9pm.
- Pink Pony Club: Chappell Roan Night at House of Blues – Experience a “Femininomenom” as Club ’90s presents Pink Pony Club, a Chappell Roan dance night in Downtown. $17. 9pm.
- Club2K: 2010s Night at Barbarella – This night features early 2000s/2010s party anthems, club hits, pop bops, and more at the Midtown spot. $12.83. 9:30pm.
- Afrobeats To the World at White Oak Music Hall – Feel the pulsating beats of this experience at the Heights-area club. It’s a chance to hear world music and enjoy the unique sound of Afrobeats. $20 and up. 10pm.
- HoneyLuv DJ Set at Bauhaus – The house DJ and producer blends R&B, Reggaeton, Afrobeats, house and techno into her signature sound. She told the New York Times she wants “to provide music that empowers people to be who they want to be and to be free on that dance floor with no worries of tomorrow.” $10 and up. 10pm.
Things to Do on Saturday, August 10 & Sunday, August 11, 2024
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