The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: August 11 to 13, 2023

Soak up the vibes of Houston Reggae Festival in Downtown this weekend | Courtesy of Houston Reggae Festival

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, August 11 to Sunday, August 13, 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: August 11 to 13, 2023

  • Broadway Across America presents Ain’t Too Proud at Hobby Center | Daily | Final Weekend – This jukebox musical tells the story of the multiple hit–making band The Temptations, from their origins in Detroit through their stratospheric rise as music superstars. Known for hits like “Just My Imagination” and “My Girl,” the show takes audiences on a nostalgic ride through the group’s catalog of music, telling a story of brotherhood, family and loyalty during a time of civil unrest in our country. Native Houstonian Brittny Smith is in the cast as Mary Wilson. $40 and up. Showtimes vary.
  • Peso Pluma at Smart Financial Centre | Thursday, August 10 & Friday, August 11 – The young Mexican singer-songwriter and hip-hop star is bringing his electric energy and one-of-a-kind corrido tumbados to Sugar Land for back-to-back nights while touring his recent release, Génesis. $147 and up. 8pm.  
  • Summer Slashers: Horror Art Show + Night Market at Hardy & Nance Studios | Friday, August 11 | No Cover – Embrace the spooky, scary and just plain weird at this art show celebrating film and TV’s horror genre. Guests can shop from artists and vendors who specialize in crafts and other wares that nod to scary stuff. Food truck eats and complimentary beverages will be available. 7pm to midnight.
  • Uptown: A Celebration of Soul at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday, August 11 | FREE – The dynamic Motown-inspired trio of virtuoso performers are bringing their Bruno Mars-meets-James Brown vibes to Hermann Park. 8:30pm.
  • Galveston Island Beach Revue Weekend on Galveston Island | Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13 | FREE – Based on Island events from summer seasons past, like the Pageant of Pulchritude and Splash Day, the Galveston Island Revue features classic cars, vintage vendors, live music, and the crowd-favorite Bathing Beauties contest and classic car show happening on Saturday. The main event on Saturday is free; others require tickets or a Weekender Pass. Times vary.
An outdoor market of local vendors with colorful structures overhead
Hardy & Nance studios hosts a horror-themed art show and market on Friday | Courtesy of Insomnia Gallery
  • Moody Gardens Air, Car & Boat Show at Moody Gardens Convention Center | Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13 – Hundreds of vehicles built for land, sea and air will assemble for one weekend in Galveston that features aircraft rides, an air show, up-close viewings of all the crafts, live music, and a Saturday night fireworks show. $20 and up. Times vary.
  • Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park | Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13 – For the final time this regular season, MLB slugger Shohei Ohtani makes an appearance at Minute Maid for a three-game series with the ‘Stros across Hall of Fame Weekend. Enjoy special appearances by Astros legends, giveaways like a Minute Maid Park replica, and more. $25 and up. Times vary.
  • Comedian Lil Rel at Houston Improv | Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13 – The comedian, actor, writer and producer who’s appeared in Judas and the Black Messiah, Hulu’s Bad Trip and more, comes to Houston for three nights of his humorous take on life and society. $70 for 2, and up. Times vary.
  • 7th Anniversary Party at Eureka Heights Brewing Co. | Saturday, August 12 | FREE – Throw it back to the ’90s for this birthday bash that celebrates seven years of Eureka Heights’ tasty brews. Get munchies from steak night chef Daniel from South Korean eatery Yong, enjoy live ska from The Suspects, snag exclusive ’90s merch, and shop local vendors. Noon to 6pm.
  • BAM! Market at Silver Street Studios | Saturday, August 12 | FREE – Exhibitors and artists offer a unique array of artwork, jewelry and more. Stroll the studios, talk to the artists based there, and catch demonstrations and music throughout the day. Food trucks and libations will also be available. Noon to 7pm.
A view of Minute Maid Park from upper deck, behind home plate
The Astros host the Angels on Hall of Fame Weekend at the ballpark | Photo: Justin Jerkins/365 Houston
  • Market on Main in the Museum District | Saturday, August 12 | FREE – In the heart of the Museum District, across from Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, you’ll find this vibrant market with local vendors, food trucks serving up delicious bites and meals, and more. 4pm to 8:30pm.
  • Comedian Neal Brennan at House of Blues | Saturday, August 12 – The comedian and writer known for co-creating Chappelle’s Show and as a correspondent for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Neal Brennan brings his one-man comedy set to Downtown Houston. $39 and up. 7pm.
  • AIA Sandcastle Competition at East Beach | Saturday, August 12 & Sunday, August 13 | FREE – The annual sandcastle competition returns to Galveston for its 36th year, featuring sand masterpieces carefully crafted by teams along categories like pop culture, kids board games, Americana, space race, and more—all vying for the coveted Gold Bucket Award. Free, though parking at East Beach is $15 (cash only). 9am to 5pm.
  • Houston Reggae Fest at City Hall | Saturday, August 12 & Sunday, August 13 – The sixth annual fest returns to Downtown Houston for two days of music and chill vibes. Mykal Rose, Eek-A-Mouse, and Yemi Alade are among the entertainers taking to multiple stages, plus expect food trucks, local vendors, arts and more. $25 per day; $30 for weekend passes. Noon to 10pm.
  • Plant Swap at Craft Beer Cellars | Sunday, August 13 | No Cover – Gardeners and the gardening curious are welcome to come out to Cypress for this event, where attendees can swap plants and clippings, and talk to like-minded new friends about growing and gardening. While there, grab a brew with your new buds. 3pm to 6pm.

Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long

You can find more fun in our interactive event calendar and 365 Weekend Guides.

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Justin Jerkins
A longtime Houstonian, Justin Jerkins always keeps an eye out for what's ahead on Houston's horizon while serving as Editor-in-Chief of 365 Things to Do in Houston. When he's not passing along the latest events, destinations and hidden treasures in H-Town, he loves diving into the city's food scene, shopping local and learning about Houston's rich history.