The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: December 29 to 31, 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, December 29 to Sunday, December 31, 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.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: December 29-31, 2023

Friday, December 29, 2023

• Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers at Toyota Center – It’s college night when the Rockets take on one of the top teams in the East, the 76ers. Snag a rope-style Rockets hat with a college logo on its side (choose from 15 Texas schools), or take advantage of a Kendra Scott necklace offer, starting at $55. $19 and up. 7pm.
• The Get Down Soul Night at Bad Astronaut Brewing | No Cover  – Soul tunes, funk hits and oldies take center stage at this new monthly event in Northside. Grab a brew, sit back and relax to all your favorite hits of yesteryear. 8pm to midnight. 

Saturday, December 30, 2023

• 124th Annual Christmas Bird Count at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center | FREE – Be part of collecting data for the longest-running community science project in the world. You’ll split into teams to find, identify and count as many birds as possible along the five miles of trails. This event is for ages 12 and up. 6am to Noon.
• Vincent Victoria Presents The Colored Folks Good Time Hour at MATCH – Head to Midtown for the screening of this film about a popular all-Black variety TV show in the 1950s that faced cancellation because of its controversial, openly gay host, Cherry Cola Pitts. It’s been chosen for screenings at numerous film festivals, including the OUT South Queer film festival, the Seattle Queer Film Festival, and the Pride Fest film festival. $15. 2pm.
• Golden Girls Pub Crawl at Little Woodrow’s Heights | No Cover – Bring out the spirit of your inner Blanche, Dorothy, Rose or Sophia as you enjoy featured cocktails and beers at Little Woodrow’s and other participating bars like Christian’s Tailgate, Bobcat Teddy’s, and more. A portion of proceeds benefits Houston Pets Alive. 5pm.
• Straight Jokes! No Chaser at Smart Financial Centre – This night full of humor brings comedians Don DC Curry, D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, Earthquake, special guest Damon Williams, and more to the Sugar Land stage. It’s an opportunity to catch some of the country’s best talent in one great show. $71 and up. 7pm.
• Let it Show! A Holiday Burlesque at Henke & Pillot – Starring the New York City-based burlesque superstar Medianoche, this performance showcases unique and vintage burlesque, blending art, dance, tease, glamor and humor. The show also features a cast of multi-talented professional performers, including Abby Cadabra, Phathom’s Deep from Louisiana, Reina LaRouge and Poppy Tart. $45 and up. 7pm and 10pm.
• HeartByrne in Concert at Last Concert Cafe – If you miss Friends of River Oaks Theatre’s Stop Making Sense dance party on Thursday, then head to Downtown to catch renowned Talking Heads tribute act, HeartByrne, when they take the stage at Last Concert Cafe. $25. 8pm.
• One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk at Stereo Live – Dance to the music of the French electronic duo behind hits like “Get Lucky” and “Around the World” at this tribute that helps close out the year. $20. 10pm.

New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31, 2023

• 50+ Parties, Concerts & Events on New Year’s Eve in Greater Houston – From special dinner menus and parties at your favorite neighborhood bar to extravagant hotel celebrations, concerts, and family-friendly bashes, there are many events—at every price point—to choose from. Looking for family-friendly events? Check out our picks for the ten best kid-friendly celebrations across Greater Houston.
• Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium – In the final home game of the regular season, the Texans look to get another one over on their division rivals from Nashville. $55 and up, but you may find better or cheaper seats on the online ticket resale market. Noon.
• New Year’s Eve at Lei Low | No Cover – Head to the Heights-area tiki bar and step back in time to 1940s Havana, as Lei Low continues its New Year’s Eve tradition of transforming into another iconic tiki bar. This year, the bar channels El Floridita, the Cuba spot where Hemingway held court. Expect El Floridita cocktails on the menu, along with Lei Low favorites. 4pm to 2am.
• 2023 Year in Review Comedy Breakdown at the Secret Group – The EaDo comedy club hosts two special sets on New Year’s Eve, covering the crazy year of 2023 and all its ups and downs. Snag a ticket to a show and enjoy entry to the NYE bash that kicks off at 9pm. $15 and up. 7pm and 9pm.
• A Very Merry New Year’s Eve at True Anomaly Brewing – This all-inclusive New Year’s Eve party features a five-hour open bar—including draft beer, wines, Champagne, and handcrafted specialty cocktails—along with heavy hors d’oeuvres, a chance to win door prizes, live music and dancing, party favors, and a midnight Champagne toast and countdown. All drinks, food and entertainment is included with the tickets. Semi-formal and/or cocktail attire is encouraged. $95 and up, with pricing available for couples. 8pm to 1am.
• New Year’s Eve at Numbers Nightclub – The popular Montrose haunt hosts a midnight bash for New Year’s, returning to the dance floor with a $2,024 cash balloon drop at the stroke of midnight, as well as complimentary party favors and champagne. Cover charge at the door. 9pm to 2am.
• New Year’s Eve Celebration at Post Houston – The Skylawn hosts a NYE celebration with stunning views for the midnight fireworks show in Downtown, plus live DJs, tasty adult beverages and more at the rooftop park. $50 and up. 9pm to 2am.

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