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, November 17 to Sunday, November 19, 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: November 17-19, 2023
All Weekend
- Broadway Across America presents MJ: The Musical at Hobby Center | Daily – This multi-Tony Award–winning musical follows the creation of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Featuring more than 25 of the iconic performer’s hits—including “Beat It”, “Bad”, “Man in the Mirror”, and more—the show traces Jackson’s professional career and talent. $40 and up. Showtimes vary.
- Magical Winter Lights Opening Weekend at Katy Mills | Daily | Ongoing – One of the city’s most popular attractions opens its gates at a new location in Katy this year. Wander through a lit-up wonderland filled with dazzling lantern sculptures, interactive displays, and a carnival with fun for the whole family. Early bird tickets are available now for the month of November. $21.75; $15.30 for ages 3 to 12 and 65+; free for ages 2 and under. Friday and Saturday 5pm to 11pm; Sunday 5pm to 10pm.
Friday, November 17, 2023
- Emissary Artists: Live Art & Music at Box13 ArtSpace – The East End art space hosts a night of live art-making created in response to music performed by the Emissary Quartet. Watch as four artists work through their process while taking in music by contemporary composers at Box13. $30; $15 for students. 7pm.
- Secret Night Out at Children’s Museum Houston – This 21+ only event helps you embrace your inner child in the Museum District. Take in live music and entertainment as you enjoy special eats and adult beverages—and all the favorite exhibits you’ve come to know and love. $50 and up. 7pm to 9pm.
- Burna Boy in Concert at Toyota Center – The global icon and first-ever international African artist to top the charts with their debut album is bringing the I Told Them tour to Downtown. $49 and up. 7:30pm.
Saturday, November 18, 2023
- 31st Annual Artcrawl at Hardy & Nance Studios | FREE – Explore dozens of artist studios at this art crawl north of Downtown, also taking place at Bisong Art Gallery and Mother Dog Studios. Sip complimentary Karbachs and enjoy live DJ music while touring the galleries and warehouses. 10am to 9pm.
- Football: UH Cougars vs. Oklahoma State at TDECU Stadium – Watch the hometown Coogs defend the gridiron against visitors from north of the Red River. This Big 12 rivalry is also Senior Day for UH, so come out and celebrate the seniors’ last home game. $15 and up. Noon.
- 30th ZineFest Houston at the Orange Show | FREE – Celebrating its 30th year, ZineFest is a grassroots festival that gathers media creators from across the city to share their zines, mini-comics and other forms of small press, alternative, underground, DIY media and art. Swing by Houston’s Orange Show for Visionary Art, shop and find community. Noon to 6pm.
- 2023 Celebr8ion at 8th Wonder Brewery | FREE – Celebrate 10 years of flowing taps at the EaDo brewery. The anniversary bash is packed with a full day of live music from Texas bands, a marketplace, and all of the brews you’ve come to know and love, plus the new cannabis corner that offers gummies, vape pens and more. Noon to 10pm.
- Houston Margarita Festival at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park – The annual festival returns to Buffalo Bayou, offering a day of drink tasting and revelry. Pour up a wide range of 17+ flavored margs while you enjoy live music, DJs, dancing, food vendors and more. $25 and up. Noon to 10pm.
- Chris Dave & the Drumhedz, with the Hamiltones at Eldorado Ballroom – The two-time Grammy Award-winning Chris Dave and the Drumhedz bring their progressive brand of R&B to the historic Eldorado Ballroom stage. The Hamiltones will also play in support. $35 and up. 7pm.
- Comedian Michelle Wolf at House of Blues – Just days before she’s due to guest host The Daily Show, the deadpan political comedian swings through Downtown for a night of her It’s Great to Be Here Tour. $39 and up. 7pm.
Sunday, November 19, 2023
- Fall Picnic at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – The second of three fall picnics at the Arboretum offers everything you need for perfect outdoor picnic. You’ll get a classic blanket, waters, your choice of sandwiches or charcuterie, and a six-pack of Saint Arnold beer. $75 for 2, with add-on options available. 11:30am to 1pm.
- Plantsgiving at M-K-T | FREE – Shop more than 30 local and small businesses while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa as Houston Plant Market comes to M-K-T in the Heights. Local vendors will be selling everything from plants, local honey and candles to soap, handmade jewelry, and more. It’s a great time to pick up something to decorate your home this holiday or to give away. Noon to 6pm.
- 2023 Houston Women’s Polo Championship at Houston Polo Club – The fall season comes to a close at Houston Polo Club, where two top teams compete for a special trophy in one of the largest women’s polo tournaments in the world. Expect a fun atmosphere with live music, bites from David Cordúa’s The Lymbar, and a Champagne divot stomp at halftime. $18 and up. 1:30pm.
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