Houston Nightlife This Week: April 29 to May 5, 2024

Updated Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6pm

Find the can’t-miss events in Houston with our Day + Nightlife Guide from Monday, April 29 to Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Bad Bunny kicks off a week of busy nightlife in Houston, with official after parties on back-to-back nights to keep the party going.

Then, on the weekend, breweries, bars and clubs host Derby Day watch parties and Cinco de Mayo festivities.

We’ve got you covered all week long with our in-the-know list of social nightlife events—including comedy, music, and art—happening around Houston.

Day + Nightlife Guide in Houston This Week: April 29 to May 5, 2024

Ongoing

• 8th Wonder presents High Society Dinner Series at Riel | Tuesday & Wednesday – A new edition of the “High Society Dinner Series” brings a THC-infused meal—either through beverages or the dish—to the stylish Montrose bistro. Diners will receive a six-course meal to follow a welcome beverage and appetizers. No dose options are available. $100. 6:30pm to 10pm.
• Bad Bunny in Concert at Toyota Center | Tuesday & Wednesday – The King of Latin Trap continues his reign over the world with a march through Texas featuring songs from 2023’s Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana. $180 and up. 8pm.
• Comedian Sugar Sammy at the Riot Comedy Club | Friday & Saturday – Based out of Montreal, the acclaimed comedian can make audiences laugh in multiple languages, drawing upon his background as an Indian Canadian comic. His North American tour brings him through Rudyard’s upstairs stage for back-to-back nights. $25 and up7pm and 9pm.
• Comedian Nick Swardson at Houston Improv | Friday & Saturday – The Spring Branch laugh house welcomes comedian, actor and writer Nick Swardson, best known for his role as the rollerblading Terry Bernadino in Reno 911!, as well as regular appearances across the talk show circuit. $70 for 2, and up. Times vary.
• La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival at Galveston’s Beach Central | Friday to Sunday – Head down to the island for a three-day celebration of beach culture and live music, with more than 30 acts including headliners The Nude Party, Kam Franklin, Tanya Nolan and many more. The festival will also feature surf competitions, vendors, food trucks, art installations, and more. Free on Friday; $25 per day on Saturday and Sunday. Times vary.
• Rūng Film Fest at MATCH | Saturday & Sunday – This inaugural film fest features stories told through the lens of Pakistani filmmakers, writers and actors from across the world. Films are presented in three-hour blocks, with panel discussion, and a grand feature film will cap off each night. Tickets are available by the block for $15; panels are free with registration. Feature presentations and receptions are $50. 11am to 10pm.

Monday, April 29, 2024

• Bingo Monday at Galveston Island Brewing | FREE – The expansive island brewery just steps from the seawall hosts a family-friendly night of bingo with prizes. 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Kurt Vile & the Violators at the Heights Theater – The psychedelic indie rocker Kurt Vile celebrates “Another Good Year” when he and his Violators come to the Heights with tunes from their latest record, Back to Moon Beach. $34 and up. 8pm.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

• 5-Course Groth 40th Anniversary Wine Dinner at B&B Butchers – Groth Vineyards celebrates its 40th anniversary with a five-course dinner held at the Washington Avenue butchery and restaurant. $350. 6:30pm.
• Bad Bunny Most Wanted Tour Official After Party at Noto Houston – After the first night of Bad Bunny’s hype show at Toyota Center, head into the East End for an after party at Noto, featuring DJ Orma on the decks. $40 and up. 10pm.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

• Learn D&D: Open Game Meet Up at North Shepherd Brewery | FREE – If you’ve wanted to embark on the journey of Dungeons & Dragons, but weren’t sure how, then this night at the brewery on North Shepherd is for you. Come meet veteran Dungeon Masters that will teach you how to play the game and team up with new friends for an adventure. 6pm.
• Calle Artística, an Art Auction by Students, for Students at Spring Street Studios – Helping to support the visual and digital art programming for students of NewSpring, this student art auction features live music, food and wine while bidding on unique art creations by both students and professional local artists. $125; $50 for college students; $25 for high school students. 6pm to 8pm.
• Comedian Caleb Hearon at Houston Improv – A writer on hilarious Netflix shows like Big Mouth and Human Resources, Caleb Hearon comes by the Improv for a one night–only performance. $100 for 4, and up. 7:30pm.
• Bad Idea Comedy at Boondocks | FREE – Kate Vance and Patrick Eady host this night of unpredictable stand-up and chaotic comedy mayhem upstairs at Boondocks in Montrose. 8pm to 10pm.
• Bad Bunny: Most Wanted Official After Party at Warehouse Live Midtown – Capping off the final night of Bad Bunny’s concerts in Downtown, DJ Orma will take over the Midtown nightclub venue to keep the good vibes going. $40 and up. 9pm.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

• Pop Up on the Plaza at Midtown Park | FREE – This weeknight pop-up in Midtown offers local food trucks and music alongside a mini marketplace, lawn games, ping pong, and picture-worthy moments. 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
• Star Wars Trivia at Houston Toy Museum – The Force will be with you and your friends as you gather to show off your knowledge about all things Star Wars. From droids to plotlines, characters and more, this is an opportunity to enjoy an evening with fellow Star Wars fans. Tickets include admission to the museum. $10. 7pm.
• UHD Thursday Night Concert at Discovery Green | FREE – The annual Downtown concert series returns with Grupo Fantasma, a nine-piece collective praised as an important ensemble in Latin music. Grupo Vadenagi opens. 7pm.
• Ballyhoo in Concert at the Secret Group – The American reggae and punk band, who call themselves “beach rockers,” comes to Houston to perform live in EaDo. $20. 8pm.

Friday, May 3, 2024

• Spring Music Series Country Night: Junior Gordon Band at Chapman & Kirby | No Cover – The buzzy EaDo nightlife spot hosts another night of tunes as part of its new spring music series. Junior Gordon Band will bring their blend of country songs to get you toe-tapping into the night. 6pm to 11pm.
• The Murder Mystery Co. presents Death of a Gangster at Pinstripes – This interactive comedic murder mystery lets guests play alongside professional actors to solve a crime. A mafia wedding sees two families merging together and someone is bound to lose power, which means someone else will lose their life. $59. 7pm.
• Party on the Plaza at Avenida Houston | FREE – Opening the May concert series held along Avenida Houston by Discovery Green, EZ Band will deliver Spanglish tunes of Latin America to the outdoor dance floor set up for the occasion. 7pm to 9:30pm.
• Cinco de Mayo at Miller: ¡Viva Mexico¡ Viva America! at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – This colorful explosion of dance and culture brings one of the most-celebrated ballet folklorico companies in the country to the Miller stage. 8:15pm.
• Surfer Girl in Concert at Last Concert Cafe – The reggae rock band brings its irresistible tunes to the North Downtown stage for a live concert. $20. 9pm.
• La Izquierda After Party: Gio Chamba in Texas at Hotel Lucine | No Cover – Keep the party going after the first night of La Izuierda with a live set by Gil Chamber on the rooftop of Galveston’s new boutique hotspot. 10pm to close.
• Sorry Papi in Concert at Bayou Music Center – Downtown is the site for an all-women reggaeton dance night when Sorry Papi brings the Mala Santa Party to Houston. Expect an evening of music to make you move your feet, Gram-worthy backgrounds, and a safe place for partying. $32.50 and up. 10pm.

Saturday, May 4, 2024

• Crawfish de Mayo at New Magnolia Brewing | No Cover – The Greater Heights brewery brings the Latin flavors and spices to a Mexican–inspired crawfish boil to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the taproom. Noon.
• 10th Annual Derby Day Party at Julep – Southern cocktailery Julep will once again host its epic Kentucky Derby Day Party, inviting guests to dress up and enjoy a classy lawn party, fully tented with more than 5,000 fresh cut flowers throughout. Expect main bars, a whiskey bar and hydration station, eats from Top Chef contestant Chef Michelle Wallace, Kentucky Derby viewing, live DJs, and more. $20 and up. 1pm to 6pm.
• Flip Phone: Queen Bey Rodeo Drag Brunch at Houston Improv – Saturday brunch is about to get country when Chevelle Brooks and a slate of drag performers celebrate the release of Beyonce’s newest album at the Improv. $40 for 2, and up. 2pm.
• Pink Flamingo Headdress Workshop at Texas Tail Distillery – In Downtown Galveston, the Texas Tail Distillery hosts a workshop where you’ll craft a fabulous Hurricane Headdress modeled after the iconic pink flamingo, just in time for Derby Day celebrations. $60. 2pm to 4:30pm.
• Soul Flower Music Fest at Discovery Green – The Downtown park space hosts an evening of live soul, R&B and neo-soul from local and national touring artists alongside food vendors, games, photo booths and contests. $10. 2pm to 9pm.
• Houston Margarita Festival at the Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park – Returning for its 11th edition at the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park, the Houston Margarita Festival features more than 17 flavored margs for tasting, live music, DJ tunes, dancing, food vendors, and more. Advance tickets are $11 and up; $30 at the gate. 2pm to 10pm.
• Derby Down the Bayou Wine Fest at Brenner’s on the Bayou – Brenner’s springtime Wine Fest goes Derby-style, inviting guests to sip wines from exclusive makers, stroll the gorgeous bayou-side grounds, and enjoy some Kentucky Derby action. Chef-crafted bites will be served from seven of Houston’s top restaurants including Brenner’s on the Bayou, Grotto Downtown, Cadillac Bar, Willie G’s, Babin’s and a dessert station from Landry’s Signature Group. $150 and up. 2:30pm to 5:30pm.
• Pretty Dangerous: Blacksmithing Steel With Sex Appeal Opening Reception at Archway Gallery | FREE – The latest metal work by artist Joe Haden will be on display at this opening reception at the Montrose gallery. Haden is known for creating striking art that can have the illusion of being soft, even as its blacksmithed from the world’s hardest materials. The artist will deliver an artist talk at 6:30pm. 5pm to 8pm.
• Cinco de Mayo Wrestling Showdown at 8th Wonder Brewery – Celebrate Cinco with a night of lucha libre wrestling in the backyard of the EaDo brewery. $30. 6pm to 10pm.
• Thorn & Moon’s Good Vibes Mystical Market: Star Wars Edition at Bad Astronaut Brewing | FREE – In Northside, this recurring all-ages market hosts a special Star Wars edition with all the familiar mystical and magickal vendors, along with a space-themed costume contest for prizes. 6pm to 11pm.
• Comedian Ahmed Al-Kadri at the Secret Group – Raised in Dallas, the Yemeni American comedian brings a fresh perspective through comedy that draws from his upbringing, relatable observations and heartfelt stories. $15 and up. 8pm to 10pm.
• Taylor Rave at Warehouse Live Midtown – Fresh off another Taylor Swift release, fans can take to the rooftop space in Midtown and party all night to T. Swift’s music with remixes, lasers and more. $15. 9pm.
• La Izquierda After Party: India Tigers in Texas at Hotel Lucine | No Cover – India Tigers in Texas performs on the rooftop of Galveston’s trendy boutique hotel, to keep the party going from the second day of La Iazquierda Surf and Music Festival. 10pm to close.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

• Cinco de Mayo Market at Karbach Brewing Company | FREE – Celebrate Cinco at a local vendor market at the Spring Branch brewery, that will also be pouring up Micheladas and beer samples in the biergarten alongside food trucks and more 11am to 6pm.
• Maíz Mania at Equal Parts Brewing – The Second Ward brewery hosts an elote showdown alongside the return of their corn lager known as Dadpils. Come by for all the corn you can eat (and judge), stay for live music, craft brew and a lucha libre finale. $50 and up. Noon to 6pm.
• Cinco de Mayo with Shop Local Market at Houston Farmers Market | FREE – Celebrate the day with Latin jams on vinyl spun by DJ Candela, $5 margs from Comalito, tasty tamales and desserts, and Shop Local’s artisans, artists, and makers. 1pm to 5pm.
• Cinco De Mayo with Pride Houston at Axelrad | FREE – The Third Ward backyard hosts a Cinco celebration by teaming up with Pride Houston for a lively afternoon filled with delicious tamales, crawfish, music and the announcement of this year’s Pride Parade Grand Marshals. 1pm to 6pm.
• Lone Star Cup: Cinco de Mayo Edition at Houston Polo Club – After Derby Day celebrations on Saturday, fill your weekend with more ponies when the polo club continues their spring season celebrations, featuring a pregame mariachi performance to kick things off. David Cordúa’s The Lymbar will serve up Argentine and Brazilian–inspired fare, and there’s plenty more festivities to enjoy on game day. $18 and up. 5pm.
• Cinco de Mayo: Bailo DJ Set at Bauhaus – The Downtown EDM venue hosts a mega Cinco bash with dozens of DJs playing back-to-backs, capped off with Bailo delivering house vibes deep into the night. 7pm.
• Interpol in Concert at Bayou Music Center – The indie rock stalwarts from Manhattan come through Downtown celebrating the 20th anniversary of Antics. Houston’s Narrow Head will open the show. $59 and up. 8pm. 

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