
Updated Friday, January 17, 2025 at 6:48am
Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with events and things to do in our 365 Houston Weekend Guide for Thursday, January 16 to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, 2025.
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Plan Your MLK Weekend: January 16 to 20, 2025
Events are not ranked but are listed in chronological order, by start date and time and then by end date and time. Festivals, shows and events that span multiple days are listed first in our All Weekend Long section.
All Weekend Long
Flower Child Town & Country Opening Week in the Energy Corridor | Daily – Houston’s newest outpost of the beloved and tasty Flower Child brings its nourishing goodness and made-from-scratch menu to Town and Country in the Energy Corridor. And, as always, you can still find convenient locations in the Heights, Uptown, and The Woodlands. 11am to 9pm daily.
Comedian Kellen Erskine at The Riot Comedy Club | Friday & Saturday – Erskine’s hilariously creative mind straight forward delivery has nabbed him spots on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and more. $22 and up; 2 drink minimum. 7pm both nights.
Over the Moon: Broadway Reimagined with Teresa Zimmerman at the Hobby Center | Friday & Saturday – Zimmerman brings her one-woman cabaret show to the Founder’s Club, singing Broadway classics with genre-bending new sounds, takes, and twists. $58 and up. Showtimes vary.
PBR Houston at Toyota Center | Friday & Saturday – The Professional Bull Riders return to Houston for the eighth time, bringing world-class athlete riders facing off against powerful bucking bulls. 7:45pm both nights.
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life & Time of The Temptations at the Grand 1894 Opera House | Friday & Saturday – Follow The Temptations’ journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the jukebox musical bio featuring the group’s signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies. $48 and up. Showtimes vary.
International Gem & Jewelry Show at NRG Center | Friday to Sunday – Find extraordinary one-of-a-kind jewelry creations, loose gemstones, beaded strands, pearls, watches, antique and estate jewelry, accessories, and more at the return of this weekend gem and jewelry show. $6 and up. Times vary.
Comedian Shuler King at Houston Improv | Friday to Sunday – The South Carolinian comic, who’s also a working funeral director and embalmer, is known for his straight, raw comedy that doesn’t shy away from the difficult. $50 for 2 and up. Times vary.
Ernest Cole: Lost & Found Movie Screening at MFAH | Friday to Sunday – Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck’s latest doco chronicles the life and work of one of the first Black freelance photographers in South Africa. His early pictures, shocking at the time of their first publication, revealed Black life under apartheid to the world. $9; $7 students with ID, ages 65+ and members. Times vary.
Paranormal Cirque at Katy Mills | Opens Friday | Ongoing – Discover what lurks beneath the big top with macabre performers, spectacular stunts, impossible creatures and creep circus oddities. Ages 12 and under not permitted, $25 and up; $15 and up ages 13 to 17. Showtimes vary.
December: A Love Years in the Making at Alley Theatre | Opens Friday | Ongoing – The world premiere follows the friendship of a college professor and her former student as it blossoms into romance over 2 decades of exchanged letters, writings, and beloved poems. $28 and up. Showtimes vary.
Houston Symphony: Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert at Jones Hall | Saturday & Sunday – “Mischief managed” as the live symphony performs John Williams’ enchanting score to the third installment (PG, 2004) of the Harry Potter series. $56 and up. Showtimes vary.
Bumper Cars on Ice at Discovery Green | Daily | Closed Saturday | Final Weekend – Slip, slide, spin and crash on a 7-minute ride in big round bumper cars added to the Ice. Ice skating remains open daily. Ends Sunday, January 19. $20, advance booking required and likely to sell out. Nightly starting at 6pm.
Galveston Restaurant Week on Galveston Island | Daily – Try top dishes from dozens of the island’s best eateries on fixed price breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus at pocketbook-friendly prices. Locations, prices, and times vary.
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green | Daily – Lace up your skate rentals and head out onto the ice at the beloved winter tradition in the heart of Houston’s official front yard. $18 includes skate rentals for 75 minutes. Times vary.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Open House at Glassell School of Art | FREE – Tour the open studios, taking in art demos, live music, refreshments, and more while learning about spring art classes available for all skill levels. 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More at Majestic Metro – Take in all four seasons of Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in G Minor, along with other familiar classic pieces, like Piazzolla’s Libertango, by candlelight in the Downtown venue. Future date available. $55. 6:30pm.
JJ Grey & Mofro in Concert at House of Blues – The Jacksonville rock outfit brings its south and swamp rock stylings to the heart of Downtown’s music scene. $40 to $45. 7pm.
2hollis in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – Rapper and producer 2hollis, known for his hit “Poster Boy” plays downstairs at the Near Northside live music destination. $33 and up. 7pm.
New Year, New You: A Clean 5-Course Dinner Experience at Star Sailor – Cleanse your palate and your body with a creative and nourishing 5-course meal. Plus take home recipe cards so you can recreate the dishes yourself. $65. 7pm.
Barolo Wine Reception at La Griglia – Indulge in a luxurious evening of curated fine wines and delectable bites in a tasting experience. $130. 7pm.
Saving Cinema: A Conversation & Film Screening at The Menil Collection | FREE – Mark Toscano, film preservationist at the Academy Film Archive, and Tish Stringer, film scholar and curator, discuss film preservation and the fragile future of cinema, followed by a screening of Tacita Dean’s film Kodak (2006). 7pm.
Poetry at The Pro at The Proletariat Gallery | FREE – Soak up a night of live poetry and spoken word, starting with an open mic and headlined by featured poet Cyn Jones of Philadelphia. 7pm.
Imperfect Strangers: Meet, Dine, Connect at a Secret Location – Dine with like-minded strangers, play icebreaker games, enjoy tasty food, at a meal meetup where you’ll be paired with your table mates based on your advance questionnaire. $21 entry; food and drink paid after the meal. 7pm.
Advance Base in Concert with Little Mazarn & Trevor Reichman – The alternative indie band from Chicago headlines an evening of music, with Austin’s Little Mazarn and Houston’s own Trevor Reichman opening. $10. 7pm to 2am.
Killer Mike & The Mighty Midnight Revival in Concert with the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall – Atlanta’s hip hop scion and American activist Killer Mike performs tracks from his newest, 3-time Grammy-winning album Michael, accompanied live by the Mighty Midnight Revival and the Houston Symphony. $59 and up. 7:30pm.
Comedian Cousin Tiera at Houston Improv – The Chicago comedian, who became a sensation with her viral black mom videos, brings her Family Reunion tour to the Improv stage. $50 for 2 and up. 7:30pm.
Got that Swing: Celebrating Jewish & African American Big Band Greats at Congregation Emanu El – Heading into MLK Weekend, enjoy a night of big band music, dancing, desserts, and drinks at a live music showcase of jazz legends Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw. $25. 7:30pm.
Blind Pilot in Concert at The Heights Theater – The indie folk band out of Portland, Oregon, known for their album In the Shadow of the Holy Mountain, plays the intimate venue on 19th Street. Dean Johnson opens. $26 and up. 8pm.
Candlelight Concert: The Sounds of Soul at Majestic Metro – Experience a night of soul classics by Etta James, Stevie Wonder, and Amy Winehouse—performed on strings by the glow of candlelight in the heart of historic Downtown Houston. $55 and up. 8:30pm.
Friday, January 17, 2025
Mardi Gras: Origins Opening Day at The Bryan Museum – The Bryan debuts the first of a 3-part yearly exhibition exploring how Mardi Gras began, with 2025 exploring its roots in Mobile, Alabama. $15; $14 teachers, military and ages 65+, $12 students; $7 ages 6 to 12. 10am to 5pm.
Basement to Attic Tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace – Explore the National HIstoric Landmark, including the usually off limits third floor with an one-of-a-kind panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. $35. 11am.
A Barrel Aged Evening at Saint Arnold Brewery – Get an exclusive look inside the Saint Arnold cellar at an exclusive 3-hour experience, with samples of barrel-aged beers, two straight-from-the-barrel tastings, an appetizer buffet, and more. $80. 6:30pm.
Easton Corbin in Concert at The Rustic Downtown – Known for blending traditional and modern country music, Corbin takes the Downtown stage, with Cooper Mohrmann and Tori Martin opening. $30. 6:30pm.
Dining in the Dark: A Blindfolded Dining Experience at Weights + Measures – Savor a secret 3-course meal while blindfolded, heightening your senses of taste and smell. Future dates available. $64. 6:30pm and 8:30pm.
Ani DiFranco in Concert at House of Blues – The alternative folk rocker known for “Untouchable Face,” “Both Hands,” and “Little Plastic Castle” performs on the music hall’s main stage Joy Clark opens. $40 and up. 7pm.
Comedian Nurse John: The Short Staffed Tour at 713 Music Hall – The uplifting comic, a Filipino Canadian registered nurse in Los Angeles brings his act to Downtown Houston. First run tickets are sold out, but you may find hard-to-get seats in the resale marketplace. 7pm.
Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Lone Star Flight Museum – The Listeso String Quartet performs Zimmer’s classic movie soundtracks—The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, Wonder Woman, Gladiator, Dunkirk, and more—on strings by the glow of candlelight. Future dates available. $60 and up. 7pm and 9:15pm.
DaCamera: Imani Winds & Michelle Cann: From Paris to Harlem at the Hobby Center – 2024 Grammy winner Imani Winds joins pianist Michelle Cann for a concert showcasing the connection between French music and the new world. $46 and up. 7:30pm.
One Time for the City Concert at NRG Arena – Houston’s own Scarface, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Devin the Dude, Lil Flip, Z-Ro, Lil Keke, and Lil Troy join forces at NRG Park for a singular hip hop event. $69 and up. 8pm.
Charlie Wilson in Concert at Smart Financial Centre – The Gap Band’s Grammy nominated singer brings his soulful voice and charismatic stage presence to Sugar Land. The Whispers open. $72. 8pm.
Muslim Girls Comedy Tour at the Secret Group – Reem Edan, Atheer Yacoub, Aizzah, and Marena Riyad—each with their own original Arabian perspective and American story—perform at the Box for one night only. $18; $30 VIP. 8pm.
Houston Civic Jazz Orchestra in Concert at Emmit’s Place – The legendary Houston Civic Jazz Orchestra, first formed at the University of Houston, performs a night of live big band music in Southwest Houston. $10. 8pm.
Hey Mr. Carter: The Lil Wayne Tribute Concert & Art Exhibition at Tribeca – The Culture Society presents an immersive tribute experience to the New Orleans legend Lil Wayne in Third Ward. $35. 8pm to 10pm.
The Short & Sweet Speakeasy: A Sexy Burlesque Show at AvantGarden – Take in a live 90-minute burlesque show featuring local talents and a special guest in elaborate costumes, high production quality and more. Future dates available. $35 includes your first drink. 8pm and 10pm.
Emo Night Brooklyn at White Oak Music Hall – The touring late night DJ party lands at WOMH, blasting emo and pop punk jams into the night on the upstairs stage. $20. 9pm.
Nicolas Julian DJ Set at Stereo Live| No Cover – The dance and electronic DJ and producer from Germany takes to the decks. 10pm to 2am.
Things to Do on Saturday, January 18, Sunday, January 19, & Monday, January 20, 2025
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