Plan Your Weekend: August 10 to 13, 2023

Things to Do
All Weekend Long

• Anime Matsuri 2023 at George R. Brown Convention Center | Daily – This celebration of anime, Japanese culture and related arts offers panels, workshops, actor meet and greets, vendors, live concerts and more. Cosplay encouraged. $45 and up. Times vary.
• Dark Side of the Moon at Houston Museum of Natural Science | Daily – Pink Floyd’s iconic album comes to HMNS’ big screen. Incorporating the museum’s full-dome video system, this light and sound show spectacular allows guests to experience the rock group in a unique way. $9 and up. Times vary.
• Broadway Across America presents Ain’t Too Proud at Hobby Center | Daily – 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.
• Houston Restaurant Weeks at Multiple Locations | Daily | Ongoing – The Houston Food Bank’s biggest fundraiser returns for another year, offering a month-plus of tasty and charitable food and drink. Over 200 local restaurants are lined up to offer prix fixe meals for brunch, lunch and dinner (and even to-go), with a set dollar donation from each meal sold benefiting the Houston Food Bank and its mission to end hunger and provide food for better lives. Prices are $25 for brunch and lunch, $39 or $55 for dinner. Times vary by location.
• Peso Pluma in Concert at Smart Financial Centre | Thursday & Friday – With a sold out performance on Friday, the newly added Thursday night concert offers another chance to catch the famed Mexican rapper. Drawing from Mexican regional and Latin Urban influences, Peso Pluma makes his own indelible stamp on music, with chart-topping hits like “El Belicón” and “Siempre Pendientes.” $147 and up. 8pm.  
• 2023 Best Friends National Conference at Marriott Marquis | Thursday to Saturday – This national gathering dedicated to assisting with animal adoption and achieving nationwide no-kill shelters by 2025 comes to Downtown. Expect workshops, info sessions, vendors and more. Volunteer opportunities also available. $395 and up. Times vary.
• The Riot Comedy Club presents Rachel Wolfson at Rudyard’s Pub | Friday & Saturday – Starring alongside the classic crew in the 2022 film Jackass Forever, Rachel Wolfson returns to the upstairs stage for back-to-back nights of hilarity at the Riot. $20 and up. Times vary.

AIA Sandcastle Competition
East Beach
^{Saturday & Sunday}

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 ($15 parking) | All Day

• Galveston Island Beach Revue Weekend on Galveston Island | Friday to Sunday | 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.
• Seussical at MATCH | Friday to Sunday – Oh the places you will go with this lighthearted and fun musical based on Dr. Seuss classics. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus and off to the invisible world of the Whos. $40 and up; $20 for ages 11 and under. Showtimes vary.
• Moody Gardens Air, Car & Boat Show at Moody Gardens Convention Center | Friday to Sunday – 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 to Sunday – 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 to Sunday – 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.
• AIA Sandcastle Competition at East Beach | Saturday & Sunday | 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 & Sunday – 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.

Ongoing Live Theater & Performing Arts in Houston

• The Garden Theatre presents Bonnie & Clyde at MATCH | Friday to Sunday | Opening Weekend – This cult-favorite musical tells the stories of notorious bank robbers and lovers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, who became folk heroes to many—and a nightmare for law enforcement—during the Great Depression. Their antics captivated a nation, as they evaded the law across multiple states. $26.50 and up. Showtimes vary.
• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd at Alley Theatre | Daily | Ongoing – The Alley’s popular Summer Chills series is back with this Agatha Christie story that finds detective Hercule Poirot investigating secrets and blackmail to solve a murder. This production runs through Sunday, August 27. $46 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Stages presents Always…Patsy Cline at the Gordy | Daily | Ongoing – Celebrating its 35th anniversary, this musical biography features 27 of the iconic country singer’s hits, while showcasing her rise to stardom in the 1960s. It’s also the story of the friendship between Cline and Houston native Louise Seger, who met the singer in a Bayou City honky tonk. $48 and up. Showtimes vary.
• Present Laughter at Main Street Theater | Daily | Final Weekend – Noel Coward’s sparkling comedy about a self-obsessed actor going through a midlife crisis draws on the playwright’s own life. $39 and up. Showtimes vary.
• The Octarine Accord presents The Honeycomb Trilogy at MATCH | Daily | Final Weekend – These three, two-hour plays tell the story of an alien invasion of the planet Earth over 20 years, chronicling how Ronnie Cook and her younger brother Abbie meet its challenges. $40 and up. Times vary.
• Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors at Art Factory | Friday to Sunday | Final Weekend – The classic Bram Stoker tale gets a hilarious spoof twist in this first-ever Houston production, ahead of its New York premiere in October. Enter into Dracula’s castle with gluten-free real estate broker Jonathan Harker, who finds his life turned upside down against the one and only monster. $30. Times vary.

Pool Passes, Lake Conroe & Other Destinations

• Must Do Things near Lake Conroe | Daily – If you’re looking to hit the water this summer, Lake Conroe has plenty to get into for fun in the sun. Time it right for Sunday Funday, and we’ve got you covered there, too.
• Things to Do in Houston When It’s Too Hot | Daily – Summer has firmly arrived in Houston, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it. Check out our guide to more than 150 things to do and places to go when the temps top out in H-Town.
• Things to Do this Summer for Kids & Families in Houston | Daily – Enjoy the latest museum exhibits, head out on an outdoor adventure, make a splash, and savor much more that will make this summer one to remember with our guide to keep families entertained and cool this summer.
• Snow Cone Shops in Greater Houston | Daily – Chill out with a shaved ice treat from our 20+ picks for the coolest snow cone shops in Greater Houston this summer.
• Day Passes for Pools in Greater Houston | Daily – Pool weather is officially here and we have 10+ of the best hotel pools where you can spend a day making a splash.

• $5 Thursdays at Lone Star Flight Museum – Check out vintage planes and learn about aviation history for a special price. Tour the hangars, the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and special exhibits, all for $5. 10am to 5pm.
• Little Readers Story Time at Jacinto City Branch Library | FREE – Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to take part in this event designed to spark the imagination and generate a love for books. Held in the library’s meeting room, there will be stories, songs, crafts and more to delight the minds of little ones. 11:15am to noon.
• Lunch & Learn: Bird-Friendly Species at Sunset Coffee Building at Buffalo Bayou Park | FREE – Bring your lunch and come out downtown to learn about birds in your neighborhood, and how you can make your home, office and urban spaces more bird-friendly. You’ll find out about what trees and shrubs are best for our feathered friends and why birds are important to our ecosystem. Noon to 1pm.
• Viva Magenta Opening Reception at Sabine Street Studios | FREE – This year’s Pantone Color of the Year is Viva Magenta, and the artists at Sabine Street Studios have created works inspired by or incorporating this vivid hue. See their art, talk to them about their designs and mingle with other art lovers. 6pm to 8pm.
• The Insatiable Glass & Live Jazz at Ouisie’s Table Restaurant & Gardens – Ouisie’s continues its once-a-month summer jazz and wine series, The Insatiable Glass & Live Jazz. Along with a live set from local jazz group Times 4, guests who purchase a main course can enjoy endless wine sampling for $35. Reservations are strongly encouraged as space is limited. 6pm to 9pm.

Comedian Emily Catalano
The Secret Group
^{Thursday, August 10}

Two up-and-coming comedians team up for an evening of laughs. Catalano was named one of 10 Comics to Watch by Time Out LA and Thewlis is a daily contributor to The Onion and producer of Don’t Tell Comedy.

$15 and up | 8pm

• Nickel & Nickel Winery Dinner at Atkins House – Join fellow wine lovers in Spring Branch for this dinner with pairing featuring wines from one of California’s best producers. Your hosts will offer information on how to evaluate and explore wine in a laid-back, friendly manner and all levels of wine enthusiasts are welcome. Registration is required and designated drivers are encouraged. $130. 6pm to 10pm.
• Candlelight Reggae: A Tribute to Bob Marley at the Majestic Metro – Experience the music of the reggae icon in a whole new way. Candlelight concerts are a live, multi-sensory experience taking place amid the glow of candlelight. $55 and up. 6:30pm and 8:45pm.
• Pop Culture Trivia Night at Houston Toy Museum – Grab your friends and get ready to show off your pop culture prowess in this six-round trivia contest at the Heights home of classic toys. BYOB and snacks are welcome. $10. 7pm.
• The Queers in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – The New Hampshire punk band known for their fast, loud, snotty music comes to Houston, following their Canadian tour this spring. $20. 7pm.
• Comedians Emily Catalano & Jordan Thewlis at the Secret Group – Two up-and-coming comedians team up for an evening of laughs. Catalano was named one of 10 Comics to Watch by Time Out LA and Thewlis is a daily contributor to The Onion and producer of Don’t Tell Comedy. $15 and up. 8pm.
• The Moment in Concert at Continental Club – At the Midtown music staple, this Houston nine-piece showcases their style with Top 40 hits, classic rock, Motown, country tunes and more. $10. 9pm.

• More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston are happening all weekend long. Scroll up to explore events and shows spanning multiple days, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum and brewery passes, tours, and more.