Make the most of your weekend with our Houston Weekend Guide for Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, 2014.
[quote_box_right]Weekend Shortcuts
Sunday, July 20[/quote_box_right]Theatre Under the Stars takes over Miller Outdoor Theatre; NRG Center goes to the dogs; the Houston Symphony goes where no man has gone before; lots of folks are celebrating Christmas in July or reveling in the “dog days of summer; and there’s a whole lot more.
Whether your weekend is completely open or you’re just trying to squeeze in something extra, we’re here to help make the most of your free time with our Weekend Guide, featuring great things to do Houston this weekend.
Things to Do All Weekend
37th Annual Houston World Series of Dog Shows at NRG Center | Daily – The one-time Reliant Center has officially gone to the dogs as this five-day series of lively performance events and exhibitions, relay races and conformation judging returns to Houston. $15 ages 13 to 54; $10 age 55 and older; free 12 and under.- The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – The sassy musical set in La Grange, Houston and College Station tells of the Miss Mona’s Chicken Ranch, a house of ill repute “where history, and Aggie boys, get made.” 8:15pm.
- Houston Symphony presents J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Films with a Live Orchestra at Jones Hall – Prepare for warp speed as the Houston Symphony plays composer Michael Giacchino’s thrilling scores to Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013) live along with the movies. $29 to $115 each night; 10% discount if you purchase both nights. 7:30pm.
- 25th annual Watermelon Festival in Hempstead | Friday and Saturday – Celebrate the summer with live music, a carnival, parade, food and drink, a watermelon cake contest, basketball tournament and barbecue cook-off and more. 7pm to 11pm.
- The YEE-SAW Carnival at Independence Art Studios in Independence Heights | Friday through Sunday – Feast your eyes and strap in for a ride on the newly constructed YEE-SAW. Standing 30 feet tall with a 35 foot wingspan, the reverse merry go round gives strapped in riders a spin complete with lights, springs, monkey bars and more. Each day of entertainment is dedicated to a different audience. Prices and times vary.
- Defy Gravity Musical Revue of Stephen Schwartz’ Broadway Classics at Obsidian Art Space | Friday through Sunday – Grammy Award-winning and Tony-nominated lyricist and composer, Stephen Schwartz is responsible for the classic musicals Godspell, Pippin, Wicked and Children of Eden. Experience a song and dance tribute to his works. $42.50; discounted $21 tickets available for a limited time.
- Sugar Land Skeeters vs. Lancaster Barnstormers at Constellation Field | Friday through Sunday – The Skeeters battle barnstormers while spectators enjoy $2 beer and sodas. Tickets range from $9 to $50. Discounted $6.50 tickets available for a limited time. Game times vary.
- Family Activities inside the Loop from BigKidSmallCity | Daily – Find events, recommendations and family-friendly activities from Houston mom-in-the-know Jill Jarvis of BigKidSmallCity
Thursday, July 17, 2014
- Christmas in July at Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park | POSTPONED TO JULY 31 DUE TO RAIN – Deck the halls, or at least your head, at this special Christmas in July edition of the increasingly popular Blanket Bingo. Don’t forget lawn chairs, a blanket or perhaps a Christmas tree skirt. $10. 6pm to 9pm. UPDATE 7/17/14: Postponed to July 31 due to rain.
- Summer Night Salsa at Discovery Green | FREE – Dance to the music, soul and passion of street-style salsa, bachata, merengue and salsa suelta. 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
- The Neighborhood in Concert at Bayou Music Center – Here comes THE NBHD. The indie rock band brings their popular summer tour to Downtown Houston. $42.50; Discounted tickets may be available via TicketNetwork’s resale market. 8pm
- Los Lonely Boys in Concert at the House of Blues – The hombres from San Angelo bring their “Texican rock and roll” back to Houston. $34.75 to $72.50. You may find cheaper or better tickets on TicketNetwork’s resale market.
- Seize the Beat at Alley Kat Bar and Lounge | FREE to attend – Dance your heart out to underground disco, italo, electrofunk and synthpop in the Alley Kat’s backroom. 10pm.
- More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things happening in Houston this weekend are happening all weekend long. Click here to scroll up and see our list.
Friday, July 18, 2014
- The Coolest Backyard Bash at the Houston Zoo – Stay late for a summer backyard hangout with backyard games like giant Jenga and Connect Four, live music from Yelba, special animal presentations and a free beer from St. Arnold’s for the big kids. Included with zoo admission. 5pm to 8pm.
- 67 Spoken Words: A Tribute to Nelson Mandela Day at BLUEorange Art Gallery in Montrose – Enjoy 67 minutes of performance-based poetry from artists Nissi LaMark, Brady Bob, Bryson Brown, Winter and Brain, joined by singer Lisa E. Harris. Book donation at the door goes to South Africa’s Eastern Cape Department of Arts and Culture – Library Division. 6:30pm to 7:37pm.
- Hello Project Gallery’s Grand Opening Summer Party | FREE – Upper Kirby’s newest art gallery opens its doors for a free party featuring artists Alika Herreshoff, Angel Oloshove Michelle Rawlings. James Scheuren and Carlos Rosales-Silva. Enjoy Karbach beers and buy dinner from Good Dog Food Truck. 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
- Relay for Life in the Heights – Enjoy DJ music, food vendors and fun activities at Relay For Life, American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event. Throughout the festivities, teams of walkers will take turns walking laps along a set course, raising money with each step. This year participants are encouraged to dress up with luau, beach and Hawaiian accessories for the theme “Wiping Out Cancer.” $10. 7pm to 1am.
- Comic Con Edition of Mixers and Elixirs at HMNS – Enjoy live music from Ishi in the grand halls of the Houston Museum of Natural Science at this super-powered after party themed to comics, scif-fi and other things geek. 7pm to 10pm.
- Noel Coward’s Fallen Angels at Main Street Theater Rice Village – See two “wretchedly happy married women” stir up all kinds of sexy trouble, and countless cocktails in Coward’s classic naughty comedy. $34; discounted $17 tickets available. 8pm.
- Second Lovers with Special Guest Adam Bricks at Fitzgerald’s | FREE – Catch hometown Americana rock bank live on stage at a free concert at Fitzgerald’s with special guest Adam Bricks. 8pm door; 9pm show starts.
- On The Run Tour: Beyoncé and JAY-Z in Concert at Minute Maid Park – We’re willing to bet Houston’s child Beyoncé is the one who leads this concert staring the first couple of hip hop. $55 to $410. Tickets are still available from Live Nation, but you may find better seats at the same price on TicketNetwork’s resale market. 8pm.
- A Fistful of Soul at Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top on Main | FREE to attend– Better dress sharp for Houston’s premiere ’60s soul dance party, hosted by all-vinyl deejays Stewart Anderson, Joe Ross, and Alex LaRotta. 9:30am to 2:30am.
- More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things happening in Houston this weekend are happening all weekend long. Click here to scroll up and see our list.
Click here to find more things to do in Houston on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, 2014.