Plan Your Weekend: June 15 to 18, 2023

SATURDAY
June 17, 2023

  • GCVA Beach Volleyball Tournament at Galveston’s East Beach – The fourth match of the seven-match tournament is upon us, and the largest outdoor volleyball association on the third coast invites you to watch and join in on the fun as all ages and skill levels are welcome to sign up and participate. Free to watch. Check-in at 7:30am; games from 9am to 5pm. 
  • 1st Street 5K Beer Run at No Label Brewing – Run through the shady streets of Old Town Katy, then return to the brewery to collect your souvenir pint glass and four 8-oz. tastings from No Label’s taps. $65. 8am to 11am.
  • Birding Walk at the Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park – Join members of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership for this walk that teaches about the dynamic ecosystem of Buffalo Bayou and the birds that inhabit it, offering an understanding of how to identify them as well as fascinating bird facts. $5. 9am to 10:30am.
  • Mayor Turner’s Annual Juneteenth Parade in Acres Homes | FREE – With dignitaries on hand, this annual Juneteenth parade leaves from the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center to the Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, with crowds along West Montgomery to take in the view. 10am to noon.
  • A Juneteenth Celebration at Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens | FREE – The American decorative arts museum commemorates Juneteenth with a family-centered program focusing on Black history. Learn about early African American businesses and the legacy of Black cowboys, plus you can take in a poetic performance and art-making workshop. 10am to 3pm.
  • Magical Dad’s Day at the Woodlands Children’s Museum – This Dad’s Day celebration hits a day early but is filled with Father’s Day art projects, magic shows and a magic-themed story hour. $8 for ages 1 and up. 10am to 4pm.
  • Black is Beautiful Cultural Celebration at Post Houston | FREE – The Downtown destination hosts this celebration by Juneteenth HBCU Alliance, featuring live performances, arts and crafts, pop-up vendors, games, a children’s book fair, and more. 10am to 5pm.
A person in historical clothing fires a musket

Father’s Day
George Ranch Historical Park
Saturday, June 17

Head back to the old days for a lesson in gun slingin’ at this annual Father’s Day celebration where dads learn how to load and shoot replica flint locks and percussion rifles that date back to the time of the Alamo.

GA $15; Classes $10 | 10:30am to 2:30pm

  • Father’s Day at George Ranch Historical Park – Head back to the old days for a lesson in gun slingin’ at this annual Father’s Day celebration where dads learn how to load and shoot replica flint locks and percussion rifles that date back to the time of the Alamo. Classes are just for dads, but family members are invited to watch and explore the rest of the grounds. Classes are $10. General admission is $15; $10 for ages 4 to 12; free for ages 3 and under. Sessions at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm.
  • Juneteenth Market at Houston Museum of African American Culture | FREE – HMAAC’s special Juneteenth celebration offers an afternoon of pop-up vendors, music, a discussion with artists from the museum’s Spring Survey exhibition, and an opportunity for a closing day tour of Evita Tezeno:Out of Many. 11am to 4pm.
  • Saturday Morning Cartoon Cereal Party at Houston Toy Museum – In the Heights, the toy museum screens a mix of classic episodes from beloved cartoons like She-Ra, The Gummi Bears, Duck Tales, and more. Guests can enjoy a milk and cereal buffet, complete with all the sugary classics. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $18; ages 1 to 17 pay their age, starting with $1 for 1-year olds. 11:30am.
  • Day of Science Festival at Lott Hall in Hermann Park | FREE – Kids and the curious of all ages can get hands-on with activities and demos—including Picture the Microbes, What’s on Your Hands?, Microbes in Your Mouth, Astrobiology: Searching for Life Beyond Earth, Vet for a Day, and more—at this fest organized by the American Society of Microbiology. Noon to 4pm
  • Love is Love at Southern Star Brewery | No Cover – Celebrate Pride Month in Conroe with live music on the outdoor stage, featuring Safe Distance, Walking Ghost Phase, and Heavy Honeys. Noon to 10pm.
  • BLCK Market’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at GreenStreet – Returning to Downtown Houston, the local vendor market brimming with Black-owned small businesses celebrates Juneteenth with an afternoon of collective economics and a wide range of goods to shop. Limited free admission; $5 after that. 1pm to 5pm.
  • Juneteenth Parade & Picnic in Galveston | FREE – Traveling 15 blocks down Avenue H, the annual Legacy of Juneteenth Parade will again work through Downtown Galveston, before ending at Wright Cuney Park for a 2pm community picnic. 1pm to 5pm.
  • Juneteenth Festival 2023 at McGuire Dent Recreational Center | FREE – Along Seawall Boulevard, this family-friendly fest will be packed with a local vendor market, food and performances, just steps from the shores of the Gulf. 1pm to 8pm.
  • Dream Doll at Clé Day & Night – The Bronx rapper hits the pool deck at Clé for a Saturday afternoon edition of “Adult Swim.” Limited free admission; $20 and up after that. 2pm to 8pm.

Juneteenth Market
HMAAC
Saturday, June 17

Houston Museum of African American Culture’s special Juneteenth celebration offers an afternoon of pop-up vendors, music, a discussion with artists from the museum’s Spring Survey exhibition, and an opportunity for a closing day tour of Evita Tezeno:Out of Many.

FREE | 11am to 4pm

  • Author Liara Timani at Holy Family HTX | FREE – Held at the Second Ward Episcopal church, author Liara Timani discusses her novel, What She Missed, about a 16-year old girl who moves to her grandmother’s house in rural Texas after her parents lose their jobs. She’ll be joined by New York Times bestselling author J. Elle to discuss the novel and its exploration of family, change and growing up. Free to attend; $19.99 for the book. 3pm.
  • Author R.L. Toalson: The First Magnificent Summer at Brazos Bookstore | FREE – The author discusses her middle-grade novel that tells the story of a budding writer all set to have a magnificent summer with her estranged father, who she hasn’t seen in two years. But then he shows up with his new family. Is there a place for her? If you’re interested in having a book signed, it must be purchased from the bookstore. Free to attend; $17.99 for the book. 3pm.
  • The Generation Park Juneteenth Celebration at Redemption Square | FREE – The Northeast Houston shopping and dining destination celebrates Juneteenth with live zydeco music, dance performances, guest speakers, food trucks, games and more. 3pm to 8pm.
  • Celebrate Freedom: Juneteenth at Under the Radar Brewery | FREE – The laid-back brewery near Almeda Road kicks off their own Juneteenth celebration with a live DJ, the release of their Jubilee pomegranate pilsner, food and games. 3pm to 9pm.
  • Juneteenth Music Festival, with Lakeside, The SOS Band at Emancipation Park | FREE – Held in Third Ward’s historic Emancipation Park, this annual free concert offers a full day of jubilee with gospel artist V. Michael McKay, zydeco from Step Rideau, and legendary R&B performers Lakeside and the SOS Band. While there, explore local vendors, crafts, merch and fantastic food trucks. 3pm to 10pm.
  • Author Julie Murphy: Camp Sylvania at Blue Willow Bookshop | FREE – Julie Murphy is the best-selling author of Dumplin’. Come celebrate the publication of her latest novel, which follows the adventures of Magnolia “Maggie” Hagen, on her way to Camp Rising Star, determined to get over her stage fright. This hilarious and creepy story is aimed at middle-grade readers. Books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. Free to attend; $18.99 for the book. 4pm.
  • Community Pride Celebration at the Montrose Center | FREE – Open to all, the Montrose Center hosts a community celebration during its 45th anniversary. Expect live stage performances, a market featuring LGBTQ+ shops and small businesses, food trucks, a history exhibit, and more. Free to attend; VIP options available. 4pm to 8pm.
An outdoor concert scene with crowds watching musicians on stage

Juneteenth Music Festival
Emancipation Park
Saturday, June 17

Held in Third Ward’s historic Emancipation Park, this annual free concert offers a full day of jubilee with gospel artist V. Michael McKay, zydeco from Step Rideau, and legendary R&B performers Lakeside and the SOS Band. While there, explore local vendors, crafts, merch and fantastic food trucks.

FREE | 3pm to 10pm

  • Pride Bar Crawl at Buddy’s Houston – Check in at Buddy’s in Montrose then head to any of the 6 participating bars with Pride drink specials at this crawl, followed by an official after-party at Kiki. $20; discounts available for groups of 4 and more. 4pm to 2am.
  • Queer as Folk Art Show at Hardy & Nance Studios | FREE – The near-Downtown art studios hosts its annual Pride Month exhibition, featuring a diverse range of art styles and subject matter from local artists that celebrate Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. Guests can also take advantage of a complimentary bar with adult and non-alcoholic beverages. 5pm to 9pm.
  • Juneteenth Weekend Celebration at Bicentennial Park in Baytown | FREE – Houston rap legends head to Baytown for a free community concert in celebration of Juneteenth. Catch Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Big Pokey and a slate of other musicians and live DJs, capped off with a fireworks spectacular. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. 5pm to midnight.
  • Beats on the Beach & Fireworks at Palm Beach in Galveston – Moody Gardens hosts Beats on the Beach, a weekly, family-friendly Saturday night celebration with live music, a fireworks show, beachside attractions like the Lazy River, and more. Each night, a fireworks show will cap off the festivities at 9:15pm, which can be seen at locations around the island for free. Beach tickets are $30 and up; $24 and up for ages 4 to 12 and 65+; free for ages 3 and under. 6pm to 10pm.
  • The Invisible Extinction Film Screening with Q&A at Hilton Americas-Houston | FREE – A favorite of the film festival circuit, this documentary invites you to join Drs. Martin Blaser and Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello as they travel the world to learn what’s causing the vanishing human microbiome on Earth. A virtual Q&A with both docs follows the film. 7pm.
  • Juneteenth Comedy Fest at Galveston Island Convention Center – Ahead of Juneteenth, the Galveston convention center hosts an all-star lineup of touring Texas comedians, including Billy D. Washington, Rodney Bigham, Dave Lawson and more. $20 and up. 7pm.
  • Houston After Dark at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center – Learn how animals communicate at night and why darkness is so important to our world. Beer and light bites will be served, then you’ll head out on a night hike to see the city when the sun goes down. $50. 7pm to 9pm.
  • Houston Dash vs. OL Reign at Shell Energy Stadium – Catch visiting USWNT players like Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle in one of their final appearances before taking off to this summer’s Women’s World Cup. $10 and up. 7:30pm.
  • Ku Egenti’s Birthday Extravaganza at Warehouse Live – Houston comedian Ku Egenti celebrates his birthday with stand-up sets from friends and special guests. $20. 8pm.
  • Duster in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – The experimental electronic group comes to White Oak’s downstairs stage, joined by Sour Widows. $25. 8pm.
An aerial view of walking paths and a lake platform at Eastern Glades in Memorial Park

SUNDAY
June 18, 2023

  • Coffee, Cars and Cigars at Riverhouse Houston | FREE – The East River eatery rolls out the red carpet for a fleet of classic, luxury and custom-designed cars to stroll past, plus you can enjoy the gourmet coffee bar, mimosas and a special Father’s Day brunch menu for the occasion. East River 9 will also have custom-made cigars available for purchase. Car show is 9:30am to noon; brunch from 10:30am to 3pm.
  • Father’s Day Car Show & Concert at Traders Village | FREE – The Northwest Houston marketplace celebrates Father’s Day with an expansive car show featuring all makes and models, and live music on the main stage. Free to attend; $5 for parking. 10am to 5pm.
  • Music of Grateful Dead for Kids and Father’s Day CelebrationDeadheads and deadheads-to-be will enjoy this tribute to the rock group featuring some of the Dead’s greatest hits. $15. Noon to 1pm.
  • Real Dads Do Real Things presents Fathers Day Party at Alexander Deussen Park | FREE – On the shores of Lake Houston, this nonprofit hosts its first-ever Father’s Day celebration with music, food, and games like flag football, water balloon fights, waterslides and more. 11am to 6pm.
  • Father’s Day at Kemah Boardwalk – The waterfront attraction offers a $5 discount for dads on an all-day ride pass when you purchase one. While there, enjoy Gulf coast eateries, boardwalk games, and scenic views of the water. Passes are $26.99. 11am to 9pm.
  • Father’s Day at Eureka Heights Brewing Co. | No Cover – The Heights brewery celebrates dads with an afternoon of mouth-watering burgers and hot dogs from Deckle & Hide, the annual Dad Joke competition, and a Dad Bod Wet T-shirt contest—with prizes up for grabs. Noon to 3pm.
  • Drive Your Dream Car Show at NRG Park – This one-day event brings together celebrity cars, exotics, old-school muscle, and more automobiles for a Father’s Day car show all afternoon. The family-friendly event will also feature amusement rides, carnival games, gaming trucks and more. $40 and up. Noon to 5pm.
  • Father’s Day All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish at Southern Star Brewery – D’s Cookin’ pulls up to the Conroe brewery for an afternoon of all-you-can-eat crawdads with tasty craft beer. $35; includes four pounds of crawfish with corn, potatoes, sausage and a beer. Noon to 6pm.
A person in a batting stance ready for a pitch

Father’s Day Dinger Derby
Home Run Dugout
Sunday, June 18

The Katy outpost of this indoor batting cage and restaurant hosts a Father’s Day edition of its home run derby, where father-child pairs will compete to be crowned home run champs.

FREE; $10 to participate | 4pm & 8pm

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Holly Beretto
Holly Beretto writes about food and wine, the arts and interesting people for a variety of local and regional publications. In addition to 365 Things to Do in Houston, her work has appeared in the Arizona State University Alumni Magazine, Arts + Culture Texas, Bayou City Magazine, Downtown, Galveston Monthly and Houston Woman. She is also a regular contributor to Eater.com's Houston site. She earned her B.A. in mass communication with a minor in professional writing from Franklin Pierce College (now Franklin Pierce University) and her M.A. in communication studies with an emphasis in journalism from St. Louis University. She has worked in television news production, public relations and marketing in Rhode Island, Maine, New York and Texas. A native Rhode Islander, she has lived in Texas since 1997. She is the author of Christ as the Cornerstone: Fifty Years of Worship at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, published by Bright Sky Press.