Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with our Weekend Guide for Thursday, May 16 to Sunday, May 19, 2024.
This weekend offers a series of stellar art openings and closings, a West Houston Greek Fest, all of the city’s major sports teams at home, plus a celebration of the almighty strawberry in Pasadena.
Want to get this list in your inbox every Thursday? Sign up for free and receive a round-up of great things to do every weekend in Houston.
Add an Event, Offer or Attraction
Have an event, attraction, or offering that we missed?
Let us know at [email protected] or order a Boosted Calendar Listing and we’ll add it within one business day. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
All Weekend Long
- 51st Annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival at Pasadena Fairgrounds | Daily – One of the area’s favorite festivals returns for a weekend of barbecue, carnival rides, a car show, mutton bustin’, a kids zone, and more, including one of the world’s largest strawberry shortcakes. $15; $5 for ages 6 to 10; free for ages 5 and under. Thursday night is free to all. Times vary.
- Chocolate & Art Show at the Garage HTX | Thursday & Friday – Combine two loves with this chocolate and art show in Arts District. Look for live performances by bands, art, an abundance of delectable chocolate treats and exclusive VIP opportunities. $15 and up. 7pm.
- A Friendly Game of Basketball at Lawndale Art Center | Thursday to Saturday | FREE – It’s closing weekend for this solo exhibition of multimedia works by Tay Butler, which explore racial history and contemporary anti-Black issues. Through various media—including installation, painting, drawing, photography, collage, music, and performance—Butler creates a multi-sensory environment which mirrors basketball’s pre-, post-, and in-game play. 11am to 5pm.
- 25th Houston Greek Fest at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church | Thursday to Saturday – Opa! This family-friendly festival is back, bringing with it a celebration of all things Greek to the Energy Corridor area. There’s Greek food, Greek dancing, Greek music and more. $10; free for ages 10 and under. Times vary.
- Comedian Rich Vos at the Riot Comedy Club | Friday & Saturday – The writer, actor, comedian, and host of the My Wife Hates Me podcast comes to Houston for three shows. He’s had four specials on Comedy Central, and made over 100 television appearances across major networks like HBO, Netflix and Showtime. $20 and up. Times vary.
- Sophisticated Lady: The Songs of Natalie Cole at Hobby Center | Friday & Saturday – Part of the Hobby Center’s inaugural Live at the Founder’s Club series, this intimate cabaret features Belinda Munro and the Jazz Houston Ambassadors. They’ll perform selections from Cole’s four-decade career, including “Unforgettable,” “Orange Colored Sky,” “This Will Be” and many more favorites. $49 and up. Times vary.
- Houston Grand Opera presents Madame Butterfly at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday & Saturday | FREE – HGO adapts its stunning production of the classic Puccini opera for the Hermann Hill stage. Hear the story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese woman called Butterfly who enters an arranged marriage with the American naval lieutenant Pinkerton, and the heartbreaking tragedy that ensues. 8pm.
- Houston Astros vs Milwaukee Brewers at Minute Maid Park | Friday to Sunday – Come downtown to cheer on the ‘Stros as they welcome visitors from Wisconsin for a three-game series. Early arrivers can take advantage of giveaways through the weekend like an Orbit bobblehead, a Justin Verlander jersey, and the Bayou Bash Street Fest before Saturday’s game. $29 and up. Times vary.
- Houston Symphony presents The Music of Star Wars at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – Conductor Steven Reineke leads the orchestra in a concert of favorites from the Star Wars universe. Audiences will be transported to a galaxy far, far away with pieces from all nine films, including selections like “Rey’s Theme,” “The Imperial March” and more, presented in chronological order. $54.88 and up. Times vary.
- Reptilian Nation Expo at NRG Park | Saturday & Sunday – Reptile owners and the reptile curious will want to check out the thousands of reptiles, amphibians and arachnids in attendance. There are also vendors, presentations and supplies. $20. Times vary.
- Uptown Dance Company presents An African Adventure at Hobby Center | Saturday & Sunday – Students from the age of three to pre-professional showcase their talent in this extraordinary celebration of Africa in all its majesty. From playful penguins in Cape Town all the way to a tribal village, rhythmic beats and local dance styles rule the stage. $21.50 and up. Saturday at 7pm; Sunday at noon and 4pm.
- Sakura Festival at Almeda Mall | Saturday & Sunday | FREE – Celebrating Asian culture, this festival brings cosplay, anime, over 120 vendors, food and games to Almeda Mall. It’s an opportunity to shop and connect with fellow Sakura enthusiasts. Times vary.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
- For the Health of It at the Health Museum | FREE – A panel of health experts host a night of insight and real-life perspective about the intricate relationship between drugs and mental health. This series is part of a collaboration with Mental Health America of Greater Houston. 5:30pm to 7pm.
- Taco Omakase Dinner at the Lymbar – Chef David Cordúa pairs a series of unique and flavorful tacos with wines by Itzcuintle Xolo in an evening designed to showcase world flavors. Look for combinations like Peking duck with mole negro taco paired with La Montina sparkling Franciacorta from Italy. $114 per person. 6pm.
- Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park – Head downtown with family and friends for this wildly popular evening of fun, music and great prizes. Admission includes a bingo packet that has approximately nine games. Additional games can be purchased for $1 each. $10. 6pm to 9pm.
- Country Western Workshop at Love Dance HTX – DateShape offers this dance class, appropriate for all levels, that takes you through the basics of country western moves. Get ready to hit the floor and have fun. Bonus: there’s also a full bar. $30. 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
- Be Someone Documentary Screening at Axelrad | FREE – Learn the story behind one of Houston’s most recognizable murals. It’s the story of an anonymous graffiti artist, a city and a spirit that’s taken on a life of its own. 7pm.
- Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris in Concert at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – The club welcomes this pair of singer-songwriters for a live performance. Gauthier is a Grammy-nominated folk singer with songs like “Mercy Now” and “Bullet Holes in the Sky.” Harris was called “the next queen of Americana folk” by NPR. $42 and up. 7pm.
- Real Estate in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – The Brooklyn-based, laidback indie rock band, known for blending relaxed grooves and breezy melodies with psychedelic influences, comes to H-Town to perform live. The band is in town for their Infinite Jangle tour, launched following the release of their latest album, Daniel. $25 and up. 7pm.
- Theaster Gates: The Gift and The Renege Opening Reception at CAMH | FREE – The latest CAMH exhibition featuring celebrated contemporary artist Theaster Gates is unveiled at a reception for his series of large-scale paintings, sculptures and installations. Together, they reckon with histories of labor, material legacies, and the sociopolitical architecture of the built environment. Drinks and food will be available for purchase, and DJ Flash Gordon Parks will provide the vibes. 7pm to 9pm.
- ECHOrchestra presents Peter & the Wolf at St. John Vianny Catholic Church – Prokofiev’s orchestrations bring to life this musical fable, told with narration by Outspoken Bean. The concert also includes Carmen Suite No. 1, La Vida Breve and others. $25. 7:30pm.
- 21 Savage, with J.I.D. in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Buckle up as the American Dream is about to be on full display when two of the hottest acts in the rap game get together for a party on the Cynthia Woods stage. $29 and up. 7:30pm.
- Tejano Food Tasting & Demonstration at the Bryan Museum – This evening of cultural exploration introduces you to the flavors of Tejano cooking. Offered in conjunction with the museum’s Tejanos of Revolutionary Texas exhibit, it’s a chance to learn about history in a delicious and memorable way. $40. 7:30pm.
- Moana Movie Screening at Trebly Park | FREE – Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or some lawn chairs and come out to Midtown where you’ll enjoy this Disney hit. The story of a girl and her epic journey across the ocean on a quest to save her people and her island, it features music from Lin Manuel Miranda and the voice of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui. 8pm.
Friday, May 17, 2024
- Cup of Joey at the Ion | FREE – Come out to the Midtown incubator and entrepreneur space for this popular networking event. It’s an energetic group that offers the opportunity to meet new contacts, expand current networks, talk about tech and business innovation, and create community. Aspiring and successful professionals of all ages are welcome. Registration requested. 8:30am to 10:30am.
- Raw Mango Trunk Show at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston | FREE – The museum’s gift shop hosts this curated selection of saris, textiles and Indian garments. You’ll meet Raw Mango’s founder and designer Sanjay Garg, and learn more about this expressive brand. 11am to 6pm.
- Toddler Healing Art at Children’s Museum Houston – This exploration of the transformative power of art is a dynamic interactive workshop designed for toddlers and their adventurous parents. Come see for yourself how creation can make you feel differently. $19.85. 11am to 11:45am.
- Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns at Shell Energy Stadium – Come out to EaDo and cheer on Houston’s major league women’s soccer team as they welcome visitors from Oregon. It’s also Pups on the Pitch night, where you can bring your furry friends to the match, and enjoy pregame entertainment like pet caricatures, foster opportunies, photo shoots and more. $12 and up; special ticket purchases required to bring your pet. 5pm.
- Spring Music Series R&B Night: David Delagarza at Chapman & Kirby | No Cover – The chic cocktailery in EaDo hosts another edition of its Spring Music Series, invited David Delagarza to the stage for R&B Night. Stick around after his live set and enjoy DJ tunes spinning into the night. 6pm to 11pm.
- Author Silky Shah at Basket Books and Art | FREE – The author of Unbuild Walls is in conversation with Claudia Muñoz. The book draws from Shah’s more than twenty years of activism on local and national levels, revealing an organizer’s perspective on the intersections of immigrant rights, racial justice, and prison abolition. 6:30pm.
- Brooks & Dunn in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The superstar country duo, with hits like “Neon Moon,” “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “My Maria” come to the Woodlands. Expect an evening of fan favorites, great harmonies and throwback ‘90s country sounds. $45 and up. 7pm.
- Forrest Gump Movie Screening at Bagby Park | FREE – Grab a blanket or lawn chair, your family and friends, and come out to downtown for a screening of the quirky, Oscar-winning film about an unlikely hero who finds himself a witness to history in 20th century America. Starring Tom Hanks, it made the phrase “life is like a box of chocolates” part of the lexicon. 7pm.
- Homegrown Houston: All Asian, No Fusion at Asia Society Texas Center – Chef G and Graham Painter of Street to Kitchen lead a tasting tour of Houston cuisine at this special curated night featuring stand-out chefs from across the city. Tickets include one dish from each chef, plus drinks. $120. 7pm.
- Comedian Eric Schwartz at the Secret Group – The comedian, known for his blend of stand-up comedy, music, and video, comes to Houston for a live performance. He’s appeared on Tonight Show, Showtime, Hulu, BET and more. $25 and up. 8pm.
- Mon Laferte in Concert at Smart Financial Centre – The genre-bending Chilean Mexican indie pop star comes to Sugar Land in celebration of her recent release, Autopoiética. A Latin Grammy Award winner, she’s known for songs of raw emotion and power. “Every album is a life journal,” she told the New York Times. “I write what I’m going through.” $60 and up. 8pm.
- Lenny Kravitz Tribute at Post Houston – Dragonfly takes to Post’s rooftop stage in this evening of Lenny Kravitz hits. Usher in your weekend with music against the backdrop of the Houston skyline. Arrive early to grab a drink or dinner from one of the venue’s vendors. $20 and up. 8pm to 10pm.
- Yuri in Concert at Arena Theatre – The Mexican singer, actress, and television host brings her Euforia tour to Houston. A celebration of her musical legacy, the tour brings audiences on an emotional journey through her career. $102 and up. 8:30pm.
- Global Village Reunion at Continental Club – In a reminder that the funk will not go quietly, the high-energy party band, known for rocking the Houston music scene from 1990 to 2005, reunites for this concert in Midtown. Bakbonz opens. $15 and up. 9pm.
Things to Do on Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19, 2024
Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!
Subscribe to our free Weekend Guide newsletter and receive a round-up of great things to do every weekend in Houston, hitting your inbox on Thursday.
Don’t want to miss anything? Opt in for our Daily Updates to discover new things happening in Houston and receive special updates and offers, every weekday.
Add Your Event
Don’t see your event? Order a Boosted Calendar Listing and we’ll add it within one business day. Or contact our advertising team to learn about larger campaigns, including bulk and discount options.