Plan Your Weekend: November 16 to 19, 2023

People walking around a marketplace
ZineFest celebrates 30 years at the Orange Show on Saturday | Courtesy of ZineFest Houston

Updated Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 2:30pm

Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with our Weekend Guide for Thursday, November 16 to Sunday, November 19, 2023.

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Things to Do
All Weekend Long

  • Broadway Across America presents MJ at Hobby Center | Daily – This multi-Tony Award–winning musical follows the creation of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Featuring more than 25 of the iconic performer’s hits, including “Beat It,” “Bad,” “Man in the Mirror” and more, it traces Jackson’s career and explores what made him a legend. $40 and up. Showtimes vary.
  • Pearland Restaurant Weeks | Daily – Throughout the month of November, the growing restaurant scene in Pearland will showcase curated menus and specialty offerings, with a portion of all orders going to support Pearland Neighborhood Center. Fixed-price menus are $29 for 2-course breakfasts and lunches; $35 for 3-course dinners. Times and locations vary.
  • 2023 Jewish Book & Arts Festival at Evelyn R. Rubenstein JCC | Thursday to Saturday – The festival’s closing weekend includes Book Lovers Lunch with authors Jennifer Rosen and Emily Franklin on Thursday; a Friday morning tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston inspired by the book The Lioness of Boston; and the closing night celebration where Michael Schulman, author of Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat & Tears will discuss his book. Prices and times vary.
  • Comedian Tim Dillon at Houston Improv | Thursday to Saturday – The comedian and podcast host, known for his appearances at the Oddball Comedy Festival and on Tru TV’s Comedy Knockout, comes to Houston for three nights. $80 for 2, and up. Times vary
  • The Riot Comedy Club presents Brittney Schmitt at Rudyard’s Pub | Friday & Saturday – The comedian, who’s opened nationwide for comedians like Theo Von and Chris Redd, recently put out her debut comedy special, From Ho to Housewife, and will bring her unapologetic humor to the Bayou City. $20 and up. Times vary.
An actor dressed as Michael Jackson performs a dance move in front of blue and green shards behind him

MJ
Hobby Center
Daily

This multi-Tony Award–winning musical follows the creation of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Featuring more than 25 of the iconic performer’s hits, including “Beat It,” “Bad,” “Man in the Mirror” and more, it traces Jackson’s career and explores what made him a legend.

$40 and up | Times Vary

  • Funbox Bounce Park at Katy Mills | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Scale the climbable Marshmallow Mountain, scamper across the Gumball Gallop, work your way through the Funbox obstacle course, and take part in other thrilling attractions waiting to be discovered at the vast inflatable playground in Katy. Save 30% on admission when you use promo code Todo30 at checkout. Times vary.
  • Magical Winter Lights Opening Weekend at Katy Mills | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – One of the city’s most popular attractions opens its gates at a new location in Katy this year. Wander through a lit-up wonderland filled with dazzling lantern sculptures, interactive displays, and a carnival with fun for the whole family. Early bird tickets are available now for the month of November. $21.75; $15.30 for ages 3 to 12 and 65+; free for ages 2 and under. Friday and Saturday 5pm to 11pm; Sunday 5pm to 10pm.
  • Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – The cosmic spectacle returns to Space Center Houston, transforming the campus into a twinkling wonderland of space-themed light installations, high-tech experiences, holiday treats and more in a one-of-a-kind event that can only be found in Space City. Tickets range from $19.95 to $27.95; free for ages 3 and under. Save $5 on each ticket when you use promo code 365XLIGHTS at checkout. 6pm to 10pm.
  • Tejano Music Super Fest at Kemah Boardwalk | Friday to Sunday | FREE – Look for children’s activities, live Tejano music, DJs and more at this three-day festival celebrating the energy and creativity of Tejano sound. Times vary.
  • Holiday Magic on the Plaza at Avenida Houston | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing | FREE – Kick off the holiday season in Downtown with this dazzling display of lights and performances that showcases the vibrant diversity of our city, along with dance and singing by Houston artists. Friday and Saturday 6pm to 8pm; Sunday 2pm to 4pm.
  • Symphonic Dances Festival: Valčuha Conducts Ravel’s “La Valse” at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – Audience favorite Jean-Yves Thibaudet applies his poetic touch to Ravel’s blues-tinged Piano Concerto in G in a concert that also includes Bartók’s “Dance Suite,” Ravel’s “La Valse” and the Houston premiere of the Houston’s Symphony’s co-commission of J. Wolfe’s “Pretty.” $30 and up. Times vary.
  • 16th Annual Home for the Holidays Market at Katy Merrell Center | Saturday & Sunday – This market brings two days of huge holiday shopping to Katy, showcasing last-minute Thanksgiving decor, Christmas goods, crafts, gifts and more from over 130 merchants. Santa will be making appearances and door prizes will also be up for grabs. $6 and up. Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday 11am to 4pm.
  • Festival of Lights & Ice Land: Rainforest Holiday Opening Weekend at Moody Gardens | Saturday & Sunday – The annual holiday lights installation debuts at Galveston’s Moody Gardens, offering multiple bedazzling attractions that will be open daily through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Prices vary. 11am to 9pm.
  • Black Arts Fest at Shrine of the Black Madonna | Saturday & Sunday | FREE – Houston Black Heritage Fest presents this two-day festival complete with live music, food, vendors, and plenty of art at the Shrine of The Black Madonna in South Side. Shop for unique items and learn more about Houston’s Black artists. Saturday 1pm to 7pm; Sunday 2pm to 7pm.

Ongoing Live Theater & Performing Arts in Houston

  • Catastrophic Theatre presents Turn of the Screw at MATCH | Friday to Sunday | Opening Weekend – This classic ghost story by Henry James about a governess in Victorian England gets a new environmental and multimedia production. Look for a haunting soundscape, toy theatre, puppetry, and for performers and guests to collaborate in creating a new take on one of the world’s most celebrated ghost stories. This production runs through Saturday, December 9. Pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
  • Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley at Main Street Theater | Saturday & Sunday | Opening Weekend – The final chapter in the beloved Christmas at Pemberley series explores the friendship between Mr. Darcy’s younger sister Georgiana and the youngest Bennet sister Kitty. As the family gatherers at Pemberley for Christmas, the two young women eagerly await the arrival of Georgiana’s secret correspondent, Henry Grey. When he arrives to a chilly welcome from Mr. Darcy, Georgiana fears her chance for love is lost. This production runs through Sunday, December 17. $39 and up. Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm.
  • A Motown Christmas at Ensemble Theatre | Saturday & Sunday | Opening Weekend – This family-friendly holiday revue blends traditional carols with that distinctive Motown sound, with hits made famous by the Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye and more. This production runs through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24. $34 and up. Showtimes vary.
  • A Christmas Carol at Alley Theatre | Saturday & Sunday | Opening Weekend – The beloved Charles Dickens holiday classic returns to the stage, telling the story of the miserly Scrooge and, with a series of visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, how he learns the true meaning of the holiday season. This production runs through Saturday, December 30. $29 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.
  • Main Street Theater for Youth presents Disney’s Beauty & the Beast at MATCH | Sunday | Ongoing – The dazzling fairy tale comes to life on stage, telling the story of the bookish Belle, who yearns for something more than her provincial life. When her father is captured by a ferocious beast, Belle trades her freedom for his, and finds herself in an enchanted castle. Can she ever find her way back home, and discover how to make her dreams come true? $22 and up. Noon and 3:30pm.
  • Return Engagements at Theatre Southwest | Friday & Saturday | Final Weekend – This Canadian farce traces the romantic entanglements of four couples across 30 years. Written by the author of Same Time Next Year, the play was called “amusing and witty” by the Cape Cod Times. $22. Showtimes vary

Midtown, Alecia Lawyer’s Top 5 & Other Destinations

  • Must Do Things in Midtown – Dive into the thriving restaurant, nightlife and live music scene with our must-do picks for Midtown.
  • My Top 5: Alecia Lawyer of ROCO – Founder and Principal Oboist of River Oaks Chamber Orchestra offers her five favorite places in Houston.
  • Thanksgiving Dining & To-Go Guide in Houston – Deadlines for Thanksgiving takeout packages are fast approaching this weekend, so don’t miss your chance to grab the perfect feast before it’s too late.
  • Happy Hour in Greenway & Upper Kirby – Plot out your next bang-for-your-buck meal and cocktails at our picks for the best happy hour spots in the Greenway and Upper Kirby areas.
  • Best Brunch in the Heights – The bustling neighborhood hides plenty of gems for your weekend brunch destinations.
  • 20+ of Houston’s Best Patios – It’s patio weather in Houston—at long last—and we’ve gathered more than 20 spots across town where you can post up and enjoy a breeze, a beer or a meal.
  • 75+ Fall Festivals in Houston | Ongoing – Explore our guide to a supersized festival season coming to Houston, showcasing the city’s culture, music, arts, food scenes, and more.
  • Fall Markets in Greater Houston | Ongoing – From spooky evenings on the bayou to annual nutcracker extravaganzas, we’ve gathered 25 fall markets to put on your radar.
An evening scene of people strolling through a park

THURSDAY
November 16, 2023

  • City of Deer Park Tree Lighting Spectacular at Patrick’s Cabin | FREE – This holiday favorite returns, allowing guests to kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony, tours of historic Patrick’s Cabin, apple cider, a retelling of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and more. Food and souvenirs are available for purchase. 5:30pm to 9pm.
  • M.A.D. Veterans Holiday Market at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum | FREE – This Museum After Dark (M.A.D.) event features tours and cocktails, light bites, games and plenty of shopping from vendors offering unique items for everyone on your list. 6pm to 8pm.
  • Tree Lighting at Market Street in the Woodlands | FREE – A 70-foot Christmas tree, synchronized twinkling lights and holiday music await at this family-friendly event to usher in the season. Come out and kick off your holidays at this fun event. 6pm to 8pm.
  • Sip & Sparkle at Houston Zoo – See the popular Zoo Lights exhibit—without the kids—while enjoying a sampling of wines from around the world. As you stroll the grounds, explore the illuminated dance floor, colorful holiday light tunnel, sparkling photo ops and much more. $55. 6pm to 10pm.
  • Alley Theatre presents The Resonance of Time at Holocaust Museum Houston | FREE – This special performance is presented in conjunction with the museum’s The Negro Motorist Green Book exhibit. The book was a lifeline for Black motorists, business owners and families during the Jim Crow era, listing places where they could safely stay and be served. This immersive performance transports the audience through key periods of history, encapsulating the spirit, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities. 6:30pm.
  • Throwback Thursday Workout at Midtown Park | FREE – Get physical with this retro music–inspired workout featuring hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s. Expect a combination of cardio, strength and flexibility exercises appropriate for all experience levels. Leg warmers encouraged. 6:30pm.

Sip & Sparkle
Houston Zoo
Thursday, November 16

See the popular Zoo Lights exhibit—without the kids—while enjoying a sampling of wines from around the world. As you stroll the grounds, explore the illuminated dance floor, colorful holiday light tunnel, sparkling photo ops and much more.

$55 | 6pm to 10pm

  • Comedian Leanne Morgan at Smart Financial Centre – The comedian, actress and author recently released her special, Leanne Morgan: I’m Every Woman on Netflix. Now, she brings her humorous take on motherhood and life to Sugar Land for this show that’s so in demand, a second performance has been added for Monday, November 19. $34 and up. 7pm.
  • The Stacy & Clinton Show at Hyatt Regency Conroe – Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, known for their wildly popular What Not to Wear program on TLC, are reunited and on a nationwide tour. Catch the pair as they offer up laughs, reminiscences and updated style advice. $50 and up. 7pm.
  • Bioluminaire Takeover: DJ 9th Sage at Discovery Green | FREE – A DJ and a lighting designer take over the latest public art installation, Bioluminaire, providing a fresh look and feel for the piece with a new soundtrack and augmented lighting at Discovery Green. 7pm to 9pm.
  • The Bald & the Beautiful Live Podcast at 713 Music Hall – Hosts Trixie and Katya explore the boundaries of modern beauty, pop culture and more in a spirited discussion with sass and humor. $53 and up. 8pm.
  • Wolfmother in Concert at Warehouse Live – The Australian rock band continues its summer tour with a stop in Houston. With songs like “Woman” and “Love Train,” they bring raucous energy and a big rock sound to the EaDo stage. $29.50 and up. 8pm.
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Concert at Continental Club – Hunter Perrin, Paul Beebe and other friends bring CCR favorites like “Down on the Corner,” “Out My Backdoor,” “Bad Moon Rising” and more as part of this tribute show in Mid-Main. $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.

FRIDAY
November 17, 2023

  • David Reinfeld: Composite Realities Opening at Foto Relevance | FREE – Known in Houston for his quantum physics–inspired images of the natural world, Reinfeld presents new work exploring the urban dimension of life, traversing the architectural monuments of mankind and the moments of connection within. 6pm.
  • Autonomic Opening at Spring Street Studios | FREE – Be among the first to see this exhibit curated by Houstonian Pablo Cardoza. Guests can meet the artists, enjoy light bites and gain a deeper understanding of the human desire to create. 6pm to 8pm.
  • Christmas Tree Lighting at La Centerra at Cinco Ranch | FREE – Get into the holiday spirit with this family fun celebration that culminates in the lighting of a 51-foot-tall Christmas tree in Katy. 6pm to 9pm.
  • La Santa Tequila Dinner at Casa do Brasil – Enjoy the splendors of Brazilian cuisine in this four-course dinner paired with La Santa tequilas, allowing you to see how the food and spirits work together for maximum taste. $85. 6:30pm.
  • French Festival at the Post Oak Hotel – The French-American Chamber of Commerce hosts this event to celebrate the annual Beaujolais Nouveau release. The traditional harvest wine is at the center of this food and wine soiree, showcasing the flavors of France’s Beaujolais region. Expect multiple food and wine stations, winemakers and chefs. $229. 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
Chris Stapleton and his band performing on stage

Chris Stapleton
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Friday, November 17

The country music superstar, with hits like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Starting Over,” comes to the Woodlands for a rare November date at the Pavilion. This performance was rescheduled from the original October date.

$81 and up | 7pm

  • Chris Stapleton in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The country music superstar, with hits like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Starting Over,” comes to the Woodlands for a rare November date at the Pavilion. This performance was rescheduled from the original October date. $81 and up. 7pm.
  • Emissary Artists: Live Art & Music at Box13 ArtSpace – This is an opportunity to see artists create in real time, inspired by the music played by Emissary Quartet. Watch them work and see how the creative process can be fueled by music and ideas at this East End event. $30; $15 for students. 7pm.
  • Rawayana in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – The Venezuelan trippy pop band that fuses reggae, funk, soul and rock—and featured on NPR Tiny Desk Concerts earlier this fall—comes to Houston to perform live, part of its first-ever U.S. tour. $38 and up. 7pm.
  • Immolation in Concert at the Secret Group – The American death metal band are considered leaders of the genre, with Metal Utopia calling their sound “deceptively well-crafted.” Pitchfork called their Atonement album “a masterclass in death metal songwriting.” Hear their signature sound at the EaDo club. $23 and up. 7pm.
  • Secret Night Out at Children’s Museum Houston – This 21+ only event helps you embrace your inner child in the Museum District. Take in live music and entertainment as you enjoy special eats and adult beverages—and all the favorite exhibits you’ve come to know and love. $50 and up. 7pm to 9pm.
  • Burna Boy in Concert at Toyota Center – The global icon and first-ever international African artist to top the charts with their debut album is bringing the I Told Them tour to Downtown. $49 and up. 7:30pm.

The Sandlot
Market Square Park
Friday, November 17

Bring the family, grab a picnic blanket and get some take out from one of Market Square’s restaurants, then sit under the stars and watch this 1993 classic about a group of kids and the adventures they encounter playing baseball.

FREE | 8pm

  • Dorian Band presents A Night of Persian Music at MATCH – This Houston-based Iranian sextet presents a concert blending traditional Persian instruments like the taar and tonbak with piano, flute and violin. Fifteen evocative compositions are designed to showcase how boundaries fade and inclusivity is created. $30 and up. 7:30pm.
  • A Disturbance in the Force Movie Screening at Alamo Drafthouse – Grab dinner and drinks at the Katy Alamo and catch this documentary that explores the making of 1978’s The Star Wars Holiday Special. When it originally aired, an estimated 13 million people watched the special, focusing on Chewbacca’s family. It’s considered among the worst shows to ever air on TV. $12. 7:45pm.
  • The Sandlot Movie Screening at Market Square Park | FREE – Bring the family, grab a picnic blanket and get some take out from one of Market Square’s restaurants, then sit under the stars and watch this 1993 classic about a group of kids and the adventures they encounter playing baseball. 8pm.
  • RL Grime in Concert at 713 Music Hall – The LA-based trap and bass DJ descends on Post Houston’s 713 Music Hall for a night that follows his Sable Valley record label debut, Play. $45 and up. 8pm.
  • Roger Sanchez DJ Set at Bauhaus – The house maestro returns to Houston, bringing his signature style of dance music for you to jam all night long. $15 and up. 10pm.
  • Icona Pop in Concert at Rise Rooftop – The electropop duo that broke through with the 2012 earworm, “I Love It,” makes a stop in Midtown to support their brand new release, Club Romantech. $10 and up. 10pm.
  • 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.

Things to Do on Saturday, November 18 & Sunday, November 19, 2023.


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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.