Updated Friday, October 15, 2021 at 5:10pm.
Find the perfect things to do in H-Town with our Houston Weekend Guide for Thursday, October 14 through Sunday, October 17, 2021.
This weekend, take a time machine back to medieval times when the Renaissance Festival returns, laugh yourself silly when a legendary comedian takes to the stage at NRG Arena, go all-out sampling an unlimited selection of tacos near Downtown, watch the Dynamo take on Seattle, and much more.
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Things to Do All Weekend
- Halloween 2021 Events in Houston | Daily – Slip on your costume and head out for a night on the town at one of the 35+ parties, concerts, and celebrations happening in Houston for Halloween 2021. Times, prices and locations vary.
- Kids & Family 2021 Halloween Events in Houston | Daily – Grab the kiddos and show off your costumes at nearly 30 sweet—and a few scary—family-friendly Halloween events taking place around Houston in 2021. Times, prices and locations vary.
- Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo | Daily – Bring the little ghouls and goblins to the Houston Zoo for some age-appropriate Halloween fun. Visit the Giant Pumpkin, ride a spooktacular Scary-Go-Round, find more than 10 different photo ops throughout the Zoo, walk the new Lantern Tunnel between the lion and tiger exhibits, and more. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Included with general admission; ticket prices vary based on day of the week. 9am to 5pm daily.
- Sweat at Alley Theatre | Daily – An enduring friendship among factory workers is strained amid layoffs and picket lines, and three women find themselves pitted against each other as they struggle to meet the challenges. $41. Times vary.
- Darwin in Malibu at Main Street Theater | Daily – This comedy about God and science finds Charles Darwin chilling on a Malibu beach, more than a hundred years after his death. His resting in peace is disrupted by the arrival of his friend Thomas Huxley and the bishop of Oxford. $36. Times vary.
- TUTS presents Rock of Ages at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Daily – This big-hearted musical featuring big power ballads from big-hair 1980s bands is the story of an aspiring rock star yearning for his big break. That’s hard enough, but things really start to go awry when developers show up with plans to flatten the venue he’s hoping will launch him to stardom. $40. Times vary.
- A.D. Players presents Dear Jack, Dear Louise at the George Theater | Daily – This Houston premiere is the story of U.S. Army captain Jack Ludwig, who begins writing to aspiring actress Louise Rabiner during World War II. Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig mined his family’s history to create a heartwarming story of wartime courtship. $36. Times vary.
- 4th Wall Theatre presents A Doll’s House Part 2 at Studio 101 | Daily – This Tony-nominated play continues where the classic A Doll’s House left off and audiences will find its commentary on gender roles, love and responsibility are just as sharp and insightful as in Ibsen’s groundbreaking original story. $17. Times vary.
- Katt Williams at NRG Arena | Thursday & Friday – The comedian and actor, who most recently can be seen in his Netflix stand-up special, Great America, lands in Houston for back-to-back nights of Williams’ biting commentary on the hot topics of today. $59 to more than $250, but you may find better or cheaper seats using the TicketNetwork online marketplace. Showtimes vary.
- Respect: A Musical Journey of Women at the Ensemble Theatre | Thursday to Saturday – Combining songs of the 1960s with personal stories about love, loss, relationships and more, this powerful celebration of women offers insight and an uplifting message. $41. Times vary.
- 2021 Oktoberfest Events & Celebrations in Houston | Friday to Sunday – Strap on your Lederhosen and toast your favorite brews at one (or more) of our picks for 2021 Oktoberfest celebrations, parties and events taking place around Houston. Times, locations and prices vary.
- The Catastrophic Theatre presents Historic Third Ward Virtual Tour | Starts Saturday – Tune in at your convenience to experience a virtual tour of eight historical locations in Third Ward, created by Houston playwright, ShaWanna Renee Rivon. Debuts at noon on Saturday and available to view through Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
- Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival at Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire | Saturday & Sunday | No Cover – For one weekend in October, the Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center hosts a fall festival featuring fun games, crafts, foods, photo ops, animal encounters and a pumpkin patch ripe for picking. 11am to 4pm both days.
- 47th Annual Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission | Saturday & Sunday – For the first time since 2019, the Texas Renaissance Festival returns featuring Saturday and Sunday celebrations, performances, turkey legs, parties, fireworks, and more. Extras are available, of course, and visitors can expect themed weekends throughout its 8-week run for 2021. Prices vary by weekend, but ages 5 to 12 get in for half price on Saturdays and free on Sundays. 9am to 8pm.
- Songs on the Water on Buffalo Bayou | Saturday & Sunday – Enjoy a 90-minute boat ride on Buffalo Bayou that features a recital, wine selected by Nice Winery, a cheese plate and more, when Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Houston Grand Opera present an evening serenade featuring a total of eight songs. The event is expected to sell out. Times vary.
- 2021 Guide to Houston-area Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals | Daily – The weather is cooling, sweaters are coming out, and pumpkins are ripe for picking at farms and patches around Houston this season. All autumn long, you can find places offering up the colorful gourds along with Fall Festival fun and family-friendly farm attractions like rides, slides and animal encounters. Days and times vary.
- Stages presents Hook’s Tale at the Gordy | Daily – This family friendly play upends the story you think you know about Peter Pan, telling the tale from Captain Hook’s vantage point—and he’s determined to set the record straight. $25. Times vary.
- Nevermore: Tales of Edgar Allan Poe at the DeLuxe Theater | Daily – Classical Theatre Company returns to in-person performances with this piece, a blending of several tales by the literary and suspense master, which should prove perfect for Poe devotees and lovers of theater alike. $25. Times vary.
- Current Temporary Museum Exhibits & Art Installations on View Around Greater Houston | Daily | Many FREE – Explore the many striking, stunning, and diverse exhibits exploring history, science, art, culture, and creativity around the Greater Houston metro area.
- Outdoor Markets & Pop-Up Shopping Events Around Houston | Daily | Many FREE – Browse, explore, and shop at one or all of Houston’s outdoor markets, many with live entertainment, food trucks, and other distractions.
- Houston Astros Tickets at Minute Maid Park | Sponsored – Snag your seats to the MLB playoffs in 2021. Search for cheaper, better or hard-to-find seats so you can see the Houston Astros at home with the TicketNetwork online marketplace.
- Houston Dynamo FC Tickets at PNC Stadium | Sponsored – Take to the pitch for a season of soccer. Search for cheaper, better or hard-to-find seats so you can see Houston Dynamo FC at home, with the TicketNetwork online marketplace.
- Houston Texans Tickets at NRG Stadium | Sponsored – Hit the gridiron with seats to cheer on the Texans. Search for cheaper, better, or hard-to-find seats so you can see Houston Texans at home, with the TicketNetowork online marketplace.
Thursday, October 14, 2021
- Mindful Mornings at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – Engage in mindfulness during this outdoors event inspired by the “Forest Bathing” movements in South Korea and Japan, where visitors will participate in a guided meditation before being given time alone on the trails to soak in the benefits of nature. $15 for nonmembers; $10 for members. 9:30am to 10:30am.
- Young Audiences of Houston presents The Essence of Mexico at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – Experience dances from the Mexican states of Nuevo Leon, Veracruz, and Jalisco, along with “The Jarabe Tapatío”, better known around the world as The Mexican Hat Dance, when Young Audiences of Houston and Mixteco Ballet Folklórico bring The Essence of Mexico to the Miller Outdoor Theatre stage. 11am.
- Fall Concert Series: The Mo Jiles Band at Market Street | FREE – Head to Market Street in the Woodlands to catch a variety set filled with country, ’80s hits and more, when the Mo Jiles Band takes to the stage for an evening show as part of the Fall Concert Series. 6pm to 9pm.
- Best Karaoke Contest at Showtime Bar and Lounge | No Cover – Sing your heart out performing hits for cash prizes as Showtime Bar and Lounge hosts a night of friendly competition at their Best Karaoke Contest. 6pm.
- Brew Master’s Social at Social Beer Garden HTX | FREE – Meet the brewmaster behind the beer you’re drinking and try exclusive taproom brews from B-52 Brewing at Social Beer Garden HTX in Midtown. Free with RSVP. 7pm to 10pm.
- Music Bingo at the Social Pub & Grill | No Cover – Katy’s Social Pub and Grill amps up bingo night with a musical twist and drink specials on Texas-made spirits. Games are free to play and winners receive fun prizes from the venue. 7pm to 9pm.
- Kany Garcia in Concert at House of Blues – Catch a live set from the Puerto Rican pop singer-songwriter, Kany Garcia, when she takes the stage at House of Blues in Downtown. $45 to $69.50. 7pm.
- Harry Potter Trivia at Walking Stick Brewing Company| No Cover – Cast a spell testing your knowledge of Harry Potter book and movie, Sorcerer’s Stone, with all-original questions created, written, and hosted by super fans at Walking Stick Brewing Company. 7pm to 9pm.
- The Heartachers: Tom Petty Tribute in Concert at Main Street Crossing – Hear the music of the “Free Fallin'” singer-songwriter, Tom Petty, when the Heartachers pay tribute to him at Main Street Crossing in Tomball. $22 to $62. 8pm.
- Prophets & Outlaws in Concert at Dosey Doe: the Big Barn – Stop through the Woodlands to check out Southern Soul band Prophets & Outlaws when they take to the stage at Dosey Doe: the Big Barn for a live performance. Olivia Harms opens the show. $18 to $24. 8:30pm.
- Dale Watson in Concert at the Continental Club – Get your classic country fix when the Continental Club hosts Austin-based honky-tonker, Dale Watson, for a show in Mid Main. $20 to $35. 9pm.
- Pop Punk Nite at Scout Bar – Enjoy a live performance by the Dallas-based “Pop Punk Super Group”, Van Full of Nuns, at Scout Bar in the Bay Area. As the City Sleeps opens the show. $12. 9pm.
- More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do this weekend are happening all weekend long. Click here to scroll up and see our list, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum passes, tours, and more.
Friday, October 15, 2021
- Boo on the Boardwalk: Freaky Fridays at Kemah Boardwalk | FREE – Bring the kiddos out to Kemah Boardwalk for a live concert by Boogie Man Band as well as a family-friendly Halloween movie screening of 2020 flick, Scoob! 6pm to 10pm.
- Game On! at Houston Zoo – Experience an outdoor escape room–style event that will have you using your wits to solve challenging puzzles with a team at Houston Zoo. This event is 21 and up. $35 per person. 6pm to 9:30pm.
- Friday Night Live at CityPlace | FREE – Catch an R&B set when the Evelyn Rubio Duo performs an outdoor concert at CityPlace in Spring. 6pm.
- Kane Brown at Toyota Center – The award-winning country artist blurs the line between country and R&B, collaborating with musicians across the spectrum, including Chris Young, Becky G, Khalid and John Legend. Now, he’ll make a stop in Downtown after his Rodeo 2020 performance was cancelled. $40.50 to $99.50, but you may find better or cheaper seats using the TicketNetwork online marketplace. 7pm.
- Karaoke at 4J Brewing Company | No Cover – Sing ’til your heart’s content while throwing back delicious local suds at when 4J Brewing Company’s hosts a Karaoke night in Spring Branch. 7pm.
- Andy Mineo in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – Catch a concert from the Christian rapper, Andy Mineo, on his “The Return to Never Land Tour” at White Oak Music Hall in the Heights. $25 in advance; $30 at the door. 7pm.
- Noche de Ofrendas Celebration at MECA Houston | FREE – Just north of Buffalo Bayou near Downtown, the community-based non-profit organization known as MECA Houston returns with their display of ofrendas from members of the community. Tour through the halls of the former Dow School, taking in the personal altars that mark the lives of ancestors and departed loved ones. This year’s edition will also feature a community altar as well as one dedicated to the lives lost due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 7pm to 9pm.
- ALCS Game 1: Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park – Airing on Fox Sports 1. First run tickets are very limited and range from $113 to $269, but you may find hard-to-get seats using the TicketNetwork online marketplace. 7:07pm.
- Mavis Staples Series Spectacular at Discovery Green | FREE – One of the greatest gospel and soul singers to ever grace the stage will make her way to the Discovery Green stage in Downtown for a free show, headlining the ongoing Jazzy Sundays in the Parks concert series taking place across Houston. 7:30pm.
- Tuba Skinny in Concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE | Virtual Option – Marvel at street musicians-turned-ensemble when Tuba Skinny bring their traditional New Orleans sound to the Hermann Park stage for an evening that weaves music of spirituals, Depression-era blues, ragtime, traditional jazz and more. This performance will also be livestreamed. 7:30pm.
- El Alfa in Concert at Smart Financial Centre – Welcome Dominican hip-hop sensation, El Alfa, to the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land when he takes to the stage for a live performance. $25. 8pm.
- Ekulu in Concert at Satellite Bar – Stop through the East End for a stellar show when Satellite Bar welcomes the New York-based metal band, Ekulu, for a live performance. Illusion, Ozone, and Strange Joy open the show. $10. 8pm.
- The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at Warehouse Live – Experience a colorful laser show to the music of the ’60s English rock band, Pink Floyd, at Warehouse Live. $25 to $350. 8:30pm.
- Latin Heat Party at Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon – Dance to nothing but Latin music at the LGBTQ+ friendly Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon during a night also filled with mechanical bull rides and a pole dancing contest. $5 in advance; $10 at the door. 9pm.
- The Last Bandoleros in Concert at Goode Company Armadillo Palace – Watch a live show from the Tex-Mex and pop-rock outfit, the Last Bandoleros when they take to the stage at Goode Company Armadillo Palace in Upper Kirby for a live performance. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 10pm.
- More Great Things to Do All Weekend Long – Some of the biggest things to do in Houston this weekend are happening all weekend long. Click here to scroll up and see our list, or browse Houston Experiences to save on museum passes, tours, and more.
Things to Do on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17, 2021.
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