Make the most of your month with our list of 18 biggest and most notable festivals and events in Houston in May 2022.
The beginning of the month is loaded with ways to delight in longer days and warmer weather.
You may be pumped for Cinco de Mayo, but this month’s celebrations start with Star Wars fandom on May 4 and continue through Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8. But all month long, Houston is chock full of live concerts, cultural events, food festivals, and more.
Events are listed chronologically by week, and are not in a ranked order. Events that span multiple weeks are carried over into the following week where appropriate.
Top 18 Festivals & Events in Houston This Month: May 2022
Week of Monday, May 2, 2022
- 20th Annual Menu of Menus at Silver Street Studios | Tuesday, May 3 – Sip, sample, and taste your way through more than 40 Houston restaurants at the 20th Annual Menu of Menus extravaganza. $45 and up. 7pm.
- May the 4th Be With You Celebrations in Houston | Wednesday, May 4 – Star Wars fandom will be at its best for this official franchise holiday. Celebrate your inner Jedi with festivals, food and drink specials, and more all over Houston.
- Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra at Jones Hall | Wednesday, May 4 – With a decades-long list of blockbuster appearances, Jeff Goldblum is also an accomplished jazz performer with multiple releases alongside the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. He’ll be downtown to answer questions, perform jazz standards, and crack you up. $40. 7:30pm.
- Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Houston | Thursday, May 5 – Commemorate the Mexican Army’s 1862 victory over France with concerts, fiestas, margaritas and, of course, tacos.
- Kentucky Derby Celebrations in Houston | Saturday, May 7 – It might be the fastest two minutes in sports, but there are plenty of Bayou City celebrations to throw on your oversized hat, sip a mint julep, and bet on a good time.
- Festival of Eid at Asia Society Texas Center | Saturday, May 7 | FREE – Mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan at this Asia Society festival that features outdoor food trucks and delicious eats, as well as craft activities, henna designs, musical performances and an indoor bazaar where you can shop local artists and small businesses. Pre-registration is required. 4pm to 8pm.
- Galveston Historic Homes Tour on Galveston Island | Saturday, May 7 & Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 – Step into architectural history on the island when the Historic Homes Tour returns with public walkthroughs of privately owned homes and some of the longest-standing structures in Galveston. An additional weekend of tours will also take place Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15. $40. 10am to 6pm.
- Mother’s Day Events & Brunches around Houston | Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 – Ensure your position as “favorite child” for at least one more year at one of these Mother’s Day brunch hot spots or fun Houston celebrations.
- The Who in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | Sunday, May 8 – Legendary rock band The Who takes the stage, bringing original band members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend back to the U.S. after a two-year break. $33 and up. 7:30pm.
Week of Monday, May 9, 2022
- Give Them Lala Live at House of Blues | Wednesday, May 11 – House of Blues welcomes American TV personality (best known from Vanderpump Rules), podcaster, best-selling author and business woman, Lala Kent. $42.50. 8pm.
- Houston Ballet at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday, May 13 & Saturday, May 14 | FREE – Miller Outdoor Theatre welcomes Houston Ballet for two nights of a free dance showcase, highlighting the company’s internationally recognized company of dancers. 8pm.
- Heartmade Art Market at Market Square Park | Saturday, May 14 | No Cover – Shop for a good cause while supporting Texas’ talented artists and local nonprofits at this annual curated art market in Downtown. 10am to 5pm.
- Galveston Historic Homes Tour on Galveston Island | Saturday, May 14 & Sunday, May 15 – Step into architectural history on the island when the Historic Homes Tour returns with public walkthroughs of privately owned homes and some of the longest-standing structures in Galveston. An additional weekend of tours will also take place Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15. $40. 10am to 6pm.
Week of Monday, May 16, 2022
- New Kids on the Block, with Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley & En Vogue at Toyota Center | Tuesday, May 19 – Four iconic groups bring their latest hits and the ultimate in ’90s pop nostalgia during their 2022 Mix Tape Tour. $25 and up. 7:30pm.
- Pasadena Strawberry Festival at Pasadena Fairgrounds | Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22 – The annual strawberry fest returns to Pasadena, featuring a weekend of barbecue, carnival rides, a car show, mutton bustin’, a kids zone, and more. $15; $5 for ages 6 to 10. Weekend passes are $30. Times vary.
- 14th Annual Galveston Island Beach Revue at Beach Central | Saturday, May 21 – Head to the island for some throwback fun in the sun at this official kick-off to the summer season, featuring a Bathing Beauties contest, hot rod and classic car show, food and vintage vendors, and more. $5 and up. Noon to 7pm.
- The Taste of Louisiana Festival 2022 at Crown Festival Park | Saturday, May 21 – Festival goers are invited to experience 360 degrees of Louisiana food, music, and culture at this annual festival. Expect a lineup of Louisiana food vendors, arts and crafts, and live entertainment across two stages. $15 and up. 2pm to 9pm.
Week of Monday, May 23, 2022
- CultureMap Tastemaker Awards 2022 at Silver Street Studios | Wednesday, May 25 – Hosted by legendary Houston rapper Bun B, this annual awards celebrations offers the chance to sample some first-rate food and cocktails from the city’s top restaurant and bar talent. $75 and up. 7pm.
- Houston Symphony presents The Best of John Williams: Star Wars & More at Jones Hall | Friday, May 27 to Sunday, May 29 | Virtual Option – The Houston Symphony puts together a best-of list from composer, conductor, and pianist John Williams, who has composed some of the most recognizable movie scores in history. $29 and up ($20 for livestream on Saturday, May 28). Showtimes vary.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
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