Top 15 Festivals & Events This Week in Houston: August 12 to 18, 2024

Stake your spot for Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park in Downtown | Courtesy of Market Square Park

Make the most of your week with our top festivals, events, and things to do this week in Houston from Monday, August 12 to Sunday, August 18, 2024.

This week is highlighted by the return of the Texans to the gridiron, free performances at Miller Outdoor, major headliners taking the concert stage, a Houston chef showcase, and more.

We’ve whittled down all the happenings in H-Town to our picks for the week, but you can always check out the extended calendar for more things to do in Houston.

Top 15 Festivals, Events & Things to Do This Week in Houston

  • Def Leppard, Journey & Steve Miller Band at Minute Maid Park | Wednesday, August 14 – A trio of legendary rock groups band together for a huge night of the biggest hits from the 1980s superstars. $39.50 and up. 6pm.
  • Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park | Thursday, August 15 – Kick off a new season of this popular Downtown event, sprawling out on a blanket for a night of fun, music and prizes. $10 cash. 6pm.
  • Frankie Quiñones at Wortham Center | Thursday, August 15 – The comedian known for his roles in the Hulu series, The Fool, and his cholo-turned-fitness guru character, Creeper, brings his comedy to the big stage in Downtown. $29.50 and up. 7:30pm.
  • The Roots in Concert at 713 Music Hall | Friday, August 16 – The Philly hip-hop band makes a stop at the Post Houston venue, led by Black Thought and Questlove, and joined by openers Arrested Development and Digable Planets. $75.95 and up. 8pm.
  • Incredible India: Krishnaa: Fire to Frost at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday, August 16 | FREE – The Abhinava Dance Company tells the story of Draupadi, one of the most memorable characters in the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Through narration, song and dance, Draupadi’s tale is told with its many life experiences that shaped her unique perspective and journey toward peace through dignity, elegance and power. 8:30pm.
  • Houston Astros vs. Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park | Friday, August 16 to Sunday, August 18 – Celebrate the 2024 class of Astros Hall of Famers when the White Sox come down south a special weekend of ceremonies and more. Giveaways include a Jose Altuve throwback jersey, a commemorative Altuve bobblehead, and a retro Astros duffle bag. $17 and up. Times vary.
  • Dirt Dogs Unleashed presents Frenzy at MATCH | Friday, August 16 to Sunday, August 18 | Ongoing – This world premiere play is the story of Rebecca, who has all the groundwork laid for the multi-million dollar acquisition of her sister’s tech firm. But things go awry when a crowd gathers and a cellphone video goes viral. Is it possible for one person to protect themselves from an internet mob? This production runs through Saturday, August 24. $30. Showtimes vary.
  • NFL Preseason: Houston Texans vs. New York Giants at NRG Stadium | Saturday, August 17 – The Texans christen a new year with this first home game of the NFL preseason, facing the Giants in one of two home matchups leading to the new season in September. $40 and up. Noon.
  • Flea by Night at Discovery Green | Saturday, August 17 | FREE – Treasure hunt in the Downtown park space at a nighttime market filled with one-of-a-kind vintage, handmade, recycled and local goods alongside musical entertainment and food trucks. 6pm to 10pm.
  • Santana & Counting Crows at Toyota Center | Saturday, August 17 – One of the greatest guitar players of all time, Carlos Santana brings his band to the Toyota Center for 50 years of hits and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Supernatural. Counting Crows are in support. $26 and up. 7pm.
  • Miller Summer Mixtape at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Saturday, August 17 | FREE – This summer’s celebration of Houston’s local talent returns to the Miller Outdoor stage, featuring a lineup that includes Kam Franklin, EZ Band, Seth Sutch, Shelby Ruger, DJ Kardiac and DJ Michele McKnight. Stake a spot on the hill and take in this night of funk, rock, Norteño and hip-hop. 8pm.
  • Mega Adoption Event at George R. Brown Convention Center | Saturday, August 17 & Sunday, August 18 – More than 1,000 dogs and cats, from puppies and kittens to senior animals, will be available for adoption at this fourth annual supersized event in Downtown. Adoption fees are just $35 and you’ll take them home the same day. All animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Free to enter; $35 to adopt. 10am to 5pm.
  • Karbach Latina Festival at Karbach Brewing Co. | Sunday, August 18 | FREE – This all-day fest at the Spring Branch brewery celebrates Latina artists, entrepreneurs and creatives. Texas Salsa Congress will be on hand with free salsa classes, plus you can shop a local market of Latina vendors, take in music from DJs Gracie Chavez and Caribbeats, and more. 11am to 6pm.
  • Paul Wall & Lil’ Keke in Concert at Home Run Dugout | Sunday, August 18 – Rescheduled from 713 Day due to Hurricane Beryl, this celebration of Houston features the H-Town rap legends teaming up at the Katy baseball bar, which will also host an exotic and custom car show along with exclusive merch and more. $40 and up. 3pm to 9pm.
  • Alex vs. America Viewing Party at Craft Pita | Sunday, August 18 – Come out to watch Chef Raffi, along with 2 chefs from California and New York, compete on the Food Network series, Alex vs. America, in a battle of Mediterranean food against Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Admission to the viewing party will get you two dishes made by Chef Raffi in the episode—grilled shrimp kabob with fattoush salad and Lebanese bolognese—plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. $50. 7:30pm to 9pm.

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Justin Jerkins
A longtime Houstonian, Justin Jerkins always keeps an eye out for what's ahead on Houston's horizon while serving as Editor-in-Chief of 365 Things to Do in Houston. When he's not passing along the latest events, destinations and hidden treasures in H-Town, he loves diving into the city's food scene, shopping local and learning about Houston's rich history.