Top 17 Festivals & Events This Week in Houston: August 21 to 27, 2023

Make the most of your week with our top festivals, events, and things to do this week in Houston from Monday, August 21 to Sunday, August 27, 2023.

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.

Scroll below to find great things happening in Houston from Monday, August 21 to Sunday, August 27, 2023.

Top 17 Festivals, Events & Things to Do This Week in Houston

• Summer Surprise Pop-Up at Asia Society Texas Center | Daily | Final Week – In its final days, this cafe takeover from Cassie Ghaffar and Sandy Nguyen—the minds behind Saigon Hustle and Sunday Press—will be serving up a fresh menu of banh mi, milk tea, Japanese-inspired sandos and more at the cafe inside Asia Society. Menu prices vary. 8:30am to 3pm.
• Inprint Houston presents James McBride at Alley Theatre | Monday, August 21 – Inprint’s 2023-24 reading series kicks off with author James McBride in conversation with ABC-13 Houston’s Melanie Lawson. McBride will also read from his new novel, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, which tells the story of long-kept secrets by the Jewish and African American immigrants living in Chicken Hill, Pennsylvania. $5. 7:30pm.
• Houston Astros vs. Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park | Monday, August 21 to Thursday, August 24 – A pair of Space City socks, Dollar Dog Night and Martín Maldonado World Series rings highlight the fan perks of this four-game series against the Boston Red Sox. $18 and up. Times vary.
• US Open Cup Semifinal: Houston Dynamo FC vs. Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium | Wednesday, August 23 – Five years after winning the US Open Cup, the Dynamo will again have a shot at getting to the historic competition’s Final, but they have to cross Real Salt Lake to do it. $10 and up. 8:30pm. 
• Houston Musical Theater Company presents Broadway Musical Trivia at Post Houston | Thursday, August 24 – Think you know your Mamma Mia from Man of La Mancha? How about the difference between Dear Evan Hanson and Dreamgirls? Then grab a team and get ready to put your Broadway knowledge to the test as you take in panoramic views of Houston from the Skylawn. $28. 8pm.
• LL Cool J & the Roots, Big Boi & more in Concert at Toyota Center | Friday, August 25 – Getting together for the Frequencies of Real Creative Energy Tour, LL Cool J teams up with the Roots, DJ Z-Trip and DJ Jazzy Jeff for a celebration of hip-hop. Special guests scheduled to appear include Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Goodie Mob, Juvenile and Rakim. $27 and up. 7pm.
• Galveston Island Esports Summit at Galveston Island Convention Center | Friday, August 25 to Sunday, August 27 – Get ready for gaming, robot battles, virtual reality, board games and more as this popular event makes its return to the Island. You’ll find interactive pods and a chance to connect with fellow game enthusiasts. $40 and up; $20 for ages 12 and under. Times vary.
• Author Indie Book Fair at Spring Street Studios | Saturday, August 26 | No Cover – Eighty-nine independent authors from around Texas will be on hand to discuss, sell and sign their work. This family-friendly event in the Arts District includes writers working across multiple genres. Tikkas and Takkos will be on site with food and drink, and artists who work and create at Spring Street Studios will open their doors to showcase their own creativity. 10am to 6pm.
• Summer Dream Bash at Urban South HTX Brewery | Saturday, August 26 | FREE – Expect a waterslide and other activities where you can splash and cool down at this family-friendly event at the Arts District brewery. Look for a live DJ, photo booth, face painting and other activities to celebrate the end of summer. 1pm to 6pm.
• Friends of the Phoenix BBQ Benefit for Daniel Ramon at The Phoenix | Saturday, August 26 | No Cover – This fundraiser raises money for Daniel Ramon, who was hit in a car collision on the way to work in the Woodlands, resulting in two months of hospital stays, surgeries and therapy. Barbecue sandwiches and plates are available for purchase, and there will be live music, a dunk tank, raffle and more. Food will be served from 4pm to 8pm or whenever it runs out. 3pm to 9pm.
• National Battle of the Bands at NRG Stadium | Saturday, August 26 – Kicking off the fall marching band season, this annual competition sees the country’s top bands battling it out on the Texans’ gridiron. TSU’s Ocean of Soul Marching Band highlights the lineup, alongside six other HBCU programs. $20 and up. 6pm.
• Yappy Hour at the San Luis Resort | Saturday, August 26 | No Cover – The Seawall-facing resort in Galveston hosts a dog-friendly happy hour benefiting the Galveston Island Humane Society. 6pm to 8pm.
• Comedians Please Don’t Destroy at White Oak Music Hall | Saturday, August 26 – The Saturday Night Live trio consisting of Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy make a special appearance at White Oak, bringing their brand of surreal, off-color humor to the downstairs stage. $35. 7pm.
• Neon Garden at Axelrad | Saturday, August 26 | FREE – The monthly series returns to Axelrad with a free outdoor concert, a Super Smash Bros. tournament, and retro video game stations set up throughout the venue alongside art installations. 7pm to 2am.
• Fat Tony DJ Set at El Segundo Swim Club | Sunday, August 27 – The Houston native son and Third Ward rapper takes to the decks at the laidback swim club in Second Ward for a DJ set in the dog days of summer. $30. 11am.
• The Brunch: End of Summer Beer Market at Pitch 25 | Sunday, August 27 | FREE – Families and pets are welcome to hit up the EaDo sports bar for a market, live music, aerial silk performances by Crystal Yoga Studio, brunch and drink specials, and more. This end-of-summer event will get you ready for fall. 2pm to 7pm.
• RBD in Concert at Minute Maid Park | Sunday, August 27 – Touring for the first time in 15 years, Mexican pop group RBD have reunited to make a stop at Minute Maid, marking their final concert appearance in Houston before disbanding again after the tour. $92 and up. 7pm.

Many More Things to Do in Houston

• Top Concerts & Live Shows This Week – Check out our top picks for local and touring musicians, stars, and personalities hitting the stage in H-Town this week.
• Top Games & Sports Events This Week – Scope out professional and select college sports games, touring athletic competitions, local fitness and participatory events, and more.
• Top Things to Do For Kids & Families This Week – Zero in on the best option for families and the junior set around Greater Houston.
• Current Temporary Museum Exhibits & Art Installations in Greater Houston – Explore the newest installations and exhibits on short term display at museums and locations around Houston, with a focus on art, history, and science.
• More Options on Our Calendar – Explore more live entertainment, events, pop-ups, markets, and other options around Houston.

Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!