Make the most of your week with our top festivals, events, and things to do this week in Houston from Monday, February 19 to Sunday, February 25, 2024.
Rodeo festivities take center stage this week as several kick-off events get the season underway.
Elsewhere around town, you can catch the Dynamo open a new season, an Indian film festival, the final Lunar New Year celebrations of the month, 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
- World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park | Thursday, February 22 to Saturday, February 24 – More than 250 teams of barbecue enthusiasts will compete in this epic weekend of barbecue, and while most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can join in on the fun at several public venues, including the carnival, The Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuckwagon. $25, includes a complimentary sliced brisket plate with chips and beans. Times vary.
- Rodeo Roundup at Houston City Hall | Friday, February 23 | FREE – Kicking off Go Texan Day, Houstonians are invited to this free, family-friendly event in downtown’s Hermann Square. The event will feature a Go Texan Day proclamation, followed by free chopped barbecue sandwiches, live music, photo ops with a Texas Longhorn steer and a visit with Rodeo volunteers. Boots, hats, and Western attire are encouraged. 11am to 1pm.
- Rodeo Festival at Houston Farmer’s Market | Friday, February 23 | FREE – Shop Local Market helps kick off the rodeo season at with a full day of outdoor fun, including live music, a mechanical bull and rodeo clown, tasty pop-ups, a petting zoo, western-themed photo ops, and more. If you’re looking for the final piece of your rodeo outfit, then stop by Shop Local’s new storefront at Houston Farmers Market for a great selection of rodeo-ready merch. Noon to 6pm.
- Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center | Friday, February 23 – For the final time in Houston this season, Kevin Durant and his Phoenix teammates, including Devin Booker and Eric Gordon, bring a Western Conference clash to the hardcourt. $15 and up. 7pm.
- A Prairie Home Companion 50th Anniversary at the 1894 Grand Opera House | Friday, February 23 – The Galveston stage hosts Garrison Keillor and the iconic radio show in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The show includes new editions of beloved sketches like Guy Noir, Private Eye, The Lives of Cowboys, and more, performed alongside the Royal Academy of Radio Acting and sound effects wizard Fred Newman. Tickets are sold out at the venue, but you may find hard-to-get seats using the online marketplace. 8pm.
- 16th Indian Film Festival of Houston at Asia Society Texas Center | Friday, February 23 & Saturday, February 24 – The film festival celebrates 16 years with a lineup of feature films, documentaries and shorts from filmmakers of India and the Diaspora. Each night features three screenings, plus a reception and live entertainment. $20 for single screenings; $50 for day passes. 4pm to 9:30pm.
- Bread & Puppet Theatre at 14 Pews | Friday, February 23 to Sunday, February 25 – The world-renowned, Vermont-based Bread & Puppet Theater comes to the cozy theater in the Heights for three performances of The Palestine Emergency Mass, which draws from Catholic funeral mass traditions and imbues them with hymns, scripture readings and puppets large and small in a spectacle of protest and celebration. $20. 3pm to 5pm.
- Arboretum Archeology Day at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center | Saturday, February 24 | FREE – All ages are welcome to take a glimpse into the past at Arboretum Archeology Day. Visitors can see prehistoric and historic artifacts, examine bones and skulls from native animals, and put their archeology skills to the test. Free to attend; $5 for the Soil Screening Lab. 10am to noon.
- Rodeo Parade in Downtown | Saturday, February 24 | FREE – The annual Rodeo Parade transforms the streets of Downtown into a Western fiesta to celebrate Rodeo season, featuring decorative floats, thousands of folks on horseback, and live marching bands. 10am to 2pm.
- Hockey Day in Houston at Saint Arnold Brewing Company | Saturday, February 24 | FREE – Hockey fans will gather in the beer garden for a full day of NHL hockey on the big screen, plus appearances from former professional hockey players, Zamboni photo ops, vendors and a street hockey clinic for kids. 11am to 11pm.
- Have A Nice Day Lunar New Year Celebration at the Ion | Saturday, February 24 | FREE – The annual fest returns to the Ion, with an evening of local vendor shopping, lion dances, a red envelope giveaway, music and more. Complimentary beverages from Johnnie Walker for those 21 and up. 4pm to 8pm.
- G&G Rodeo Smokeshow at Truth BBQ | Saturday, February 24 – Garden & Gun has teamed up with Truth BBQ, and Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to put on an epic Rodeo kick-off event. Ticketholders can expect live music, craft bourbon cocktails, a Western goods maker market, and Lone Star-inspired menu from Truth BBQ chef-owner Leonard Botello. $85. 6pm.
- Home Opener: Houston Dynamo FC vs. Sporting Kansas City at Shell Energy Stadium | Saturday, February 24 – After a big rebound season that saw the Dynamo notch another U.S. Open Cup and return to the playoffs, they’ll kick off a new year against familiar foes from Kansas City. $18 and up. 7:30pm.
- Black History Culture Fest at Avenida Houston | Saturday, February 24 & Sunday, February 25 – Close out Black History Month with a weekend celebration in Downtown Houston, featuring a local marketplace from BLCK Market, exciting live performances and delicious food. 2pm to 6pm.
- Winter Festival Lunar New Year at MFAH | Sunday, February 25 | FREE – The Museum of Fine Arts celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a day of fiery drums, thrilling lion and dragon dances, art-making activities, East Asian foods and local vendors. Complimentary snacks and water will also be available. 1pm to 5pm.
Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!
Subscribe to our free Weekend Guide newsletter and receive a round-up of great things to do every weekend in Houston, hitting your inbox on Thursday.
Don’t want to miss anything? Opt in for our Daily Updates to discover new things happening in Houston and receive special updates and offers, every weekday.
