Top 21 Festivals & Events This Week in Houston: October 9 to 15, 2023

Make the most of your week with our top festivals, events, and things to do this week in Houston from Monday, October 9 to Sunday, October 15, 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, October 9 to Sunday, October 15, 2023.

Top 21 Festivals, Events & Things to Do This Week in Houston

• NBA Preseason: Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers at Toyota Center | Tuesday, October 10 – A new season tips off with the preseason opener for a new-look Rockets squad with high hopes on the horizon. $5 and up. 7pm.
• Foo Fighters in Concert at 713 Music Hall | Tuesday, October 10 – Dave Grohl brings the Foo Fighters to the 713 in celebration of their eleventh studio album, But Here We Are, the band’s first release since losing their longtime drummer and Foo family member Taylor Hawkins. Tickets are sold out at the venue, but you may find hard-to-get seats using the TicketNetwork online marketplace. 7:30pm.
• Janelle Monae at Bayou Music Center | Tuesday, October 10 – The singer-songwriter, rapper, actor, and straight up renaissance figure Janelle Monae is taking over the Bayou City with music from their fourth studio album, a reawakening and symbol of personal evolution, The Age of Pleasure. $61.50 and up. 8pm.
• Catastrophic Theatre presents Waiting for Godot at MATCH | Thursday, October 12 to Saturday, October 14 | Final Weekend – In Samuel Beckett’s absurdist masterpiece, two penniless tramps wait on a road for Mr. Godot to show up, only to find out that he won’t come today, but surely tomorrow. As they wait, they pass the time in every way imaginable. Greg Dean, Charlie Scott, Kyle Sturdivant and Troy Schulze reprise their roles from Catastrophic’s 2013 production, which was hailed by critics across the city for its brilliance. Pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
• Halloween Horror Market at Saint Arnold Brewing Company | Friday, October 13 | FREE – Houston’s flagship brewery hosts a spooky marketplace brimming with vintage and modern toys, local art, comics and more, courtesy of Super Happy Incredible Toys and Texas Time Warp Collectibles. With Pumpkinator flowing from the taps, you can also scope out a flash tattoo, get your face painted and participate in a costume contest with prizes on the line. 5pm to 10pm.

• Witches Brew Market at National Museum of Funeral History | Friday, October 13 – The North Houston museum for all things funerary hosts a special evening of small business wares from more than 20 vendors along with complimentary drinks, lite bites, and a stroll through the animated haunted house. $40; VIP admission available for $75. 7pm to 10pm.
• John Waters: End of the World at Wortham Center | Friday, October 13 – The legendary director and comedian brings an all-new, fast-moving, comic monologue to Downtown, about today’s despair and diseases, desires and desperations—all while carrying an insane optimism welcoming audiences into a new dawn of depravity. $29 and up. 7:30pm.
• King’s Oktoberfest 2023 at King’s Bierhaus Heights | Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15 – The Bavarian BierHaus in the Heights hosts a weekend of Oktoberfest fun with a wide selection of German beer and authentic German plates, costume contests, mug lifting competitions, live music and carnival games. One-day passes are $20 and up, $59 including drinks. VIP passes are $120 and includes food and more. Times vary.
• PRH Block Party at Project Row Houses | Saturday, October 14 | FREE – Celebrate the 30-year legacy of Project Row Houses in Third Ward with an all-day bash with food trucks and live performances, kids activities, local vendors and more. Enjoy music from Yung Joc, Devin the Dude, Lil Keke, Marium Echo, and others at this celebration of PRH and its founders. 1pm to 9pm.
• Southern Smoke Festival 2023 at Discovery Green | Saturday, October 14 – Southern Smoke Foundation’s big bash returns for 2023, raising funds for the nonprofit’s efforts to help food and beverage industry folks nationwide. Joined by a stellar lineup of chefs from Houston and around the country, this year’s events include the chef-fueled Throwdown at Discovery Green. Tickets are $175; VIP available for $500. 3pm to 8pm.

• An Evening with Los Lobos at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Saturday, October 14 | FREE – The Chicano rockers are celebrating a prolific 50 years in the biz with a night of their many hits. One of Miller Outdoor’s signature shows of their 100th anniversary, Los Lobos will help close out Hispanic Heritage Month festivities. 6:30pm.
• SZA in Concert at Toyota Center | Saturday, October 14 – The Grammy Award–winning icon finally lands in H-Town, touting her fire sophomore album SOS with a dramatic show in Downtown. D4VID will be supporting. $173 and up. 8pm.
• 2023 Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington Field | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 – One of the top airshows in the nation, Wings Over Houston showcases vintage World War II aircraft and modern aviation with soaring spectacles, reenactments, and high-flying aerobatics. This year will feature an appearance by the USAF Thunderbirds along with simulator rides, a kid’s carnival, merchandise and autograph booths. Tickets include admission for one adult and up to 6 children (ages 14 and under). Sign up for free to be an Air Show Insider and score discounted admission on tickets. Advance tickets are $45, $50 at the gate. 8am to 4pm.
• Pearland Art on the Pavilion at Pearland Town Center | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 | No Cover – Hit up Pearland’s outdoor shopping district for a two-day juried art market featuring regional artists showcasing and selling one-of-a-kind artwork, with performances by local bands and musicians, plus food truck offerings. 10am to 5pm.
• Bayou City Art Festival in Sam Houston Park | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 – The Bayou City Art Festival returns to Sam Houston Park in Downtown for two days of art shopping and showcases by more than 220 national and international artists. Plus, you can stroll the craft beer and boutique wine gardens, participate in a community art project and take in live performances. Tickets are $18 and up; free for ages 12 and under. 10am to 6pm.

• Galveston Greek Festival at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 | FREE – Galveston’s Greek fest returns with two days of Greek food, drinks, pastries, souvenirs, and more. There will be live Bouzouki by Dimitri Karageorgo, traditional Greek Dancers, church tours, imported merchandise and food products in the Greek market. Times vary.
• I’m Not a Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce at Evelyn Rubenstein JCC | Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15 – Explore the legendary life and death of funnyman and free speech champion Lenny Bruce, portrayed by actor Ronnie Mario in a performance that’s been lauded by the comedian’s real life friends, family, and fans. The show explores Bruce’s personal pain, sharply funny social commentary and completely original, freestyle comedy that left a lasting impact on today’s poetry, politics, music, film, and comedy. $45 and up. Times vary.
• Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints at NRG Stadium | Sunday, October 15 – Rookie of the Year-hopeful C.J. Stroud looks to lead his team to another victory as the New Orleans Saints come marching in. $100 and up. Noon.
• Sounds to Live By at the Menil Collection | Sunday, October 15 | FREE – On Menil’s outdoor lawn, this annual music event brings a free show featuring selections by Peter Lucas, visual artists Tierney Malone, Jamal Cyrus and Alexis Pye, plus sounds from DJ and music historian Flash Gordon Parks. 3pm to 6pm.
• Texas Open at Houston Polo Club | Sunday, October 15 – Experience a world class polo match, player parade, live music, expert announcing, Champagne divot stomp at halftime and special trophy presentation. David Cordúa’s The Lymbar will be serving on-site concessions, featuring Argentine- and Brazilian-inspired fare. $18 and up. 4pm.
• ALCS Game 1: Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park | Sunday, October 15 – The Astros begin the ALCS round against heated rivals from Arlington. If you’ve managed to grab a ticket, you can show up early in the hours before the game and enjoy a Postseason Street Fest with live music, food and drink, photo ops and more. You must have a valid ticket to the game in order to enter. Tickets are sold out, but you may find hard-to-get seats using the TicketNetwork online marketplace. 7:15pm.

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!