Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with our Houston Weekend Guide for Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30, 2018. 

Some of the biggest artists will all be in Houston this weekend; from Drake, Taylor Swift, Lauren Hill among others so if music’s your thing, this is the weekend for you! Cheer loud from the stands at BBVA Compass Stadium, channel your green thumb at a DIY succulent terrarium workshop, chow down on all sorts of shrimp-centric dishes, sit back and enjoy a beloved Broadway musical, network with the ladies of tech at the Grace Hopper convention, and more.  

Check below to find great things happening around Houston this weekend, from Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30, 2018.

Things to Do All Weekend

·         YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge 2018 at North Shore Park | Daily – Team up with a group of paddlers and race through Lake Woodlands in a colorful, dragon-headed canoe that spans 40 feet and weighs more than 1800 pounds. The YMCA’s annual challenge, which includes several other team-oriented activities, aims to promote camaraderie, teamwork, and community spirit among its participants. $1000 per team. Times vary.

·         Les Misérables at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Daily – See the timeless, Tony-Award-winning musical, Les Misérables, when British theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh brings his newly revamped production to Houston’s Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown. Tickets start at $35. Showtimes vary.

·         Love & Makes Candle-Making Workshop in Rice Village | Daily – Design and create a personalized wax candle with help from the team at Love & Makes in Rice Village. The BYOB workshop also features handmade goods from local artisans to shop while your candles set. $45. Times vary daily.

·         Around the World in 80 Days at The George Theatre | Daily – Marvel at five actors who transform into 39 different characters—think stampeding elephants, raging typhoons, and runaway trains—in a classic story of adventure, Around the World in 80 Days. Tickets start at $15. Showtimes vary.

·         2018 Grace Hopper Celebration at George R. Brown Convention Center | Thursday and Friday – Join fellow women technologists at the largest convention of its kind, the Grace Hopper Celebration, at George R. Brown Convention Center. You’ll hear keynote speakers and other industry experts speak on topics such as leadership skills, advancements in technology, gaining visibility in the workplace, and gender gaps. $1150. 7:45am both days.

·         Exit Strategy at Rec Room | Thursday to Saturday – Rec Room Arts opens their 2018– 2019 season with Exit Strategy, a play written by Ike Holter that tells the story of a fictional public high school slated for closure at the end of the school year. Tickets are $30 for general admission; $15 for students and $40 for opening night. Thursday 7:30pm; Friday and Saturday 8pm.

·         Galveston Island Shrimp Festival | Friday and Saturday – Get your fill of Gulf Coast shrimp during Galveston Island’s annual shrimp festival. Shellfish lovers can attend a VIP kick-off party, Gumbo Stroll, the Lil’ Shrimp’s Parade, a shrimp cook-off, and a 5k race. Tickets start at $12. Times vary.

·         The Catastrophic Theatre presents Sam Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class at MATCH | Friday to Sunday – On the heels of the one-year anniversary of Sam Shepard’s passing, The Catastrophic Theatre kicks off its new season with Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class, the Pulitzer Prize winning playwright’s searing portrait of a rural, working class family. Tickets start at $10 and all performances are “Pay what you can.” Showtimes vary.

·         Uptown Dance Company presents Female Voices in Motion at MATCH | Friday and Saturday – Head to Midtown’s MATCH for an evening of contemporary ballet, jazz, and modern dance performances produced by a trio of Houston-based, female choreographers. Each piece takes a different approach to represent the female voice in dance, paying tribute to names like Jack Cole, Luigi, and Bob Fosse along the way. $30. 7:30pm both nights.

·         Texas Renaissance Festival | Saturday and Sunday – Hear ye, hear ye, lords and ladies: dress thyself in themed garb, nosh on turkey legs, and shout “Huzzah!” as the beloved Texas Renaissance Festival returns for its 2018 season. Camp out on the festival grounds, or stop in for a full day of shopping, entertainment, wine tasting, and foods fit for a king. Oktoberfest is this week’s theme. Tickets start at $24.95. 

·         Drake in Concert at Toyota Center | Saturday and Sunday – Take a crack at the KiKi Challenge during a live show by the famed actor-turned-rapper and Houston-aficionado, Drake, when he performs at Toyota Center alongside “Walk It Talk It” collaborators Migos. Tickets start at $59.50. 6pm.

·         Southern Living Showcase: Beyond the Storm in Braes Heights | Saturday and Sunday – Browse a selection of culinary, gardening, and interior design demos at the 2018 Southern Living “Beyond the Storm” Showcase Home event. The 6,076-square-foot, three-story home includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a media room, a game room, a dining room, and a breakfast area along with a gourmet kitchen. $15. 1pm and 3pm each day.

Friday, September 28, 2018

·         A Journey of Flavors in Tomball, Texas – Discover the inner workings of coffee-roasting, chocolate truffle-making, and meat-smoking when two family-owned businesses, Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue and Shop Copan, open their doors for A Journey of Flavors in Tomball. $45. 9am.

·         Friday Market at FM Kitchen and Bar | No Cover – Discover your new favorite source of local art, jewelry, beauty products, and produce in this daytime market at FM Kitchen and Bar. 11am to 2pm.

·         Family Movie Night: Movie Screening of Annie at Levy Park | FREE – Treat the family to a free movie this Friday night when Levy Park presents the new take on a classic Broadway musical, Annie, starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. 7:30pm.

·         Succulent Terrarium Craft Class at Art Cellar Houston – Design and create your very own succulent terrarium in this DIY class at Art Cellar Houston. Presented by Pop Shop America, the BYOB workshop includes all supplies necessary to create two small terrariums, as well as maintenance tips to keep your plant looking its best. $35. 7pm to 9:30pm.

·         Ozzy Osbourne in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Hold up a lighter and jam out to a live show by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy-winner Ozzy Osbourne, when he teams up with Stone Sour at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Tickets start at $55. 7:30pm.

·         5 Seconds of Summer in Concert at Smart Financial Centre – Get pumped for a live show by the pop-rock boy group, 5 Seconds of Summer, as they stop at Smart Financial Centre on the Meet You There Tour in Sugar Land. Tickets start at $70. 8pm.

·         Classic Journey Live at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – Hear hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” and “Open Arms” when the Journey tribute band, Classic Journey Live, lights up the stage in a free concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre. 8pm.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

·         2018 Badges & Bases H-Town Run Down at Minute Maid Park – Race through Downtown in support of The Astros Foundation and Houston Police Foundation at the annual Badge & Bases H-Town Run Down. After the race, runners can head to the home plate in Minute Maid Park for a home-run photo op. Tickets start at $25. 7:15am.

·         OutRun Hunger 5K at Harvest Green – Join the fight against hunger as Harvest Green hosts their very first OutRun Hunger 5K Family Walk and Run. The 5K will benefit the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM), a local non-profit that aids families and individuals during times of temporary financial crisis. Tickets range from $15 to $30. On-site registration begins at 7:45am. The kids run starts at 8:30am, followed by the 5K at 9am.

·         Oktoberfest Houston 2018 at The Water Works – Shout “Prost!” at this annual craft beer festival that brings the world-famous German celebration to Houston’s The Water Works. Along with plenty of beer and brats, you can partake in the annual Oktoberfest Olympiad, featuring games like stein-hoisting, brat-tossing, and barrel-rolling. Tickets start at $25. 11am to 6pm.

·         2 Sides 2 Love: A Gospel Stage Play at University of Houston Student Center Theater – Don J. Halliburton brings the gospel comedy to the U of H campus for one performance only. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. 4pm.

·         A Taste of Cy-Fair at Bridgeland Lakeland Village Center – Feast on bites from more than 30 local eateries, sip fine wines, and taste dozens of craft beers at the charity-focused culinary event, A Taste of Cy-Fair. Tickets start at $35. 4pm to 8pm.

·         Summer Saturday Nights at The Blue Field Market | No Cover – Shop ‘till you drop, then relax with a cocktail when Blue Field Market opens every Saturday night this summer. The market offers local vendors, live bands, drink specials, sunset yoga, sand volleyball, and both sports and movie screenings on the big screen. 6pm to 10pm.

·         Ms. Lauryn Hill in Concert at Smart Financial Centre – Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the award-winning and record-breaking album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, with a concert by Ms. Lauryn Hill herself at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land. Tickets start at $31. 6:30pm.

·         NeedToBreathe in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Hear a live version of “Bridges Burn,” the newest single from South Carolina’s NeedToBreathe, along with the rest of their July 2018 Album, Forever on Your Side. Arrive early for opening acts by Johnnyswim and The Rocketboys. Tickets start at $45 7pm.

·         Interpol in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – Jam out to indie rockers Interpol, along with openers Sunflower Bean, when the two groups perform at White Oak Music Hall. Tickets start at $32.50. 7pm.

·         Taylor Swift in Concert at NRG Stadium – Gather your fellow Swifties and flock to NRG Stadium as Taylor Swift returns to Houston on her Reputation tour at NRG Stadium. You’ll hear old favorites, as well as new hits like “Delicate,” “End Game” and “…Ready for It?” Tickets start at $162. 7pm.

·         Bollywood Boogie at Sugar Land Town Square | No Cover – Delight in a colorful performance by Rhythm India Bollywood Dance Co. as they dance to Bollywood music in vibrant Indian costumes. During the show, you can also check out henna and face-painting stations. 7pm to 8:30pm.

·         MoonGarden Opening Night at Discovery Green | FREE – Marvel at 22 illuminated spheres located in and around Discovery Green, transforming the area into an ethereal moonscape at the art installation, MoonGarden. The installation will kick off with an opening night featuring a performance by Cirque la Vie, and a screening of the 1988 film, Moonstruck. 7:30pm to 10pm.

·         Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes at BBVA Compass Stadium – Cheer on the Dynamo as they play the San Jose Earthquakes in a home game at BBVA Compass Stadium. Tickets start at $24. 8pm.

·         Rhythm & Wind at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – Enjoy the unique sounds of Houston’s resident wind quintet, WindSync, as they welcome Austin-based drummer Ivan Trevino for a collaboration at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The group will play acoustic instrumental music inspired by indie rock. 8pm.

·         Owl City in Concert at House of Blues – Dance to the whimsical pop music of Owl City when the group takes the stage at House of Blues on the Cinematic Tour, along with Matt Thiessen and The Earthquakes. Tickets start at $25. 8pm.

Sunday, September 30, 2018

·         East End Farmers Market Day | No Cover – Snag fresh produce, artisan goods, local flora and more from local vendors at the East End Farmers Market on Navigation. 10am.

·         Free Play Sundays & All-Day Happy Hour at Conservatory – Get your game on for free while enjoying Conservatory’s all-day happy hour, which features more than 60 types of draft beer, wine, and select whiskeys. 11am to 2pm.

·         Yoga & Mimosas at Revolver Houston – Stretch it out in a yoga class, then reward your efforts with a refreshing mimosa when Revolver Houston joins Republic Yoga Houston to present Yoga & Mimosas. 12:30pm to 2pm.

·         Culture & Cuisine HTX’s 2nd Annual Cultural Thanksgiving at 8th Wonder Brewery – Culture & Cuisine HTX’s 2nd Annual Cultural Thanksgiving is an afternoon of celebrating the diversity that make Houston so fascinating. There will be 8th Wonder brews, international cuisine from multiple food trucks, cultural performances, international culture, and mingling and networking with Houstonians. Tickets are $5 and include a beer token. 2pm to 6pm.

·         Southern Smoke at The Hay Merchant – Dive into a plate of smoked meat cooked by a dream team of local and regional pit masters, including Chris Shepherd, Aaron Franklin of Franklin’s Barbecue, and Justin Yu, at the fourth annual Southern Smoke barbecue festival. Held outside of Hay Merchant, the event benefits the food and beverage community, their suppliers, and the MS Society. Tickets start at $200. 4pm.

·         USPA Keleen and Carlton Beal Cup at Houston Polo Club – Cheer for your favorite team as the Houston Polo Club hosts the USPA Keleen and Carlton Beal Cup match. There will also be a best-dressed gents contest, a mallet swing contest at halftime, a champagne divot stomp, a player parade, and a McDugald Steele pony hop. Special trophy presentation follows the match. Grandstand seats range from $15 to $695; tickets to the Red Oak Lawn are $30 online ($35 at the gate); $15 for ages 12 and under. 5pm.

·         Florence + The Machine in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Catch a spellbinding performance by Florence + The Machine, the English indie rock group that is known for its contagious stage presence and powerful vocals, when they take over Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for a Sunday night show. Tickets start at $39.50. 7pm.

·         Moon Dance at Discovery Green | FREE – Bring your sweetie to the Moon Dance event, a romantic evening happening within the MoonGarden art installation at Discovery Green. Dance to a moon-inspired playlist that includes salsa, tango, ballroom, swing and more among 22 illuminated spheres with Dance Houston. 7:30pm to 10pm.

·         Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernandez at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – Spend Sunday evening watching a fast-paced, mesmerizing dance performance by Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernandez at Miller Outdoor Theatre. 7:30pm.