Find the perfect things to do in Houston MLK Weekend with our Houston Weekend Guide for Friday, January 18 to MLK Day, Monday, January 21, 2019. 

Cheer on athletes competing in the annual Chevron Houston Marathon; catch a hilarious, Tony Award-winning musical; don your cozy onesie for a bar crawl down Washington Avenue; honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a variety of celebrations around town; watch Boyz II Men team up with the Houston Symphony and more.  

Check below to find great things happening around Houston this weekend, from Friday, January 18 to MLK Day, Monday, January 21, 2019.

Things to Do All MLK Weekend

  • Midday Kidcuts with Birds Barbershop’s “Earlybird” Special | $5 Off | Daily – Snag a great coif for your favorite kiddos and save $5 per haircut for ages 10 and under at Birds Barbershop in The Heights on Mondays through Thursdays in January 2019. Clients can walk in during regular business hours, schedule a same-day appointment via the Birds Booking app, or call ahead. 10am to 3pm each day.
  • The Book of Mormon at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Thursday to Sunday – Don’t miss your chance to see the nine-time Tony Award-winning musical, The Book of Mormon when the touring cast performs a six-day stretch of the hilarious show at Houston’s Hobby Center. Tickets start at $80. Showtimes vary.
  • Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia at Sam Houston Race Park | Thursday to Sunday – Watch an enchanting performance of Cirque du Soleil‘s Luzia, which takes audiences on an imaginary journey through Mexico with stunning costumes and breathtaking acrobatics at Sam Houston Race Park. Tickets start at $45. Showtimes vary.
  • 10th Annual Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest | Friday and Saturday – Roll up your sleeves and come hungry to the tenth annual, 2-day Chili Quest & Beer Fest in Galveston. Start the party at Yaga’s Cafe on Friday, then make your way to several tasty events along the Historic Strand on Saturday. Expect chili samples, beer tastings, live music, a washers tournament, a 5K fun run, a margarita contest, and shopping. Tickets start at $12. Times vary.
  • International Gem & Jewelry Show at NRG Center | Friday to Sunday – Admire a dazzling collection of gemstones, fine jewelry, engagement rings and bands, designer watches, pearls, beads, accessories, and minerals during the International Gem & Jewelry Show at NRG Center. $6. Times vary.
  • 4th Annual Alley All New Festival at Alley Theatre | Friday to Sunday – Check out a full lineup of readings, workshop performances, parties, and the world premiere of The Carpenter, during the fourth annual Alley All New Festival at Alley Theatre. Prices and times vary.
  • The Oak Ridge Boys at The Grand 1894 Opera House | Friday to Sunday – Hear the four-part harmonies of The Oak Ridge Boys as they perform a slew of country hits at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. Tickets start at $37. Times vary.

Friday, January 18, 2019

  • 23rd Annual Foley Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church | FREE – Cheer on talented students as they compete in the 23rd Annual Foley Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition, which challenges participants to present a short speech in response to the question, “What would Dr. King say to the children of today’s world?”. 10am.
  • Funfetti Fridays on The ICE at Discovery Green – Skate around The ICE at Discovery Green while jamming out to a colorful light show with beats from DJ Mohawk Steve during Funfetti Fridays. Tickets are $11. Skate rentals cost $4. 7pm to 9pm.
  • Bowie: Art Market & Movie Nights at Karbach Brewing Co | No Cover – Celebrate David Bowie with a free screening of his 1986 film, Labyrinth, accompanied by a themed art market at Karbach Brewing Co. 5pm to 10pm.
  • Onesie Bar Crawl on Washington Ave – Get cozy in your favorite pajamas and make your way through several bars along Washington Avenue at this onesie-themed bar crawl. Bars will offer drink specials throughout the event and include Kung Fu Saloon, Clutch Bar Houston, Concrete Cowboy and more. Tickets are $10 in advance; $25 at the door, plus fees. 6pm.
  • Houston Marathon Kickoff Party featuring The Nirvana Experience & Weezhur at House of Blues – Sing and dance to all your favorite throwback songs by Nirvana and Weezer during a cover band concert at House of Blues to kick off the marathon weekend. $12. 7pm.
  • Florencia en el Amazonas at Wortham Theater Center – Bask in the sounds of Florencia en el Amazonas, an epic opera that tells the tale of a talented singer who ventures home to South America after a 20-year stretch and finds her long-lost love. Tickets start at $25. 7:30pm.
  • Turkish Music Festival at Asia Society Texas Center – Experience an evening of Turkish music and traditions at this annual festival hosted by the Asia Society Texas Center. The concert will feature Grammy-nominated composer and musician Mehmet Ali Şanlıkol, along with the San Francisco-based Del Sol String Quartet. Tickets cost $30 for non-members; $20 for members. 7:30pm to 10pm.
  • Boyz II Men & The Houston Symphony in Concert at Jones Hall – Hear a mesmerizing performance by the four-time Grammy-winning R&B trio, Boyz II Men, when they team up with the Houston Symphony for a special show at Jones Hall. Chelsea Tipton II will conduct the concert. Tickets start at $35. 7:30pm.
  • Hannah Kirby’s Acoustic Concert at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – Hannah Kirby, award-winning Texas songwriter and finalist on NBC’s The Voice, joins guitarist Brad Thompson (2018 Fort Worth Star-Telegram musician of the year) to give Houstonians an intimate, acoustic blues-rock performance. Tickets are $20. 9:30pm.

Saturday, January 19, 2019

  • Urban Harvest Farmers Market | No Cover – Shop for produce and prepared foods at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market at its new location off of Buffalo Speedway. 8am to noon.
  • Houston Center for Photography Workshop at Levy Park | FREE – Learn the basics of photography every first and third Saturday of the month at Levy Park. 9am to 10:30am.
  • Bubbles, Bibs, & Brunch Bash at Pico’s – Join Dress for Success Houston for a delicious brunch featuring bites from the city’s hottest eateries at Pico’s Restaurant in Upper Kirby following the We Are Houston 5K. Participating restaurants include Poitin, Hungry’s, Alice Blue, River Oaks Donuts, and more. Tickets start at $40. 9:30am to 12:30pm.
  • MLK Youth Parade in Midtown Houston | FREE – Watch or march in Midtown’s 13th Annual MLK Youth Parade, which features 10 parade floats and 20 marching bands. Noon to 1:30pm.
  • Pacquiao vs. Broner Watch Party at La Cantina, by La Calle – Root for your pick in one of the season’s biggest boxing matches when Manny Pacquiao returns to the U.S. after two years to take on Adrien Broner. La Cantina is offering reserved seating for an additional fee and plenty of drink specials throughout the night. Tickets start at $10. 6pm.
  • Bayou City Burlesque Circus Festival at Warehouse Live – Marvel at high-flying acrobats, death-defying sideshows, extraordinary burlesque, fantastical jugglers, and other glamorous acts at the world-renowned Bayou City Burlesque Circus Festival. Tickets start at $25. 7pm to 11pm.
  • Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center – Cheer loud for the Rockets when they hit the court to play the Lakers at Toyota Center. Ticket prices are TBA. 7:30pm.
  • Jazzmeia Horn Septet at Wortham Center – Take a seat for a show-stopping concert by Texas-born vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, who will perform in support of her debut recording on Concord’s Prestige label, A Social Call, at the Wortham Theater Center.Tickets start at $37.50. 8pm.
  • El Ten Eleven, Joan of Arc in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – Jam out to the music of post-rock duo El Ten Eleven as they perform a selection of songs for audiences at White Oak Music Hall, alongside fellow indie-rockers Joan of Arc. Tickets are $15 in advance; $17 at the door, plus fees. 8pm.
  • Demetri Martin at House of Blues – Burst out laughing during a stand-up show by award-winning comedian Demetri Martin at House of Blues in Downtown. Tickets are $39.75. 8pm.
  • Los Tucanes De Tijuana in Concert at Arena Theatre – Dance along to music by the popular Mexican norteño band, Los Tucanes De Tijuana, when they bring their beats to Houston’s Arena Theatre. Tickets start at $65. 8:30pm.
  • Amen Dunes in Concert at Rockefellers – Listen to the dynamic soundscapes and intimate lyrics of Amen Dunes as he takes the stage at Rockefellers following his 2018 release, Freedom. Tickets start at $15. 9pm.

Sunday, January 20, 2019

  • Chevron Houston Marathon – Volunteer, show your support, or join the runners as they compete in the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon, which winds throughout the city, beginning and ending in Downtown. You must register for this event. 6:45am
  • Family Fun Day at The MATCH | FREE – Bring the kiddos to an afternoon of family-friendly fun in celebration of The Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston’s (MATCH) fourth year in operation. You can enjoy character visits, balloon animals, a bounce house, kid-friendly concerts, and performances from Main Street Theater and Open Dance Project. 1pm to 4pm.
  • Watercolor Painting Classes at Honey Art Cafe – Learn how to paint abstract, modern, and minimalist aesthetics in this mini-watercolor painting class at Honey Art Cafe. Catzilla is the subject of this week’s family-friendly class. $35. 1pm.
  • MLK Battle of the Bands Competition at W.W. Thorne Stadium | FREE – Pick your favorite of more than 20 nationally acclaimed marching bands from high schools across the country in the 18th Annual MLK Battle of the Bands at W.W. Thorne Stadium. 4pm to 7pm.
  • Skating with the Stars at Discovery Green | FREE – Skate alongside skilled professionals when they take to The ICE at Discovery Green every Sunday evening throughout the winter season. 6pm to 6:45pm.
  • Wild Moccasins, with DEGA in Concert at Satellite Bar – Check out a concert by Houston’s own Wild Moccasins when they play a set alongside DEGA at Satellite Bar in the East End. You’ll hear music from their most recent album, Look Together. Tickets start at $10. 7pm.
  • Boss Life Awards & Ball 2019 at The Post Oak Hotel – Rub elbows with some of Houston’s most distinguished business women and men at the sixth annual Boss Life Awards and Ball in The Post Oak Hotel. Benefitting scholarship programs for high school graduates, the event will offer light bites and a cash bar. $150. 8pm.

MLK Day, Monday, January 21, 2019

  • MLK Day at Children’s Museum of Houston – Listen to uplifting words by Gardere’s oratory speech winner, march down Kid’s Hall in celebration of civil rights, hear the “I Have a Dream” speech and more at the Children’s Museum’s MLK Day Celebration. $5. 10am to 6pm.
  • 41st Annual Original MLK Day Parade & Celebration at Hermann Square | FREE – March in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 41st Annual MLK Jr. Parade, which begins outside of Houston City Hall and is presented by The Black Heritage Society Organization. 10am.
  • 25th Annual MLK Grande Parade | FREE – Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this annual parade that meets near the HCC Central Campus. 10am.
  • MLK Day Audio Installation at Rothko Chapel | FREE – Listen to various speeches that MLK gave throughout his life with this interactive installation at Rothko Chapel. 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
  • Margarita Monday at El Big Bad | No Cover – Score half-off house margaritas from El Big Bad downtown every Monday evening. Menu items vary. 4pm.
  • Monday Steak Dinner at Bar Boheme | No Cover – Head to Bar Boheme and take advantage of a special edition of their Monday Steak Night, where you can enjoy a complimentary steak dinner with the purchase of a bottle of wine. Dinner includes a 7-ounce New York strip, along with curried mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. If you don’t want a bottle of wine, the steak dinners are $9 or $12 with a glass of wine. 4pm.
  • Bingo in the Biergarten at Karbach Brewing Co | No Cover – Try your luck at a round of bingo while sipping craft brews on the patio at the family-friendly Karbach Brewing Co. 6pm to 8pm.

Until tomorrow, if you want to chat me up, follow me on Facebook @woodlandsgoldwiser , on Twitter @IamGinaOlson or on Instagram @HoustonGoldwiser or visit me in person at 24910 Kuykendahl Rd., Tomball, TX 77375.