Published September 19, 2024

Plan Your Weekend: September 19 to 22, 2024 By 365thingsinhouston

Written by Eli Torres

Plan Your Weekend: September 19 to 22, 2024 By 365thingsinhouston header image.

The beloved, free Flea by Night returns to Discovery Green this week with market vendors, food trucks, and Rocket Dog games. | Photo courtesy of Discovery Green

Find the perfect things to do in Houston this weekend with our 365 Houston Weekend Guide for Thursday, September 19 to Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Note: Eagle-eyed readers will notice that we’ve made a couple of changes to our format and practices this week:

First, All of our new lists of curated events now link directly to the official event organizer, speeding up the time it takes to learn more, grab your tickets, and get out and explore Houston.

Secondly, we’re also introducing a couple of Travel Road Trip! suggestions to events in cities outside of the Greater Houston metro that have caught our team’s interest. Naturally, our focus remains on the Houston metro, with 80+ local events dominating this Weekend Guide.

Want to get this list in your inbox every Thursday? Sign up for free and receive a round-up of great things to do every weekend in Houston.

Saturday & Sunday

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All Weekend Long

Oktoberfest Weekend Celebrations Around Greater Houston | Almost Daily | Most FREE or No Cover – Don your Dirndl or Lederhosen for the biggest Oktoberfest weekend of the season, with celebrations dotting the map from the Inner Loop to Conroe, Old Town Spring and Missouri City. Locations & times vary.
Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park | Daily – Cheer on the home team as we face off against the boy from California in a four-game series in Downtown. $18 and up, but you may find cheaper or better seats in the online ticket resale marketplace. Times vary.
Haunted Hues at Color Factory | Daily – This limited-time, family-friendly experience features ghoulish giveaways, spellbinding photo ops, seasonal treats (no tricks!) and a new scavenger hunt, all designed to offer a frighteningly fun time. Open through Sunday, November 3, 2024. $29 and up. Times vary.
Travel Road Trip! Louisiana Food & Wine Festival in Lake Charles | Daily – This world-class destination culinary and beverage event celebrates the best of Louisiana and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts to southwest Louisiana’s unique Cajun and Creole heritage and culture, seafood, artisans, live musicians and more. $79 and up. Times vary.
Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green | Opens Friday – The new seasonal installation at Discovery Green offers days filled with family-friendly activities, photo opportunities, the world’s largest bouncy pumpkin, a corn pit and, of course, pumpkin picking. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. $18 and up. Open 10am to 10pm daily until Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Waves of Impact Surf Camp at Porretto Beach | Friday & Saturday | FREE with RSVP – This surf camp for children with special challenges offers the opportunity to learn about the sport with a designated coach in a reserved surf time. Space is limited. 10am to 4pm.
Actor & Comedian Kevin Hart at Smart Financial Centre | Friday & Saturday – The Emmy and Grammy-nominated talent brings his Acting My Age tour to Sugar Land for two nights. $94 and up, but you may find hard-to-get, better, or cheaper seats on the online ticket resale marketplace. Times vary.
Actor & Comedian Mark Curry at Punch Line Houston | Friday & Saturday – Downtown’s new dedicated comedy destination welcomes the actor and comedian best known for his role as Mark Cooper in ABC’s beloved ’90s sitcom Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. $36.75 and up. Times vary.
Comedian Matty Ryan at The Riot Comedy Club | Friday & Saturday – The NYC-based stand-up comic, actor and writer was a new face at Montreal New Faces and has been seen in FOX’s Empire, Netflix’s Soundtrack and NBC’s Chicago Fire. $20 and up. Times vary.
Comedian Tony Rock at Houston Improv | Friday & Saturday – Rock’s stand-up comedy talents have been showcased on HBO and he’s headlined at comedy venues like Caroline’s, the Apollo, Laugh Factory, and more. $50 for two people and up. Times vary.
Uptown Dance Company presents Take-Off at MATCH | Friday & Saturday – Celebrating the 25th anniversary season, the company offers three new premieres, Shimmer, C’est La Vie and My Teenage Crush – 1999. This is a chance to see new works showcasing Houston dance talent. $35. 7:30pm both nights.
Karbachtoberfest 2024 at Karbach Brewing Co. | Friday to Sunday | No Cover – Come out to the brewery as it kicks off three weekends of all things beer, live music, stein hoisting, wiener dog races, and more. Times vary.
Opera in the Heights: Lucia di Lammermoor at Lambert Hall | Friday & Sunday – Donizetti’s tragedy is the story of Lucia, forced into a marriage with disastrous consequences. With some of the bel canto repertoire’s most searing music, this is one of opera’s most breathtaking stories. $35 and up. Times vary.
Catastrophic Theatre: Spirits to Enforce at the MATCH | Friday to Sunday – When a group of tele-fundraisers try to raise money for a production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest performed by local superhero team “The Fathom Town Enforcers,” things get strange. Pay-What-You-Can. Times vary.
Galveston Sandcastle Festival at East Beach | Saturday & Sunday – Expanding the island’s popular, decades long sandcastle building competition, the new two-day festival features live music from local and regional bands, local vendors, family-friendly activities and foodie events, surrounding the popular sandcastle competition, where 40 teams vie to be the best. $10. Times vary.
Malavika Sarukkai: Anubandh – Connectedness: A Choreography in Five Parts at Asia Society Texas Center | Saturday & Sunday – Eminent artist Malavika Sarukkai produces a pathbreaking work in the language of the classical Indian dance Bharatanatyam, reworking tradition, exploring the essential relationship between nature and life, and reclaiming primordial relationships with the sun, moon, as well as earth, water, fire, wind, and space. $30. Times vary.
Gary Puckett & the Union Gap in Concert at Main Street Crossing | Saturday & Sunday – One of the hottest acts of the ‘60s comes to Tomball, performing famous songs like “Young Girl” and “Woman Woman.” $78 and up. Times vary.
4th Wall Theatre Co: Swing State at Spring Street Studios | Daily – Making its regional premiere, Swing State explores the life of a widow who lives a quiet life on the prairie, but a call to the authorities ignites a chain of events that shatter the idea of trust. $15 and up. Times vary.
Stew at The Ensemble Theatre | Daily – Also a regional premiere, Stew finds three generations of Turner women under one roof, preparing for a meal. With tensions already high, things get complicated when the violence on the periphery of their lives begins intruding on Mama’s kitchen. $25 and up. Times vary.

Saturday & Sunday

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

La Dolce Vita: Open House at Lott Hall in Hermann Park | FREE with RSVP – With your own upcoming events in mind, guests are invited to explore the classically unique event space in the park and meet with many of Hermann Park Conservancy’s preferred vendors. Drinks, spritz, light bites and live entertainment designed to transport you to the heart of Italy. RSVP required. 5pm to 8pm.
Texas History 101: Road To The Revolution at the Bryan Museum – The Bryan’s history specialist, Amelia White, how Texas got to the point of rebellion, discussing events, like how the imprisonment of Stephen F. Austin, the Law of April 6, 1830, and the Anahuac Disturbances shaped Texa today. $15. 5:30pm.
College Night at CAMH | FREE – College students are invited to the museum to explore current exhibits, Theaster Gates: The Gift and The Renege and Olivia Erlanger: If Today Were Tomorrow, and a host of other activities. 6pm to 8pm.
Friends of River Oaks Theatre: Being There Movie Screening at The Water Works – The stunning destination overlooking Downtown in Buffalo Bayou Park hosts a free, outdoor screening of the satirical 1979 film about a gardener who finds himself offering advice about world affairs. 6pm to 9:30pm.
Five Finger Death Punch in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The heavy metal group hailing from Las Vegas headlines a show with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter to Prevail opening. Starts at $26, but you may find cheaper or better seats on the resale market. 6:30pm.
30 Years with Central Market & Saint Arnold Brewing Company at Central Market – The posh grocery store’s 30th anniversary celebration continues with an evening featuring a five-course, beer-paired menu of fall favorites from Saint Arnold’ Chef Chase Reid. Expect golden scallops and beer-braised beef ribs with shaved truffle, a fall salad with roasted pumpkin, and more. $110. 6:30pm.
FlockFest: A Night at the Carnival at Houston Zoo – Enjoy delicious bites, cocktails, carnival games, carousel rides, giraffe feeding, a silent auction, and more. It’s an evening to get up close to animals and take in the zoo. $45; free for Flock members. 6:30pm.
Salsa Night at Post Houston | FREE – Love Dance HTX hosts an evening lesson offering Latin dance, tasty beverages and a fun time under the Houston skyline. Arrive early and grab a bite at one of the venue’s vendors. RSVP recommended. 7pm to 10pm.
Performing Arts Housotn: A Conversation with Jenna Bush Hager at the Wortham Center – The best-selling author, host of Today with Hoda and Jenna , and former First Daughter and First Granddaughter leads an evening of storytelling. Expect an examination of her life, humanitarian efforts and more. $39 and up. 7:30pm.
The Basement Yard Experience at Bayou Music Center – Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez bring their hilarious unscripted podcast to the stage, incorporating the audience in the process. Must complete a submission form in advance to participate in the mayhem. $65 and up. 8pm.
Los Lobos in Concert at the Heights Theater – Now in their fifth decade, the legendary Mexican American band, known for “Will the Wolf Survive?”, “Luz di Mi Vida” and for performing the music of Ritchie Valens in La Bamba, land in the Heights for an intimate live show.. $48 and up. 8pm.
Stop Making Sense: Talking Heads Tribute Concert at The Continental Club – Houston musicians take the stage for an evening of hits by the New Wave band known for songs like “And She Was” and “Burning Down the House.” $10. 9pm.
Girls on Deck at Bauhaus | FREE – The Downtown nightclub showcases women’s empowerment, with female DJs in the house and techno scene showcasing their talent. RSVP recommended. 10:30pm to 2am.

Saturday & Sunday

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Friday, September 20, 2024

Park(ing) Day at Sugar Land Town Square | FREE – Explore the Sugar Land City Hall parking lot after it’s been transformed into miniature parks, showcasing innovative designs and sustainable solutions filled with music and greenery. 11am to 2pm.
Sunset Bingo at Levy Park – The delightful Upper Kirby park hosts an evening of tunes from DJ Del Sur and the opportunity to daub your way to great bingo prizes. $10 cash gets you eight games. 5pm.
Platinum Wine Vault Luxury Tasting at Bayway Cadillac of The Woodlands – The team behind The Woodlands Wine and Food Week host an indulgent night of wine tastings and food pairings, for both experts and novices. Don your cocktail attire for flights of ultra-premium wines from around the globe plussed by chef-inspired food pairings in an intimate, exclusive setting. $150. 6pm to 9pm.
Oktoberfest Kickoff Celebration at Saint Arnold Brewing Company | No Cover – Texas’ OG craft brewery launches its Oktoberfest season by tapping the first cask of Oktoberfest beer and German-style hefeweizen, with music from Houston Brass Band, German food, and more. 6pm to 10pm.
Spirited Dinner with Fan-Favorite New Orleans Cocktails at Brennan’s of Houston – New Orleans cocktail historian Elizabeth Pearce leads an evening of storytelling and great cocktail savoring. Cocktails will be the Vieux Carré, Julep, Ramos Gin Fizz, and Café Brûlot—each paired with one of Brennan’s signature dishes. $140. 6:30pm.
Hopera: Pint-Sized Performances: Boleros & Arias at Eureka Heights Brewing Co. | FREE – Grab a brew and enjoy selections from Mexican films, tango and other styles. Hopera is determined to showcase opera as an art form for everyone in a fun and casual environment. 7pm.
A Million Miles Away Movie Screening at Bagby Park | FREE – Bring your lawn chairs and park it on the lawn for a free showing of the moving 2023 biopic (PG) about a Mexican farm worker’s path to becoming an engineer and an astronaut. Free popcorn for the first 40 guests. 7pm.
Pitch Perfect Movie Screening at Texas Medical Center Helix Park | FREE – Take in a showing of the 2012 musical comedy (PG-13)) about a college student who gathers a group of young women with nothing in common and turns them into a choral sensation. 7pm.
Gulf Coast Reading at Lawndale Art Center | FREE – Part of a series showcasing work featured in the University of Houston’s literary magazine, readings featuring the works of students in the university’s creative writing master’s and Ph.D. programs, plus prominent authors. 7pm to 9pm.
México en el Corazón at Discovery Green | FREE – Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Mexico with this group of 50 mariachis and ballet folklorico dancers, featuring gorgeous costumes, music and culture. The cast is made up of the Guadalajara Folkloric Ballet, the Mariachi Juvenil Colotlán, Pepe and its Pepillos, and the charro flourish champion, Jesús Ortiz. 7pm to 10pm.
Ars Lyrica: In Praise of Virtue at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts – The company opens its 21st season with a concert featuring soprano Hannah DePriest and countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen performing two rarely heard solo cantatas. $15 and up. 7:30pm.
Performing Arts Houston: Aba Diop Trio at the Wortham Center – Experience the new genre of West African sabar fusion mucus, with Aba Diop Trio’s interweaving the griot storytelling traditions from thousands of years with Sufi mysticism and rock and jazz influences. $29 and up. 7:30pm.
Sofi Tukker Live at Bayou Music Center – The electronic music duo from New York City lands in Downtown for a live show. Known for their songs “Drinkee,” “Best Friend,” and “Purple Hat,” their 2018 album Treehouse hit no. 5 on the U.S. dance charts. $57.50 and up. 7:30pm.
Peter Cat Recording Co. in Concert at House of Blues | Friday – Celebrating their new album Good Luck Beta ’24 with a North American tour, the five-man Indian alternative rock outfit originally from New Delhi brings their entrancingly eclectic mix of gypsy jazz, psychedelic, jazz, alt-rock, and ballroom to Houston. $25 and up. 7:30pm.
The Pilot Dance Project: Bayou City Dances at Miller Outdoor Theatre | FREE – The Hermann Park stage hosts a dance festival performance magnifying the diversity of Houston’s choreographic voices, featuring new works showcasing modern, contemporary, salsa, classical Indian, ballet, and hip-hop. 8pm.
Comedian Eddie Griffin at Cullen Performance Hall – The comic honored as one of Comedy Central’s “Top 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time”—and best known from his role as the pastor in 2018’s A Star is Born and his Showtime comedy special Eddie Griffin: Undeniable—lands at the UH Campus. $34.50 and up. 8pm.
Gracie Abrams in Concert at 713 Music Hall – Indie pop sensation Gracie Abrams graces the Post Houston stage when her Secret of Us tour passes through HTX. Role Model opens. $116 and up. 8pm.
Bob Schneider in Concert at The Heights Theater | Friday – Austin’s favorite and hardest working singer-songwriting crooner, who formerly fronted The Ugly Americans and The Scabs, brings his blend of folk, rock, rap, funk, bluegrass, reggae and country to the Heights for a single night. $24 and up. 8pm.
Truckfighters Live Set at The Secret Group – The Swedish rock band brings their world tour to EaDo. Performing since 2001, the story of the band’s life was the subject of the 2011 film Truckfighters. $18 and up. 8pm.
Nurko DJ Set at Stereo Live – The American-Montenegrin dance/electronic music DJ, known for his boundary pushing brand of melodic bass and signature airy leads comes to Houston in a stop on his tour through North America. $19.99. 10pm.