Houston events calendar

Things to do in Houston

Concerts, sports, family outings, festivals, arts, food events, and community happenings around Houston.

Plan ahead: Festivals & annual events · Entertainment

Upcoming events

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arts

Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Dracula (21+ Event)

Fri, Oct 16, 5:00 PM

The Emerald Theatre · Houston

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music

Taste Of Chaos

Fri, Oct 16, 5:00 PM

House of Blues Houston · Houston

BOX OFFICE: 4:00 DOORS: 5:00 All Ages Welcome We're cashless! All points of sale will only accept credit, debit or mobile pay (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay). Will call tickets can be picked up on day of show at the Box Office. Box Office opens 1 hour prior to door times. You will need a valid photo ID and the credit card used for purchase. ADA tickets can be purchased online - you do not need to call the box office to place an order. Look for the logo on the Find Tickets page to view all available accessible seats. We do have accessible seating in every price range but be advised it may sell out. We have very limited seating available for guests on the day of the event so please make sure you purchase accessible seating when you order tickets. Bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed in the venue. All bags will be searched prior to entry. For more FAQs please visit www.houston.houseofblues.com/faq

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sports

Houston Cougars Womens Volleyball vs. UCF Knights Womens Volleyball

Fri, Oct 16, 6:30 PM

Fertitta Center · Houston

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arts

Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Dracula (21+ Event)

Fri, Oct 16, 7:00 PM

The Emerald Theatre · Houston

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music

WEEZER- The Gathering

Fri, Oct 16, 7:00 PM

Toyota Center - TX · Houston

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music

Jesse Baez

Fri, Oct 16, 7:00 PM

White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs · Houston

Doors: 7 pm This show is ALL AGES All General Admission Tickets are Standing Room only IMPORTANT: WHITE OAK MUSIC HALL IS A CASHLESS VENUE. Please be sure to bring a debit or credit card.

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arts

Chaunte Wayans

Fri, Oct 16, 7:00 PM

Punch Line Houston · Houston

Doors will open one hour prior to show time. This show is 18 & over with valid, government-issued photo ID. There is a two beverage minimum per person. Cameras and video/audio recording devices are not permitted. $.25 per each ticket sold for a majority of events at Punch Line benefits Comedy Gives Back, a safety net for the comedy community. For more information, please visit www.comedygivesback.com Our events often run for multiple dates/times. Before purchasing, please ensure that you can attend the specific event, date, and time that is listed on the event page. There are no refunds/exchanges unless an event is cancelled/postponed.

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music

WEEZER- The Gathering

Fri, Oct 16, 7:00 PM

Toyota Center · Houston

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music

Wynonna Judd - The Hard Truth Tour

Fri, Oct 16, 7:00 PM

713 Music Hall · Houston

Doors: 6:00 PM Show: 7:00 PM Ages: All Ages **All support acts are subject to change without notice** To reduce staff contact with guest belongings, we have implemented the following bag policy: Bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed in the venue. All bags will be searched prior to entry. Bags that are not clear will be subject to additional search. Wynonna Judd is working with Music Community Foundation to donate $1 per ticket to The Only Love Fund to spread joy and love to nonprofits across the country. Learn more at www.cfmt.org/wynonna.

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music

LØLØ - God Forbid a Girl Goes on Tour

Fri, Oct 16, 7:00 PM

The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues Houston · Houston

BOX OFFICE:6PM DOORS: 7PM All Ages Welcome. Standing room only We're cashless! All points of sale will only accept credit, debit or mobile pay (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay). Will call tickets can be picked up on day of show at the Box Office. Box Office opens 1 hour prior to door times. You will need a valid photo ID and the credit card used for purchase. Bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed in the venue. All bags will be searched prior to entry. For more FAQs please visit www.houston.houseofblues.com/faq

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arts

ZETEO AND RISALA PRESENT MEHDI & MO AMER IN HOUSTON

Fri, Oct 16, 7:30 PM

Cullen Performance Hall · Houston

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arts

Marlon Wayans

Fri, Oct 16, 7:30 PM

Improv Comedy Club- Houston · Houston

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arts

Marlon Wayans

Fri, Oct 16, 7:30 PM

Houston Improv · Houston

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music

Joy Oladokun w/ Madeline Edwards

Fri, Oct 16, 8:00 PM

Heights Theater · Houston

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other

BUTT TOOT KING

Fri, Oct 16, 8:00 PM

Warehouse Live Midtown · Houston

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music

Mariachazo: Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlan & Nuevo Tecatitlan Mariachi

Fri, Oct 16, 8:00 PM

Arena Theatre · Houston

Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has had to cancel your event. You don't need to do a thing. We'll issue a refund to the [original method of payment](https://help.ticketmaster.com/hc/en-us/articles/9614074869009) used at time of purchase, as soon as funds are received from the Event Organizer. It should appear on your account within 14-21 days. Please Note: If the tickets were transferred to you, the refund will go to the fan who originally purchased the tickets from Ticketmaster. Please see our [Purchase Policy](https://help.ticketmaster.com/hc/en-us/articles/10465798887953-Purchase-Policy) for more information.

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other

SABAI with HOANG (18+ Event)

Fri, Oct 16, 9:00 PM

DUCTWORK - Houston · Houston

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arts

TK Kirkland

Fri, Oct 16, 9:15 PM

Punch Line Houston · Houston

Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time. This show is 18 & over with valid, government-issued photo ID. There is a two beverage minimum per person. Cameras and video/audio recording devices are not permitted. $.25 per each ticket sold for a majority of events at Punch Line benefits Comedy Gives Back, a safety net for the comedy community. For more information, please visit www.comedygivesback.com Our events often run for multiple dates/times. Before purchasing, please ensure that you can attend the specific event, date, and time that is listed on the event page. There are no refunds/exchanges unless an event is cancelled/postponed.

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music

The Spazmatics

Fri, Oct 16, 9:45 PM

Scout Bar - Houston · Houston

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arts

Marlon Wayans

Fri, Oct 16, 9:45 PM

Improv Comedy Club- Houston · Houston

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arts

Marlon Wayans

Fri, Oct 16, 9:45 PM

Houston Improv · Houston

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music

The Day Players

Sat, Oct 17, 2:00 PM

Punch Line Houston · Houston

Doors will open one hour prior to show time. This show is 18 & over with valid, government-issued photo ID. There is a two beverage minimum per person. Cameras and video/audio recording devices are not permitted. $.25 per each ticket sold for a majority of events at Punch Line benefits Comedy Gives Back, a safety net for the comedy community. For more information, please visit www.comedygivesback.com Our events often run for multiple dates/times. Before purchasing, please ensure that you can attend the specific event, date, and time that is listed on the event page. There are no refunds/exchanges unless an event is cancelled/postponed.

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arts

Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Dracula (21+ Event)

Sat, Oct 17, 5:00 PM

The Emerald Theatre · Houston

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music

DYING FETUS & SANGUISUGABOGG

Sat, Oct 17, 5:30 PM

House of Blues Houston · Houston

BOX OFFICE: DOORS: All Ages Welcome We're cashless! All points of sale will only accept credit, debit or mobile pay (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay). Will call tickets can be picked up on day of show at the Box Office. Box Office opens 1 hour prior to door times. You will need a valid photo ID and the credit card used for purchase. ADA tickets can be purchased online - you do not need to call the box office to place an order. Look for the logo on the Find Tickets page to view all available accessible seats. We do have accessible seating in every price range but be advised it may sell out. We have very limited seating available for guests on the day of the event so please make sure you purchase accessible seating when you order tickets. Bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed in the venue. All bags will be searched prior to entry. For more FAQs please visit www.houston.houseofblues.com/faq

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sports

Houston Christian Huskies Football vs. East Texas A&M Lions Football

Sat, Oct 17, 6:00 PM

Husky Stadium-TX · Houston

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sports

Houston Cougars Football vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Football

Sat, Oct 17, 6:30 PM

TDECU Stadium · Houston

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music

Sombr w/ The Last Dinner Party

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

Toyota Center - TX · Houston

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arts

Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Dracula (21+ Event)

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

The Emerald Theatre · Houston

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arts

Marlon Wayans

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

Improv Comedy Club- Houston · Houston

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arts

Chaunte Wayans

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

Punch Line Houston · Houston

Doors will open one hour prior to show time. This show is 18 & over with valid, government-issued photo ID. There is a two beverage minimum per person. Cameras and video/audio recording devices are not permitted. $.25 per each ticket sold for a majority of events at Punch Line benefits Comedy Gives Back, a safety net for the comedy community. For more information, please visit www.comedygivesback.com Our events often run for multiple dates/times. Before purchasing, please ensure that you can attend the specific event, date, and time that is listed on the event page. There are no refunds/exchanges unless an event is cancelled/postponed.

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music

Maddie Zahm - Everything All The Time Tour

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues Houston · Houston

BOX OFFICE: 6PM DOORS: 7PM All Ages Welcome - standing room only We're cashless! All points of sale will only accept credit, debit or mobile pay (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay). Will call tickets can be picked up on day of show at the Box Office. Box Office opens 1 hour prior to door times. You will need a valid photo ID and the credit card used for purchase. ADA tickets can be purchased online - you do not need to call the box office to place an order. Look for the logo on the Find Tickets page to view all available accessible seats. We do have accessible seating in every price range but be advised it may sell out. We have very limited seating available for guests on the day of the event so please make sure you purchase accessible seating when you order tickets. Bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed in the venue. All bags will be searched prior to entry. For more FAQs please visit www.houston.houseofblues.com/faq

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sports

Monster Jam

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

Reliant Stadium · Houston

Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam®. With awesometrucks, amazing stunts, big air and action-packed excitement, it's the definition of fun for everyone! Watch as 12,000lb trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air. See the world's most popular trucks like Grave Digger®, El Toro Loco®, Sparkle Smash and more only at Monster Jam. You can't get this kind of wow just anywhere. Once you experience Monster Jam live, you'll become a fan for life!

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music

Aria Vega: Cariavales Tour

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs · Houston

Doors: 7pm This show is ALL AGES All General Admission Tickets are Standing Room only IMPORTANT: WHITE OAK MUSIC HALL IS A CASHLESS VENUE. Please be sure to bring a debit or credit card.

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music

The Custodians

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs · Houston

Doors: 7pm This show is ALL AGES All General Admission Tickets are Standing Room only IMPORTANT: WHITE OAK MUSIC HALL IS A CASHLESS VENUE. Please be sure to bring a debit or credit card.

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arts

Marlon Wayans

Sat, Oct 17, 7:00 PM

Houston Improv · Houston

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sports

Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas

Sat, Oct 17, 7:30 PM

Shell Energy Stadium · Houston

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other

Jenna Davis w/ Ava Liv Mabry

Sat, Oct 17, 8:00 PM

Warehouse Live Midtown · Houston

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music

Foster The People: Good Mourning Sunshine Tour

Sat, Oct 17, 8:00 PM

713 Music Hall · Houston

Doors: 7:00 PM Show: 8:00 PM Ages: All Ages **All support acts are subject to change without notice** To reduce staff contact with guest belongings, we have implemented the following bag policy: Bags up to 12" x 6" x 12" are allowed in the venue. All bags will be searched prior to entry. Bags that are not clear will be subject to additional search.

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other

CRYSTAL CASTLES NIGHT - Ages 18+

Sat, Oct 17, 9:00 PM

9PM Music Venue · Houston

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other

Ian Asher (18 and Over)

Sat, Oct 17, 9:00 PM

DUCTWORK - Houston · Houston

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arts

Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Dracula (21+ Event)

Sat, Oct 17, 9:00 PM

The Emerald Theatre · Houston

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music

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Sat, Oct 17, 9:00 PM

Reliant Arena · Houston

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arts

TK Kirkland

Sat, Oct 17, 9:15 PM

Punch Line Houston · Houston

Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time. This show is 18 & over with valid, government-issued photo ID. There is a two beverage minimum per person. Cameras and video/audio recording devices are not permitted. $.25 per each ticket sold for a majority of events at Punch Line benefits Comedy Gives Back, a safety net for the comedy community. For more information, please visit www.comedygivesback.com Our events often run for multiple dates/times. Before purchasing, please ensure that you can attend the specific event, date, and time that is listed on the event page. There are no refunds/exchanges unless an event is cancelled/postponed.

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sports

Houston Dash vs. Orlando Pride

Sun, Oct 18, 12:00 PM

Shell Energy Stadium · Houston

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sports

Houston Cougars Womens Volleyball vs. Texas Tech Red Raider Womens Volleyball

Sun, Oct 18, 1:00 PM

Fertitta Center · Houston

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music

Elevation Worship

Sun, Oct 18, 7:00 PM

Toyota Center - TX · Houston

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arts

Chaunte Wayans

Sun, Oct 18, 7:00 PM

Punch Line Houston · Houston

Doors will open one hour prior to show time. This show is 18 & over with valid, government-issued photo ID. There is a two beverage minimum per person. Cameras and video/audio recording devices are not permitted. $.25 per each ticket sold for a majority of events at Punch Line benefits Comedy Gives Back, a safety net for the comedy community. For more information, please visit www.comedygivesback.com Our events often run for multiple dates/times. Before purchasing, please ensure that you can attend the specific event, date, and time that is listed on the event page. There are no refunds/exchanges unless an event is cancelled/postponed.

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music

Karina Rykman: Late Checkout Tour 2026

Sun, Oct 18, 7:00 PM

White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs · Houston

Doors: 7pm This show is ALL AGES All General Admission Tickets are Standing Room only IMPORTANT: WHITE OAK MUSIC HALL IS A CASHLESS VENUE. Please be sure to bring a debit or credit card.

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Houston's calendar never really empties. On any given week there's a touring act at Toyota Center, a club show in the Heights or EaDo, a home game downtown, a play in the Theater District and a festival somewhere in the city. The listings on this page update with what's coming up. Below them, our guide to the city's year shows you which big annual events to plan a trip around.

How Houston's year works

Houston's event seasons follow the weather. Spring and fall are festival season, when it's comfortable to spend a whole day outdoors. Early spring belongs to the Rodeo, which takes over the city for most of March. Summer moves indoors and into the evenings: concerts, theater, air-conditioned museums and fireworks after dark. December is all lights, parades and markets.

That rhythm matters when you plan. Outdoor events in June, July and August are usually built around the evening, so arrive late and bring water. Spring storms can move fast, so check the forecast on our weather page on the day of anything outdoors. Rain or shine, assume parking near big events fills early.

Where to start

Getting to big events

Downtown, the Museum District and Reliant Park (formerly NRG Park) are all on METRORail. On Rodeo, Texans and big-concert days, the train is often faster than circling for a space. Our METRO guide covers routes and fares, and our downtown parking guide covers the garages. Big stadium and arena shows usually have bag-size rules. Check the venue's site before you leave home so you don't have to walk back to the car.

Free events worth knowing

Some of Houston's best annual events cost nothing. You can watch the Art Car Parade for free, and admission to Japan Festival Houston is free. Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park runs a free season most of the year, including the Houston Shakespeare Festival each summer. Emancipation Park's Juneteenth concert is free, and so is the MLK Day parade downtown. Our free things to do in Houston guide has more.

Where events happen

A few places host most of the city's big gatherings. Downtown has the Theater District, Toyota Center, the convention center and the parks around them. Hermann Park, next to the Museum District, has Miller Outdoor Theatre and the festival grounds around it. Reliant Park, south of the Medical Center, hosts the Rodeo and stadium shows. Out in the suburbs, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands and Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land book big touring acts. On the bay, Clear Lake and Kemah host waterfront events.

Houston's year at a glance

These events come back every year. The timing below is approximate. Exact dates move from year to year, so confirm on each event's official site before you book anything.

January

  • Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon: Mid-January, downtown. Even if you're not running, the course makes a good spectator morning.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade: On the MLK holiday Monday, downtown.
  • Mardi Gras! Galveston: Starts in late January or February, depending on when Lent falls. It runs across the two weekends before Ash Wednesday.

February

  • Mardi Gras! Galveston: Continues through Fat Tuesday in years when Lent starts late.
  • Rodeo kickoff: In the week before the Rodeo opens, you get the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, the trail rides into town and the downtown Rodeo parade.

March

  • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Roughly three weeks, mostly in March, at Reliant Park. Expect concerts every night, a carnival, livestock shows and serious traffic around the stadium. See our Rodeo guide.
  • Theater District Open House: A free day of performances and backstage tours downtown, usually in spring.
  • Texas Children's Houston Open: A PGA Tour event at Memorial Park Golf Course, typically in spring.

April

  • Houston Art Car Parade: Usually in April, from the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. Hundreds of decorated cars roll through the city, and watching is free.

May

  • Miller Outdoor Theatre's season: In full swing by now. Free shows run most of the year in Hermann Park.

June

  • Juneteenth: Celebrations across the city in mid-June, with the biggest gatherings at Emancipation Park in Third Ward.

July

  • Freedom Over Texas: The City of Houston's Fourth of July festival at Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou, with music and fireworks. See our Fourth of July guide.
  • Houston Shakespeare Festival: Free performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre, usually from late July into August.

August

  • Houston Restaurant Weeks: Runs from August into early September, with fixed-price menus that raise money for the Houston Food Bank.

September

  • Japan Festival Houston: A free weekend of food, music, performances and traditional arts in Hermann Park.

October

  • The Original Greek Festival: Usually early October at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Montrose.
  • Bayou City Art Festival: An outdoor art fair in Memorial Park, usually in October.
  • Texas Renaissance Festival: Opens in October in Todd Mission, northwest of Houston, and runs on weekends into late November.
  • Wings Over Houston Airshow: At Ellington Airport in late October or early November.

November

  • International Quilt Festival: Fills the George R. Brown Convention Center for a long weekend in November.
  • Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market: A giant holiday shopping market at Reliant Park, usually in mid-November.
  • Zoo Lights: Opens at the Houston Zoo in November and runs into early January.
  • H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade: Thanksgiving morning, downtown.

December

  • Dickens on the Strand: Galveston's Victorian holiday festival, usually the first weekend of December.
  • Christmas Boat Lane Parade: Lighted boats on Clear Lake, usually on a Saturday in mid-December.
  • Holiday lights and skating: See our Christmas events guide and downtown holiday activities.

For what each season feels like on the ground, read our best time to visit Houston guide.

Last verified: October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest annual event in Houston?

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It runs for about three weeks, mostly in March, at Reliant Park (formerly NRG Park), with concerts every night.

When is festival season in Houston?

Spring and fall. March through May and October through November have the most comfortable weather and the most outdoor festivals.

What free events happen in Houston every year?

The Art Car Parade, Japan Festival Houston, the Houston Shakespeare Festival and the rest of the Miller Outdoor Theatre season, Juneteenth at Emancipation Park and the MLK Day parade are all free to attend.

Where does Houston celebrate the Fourth of July?

The City of Houston's Freedom Over Texas festival at Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou, with live music and fireworks.

When are the Christmas events in Houston?

Zoo Lights opens in November, the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the season downtown, and December brings boat parades, Dickens on the Strand in Galveston and holiday lights across the city.