What’s Happening In Houston This Weekend

Want to know the latest details on the festivals, concerts and free events in Houston this weekend. Don’t forget to check the labels at the top of the blog for more cool stuff to do in Houston and the calendar in the right sidebar every week for HOT EVENTS and stuff to do in Houston.

You can get a list of exciting events in Houston for couples sent directly to you each month? Just sign-up for our E-Zine while you are over there.

This Weekend In Houston

A fun thing to do on weekends is visit some of the wildlife attractions in and around Houston. You can spend your weekend hanging out with some of the exotic members of the animal kingdom from anacondas to zebras and everything in between.

5 Wildlife Attractions In Houston

Houston is a place where wildlife attractions feature some of the rarest animals in the world. Creatures from around the globe graze where the deer and the antelope once played. Although, there are still plenty of cattle and horse ranches in Texas. On a few of them the animals that were once part of the rugged western frontier have been replaced by camels, emus and other types of livestock.

Downtown Aquarium In Houston

Despite popular belief, white tigers all white appearance is not a result of them being albinos cats. They are a color morph of the orange Bengal tigers. These unique felines are rarely seen in the wild and only a few hundred or so, are known to be in captivity.

Houston is fortunate to be the home of four white tigers. They are part of a small contingent of animal attractions featuring big cats that are not in a zoo. This fascinating wildlife attraction sea creatures and other dazzling entertainment awaits you at the Downtown Aquarium.

Waugh Bridge Bat Colony

Friday and Saturday evening (a half hour prior to sunset) are a good time to watch the Waugh Bridge free-tail bat Colony the nightly swarm. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department sometimes has bat ambassadors on hand at the local viewing areas to answer questions and other activities.

If you prefer to experience a more formal and informative tour of the bat colony, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership offers monthly viewing as part of their boat tour.

Big Thicket (Texas Big Foot )

Every since settlers began moving into the piney wood of Texas, people have reported encounters and sightings of an elusive hairy creature roaming the deciduous forest. Researchers claim, Big Foot is behind the vocalizations, knocking and strange chatter often heard in the Big Thicket park, and Sam Houston National Forest.

Local folks refer to them as the “wild man”. Sightings have continued into the 21st Century. You can view info about the latest sightings and learn about the marvelous work done by Texas Bigfoot Research Conservancy online.

Sea Center Texas

A FUNtastic place to take kids that adults can enjoy too is Sea Center Texas. The main attraction is their 1,000-gallon aquarium with a 14 feet long window with a fisheye view into the world of creatures under the Gulf. It introduces you to the importance of coastal salt marsh where natural debris provide oysters and clams an ideal habitat. You’ll will be amazed with:

• 250 gallon coral reef aquarium featuring corals, invertebrates and fish
• 2,200 gallon exhibit depicting Texas’ Gulf Coast bays or estuary systems
• 5,000-gallon jetty exhibit full of sea creatures

Your family will enjoy looking and learning about aquatic residents of Texas redfish, clown fish and other marine life on display in this man-made watery environment.

These are only a handful of the attractions in and around the Houston area. Each of these are kid-friendly places where children are encouraged to pet, feed and or interact with the exhibits.

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Houston Attractions

The easiest way to find things to do on weekends at Houston attractions is to right click and bookmark this page. Then you can return to the page with just a click. It will make it easier for you to always find something exciting to do. Consider signing up for our free newsletter that delivers fantastic things to do each month in Houston, long with special discounts on Houston attractions.



Popular categories of things that are happening this weekend.

Indoor attractions
Free movies/ films
Houston tours
Houston festivals
Free Events

Follow this link to get a CityPASS with discounts on 5 of the top attractions in the city. If you are planning a family reunion or a trip with a group this is a great bargain, that won't last much longer.

Some of the best things to do in Houston Texas this weekend are free and we have taken the time to put them together for you in this easy to read list.

Indoors Attractions In Houston

Houston Aquarium
Shark Month - Education booths, shark crafts and activities all month.
Latin Beats - Every Friday Night! Learn to salsa dance and listen to great music!
* 30th & 31st Shark Weekend - Learn all about sharks! Education booth, crafts & activities, live entertainment.
* 31st - Bridal Open House - Call 713-315-5168 for details.

Moody Gardens
Vist thier Events calender

Spacecenter Houston
Enjoy a guided tour of NASA , see real space-flown vehicles and explored the inner workings of the Pepsi Martian Matrix and much, much more

Schlitterbahn Waterparks
Water slides, endless rivers, uphill water coasters, waves for surfing, splashing and relaxing, plus kid-friendly water playgrounds.

Funplex, Houston
Bowling, Skating, Go-Karts, and Two Story Playport for the kids.
The tots can also enjoy the Ferris Wheel, Rio Grande Train, Airplanes, Lady Bugs and Bumper Cars.

Houston Festivals

Green Arts Festival
The city’s first festival of its kind will take place on July 9, 2011. GREEN artisans from around the state will be on hand to sell, collaborate, free trade and educate the local community about choosing sustainable/ green options.
The highlight of the day is Flor Y Canto sustainable green theater.

Haak Winery Harvest Festival!
The charming winery in Santa Fe, 25 miles south of Houston begins its annual harvest this weekend at 8:00 am. Bring a pruning knife, if you have one. Everyone is welcome to participate in harvesting the grapes. Dressing appropriately for the occasion includes sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent, first aid for bites.

Complementary coffee, juice and assorted warm muffins will be served in the morning. Door Prizes will be given to pickers only. For each bin of grapes picked, a door prize ticket will be given. The more grapes you pick, the better your chances of winning a door prize.

Galveston ArtWalk
20 July
Better than a street festival, on Saturday night in the heart of the historic district every six weeks. ArtWalk takes place. It’s held in existing commercial galleries, non-profit arts spaces and what are called "other walls," restaurants and retail stores, for example.

Each exhibits art and welcomes viewers with open doors and promotes visual art and artists, by offering alternative places to see and learn about art.

Free Movies

Alamo Draft House
Monday - Friday 11:00 am

Beat the heat this summer with the best family friendly movies around! All films are free and all ages are welcome!

Domy Books
9 July
Visual Vitriol: David A. Ensminger.
Topics related to the film and book will be discussed with photographer Ben DeSoto and the author. Things get started around 7 and should last till 9pm.

Glassell School of Art
July 12, 14, 19, & 21

The free film series begins with a lecture with curator Gerald O'Grady july 12th. They showcase original footage of how television brought the struggle for civil rights into the livingrooms of everyday Americans in the 1960's. A series of films will be shown that document injustices against African Americans in the segregated South and their quest for equality.

Jung Center
July 29-July 30, 2011
Departures: Healing and Homecoming Through Acceptance and Relationship. Jungian analyst Diana Heritage presents a workshop and free film screening exploring the ways that unexpected events can spark questions about the meaning of our experience.

Free Events

Children's Hilltop Theatre Festival
Miller Outdoor Theatre
July 18 11 a.m. - noon

A comical look at a stage adaptation of the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood.

Houston Tours

Kayak trip down Buffalo Bayou
9am-1pm Paddle from I-610 and Woodway going east to downtown’s Sabine Promenade
Meet at the parking lot of the Woodway Boat Launch (just west of I-610)
Shuttles will be provided to take paddlers back to the parking area.

Note: Maximum capacity is 20. Reservations required..
Cost: $ 60/person; includes kayak rental, paddles, shuttles, & guided tour

Places to visit In Houston

Buffalo Bayou
Canoe and Kayak Rental:
ACK www.austinkayak.com 713.660.7000
Houston Rowing Club www.houstonrowing.com 281.532.1518
North Lake Conroe Paddling Co. (kayak’s only) www.northlakeconroepaddlingco.com 936.203.2697
REI www.rei.com 713.353.2582
Southwest PaddleSports www.paddlesports.com 281.292.5600
Shuttle Service:
Bayou Shuttle www.bayoushuttle.com 713.538.7433
The Wave www.thewashingtonwave.com 713.863.9283
Bike Rental:
West End Bicycles www.westendbikes.com 713-861-2271

Texas Nature Challenge

A summer long adventure to get families and kids outdoors by visiting as many participating parks and nature areas in Texas as they can this summer.

Each site has activities designed for family fun and nature exploration. Prizes for participants will be awarded at the closing ceremonies

All materials must be turned in by 11 AM on August 13th so that voting can be completed by Noon

Each site has activities designed for family fun and nature exploration. Prizes for participants will be awarded at the closing ceremonies


These are just some of the incredible things Houston couples can do this weekend in the city. We tried to include plenty of free events in Houston for this weekends June 2011 wrap-up.

Don’t forget to check out the Midtownlive calender for more cool stuff to do.

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Free Events in Houston

All year long you can find plenty of free events in Houston, that your family will find entertaining. When you have more more bills than cash you need some diversions where you can have a good time on the cheap. We specialize in sniffing them out, hunt them down and shout it from the Twitter tops and tell the FB family.

You want to include you too so connect with us on those hangouts and your family will never be bored.


What are some of the things to do in Houston for little or no cash?

• Houston art exhibits
• City Parks
• Live theater performances
• Museums
• Classes
• Films screening
• Outdoor concerts
• Houston ship channel tour
• City sponsored events
• Get popular audio and videos at no charge

Here's a few other things that we should share with you about searching for free events, before you head out the door.

Free Art Exhibits In Houston

Art surrounds you everywhere you go in Houston. It's not just in museums. It's outdoors on buildings, hanging on walls and for sale inside of some restaurants. It's a community resource that you can see and appreciate at no charge in a variety of places around the city.

• City of Houston Art Collection
• CAM-Houston
• Center for Contemporary Craft

Free Museums In Houston

If you're seeking a cool place to hangout on hot summer days, consider a trip to one of the unique museums we have in Houston. There are some fabulous avant-garde works on display, at local museums that will stir-up the Picasso in you. There are workshops, classes and hands on activities at the museums that will thrill even in the youngest members in your crew.

• Contemporary Arts Museum
• Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
• Children's Museums-(free on Thursdays)
• Heritage Society Museum
• Project Row House

Free Films Screening

If you're an oldies but goodies film buff or interested in short films or foreign movies with subtitles, visit any of the venues below where you can always find free film screenings going on.

• Domy Books
• Dean's Credit Clothing
• Rice Media Center
• Project Row House
• Museum Of Fine Arts
• Aurora Picture Show
• Discovery Green

Free Concerts In Houston

Where in Houston can you catch some of the top names in music performing at shows where you won't have to pay a cent to hear them?

• Miller Outdoor Theater
• Discovery Green
• Jones Plaza
• Tom Bass Park

Parks and Recreation In Houston

Houston has plenty and parks, green space and recreational opportunities. They feature covered pavilions, plenty of parking and some allow overnight camping. To ensure you can get a decent spot for your family on holidays? Always call and reserve a place in advance.

Houston Parks and Recreation Dept
Harris County Parks
State Parks
Skate Parks
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center ( handicap accessible pools and gym )-West Gray

Where To See Free Theater Performances In Houston

Houstonians love the performing arts as much as they do sports. The local arts alliance host free symphony, ballet and opera performances for the public and prop open the doors to the entire Theater District for a open house each year.

Miller Outdoor Theater
Houston Theater District Open House

Free Classes In Houston

Taking classes can be both entertaining and recreational depending on the subject matter. These free classes in Houston will enrich your mind, body or pocket-book.

• Pilates class
• Internet marketing
• Dance classes
• African Drumming class

Houston Ship Channel Tour

The port of Houston is one of the busiest deep water ports on the Gulf of Mexico. It's where tankers and marine vessels of all sizes bring goods to the southern part of the United States. You can visit the port and take a free pleasure boat tour, reservations are required.

Attend Gratis Civic Events

Look for the events sponsored by the City of Houston. They host several annual events in front of Houston's city hall and other at other places around the town that don't cost you a cent to attend.

1. Jones Plaza
2. Freedom over Texas
3. Via Colori

How To Get Free Movies and Audio CD's In Houston

If you have an updated library cad you also have access to the entire video, audio and games catalog of the public library, available for checkout, by going to any of the dozens of local branches.

Free Activities In Houston

These 10 aren't the only Free activities in Houston, just some of the top fun stuff you can do.

It would take all summer long, just to tell you all there is to know about each of these splendid places. However you can check the archives on Midtownlive and find plenty of details on any of them.

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Things To Do In Houston For FREE

Follow this link to see the top free events in Houston. The world's oldest and largest Art Car Parade is the highlight of three-days of wild and crazy celebrations.

This years 2010 parade is expected to attract over 250 artist and their vehicles from across the U.S. along with Canada and Mexico.

Houston Parade Facts

* The parade attracts entries from 23 states
* An audience of some 250,000 are expected to see this live event
* Parade entries include anything on wheels from
o unicycles to
o lawnmowers to
o cars and go-carts
* Entries are from members of the general public , recognized artists, community groups, and public and private schools.

Related Art Car Events

Some of the other events that make up the supporting cast for this art-centric weekend include a populist fundraiser to benefit the art car events, aptly named the Art Car Ball.

That first ball 1,200 enthusiastic supporters showed up at night on the roof of a downtown parking garage to gawk at 100 art cars, and dance to the nuclear polka of Brave Combo.

Today, the Art Car Ball in Houston and Patron Party are recognized as "Houston's Best Party" by "Houston Press" readers.

Vipit Party

The VIPit Party is the most lavish setting for viewing the Houston parade. The VIPit Party is held on some of the best viewing spots on the parade route. The swank party features delicious fare, ice cold beverages, bleacher seating, activities for children, gift bags, and live parade commentary providing the inside scoop on all of the fabulous entries.

To be a part of this hip affair you can go online and get your seating in advance.

More Free Houston Events This Weekend

Check out these other cool things to do in Houston for FREE...

Stop, Look and Listen are free family concerts presented by The Menil Collection and Da Camera of Houston. This concert series on The Menil Collection campus has quickly become a popular family event. Combine a visit to the museum with an interactive and informative concert.

FATHER/CHILD MOTHER’S DAY CRAFT.

Sat, May 8, 10 a.m. Kids, bring an adult, (father or grandfather will do) and build your mom a homemade wooden gift for Mother’s Day.
Limit one per family.

SECOND SATURDAY: WOODWORK SHOP.

Saturday, May 8, 1-3 p.m. Daily activities done by the early Texas settlers are demonstrated. See how tools like the draw knife, foot adze, and shaving horse are used to shape and form wooden items.

Sunday Mother's Day

Houston Ballet's program will feature three diverse works at Miller Outdoor Theater. Each choreographed by one of today's most sought-after choreographers; Stanton Welch's, Nacho Duato and Twyla Tharp.

Discovery Greens' Sundays in the Park

9 – The Trade Jazz Band

Free Exercise Program
Tuesday, May 11
PiYo ( Pilates + Yoga )with TUTS in downtown Houston at Discovery Green

Each week we endeavor to discover the top free events in Houston. We carefully select the ones that are unique, family-friendly and most of all fun.

If you have an event or photos you would like to tell us about? You can email us through the link on the right.

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Free Events In Houston This Week

How would you like to attend 2 cool, free events in Houston this week, a national trivia competition and a local inventors conference that everyone will enjoy? If you want something even more exciting, you can always laugh it up, with the city's funniest, wittiest, all around best comedians in the city.

These activities, are events in Houston where you'll meet other professionals to add to your network or just chill out with your family. You can always count on us to find plenty of exciting events in and around Midtown Houston.

National Trivia Challenge

At Firkin & Phoenix Pub you can relax and watch MLB, play a stimulating round of Buzztime trivia and toss a few darts. Remember, it's free all day on Monday's to shoot a game of pool. Firkin's is an official site in Houston for the Buzztime Final Round of "25 Years of Sports Challenge". An interactive trivia competition.

It's a game that lets you match wits against the best players from other cities in North America to play for a smorgasbord of prizes. In the end, the highest scorers from around the nation (plus two wild card winners each night) will win a spot in the Sports Legends Challenge activities at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Free Inventors Conference Houston

Houston inventors are a extremely active bunch of entrepreneurs, they are so productive and successful that the city ranks fifth in inventiveness! You don't have to be a design professional or engineer to come out and see some of these bright new inventions for yourself. The HIA, Houston Inventors Association rarely host free activities in Houston, so take advantage of this unique event to meet and talk with successful inventors, whose products have finally “made it” at the Bayland Park Center.

You will hear speakers from around the city that specialize in helping professional inventors with product development, design and production, intellectual property, project funding and much more.

Watch The Best Comedians In Houston

Come out and support your local comic. The Improv showcases the "Best of Houston's" comedians this week. Some of the greatest talent in comedy like Bill Hicks, Sam Kinneson, and Brett Butler all got their start here in Houston!

If your idea of a top notch laid back evening, is letting your hair down and being entertained then check out the activities in Houston at the Improv.

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Free Events In Houston July 09

Get Free Food Every Wednesday

There are lots free events and other activities in Houston that will encourage even hardcore couch potatoes to break their hum drum routines and get out of the house. If the chance to nab some free food isn't enough, there are other fun things on this weeks list. Read on to find out about the exciting free dance, yoga and outdoor Houston events.

You can get a hold of free food this summer at Arby's every Wednesday. The broad selection includes tasty treats from sandwiches to shakes. There is a purchase is required to get you choice of free goodies from Arby's. So, if you are already plan to eat out on Wednesdays in Houston, you can grab a bite to eat, and save a couple of bucks at Arby's.

The free food at is available on each and every Wednesdays at participating stores. Use a little forethought and call or surf the net to find participating locations near you.

Outdoor Houston| Miller Theater

July 9 - 14, 8:15 pm

Free events featuring Houston's local dance companies always delight and bring-out Houston theater goers. We'll brave rains, rowdy crowds and Texas size mosquitoes to enjoy a night of song and dance.

This week the Tony® Award winning musical 42nd Street opens at our favorite outdoor theater.

The tap-dancing musical extravaganza is a one and only Theatre Under The Stars production. With fun and infectious tunes like "We're In the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," and "Forty-Second Street,"

It paints a fairytale adventure of an aspiring chorus girl and her journey to find love and success on the Great White Way. 42nd STREET will transport you back to the glamor, spectacle and fashion of the 1930's. Escape Houston to 42nd STREET with Theatre Under The Stars and Miller Theater.

Downtown Houston Events

July 11,

One of the most rejuvenating activities in Houston are the free yoga sessions at the downtown library. Sharon Hughes guides participants in ways to de-stress and relieve muscle strain using yoga techniques, so simple and easy that you can do them at your desk and at home.
Anyone is welcome to bring a mat and attend this free event in Houston at the public Library. See the Library calendar or call them for the exact time the activities begin,

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Free Concerts In Houston This Weekend

For a current list of concerts in Houston visit us at Free Concerts In Houston.

A free concert in downtown Houston have featured Tweed Smith and Cody Moffett at downtown's favorite urban green space Discovery Green. Another concert in Houston will feature the Houston Symphony at Millers Outdoor Theater.

The downtown Houston concert showcases the talented vocalist Tweed Smith. She is best remembered as the female member in War. She did her major recording and touring with the soul group from '79 through '81. Smith sang on three War albums (to which she also contributed several tunes as co-author). "They added me in celebration of their second decade of recording," she noted in one of her recent interviews.

This Houston vocalist has been featured during nationwide concert tours and made several major television appearances. Her Stage Performances include Jesus Christ Superstar, the President Clinton's Presidential Election Victory, The Merv Griffin Show, The Mike Douglas Show, Dick Clark's American Bandstand, Don Cornelius' Soul Train, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert.



The other artist on stage Sunday at the free concert in Discovery Green Park is Cody Moffett. The drummer extraordinaire, is son of the legendary Charles Moffett. His jazz drumming sounds rich and fill the songs with a constant tempo that grooves.

This show is part of the Sunday's In The Park Series, that brought some of the top musical acts in this area to the Houston stage this year. Downtown Houston is home to some of the best free events in town.

Discovery Green is located in downtown Houston. The 12 acre urban green space includes an one-acre lake, children’s playground area, interactive water features and small and large dog runs. The Houston park is free and open to the public daily.

This weekend don't miss the concert in the park, you'll love the multi-use amphitheater's comfortable sloping lawn. Bring a blanket pillows are whatever makes you comfortable and enjoy this fabulous Houston event.

Free Concert At Houston's Miller Outdoor Theater

Houston Symphony take center stage at the Miller Outdoor Theater. The symphony plays musical masterpieces for audiences of all ages. This weekend's free concert presentation will include Kodaly's Dances of Marosszék, Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K.219 (Turkish), and Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Opus 60 Gregory. Vajda, conductor and Tai Murray, violin.

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Free Events In Houston, Juneteenth Festival

The Buffalo Soldier Freedom Festival & Motorcycle Bike Rally Show in Houston, Texas - June 20th & June 21st
The Juneteenth Family Reunion celebration is the first of it’s kind to bring together families of different cultures and nationalities that were greatly influence by the African slave trade industry.

Opening Ceremony - Saturday June 20th 12PM after the completion of the Buffalo Soldier's Motorcycle Ride from Galveston the original site where General Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation to Houston's Jones Plaza. Kids Play Area, enjoy games, rides and great fun for the whole family.

The day's activities will include a Soul Food Fest. A Father's Day Feast is planned on Father's Day, to let all fathers eat for $5/plate with culinary delights from over 15 different restaurants to choose from.

As the sun slips into the West the The Buffalo Soldier Freedom Music Festival gets underway at 6PM Saturday with musical guest:



Cherrelle, Michael Henderson and Allan Harris

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