Free Weekend Fun in Houston September 14-16: Irish Dancing, 18 Free Museums, Bayou Bend Family Days, IKEA Houston Screen on the Green, Fiesta Patrias Parade, Live at Night at Waterway Square
posted by Vicki Powers on September 14, 2012

The weekend is almost here. What are your plans? Here is a snapshot of a few free activities and events to enjoy with your family and friends:

Watch a silent movie — Discovery Green shares its Silent Film Concert series September 14, 8 pm, sponsored by Houston Public Media. Tonight the film features the 1920s Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, with a fresh score performed by indie musicians, My Education. Discovery Green is located at 1500 McKinney downtown.

Celebrate Irish dance — Enjoy the amazing precision of Michael Londra’s Celtic Fire featuring Irish dancers and live music on traditional Irish instruments such as the fiddle, great drum and pipes. The event is Friday, September 14, 8 pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Enjoy Family Day at Bayou Bend — The monthly Bayou Bend Family Days returns this Sunday, September 16, with a theme of 1812. Families can enjoy activities, demonstrations, performances, and giveaways through the home and gardens. Tours also will be given of the first floor of the house. Free admission from 1 pm – 5 pm. This theme is tied into observance of the conflict’s 200th anniversary year. Bayou Bend is located at 6003 Memorial.

Visit 18 museums for free — Houston’s 16th annual Museum District Day is a fabulous way to visit the 18 participating museums in the museum district. Free performances, demonstrations, and hands-on activities will be going on all day at the various museums from 10 am – 5 pm. Check out the museum day schedule online in this Museum District Day 2012 .pdf. Ride the METRORail for free Saturday, thanks to the light rail’s partnership with KHOU and The Ellen Show. New this year: free pedicabs will be available in place of complimentary shuttles.

Watch movies under the moon — Downtown: Enjoy the classic movie, Charlotte’s Web, as the next IKEA Houston Screen on the Green. The outdoor movie is Saturday, September 15, 8 pm at downtown Discovery Green. Arrive an hour early for activities and giveaways. Lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets are welcome. Sugar Land: Or head to Sugar Land Town Square Saturday, September 15, 8:30 pm for its free outdoor movie, The Lorax.

Celebrate culture at Hispanic parade — The annual Fiestas Patrias downtown parade begins at 10 am Saturday, September 15, near Minute Maid Park at Texas and Hamilton, proceeding west. Don’t miss the floats, music, dancing horses and more. The celebration continues at two Fiesta locations: I- 45 & Airline, 3:30 pm Saturday with Ballet Folklorico, face painting and more and then Jensen & Hwy. 59 at 3:30 pm Sunday.

Enjoy live music at Waterway Square — The Live at Night Waterway Music Series picks up again on Saturdays this fall through October 13 in The Woodlands. This weekend’s performers feature acoustic/rock Stereophonic with Tory Tompkins.

Learn about fall lawn care — It’s time to start thinking about fall lawn care. Cornelius Nursery is hosting a free Fall Lawn Care clinic Saturday, September 15, 10:15 am. Cornelius is located at 1200 North Dairy Ashford and 2233 South Voss.