This weekend’s lineup of the best free and cheap events in Houston is brought to you by Cross Creek Ranch. Their 10th annual Scarecrow Festival is this Saturday, October 20th from 1-6 pm, and it’s the perfect day of free family fun! Get an early start on pumpkin patches, live music, face painting, local vendors, and more. The event is free and open to the public, plus wristbands for unlimited games and rides are cheap- starting at just $10 presale for unlimited rides and $15 at the door!

In a city like Houston, there are always cheap and free things to do, you just have to look! Count on us to bring you the latest and greatest to help you save big on having fun. Events this week include the Cross Creek Ranch Scarecrow Festival, movie nights, the Brick Fest Live, poetry readings, and more.

Read on below for this weekend’s list of the best free and cheap activities in Houston:

 

TOP PICK

Cross Creek Ranch Scarecrow Festival
What: Come see the biggest collection of scarecrows in the city, and enjoy a family-friendly fall festival that’s loaded with fun. The theme this year is superheroes so the kids will love it. You can also enjoy carnival rides, merchants, face painting, live music, food trucks, a pumpkin patch, and more. The event is free and open to the public. Wristbands for unlimited rides and games are $10 pre-sale and $15 at the doors, so order them online, now!
When: October 20, 1- 6 pm
Where: 6450 Cross Creek Bend Ln, Fulshear TX 77441
How much: Free Admission

 

EVERYDAY FUN

Here are a few cheap things to do in Houston any day of the week!

Lone Star Flight Museum

Whether you’re going for the first time or to get to know the place again, Lone Star Flight Museum has treasures awaiting. The 130,000 square foot museum and warehouse offers 40 vintage and historically significant aircraft. The planes have been restored to flying condition and are available for tours. Don’t miss the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and their other carefully curated exhibits. Best of all, tickets are now half- off! Just $10 gets you in the door so take advantage now!

Death by Natural Causes at Houston Museum of Natural Science

Think you know what dangers to avoid? Think again! The Death by Natural Causes exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science explores a collection of animals, plants, and every day items which can actually kill you. Explore the specimens and learn which old wives tales are myths and which ones are true! The exhibit is not included in general admission. Tickets are regularly $30 per person but now, you can get them for just $17 each!

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Get General Admission to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for only $10 (regularly $25!). Other HMNS discounts are available, like 50% off tickets to the butterfly habitat & exhibit, planetarium show, and other special exhibits. The museum has several great exhibits on display at the moment, including Life in Stone, The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and more. (Some exhibits may cost extra.)

Space Center Houston

Spend a day learning about Science and aerospace flight and engineering at Houston’s favorite, Space Center Houston. Some tours are included in the price of admission so you can easily spend a day and still have more to see! If you haven’t been in a while, it may be time for a return trip. For a limited time, get $5 off of regular price!

 

FRIDAY

Live Music at La Centerra
What: The band CC Rider will be on stage at the Green at La Centerra. They’ve been a Houston icon since 1990. They’ll be playing a selection of classic and Motown Hits. You’re welcome to bring picnics and lawn chairs!
When: October 19, 7- 9 pm
Where: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494
How much: Free

Women’s Voices: Reading & Open Mic
What: Writespace is hosting a free open mic and poetry reading. Writespace volunteer Holly Lyn Walrath will be reading selections from her new publication, Glimmerglass Girl.
When: October 19, 7- 9 pm
Where: 2000A Edwards St, Ste 208, Houston TX 77007
How much: Free

Parachute Playtime  at City Centre
What: Gymboree Play & Music will be on site, hosting this free event for preschoolers. The twenty-foot parachute is lifted in the air for a colorful rainbow of fun and dance. Songs, games, and other activities are all on the agenda.
When: October 19, 10 am- 2 pm
Where: 800 Town and Country Blvd, Houston TX 77024
How much: Free

 

SATURDAY

East End Street Fest
What: Houston’s Historic East End is putting on one of their most popular events- East End Street Fest! Get ready for arts galore- there will be live music (see the full lineup here), dance performances, sculpting, art, and other street performers all throughout the day. Bring the kids for the McDonald’s Fun Zone. Food trucks, drinks, and a craft beer garden will also be on site.
When: October 20, 12 noon- 10 pm
Where: 2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston TX 77003
How much: Free

Brick Fest Live: LEGO Fan Experience
What: Tons of activities for all of your LEGO lovers are on the agenda this weekend at Brick Fest Live. Bring your biggest builders and take part in the Brick Fest Speedway, collaborative building activities, the Video Game Arena, mosaics, and more. Tickets are regularly $39.50 but you can get them now starting at just $13.50! Events are scheduled for the whole weekend, check out ticket options above for more information.
When: October 20, times vary
Where: One Reliant Park, Houston TX 77054
How much: $13.50- $34.50

Community Health Fair at La Centerra
What: Get answers to questions about health insurance, health-related concerns, get your vitals checked for free, and more at the Community Health Fair at La Centerra. There will also be music and dancing, plus prizes for participants. A kids zone with fun activities will keep the little ones entertained.
When: October 20, 11 am- 2 pm
Where: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494
How much: Free

 

SUNDAY

Memento Mori at Texas Art Asylum
What: Local artists have curated this show together, titled Remember You Will Die: A Memento Mori. Michelle Getz, Jodi Larson, Margoth Ayla, and more will be displaying their work, with live performances, and free beverages.
When: October 21, 1- 5 pm
Where: 1719 Live Oak, Unit L, Houston TX 77003
How much: Free

Movie Night in the Patch
What: Lakewood UMC presents Movie Night in the Patch, a free movie night for the whole family. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for  a free screening of Monster, Inc.
When: October 21, 7 pm
Where: 11330 Louetta, Houston TX 77070
How much: Free

All Day Sundays at Discovery Green
What: Sundays are packed in downtown Houston! This Sunday, enjoy the Aga Khan Foundation Walk, plus concerts and special activities starting at 9 am. Tai Chi is held on the Lindsey Waterside Landing at 9:30. Lawn games start at 2 pm, and Unplugged, the music series, is from 5- 9 pm. You can grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from restaurants surrounding the park. It’s the perfect way to finish the week.
When: October 21, 5- 9 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free

What cheap and free activities are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the comments: