Don’t let the most loving holiday of the year make your bank account sad- Houston has plenty of free and cheap activities just waiting for you. Free and cheap things to do in Houston this weekend include the La Porte Mardi Gras Festival, free live music, family concerts, Helicopter Day at the 1940s Air Terminal Museum, and much more.
Read more below for this weekend’s list of the best Free and Cheap Events in Houston:
TOP PICKS
Mardi Gras on Main
What: Head down to the city of La Porte, Texas for a Mardi Gras celebration like you’ve never seen in Texas! They’re spicing it up with live music, craft beer, an umbrella parade, the Mardi Gras Market, food trucks, face painting, a crafting zone for the kids, and much more. The event is free, you just pay for your food, drinks, and shopping!
When: February 16, 4- 9 pm
Where: 201 S Broadway, La Porte TX 77571
How much: Free
Harlem Globetrotters at Fertitta Center
What: The Fertitta Center at UH is hosting the Harlem Globetrotters and their basketball antics. Trick shots, slam dunks, 30 footers, and more will be performed as they play against the Washington Generals. Tickets range from $20- $175. You can save 30% when you use our code SAVE30!
When: February 15-17, various times
Where: 3422 Cullen Blvd, Houston TX 77024
How much: Save 30% with code SAVE30
EVERYDAY FUN
Here are a few cheap things to do in Houston any day of the week!
Wild West Escape Room
At PanIQ Room, you’ll have to use your wits to get you out of jail. Props, design, and clues are used to help you piece together the mystery and escape the room. Tickets are usually $28- $32 per person- yikes! Now, you can get them for as little as $14- $17.50. Purchase your tickets now and they’re good through May 1st. Don’t panic, just escape the room!
Go-Kart Racing at K1 Speed
Race your kids, family, and friends and try to beat the clock! Experience competition, thrills, adrenaline, and more. Compare your times and ranks- all in a family-friendly environment. Right now, you can get packages ranging from $17- $38 and tickets are good at any K1 Speed facility.
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!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Get General Admission to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for only $11.10 (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 as well. (Some exhibits may cost extra.)
FRIDAY
TFTI Houston
What: The Marq*E Entertainment Center at Shepherd is temporarily hosting an interactive photo- op experience for the most instagrammable posts you can imagine. Each room is unique decorated with eye- catching color pop and backdrops. Bring your selfie stick. Tickets are $25.
When: February 15, 9 am- 8 pm
Where: 7620 Katy Fwy, Houston TX 77024
How much: $25
Yummy Crawfish & Seafood Grand Opening
What: This restaurant in Katy Asian Town is hosting its grand opening and you don’t want to miss it. They’ll have a live DJ starting at 6 pm, free dessert with social media check in, 75 cent oyster specials, and more.
When: February 15, 11:30 am- 10 pm
Where: 23119 Colonial Parkway, Houston TX 77449
How much: Free Entry
Zydeco Fridays at Orleans Seafood Kitchen
What: Enjoy Cajun food, crawfish, hurricanes, and live Zydeco each Friday night from 6- 10 pm. Don’t forget to bring some quarters so the kids can play games!
When: February 15, 6- 10 pm
Where: 20940 Katy Fwy, Katy TX 77449
How much: Free Admission
SATURDAY
Mardi Gras on Main
What: Head down to the city of La Porte, Texas for a Mardi Gras celebration like you’ve never seen in Texas! They’re spicing it up with live music, craft beer, an umbrella parade, the Mardi Gras Market, food trucks, face painting, a crafting zone for the kids, and much more. The event is free, you just pay for your food, drinks, and shopping!
When: February 16, 4- 9 pm
Where: 201 S Broadway, La Porte TX 77571
How much: Free
Family Concert at Levy Park
What: Bring a picnic, blanket, and lawn chairs so you can comfy at this outdoor event. Prelude Music Classes’ Family Concerts are fun and full of giggles, dancing, and more.
When: February 16, 4:30- 5:15 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Wings & Wheels Helicopter Day
What: If you haven’t visited the 1940s Air Terminal Museum, you’re missing out and this is the perfect opportunity. The terminal itself is so cool, even the kids will love it. But they’ll fall in love with seeing real helicopters on the tarmac. There will be helicopters on site from SkyFox News, LifeFlight, the Coast Guard, and more, plus motorcycles! Admission is just $7 for adults and $3 for kids.
When: February 16, 11 am
Where: 8325 Travelair St, Houston TX 77061
How much: $7
SUNDAY
Beers & Art at St. Arnold
What: Now is a great time to visit the Brewery if you’ve never been there, or to go back if you have! Shop local, support small businesses, and drink delicious beers. There will be a live DJ and dozens of vendors. Admission is free!
When: February 17, 11 am- 4 pm
Where: 2000 Lyons Ave, Houston TX 77020
How much: Free Admission
Fiesta at Fulton Station
What: Free tacos? Yes, please! This home builder is hosting a Sunday Funday complete with free samples of tacos, tortas, gorditas and aguas frescas from Mi Angelito Taqueria. The location is close to downtown and the event is open to the public.
When: February 17, 1- 3 pm
Where: 202 Fulton St, Houston TX 77009
How much: Free
Sunday Funday at Memorial City Mall
What: Head down to the XFinity Fireplace at Memorial City Mall for a dance performance that will have you tappin’ your toes. This is a Jamaican dance demo and workshop, all ages are welcome.
When: February 17, 3- 5 pm
Where: 303 Memorial City Way, Houston TX 77024
How much: Free
What free and cheap things to do in Houston are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the comments:
