Jump to: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
The best Free and Fun Events in Houston (February 16 – 19) include Mardi Gras Celebration and Indoor Parades, Million Dollar Quartet, and more!
Houston never hits pause on the fun, and our Houston picks Feb 16 to 19, 2026, prove it. The city’s weekday calendar is packed with live music, food festivals, art shows, and unique local happenings that turn ordinary days into something special.
Explore what I think are the best events lighting up Houston this week, and keep your evenings buzzing with excitement long before the weekend arrives.
Editor’s Note: We update this guide each week with verified listings from trusted sources. Still, details can change — please confirm with the event organizer before heading out.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
We only recommend experiences we truly believe in! Curious how we choose these events? Here’s our process
Plan Ahead for this Weekend’s Upcoming Best Event – Mardi Gras on Main in La Porte
Experience the spirit of the bayou as downtown La Porte transforms into a vibrant street festival for all ages. The celebration kicks off with a lively parade featuring festive floats and “Second Line” umbrella walkers, followed by a massive community line dance, a high-stakes King Cake eating contest, and a free Kid’s Zone filled with carnival rides and characters.
Wander through the artisan vendor market and enjoy live zydeco music as the streets come alive with the magic of Mardi Gras.
When: Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 4:00 pm – onwards
Where: Main Street & Five Points Plaza, 100 S Broadway, La Porte, TX 77571
How Much: Free Admission
Events in Houston this Monday (February 16)
Mardi Gras! Galveston
Get swept up in the coastal magic of Mardi Gras! Galveston is the nation’s third-largest carnival celebration. This year’s island-style revelry features over 20 colorful parades—including the iconic Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade—and 20+ live concerts featuring headliners like Gym Class Heroes, Wade Bowen, and Lil’ Keke.
When: Monday, February 16 – 17, 2026
Where: Multiple locations in Galveston
How Much: Varies
ARTECHOUSE presents Fractal Worlds
Step into Fractal Worlds at ARTECHOUSE as the exhibition enters its final weeks. You’ll be surrounded by endlessly unfolding landscapes of light, color, and motion by Julius Horsthuis, where each environment feels alive, infinite, and constantly shifting.
Every turn invites curiosity, play, and a sense of awe within this cutting-edge experience.
When: Monday, February 16 – March 1, 2026 | 12 pm – 8 pm
Where: ARTECHOUSE, 600 W 6th St, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: Starts at $17
Houston Events this Tuesday (17th of February)
Mardi Gras Celebration & Indoor Parades – The Woodlands
Image credit: The Woodlands Children’s Museum
Celebrate Fat Tuesday in true Louisiana style at The Woodlands with festive jester hat crafting, face painting, and whimsical indoor parades at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. You can even enjoy a special visit from the Town Center Trolley before heading home with a delicious slice of traditional King Cake.
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 9:30 am – 2 pm
Where: The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W Panther Creek Dr #280, The Woodlands, TX 77381
How Much: Included in admission
Theatre Under the Stars presents Million Dollar Quartet
Step back into December 4, 1956, to experience the legendary twist of fate that united Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley for an impromptu jam session at Sun Records in Memphis.
Get ready to hear iconic hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” and “Great Balls of Fire” as this Theatre Under the Stars production brings a historic night of rock and roll to life.
When: Tuesday, February 17 – March 1, 2026
Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $46
River Oaks District Celebrates the Year of the Horse
Image credit: River Oaks District
Ring in the Year of the Horse at River Oaks District with two free, public celebrations featuring cultural performances and festive offerings. Start the festivities this Tuesday in The Park to witness a traditional Platform Dragon Dance by Lee’s Golden Dragon.
Continue the excitement on Saturday with an afternoon of interactive programming, including a hands-on origami station and festive photo activations. You can also enjoy complimentary boba beverages and Lunar New Year–inspired cocktails from Azumi before a high-pole acrobatic performance at 3:00 PM brings traditional cultural storytelling to life.
When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 4 pm
Where: River Oaks District, 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027
How Much: Free
Wednesday Events in Houston – February 18th
Italian Contemporary Film Series
Dive into the heart of modern Italy as the Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston brings the latest cinematic masterpieces to the city through the Italian Contemporary Film Series.
This Wednesday is the screening of Almost Grazia (Quasi Grazia), a featured highlight of this artistic collection. This series invites you to explore contemporary Italian culture and storytelling right here in Houston.
When: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 7 pm
Where: Italian Cultural & Community Center, 1101 Milford St, Houston, TX 77006
How Much: Not stated
Alley Theatre presents English
Step into the Alley Theatre for the 2023 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, English, where you follow five strangers in an Iranian TOEFL class navigating the complexities of language and identity. Join their journey as they discover what is lost and found in translation, forming unexpected friendships along the way.
When: Wednesday, February 18 – March 8, 2026
Where: Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Not stated
Thursday Events in Houston – February 19th
Pilates in Full Color
Add movement to your routine every Thursday with Pilates in Full Color at Color Factory Houston. Join Sharon Warwas of Custom Fit Pilates for an exclusive, beginner-friendly mat class held directly inside the venue’s vibrant, chromatic halls.
Once the session concludes, you have the choice to stay and explore the immersive exhibits immediately or return at a different time.
When: Thursday, February 19 – March 12, 2026 | Every Thursday
Where: Color Factory, 3303 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
How Much: $35
Ravioli Making Class
Image credit: CocuSocial
Master the art of fresh pasta from scratch as you craft classic cheese-filled ravioli paired with a traditional tomato sauce. Cocusocial will guide you through every step of this hands-on process, providing all necessary ingredients and equipment so you can dive right in regardless of your experience level.
If you are 21 or older, feel free to bring your own beer, wine, or champagne to enjoy while you cook.
When: Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 6:30 pm
Where: Lyric Market, 411 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: $59
The Ensemble Theatre presents The Bluest Eye
Image credit: The Ensemble Theatre
Experience the powerful stage adaptation of Toni Morrison’s debut novel at The Ensemble Theatre, where you will follow the story of Pecola Breedlove in 1941, Lorain, Ohio. Travel alongside three young Black girls as they strive to make sense of a world filled with abuse and hate, focusing on Pecola’s heartbreaking desire for Shirley Temple’s blue eyes as a path to being loved.
When: Thursday, February 19 – 22, 2026
Where: Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Not stated
- Fun, Free & Cheap Events | March 6 – March 8 - March 5, 2026
- Your March Plans Start Here: The Best March 2026 Events in Houston for Adults - March 2, 2026
- No Screens Needed: The Best Kids Events in Houston in March - March 2, 2026
