Houston Highlights: November 2 to November 5 – Food, Music, Arts & More

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The best free and fun events in Houston this week include Día de los Muertos celebrations, live theater, hands-on workshops, outdoor fitness classes, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Our top picks for November 2 to November 5, 2026, give you plenty of ways to get out and explore Houston. Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Houston Zoo, see murals take shape across the city during Big Walls Big Dreams, or spend an afternoon among pumpkins and fall displays at the Houston Pumpkin Festival.

Theater takes center stage midweek with the offbeat musical Beetlejuice, the satirical play Uhuru, and Signing the Song, a musical story about family, music, and connection. 

As Thursday approaches, celebrate Diwali at the Children’s Museum of Houston, browse local vendors and enjoy live entertainment at the Mid Main First Thursday Block Party, or try your hand at making fresh ravioli. 

From seasonal celebrations and creative workshops to theater, concerts, and free activities around the city, there’s plenty to add to your Houston plans this week.

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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

Check out our recent updates: Things To Do with Teens, 100 Free & Cheap Activities for Kids in Houston, and Kids Eat Free in Houston.

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PLAN AHEAD THIS WEEKEND: Texas City Music Festival

Spend an open-air evening soaking in great tunes, local flavor, and community spirit at Nessler Park for the annual Texas City Music Festival. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets to relax on the grass while enjoying live sets from Texas country artists and regional musicians. Beyond the main stage, you can grab bites from a lineup of local food trucks, browse neighborhood vendor booths, and let the kids burn off energy with family-friendly outdoor games and activities.

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Gates open at 5:00 PM, Music 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Nessler Park, 1700 5th Avenue N, Texas City, TX 77590
How Much: Free

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Events in Houston this Monday (November 2)

Big Walls Big Dreams 2026

Houston’s walls will become works of art as Big Walls Big Dreams returns for its fifth edition from October 30 through November 15. 

Watch local, national, and international muralists create more than 20 large-scale murals across Houston neighborhoods. 

The festival officially opens October 31 at East Aldine’s Día de los Muertos celebration, giving you a chance to meet artists and see their work take shape. 

Make exploring Houston’s street art even more exciting with the new Big Walls Mural Quest, a citywide scavenger hunt. Track down murals, scan codes at select locations, and enter to win prizes. A new festival app will also help you discover murals throughout the city. 

Check the official festival website for artist announcements, mural locations, and the full schedule.

When: Friday, October 30 – November 15, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Various locations throughout Houston
How Much: Free

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Houston Zoo: Dia de los Muertos Celebration

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Houston Zoo with festive decorations, colorful photo opportunities, and a meaningful tribute to animals that are no longer here. 

One of the celebration’s central features is a traditional ofrenda, where you can honor a beloved pet by placing its photo at the altar. You’ll also encounter La Catrina, one of the most recognizable figures associated with this Mexican tradition.

When: Monday, November 2, 2026
Where: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
How Much: Included in admission

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Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. presents Dinner with Friends

How well do you really know the people closest to you? In Donald Margulies’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play Dinner with Friends, a shocking divorce unsettles two couples whose long-standing friendship has shaped their lives. 

As the fallout spreads, questions about love, loyalty, desire, and the stories people tell themselves begin to surface. What first appears to be a stable world of successful careers and elegant dinners proves far more complicated beneath the surface.

With incisive dialogue, dark humor, and emotionally charged revelations, this production explores the fragile foundations of modern relationships. 

Catch the play at MATCH and see how one couple’s breakup forces everyone around them to reconsider their own marriages, friendships, and assumptions about love.

When: Thursday, November 5 – 7, 2026
Where: MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: $35 | pay-what-you-can for certain shows.

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Kickboxing Class

Enjoy free martial arts cardio at Market Square Park! This total-body workout combines punches, kicks, and athletic drills to improve coordination and stamina. 

Designed for all fitness levels, this class delivers a fun, challenging environment that empowers participants to sweat out the stress and leave feeling strong.

When: Every Monday, November 2, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Market Square Park, 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free

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Houston Pumpkin Festival

Get ready to celebrate the magic of fall as Discovery Green transforms into a festive farmland of pumpkins, rides, and photo ops against the downtown Houston skyline. 

You can take in the city views while walking through vibrant displays of pumpkins and gourds of all colors, ride the carousel, explore the lake with boats, race down the 30-foot slide, and bounce around the Jumpkin’ Pumpkin.

When: Monday, November 2 – 8, 2026 | Recurring daily
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $18 on Monday – Thursday | $28 on Friday – Sunday | Free for kids 3 and under

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UV Glow-in-the-Dark Painting

Step under blacklights in a music-filled studio to create a vibrant painting using UV-reactive paints. No prior experience is required, and all materials are provided so you can focus entirely on producing a finished artwork.

When: Monday, November 2 – 30, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Recurring weekly on Monday)
Where: Studio 786, 7636 Harwin Dr., STE 308, Houston, TX 77036
How Much: $48

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Houston Events this Tuesday (3rd of November)

Beetlejuice

It’s showtime at the Hobby Center as Beetlejuice brings its delightfully strange world to the stage. 

Based on Tim Burton’s beloved film, this musical follows Lydia Deetz, an unusual teenager whose life takes a supernatural turn when she encounters a recently deceased couple and a mischievous demon with a penchant for black-and-white stripes. 

Expect outrageous comedy, eccentric characters, and a score that brings the story’s wonderfully weird energy to life.

When: Tuesday, November 3 – 8, 2026
Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $65

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DIY Candle Making Workshop

Treat yourself to a fragrant, hands-on experience where you blend premium fragrances, choose a vessel, and pour a custom luxury candle in a guided, beginner-friendly workshop.

All materials are provided.

When: Tuesday, November 3 – December 31, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Recurring daily)
Where: Studio 786, 7636 Harwin Dr. STE 308, Houston, TX 77036
How Much: $48

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Drunk Dracula

Prepare for a hilariously unpredictable evening as Transylvania’s thirstiest bachelor seeks fresh blood after centuries in his creepy old castle.

One ensemble member consumes five shots of their preferred liquor before leading the sober cast through a boozy, pop culture-infused retelling where the performance shifts wildly with the actor’s level of intoxication.

When: Tuesday, November 3 – 8, 2026
Where: Emerald Theatre, 412 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $65

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Gentle Yoga and Sound Bowl Healing

Strengthen your body, relax your mind, and find your center with a dynamic flow yoga and sound experience led by instructor Farida Meguid alongside crystal sound bowls played by Saumil Manek.

When: Tuesdays, November 3 – 24, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Free

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ARTECHOUSE presents Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean

Dive deep into an enchanting underwater universe where strangeness is a strength and weirdness is wonderful, as stunning visuals and a captivating original score reveal the awe-inspiring nightly animal migration from deep within the ocean to the surface. 

You will experience a 24-minute cinematic digital experience, dozens of interactive installations, and extended reality activations that explore the health of our planet and foster a profound emotional connection to our planet’s most mysterious realm, with the hope of igniting and inspiring protection of our planet for generations to come.

When: Tuesday, November 3 – 29, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Recurring daily)
Where: ARTECHOUSE Houston, 600 W 6th St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
How Much: Starts at $30

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Wednesday Events in Houston – November 4th (Houston picks November 2 to 5, 2026)

Uhuru

What happens when a group of unlikely travelers attempts a Tanzanian-only ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro? 

Find out in Uhuru, a sharp satirical dramedy at the Alley Theatre. The story follows a Tanzanian-American tourist, two missionaries, and their guide as they embark on a climb toward the summit known as the Roof of Africa. 

Along the way, their journey raises challenging questions about identity, access, and who gets to claim a place on the mountain.

When: Wednesday, November 4 – 8, 2026 
Where: Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $36

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Sip n’ Bloom Floral Experience Workshop: Blooms & Bubbly

Give your creative side a chance to blossom at Lyric Market’s Blooms & Bubbly floral workshop. Hosted by Vibrant Pop & Blossoms, this hands-on experience guides you through the art of arranging a seasonal bouquet from scratch. 

Learn floral design techniques while creating an arrangement you can bring home, whether you’re planning a thoughtful gift or looking for a fresh centerpiece for your space.

Enjoy bubbly cocktails, music, and a lively social atmosphere as you work with flowers and explore your own style.

When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Lyric Market, 411 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: $71.30

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Eros Ramazzotti in concert

Enjoy an evening of Italian pop and romantic ballads when Eros Ramazzotti takes the stage at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. 

Known for his powerful vocals and emotive songwriting, the internationally acclaimed singer has built a career spanning decades, with music recorded in both Italian and Spanish. His catalog includes 16 studio albums, along with memorable collaborations with global stars such as Tina Turner and Cher.

When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Where: Smart Financial Center, 18111 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479
How Much: Please check the website for available tickets

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Stages presents Signing the Song

Discover a moving story of family, music, and connection in Signing the Song, an immersive musical production at Stages. 

The show shares the true story of a hearing boy who grew up in a Deaf household with limited exposure to television, radio, and other parts of the hearing world. His life takes a meaningful turn when an eighth-grade music teacher introduces him to a new way of experiencing music.

Combining storytelling, beloved Broadway numbers, popular standards, and American Sign Language (ASL), the production explores how a single teacher can make a lasting difference.

When: Wednesday, November 4 – 8, 2026
Where: Stages, 800 Rosine St, Houston, TX 77019
How Much: Starts at $25

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Doormat Painting Experience

Unleash your creativity and design and paint a custom doormat using stencils, vibrant paint, and step-by-step guidance in a relaxed studio setting. No prior art experience is needed. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with a personalized home decor piece.

When: Wednesday, November 4 – December 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Recurring daily)
Where: Studio 786, 7636 Harwin Dr. STE 308, Houston, TX 77036
How Much: $58

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Hip Hop Yoga

Step into an open-air yoga experience where movement, music, and meaning collide under the evening sky. Instructor Alicia Dugar Stephenson infuses every session with lighthearted humor, cultural rhythm, and a poetic presence that makes everyone feel welcome.

When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Free

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Thursday Events in Houston – November 5th (Houston picks November 2 to 5 2026)

Diwali Celebration 

Bring the family to the Children’s Museum of Houston for a Diwali celebration filled with light, creativity, and cultural discovery. 

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains and is associated with the triumph of good over evil. The museum marks the occasion with activities that introduce children to the traditions and stories behind this widely celebrated festival.

Join traditional Indian dance-alongs, enjoy story times, and let the kids explore art workshops inspired by Diwali.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Included in admission

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An Evening with Kellie Gerardi

Hear from commercial and research astronaut Kellie Gerardi during an engaging evening at Space Center Houston’s Thought Leader Series. 

Drawing on her background in film, science, and technology, Gerardi will share insights from her experience on multiple space missions and discuss the personal journey of balancing an extraordinary career with motherhood.

Multimedia journalist Brandi Smith will moderate the conversation, bringing her experience as head of communications for Rice University’s Global Team and co-owner of Houston Moms to the discussion. 

If you’re curious about the realities of working in the space industry or interested in the personal stories behind scientific achievement, this event offers an opportunity to hear directly from someone who has pursued both professional ambitions and family life.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Space Center Houston, 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: Starts at $59

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Mid Main First Thursday Block Party

Make your way to Midtown for the Mid Main First Thursday Block Party, a lively evening of music, art, shopping, and local flavor. 

The returning event brings together local vendors, live entertainment, creative activations, and opportunities to explore the neighborhood’s independent businesses. 

Pick up your wristband at the designated check-in location to access the festivities, then spend the evening browsing stalls, discovering new favorites, and enjoying the atmosphere.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where:  Mid Main, 3500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: $10

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Ravioli Making Class

Trade your usual dinner plans for a hands-on cooking experience at Lyric Market’s ravioli-making class. 

Led by Cocusocial, this session walks you through preparing fresh pasta from scratch and turning it into classic cheese-filled ravioli served with traditional fresh tomato sauce. You’ll follow each step of the process, from working with the pasta to assembling your ravioli.

No previous cooking experience is needed, and all ingredients and equipment are provided.

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Lyric Market, 411 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: $59

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The Hobby Center presents Live at the Founder’s Club: The Devil I Knew with Nicole Zuraitis

Spend an intimate evening with Grammy-winning vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis at the Hobby Center’s Founders Club. 

Featuring music from her acclaimed album The Devil I Knew, the performance blends contemporary jazz, soul, and modern songwriting to explore themes of identity, love, sin, and redemption. 

The program also draws on Siren Songs, her album celebrating women composers from the past century.

When: Thursday, November 5 – 6, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $35

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Tai Chi

Slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your body in a welcoming and restorative Tai Chi practice!

Teacher Angel Quesada brings nearly 30 years of experience as a movement specialist to help you move with greater ease, strength, balance, and confidence while naturally reducing pain and increasing flexibility.

When: Thursday, November 5 – 19, 2026 | 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Free

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Already planning for the weekend? Browse our latest picks for Friday through Sunday in Houston — concerts, food festivals, date ideas, and more await!