Houston Highlights: November 9 to November 12 – Food, Music, Arts & More

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The best free and fun events in Houston this week include holiday light displays, live theater, outdoor fitness classes, creative workshops, concerts, sports, and family-friendly entertainment.

Our top picks for November 9 to November 12, 2026, offer plenty of ways to enjoy Houston as the city transitions into the holiday season. Explore colorful murals during Big Walls Big Dreams, take a festive drive through The Light Park in Katy or Spring, or catch the Houston Rockets facing the Denver Nuggets at Toyota Center.

Midweek brings a mix of cultural performances and entertainment, from the free acrobatics and live music of Afrique en Cirque to Elijah Fox’s atmospheric piano concert and the satirical comedy The Roommate. 

Thursday marks the start of two major shopping and arts events: the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market and the International Quilt Festival. Food lovers can try a hands-on pasta-making class or sample Houston’s culinary talent at Taste America.

From holiday traditions and cultural celebrations to concerts, creative experiences, and free outdoor activities, Houston has plenty happening 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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Events in Houston this Monday (November 9)

Noah Gundersen: Rites of Spring US TOUR FALL 2026

Seattle singer-songwriter Noah Gundersen brings his Rites of Spring tour to White Oak Music Hall for an evening of emotionally rich indie folk and alternative songwriting. 

Known for his intimate vocals, reflective lyrics, and arrangements that blend acoustic guitar with atmospheric electric textures, Gundersen has steadily evolved from stripped-back folk into a more expansive, layered sound. 

His latest album, Rites of Spring, released in May 2026, continues that progression with songs including “Die Young” and “You & Me.”

Joining him are Runner and Breakup Shoes, giving the evening a varied lineup of indie sounds.

When: Monday, November 9, 2026 | 6:30 PM
Where: White Oak Music Hall, 2915 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009
How Much: Starts at $41

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Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets

Catch an exciting Western Conference matchup as the Houston Rockets welcome the Denver Nuggets to Toyota Center. 

The Rockets’ lineup features superstar Kevin Durant alongside rising talents Alperen and Amen Thompson, while Denver brings its formidable core led by two-time MVP Nikola Joki? and dynamic guard Jamal Murray.

When: Monday, November 9, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Where: Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $17

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The Light Park Katy

Load up the car, bring your favorite people, and enjoy a holiday light display without having to leave your seat. 

The Light Park in Katy features a mile-long drive-through route filled with LED displays, with DJ Polar Ice providing the music as you make your way through.

When: Monday, November 9, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Daily from 5:30 PM
Where: Typhoon Texas Waterpark, 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494
How Much: $29.99 until November 6 | $60 regular admission

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The Light Park Spring

For another way to enjoy the holiday lights, head to The Light Park at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring. 

The mile-long drive-through display fills the route with colorful LED lights, while DJ Polar Ice supplies the soundtrack. Stay warm in the car as you follow the displays, and make it a family outing or a festive evening drive.

When: Monday, November 9, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Daily from 5:30 PM
Where: Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, 21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77373
How Much: $29.99 until November 6 | $60 regular admission

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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, November 9 – 15, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Various locations throughout Houston
How Much: Free

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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 9 – 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 (10th of November)

Houston Music Festival and POST present Elijah Fox: Ambient City

Experience an intimate, cinematic night of live keyboard music as multi-instrumentalist and producer Elijah Fox brings Ambient City to Art Club at POST Houston. 

Known for moving effortlessly between jazz, impressionistic piano, and atmospheric electronic textures, Fox has worked with artists including SZA, Masego, J. Cole, Childish Gambino, and Musiq Soulchild. 

His composition “East Village” was sampled by Drake and 21 Savage on “Major Distribution,” while his solo piece “Wyoming” gained widespread attention online. 

For this solo performance, Fox draws from his 2025 album Ambient Works for the Highways of Los Angeles, creating a soundscape that blends jazz, impressionism, and psychedelic soul.

When: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: POST Houston, 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
How Much: Starts at $28.65

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Afrique en Cirque with Cirque Kalabante

Bring Houston-area students on an exhilarating journey into Guinean culture through Afrique en Cirque, a vibrant production created by multidisciplinary artist Yamoussa Bangoura and his company, Kalabanté Productions. 

Inspired by everyday life in Guinea, the performance celebrates African artistry, movement, and the energy of youth through a colorful blend of circus, music, and theatrical storytelling. 

Experience gravity-defying acrobatics, impressive human pyramids, and feats of strength and agility set to live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and the distinctive sound of the kora.

When: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 9:45 AM (additional performance at 11:45 AM)
Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free

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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 10 – 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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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 10 – 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 10 – 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 11th (Houston picks November 9 to 12, 2026)

City of Houston’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration

Honor America’s servicemen and women at Houston’s annual Veterans Day celebration, a downtown gathering that brings together the community to recognize veterans, military families, and those who have sacrificed for the country’s freedom. 

The morning begins with a traditional ceremony on the steps of City Hall at 10 a.m., featuring acknowledgments and a distinguished keynote speaker. At 11 a.m., join the Moment of Silence commemorating the Armistice that ended World War I.

The celebration continues with the American Heroes Parade at 11:30 a.m. Local veterans’ organizations, ROTC units, marching bands, and supporters take to the streets in a show of appreciation and remembrance. 

Find a spot along the public parade route, which begins at Dallas and Bagby, travels east on Dallas, north on Louisiana, west on Walker, south on Smith, and west on Lamar, finishing at Bagby.

When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free

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Cocktail Class – Cocktails For Thanksgiving Hosting

Get ready to play host with a little more confidence at this hands-on Thanksgiving cocktail class inside HiFi, Finn Hall’s vinyl-infused lounge. 

Learn how to prepare a crowd-friendly batch cocktail, work warm fall spices into seasonal drinks, and mix festive pours that complement everything from the first Thanksgiving toast to dessert. 

Choose between the 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. class times, and settle in for an evening of drinks, music, and practical hosting inspiration.

When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM
Where: Finn Hall, 712 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: $33.85

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French Festival 2026

Spend an evening immersed in French food, wine, culture, and business at the French-American Chamber of Commerce Texas’s French Festival, hosted inside ARTECHOUSE Houston’s immersive digital art environment. 

Floor-to-ceiling projections create a striking backdrop as you enjoy a French bistro buffet and an open wine bar featuring selections such as Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion, Médoc, Menetou-Salon, and Clos Cibonne Provence rosé. 

For an elevated experience, the VIP Champagne Room offers pours from Veuve Clicquot, Moët, Piper-Heidsieck, and Nicolas Feuillatte.

Beyond the food and drinks, the festival brings Houston’s French and American business communities together for an evening of networking and special showcases from ENGIE and SLB.

When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: ARTECHOUSE Houston, 600 W 6th St, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: Starts at $85

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Stages presents The Roommate

A new housemate turns one woman’s carefully ordered life upside down in The Roommate, a sharp, mischievous comedy fresh from a Broadway run starring Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone. 

Recently divorced Sharon, a Midwestern woman looking for a fresh start, reluctantly rents a room to Robyn, a worldly, spiritually hip vegan from New York. Their clashing personalities make for an uneasy beginning, but as the two women grow closer, conversations about dissatisfaction and buried truths begin to change their relationship.

As secrets surface and the balance of power shifts, Sharon finds herself confronting desires she has long kept suppressed.

When: Wednesday, November 11 – 22, 2026 | Select dates, 2:00 PM or 7:00 PM
Where: Stages, 800 Rosine St, Houston, TX 77019
How Much: Starts at $52

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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 11 – 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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Thursday Events in Houston – November 12th (Houston picks November 9 to 12 2026)

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market

Kick off your holiday shopping at the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market, a massive seasonal marketplace packed with hundreds of merchants offering everything from festive home décor and apparel to toys, accessories, specialty foods, and distinctive gifts. 

It’s a great place to find presents for everyone on your list, discover new favorite products, and stock up on holiday treats without hopping between stores.

Proceeds from admission and special event tickets, along with 11% of merchandise sales, benefit Houston Ballet.

When: Thursday, November 12 – 15, 2026
Where: NRG Park, NRG Center, 1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
How Much: $25 for GA | $60 for early bird

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Disney On Ice presents Magic In The Stars

Take the family on a magical journey across the Disney universe as Mickey, Minnie, and their friends bring beloved stories to life on ice. 

Follow adventures inspired by Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, and Cars, then revisit newer favorites including Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. 

The show also introduces characters such as Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and Asha from Wish, alongside Tiana, Rapunzel, and the Disney Princesses.

When: Thursday, November 12 – 15, 2026
Where: NRG Park, NRG Center, 1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
How Much: Starts at $46

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Drunk Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’s classic gets a hilariously unpredictable holiday makeover in Drunk Christmas Carol from the Drunk Shakespeare Society. 

Watch one actor take five shots of whiskey before attempting to perform the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, whose Christmas Eve encounters with three ghosts may finally inspire him to change his miserly ways or send the entire tale delightfully off the rails. 

Expect a tipsy, irreverent spin on the familiar Christmas story, complete with theatrical mischief and plenty of seasonal spirit.

Come for Dickens, stay for the chaos, and see whether Scrooge’s redemption survives the evening.

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Where: Emerald Theatre, 412 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $53

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Pasta Making Class

Trade your usual dinner plans for a hands-on culinary evening at Lyric Market with CocuSocial. 

You’ll learn how to make pasta dough from scratch, then use a pasta machine to roll, cut, and shape fresh pappardelle and linguini. 

All ingredients and equipment are provided, so there’s no need to bring kitchen supplies.

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Lyric Market, 411 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: $55

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Taste America: Houston

Spend an evening exploring Houston’s culinary scene through a special tasting hosted by the James Beard Foundation. 

Taste America brings together celebrated chefs, independent restaurants, and food-minded guests to recognize the people shaping the country’s dining culture and supporting their communities. 

At the Houston gathering, walk from station to station sampling dishes prepared by local culinary talent and visiting TasteTwenty chefs representing a nationwide group of 20 markets.

Look out for contributions from James Beard Award winners Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of J?N and Third Place, alongside other notable Houston chefs.

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Where: Thompson Houston, 1717 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
How Much: Starts at $175

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International Quilt Festival

Explore an extraordinary range of textile artistry at the International Quilt Festival, widely recognized as the world’s largest quilt show. 

More than 1,400 quilts and textile works span antique, traditional, art, and modern styles, offering plenty to admire whether you’re a longtime quilter, a collector, or simply drawn to intricate craftsmanship and creative design.

Beyond the displays, browse approximately 500 shopping booths stocked with fabrics, books, patterns, sewing machines, tools, and craft supplies. 

You can also expand your skills through more than 275 lectures and classes led by nearly 90 experienced instructors.

When: Thursday, November 12 – 15, 2026 | 10:00 AM daily
Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $18 | Free for kids 10 and under

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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 12 – 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!