Last Updated On – 10th October, 2025
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Discover the beauty and mystery of centuries-old artistic traditions under the modern spotlight at the Islamic Arts Festival, the largest showcase of Islamic art in the United States. Here, the stories of heritage and faith of an ancient culture are told through intricate calligraphy, colorful exhibits, mesmerizing geometric patterns, and captivating live art demonstrations.
Read on to explore the highlights that make this annual event a cornerstone of Houston’s cultural calendar.
Looking ahead to the weekend? Don’t miss our complete guide to Things to do in Houston this weekend, including free festivals, live music, and hidden gems.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before making plans.
What to Expect at the Islamic Arts Festival 2025
Image credit: Islamic Arts Society
At the 2025 Islamic Arts Festival, you’ll find more than 5,000 works of art, showcasing everything from elegant calligraphy and vivid paintings to mesmerizing Ebru (water marbling), sculpture, and henna. Every piece tells its own story, offering you a glimpse into the beauty and meaning behind Islamic art traditions.
Apart from what’s on display, the festival also offers many hands-on experiences that allow you to truly experience the Islamic culture. You can listen to the rhythm of a Sufi music concert, enjoy spoken-word performances, or laugh along at a Muslim comedy show that adds a lighthearted touch to the weekend.
There are also live demonstrations and workshops where you can try your hand at traditional techniques and see artists bring their work to life before your eyes.
This year’s event also includes a film festival and academic seminar, hosted in partnership with the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts.
Check out the details below.
Festival Highlights & Featured Exhibits
Art Display and Sales
Image credit: Islamic Arts Society
Explore the largest showcase of Islamic art under one roof in America at the Islamic Arts Festival 2025. This main exhibition features over 50 artists and more than 5,000 works, offering an unforgettable display of creativity, tradition, and spiritual beauty.
Stroll through the galleries, admire intricate calligraphy and breathtaking designs, and take home a piece that speaks to you. You can purchase original artworks or even commission custom pieces directly from participating artists.
Throughout the two-day event, renowned creators, including guest artists from across the country, will meet visitors, share their inspirations, and celebrate the living art of Islamic expression.
When: November 15 – 16, 2025 | 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: Houston Hall, Student Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: Free
Workshops, Demonstrations, and Interactive Events
The Magic of Islamic Patterns
Discover the connection between art and mathematics in “The Magic of Islamic Patterns,” a hands-on workshop that invites you to explore one of the most iconic elements of Islamic design.
Guided by Harout Bastajian, a renowned Lebanese Christian artist of Armenian descent, you’ll learn how intricate geometry and flowing arabesque motifs come together to create patterns that symbolize unity, order, and beauty.
Bastajian’s mastery comes from years of decorating mosque walls, domes, and ceilings around the world, including the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, Michigan, the largest decorated mosque in the United States.
The workshop is best suited for ages 12 and up and includes all the necessary supplies.
When: November 16, 2025 | 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: Astrodome Room, Students Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: $30
Calligraphy Workshop
Experience the elegance of the written word in the Calligraphy Workshop. This session, designed for ages 12 and up, offers you the chance to learn from Elinor Holland, one of the world’s foremost Arabic calligraphers.
Her experience spans both Arabic and Latin calligraphy, with an impressive career that includes collaborations with the Smithsonian Institute, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the U.S. Department of State.
Under Holland’s expert guidance, you’ll explore the rhythmic flow and structure that define this centuries-old art form. All supplies are included, so you can focus fully on the art itself. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only gain an appreciation for the discipline and grace behind every stroke but also create your own piece of calligraphic beauty to take home.
When: November 16, 2025 | 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Astrodome Room, Student Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: $30
Live Art Demonstration
Image credit: Islamic Arts Society
Few experiences capture the spirit of the Islamic Arts Festival quite like its live art demonstrations where creativity unfolds before your eyes. Here, you can witness artists at work, transforming traditional techniques into living expressions of beauty and culture.
Watch the mesmerizing art of Ebru, or water marbling, as pigments dance across the surface of water to form breathtaking patterns. Guided by skilled Ebru artists, you’ll even have the chance to try it yourself and create a piece that’s uniquely yours.
Nearby, master calligraphers demonstrate the grace and precision of Arabic script, crafting names and favorite Duas in flowing letters that turn words into art. Their expertise spans classic styles such as Sulus, Naskh, Nastaliq, and Kufic. You can even purchase beautifully finished calligraphy pieces on canvas or framed to take home.
And for a touch of tradition, step into the Henna art station, where talented artists can adorn your hands with intricate designs that celebrate centuries of heritage.
When: November 15 – 16, 2025 | 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: Houston Hall, Student Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: Free
The Art of Storytelling: From Ancestral Memory to the Mic.
Experience the power of story in “The Art of Storytelling: From Ancestral Memory to the Mic,” a 90-minute performance and workshop led by Moroccan-American artist and writer Sara Filali.
Inspired by her debut book, Hajeetek Majeetek: My Grandmother’s North African Folktales, Filali blends live performance, reflection, and creative practice to show how storytelling can preserve culture, shape identity, and bring healing to communities.
When: November 16, 2025 | 2 pm- 3 pm
Where: Theater, Student Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: Free
Children’s Art
Image credit: Islamic Arts Society
Tailored for children under the age of 12, this hands-on activity introduces kids to the beauty and fundamentals of Islamic art, including calligraphy, bead making, geometric design, and arabesque patterns.
In collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Children’s Museum of Houston, and the Asia Society, the program offers a fun and engaging way for children to explore artistic expression while connecting with cultural heritage.
When: November 15 – 16, 2025 | 1 pm- 5 pm
Where: Houston Hall, Student Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: Free
Performances, Concerts & Cultural Programs
Sufi Music Concert
Experience the soulful energy of Abdullah Kaymak, a Turkish musician of Mauritanian heritage whose spiritually rich performances have captivated audiences around the world. A master of mek, the Sufi music gathering, Kaymak blends devotional sounds with elements of jazz, blues, and global rhythms, creating a seamless harmony between tradition and modernity.
His appearance at the Islamic Arts Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable evening of music that connects hearts across cultures.
When: November 15, 2025 | 6 pm
Where: Theater, Students Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: $20 – $50 (for VIP Tickets)
Film Festival 2025
The Islamic Arts Film Festival celebrates the vibrant voices of Muslim filmmakers and actors in the United States, featuring a curated selection of short films and a feature presentation that highlight creativity, identity, and community.
Here, you’ll have the rare chance to join exclusive Q&A sessions with directors, actors, and screenwriters, offering insight into the art and inspiration behind each film. The program also includes a lively improv performance by Actors Across Borders, adding a dynamic and entertaining close to the cinematic experience.
Here’s the program:
- 12:15 pm: Hot Soup
- 12:23 pm: Rumi
- 12:34 pm: Meet the 3amos
- 12:43 pm: Muna
- 1:02 pm: Clara’s Fruit
- 1:18 pm: QA
- 1:45 pm: Actors Across Borders
- 2:15 pm: The Glassworker
- 4:00 pm: END
When: November 15, 2025 | 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: Theater, Students Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: Free
Muslim Comedy Show
Get ready to laugh the night away at the Muslim Comedy Show of the Islamic Arts Festival. Preacher Moss, the “O.G. of Muslim Comedy,” will be teaming up with Sabeen Sadiq for an evening that celebrates the humor and heart of Muslim life in America.
They’ll take the stage at the University of Houston, delivering sharp, relatable, and halal comedy that brings people together through laughter. Expect quick wit, clever storytelling, and plenty of moments that will have you smiling long after the show ends.
When: November 15, 2025 | 6 pm – 7 pm
Where: Theater, Students Center South, 4455 University Dr, Houston, TX 77204
How much: $20 – $50 (for VIP Tickets)
Visiting Info & Tips
Image credit: Islamic Arts Society
Planning your visit to the Islamic Arts Festival 2025 is easy with these helpful details to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Venue
The festival takes place at the Student Center South, University of Houston (main campus). You’ll find the Theater Programs and Food Plaza on the ground floor, while the Islamic Art Exhibition is located on the second floor.
Hours
The festival runs from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM on both November 15 and 16, 2025, offering two full days of art, culture, and entertainment.
Tickets
Admission to the Islamic Arts Festival is free and open to the public, welcoming visitors of all ages to experience the celebration of creativity and culture.
Parking
Due to ongoing construction, University Drive is closed to vehicular traffic, so carpooling is highly recommended. Visitors can park in either the Welcome Center Parking Garage or the 21C Parking Lot, both within easy walking distance of the venue.
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To reach the Welcome Center Garage, turn left from University Drive onto Martin Luther King Boulevard.
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To reach the 21C Garage, turn right from University Drive.
Parking costs $10 per day at both locations. Please pay online before leaving your car as directed on the posted signs.
Accessiblity
The University of Houston Student Center South is a fully accessible venue, offering elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms to ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees.
Tips for Out-of-Town Visitors
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Weather: Expect mild temperatures between 55–70°F in mid-November; bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
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Sunset: It typically gets dark around 5:30 PM, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
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Accommodation: The Hilton University of Houston is the preferred hotel and is located just across the street from the venue. The Hilton Garden Inn (6840 Almeda Rd) is another convenient option about 3 miles away.
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Getting Around: Uber and other rideshare services are the most convenient transportation options for visitors without a car.
About the Islamic Arts Festival
The Islamic Arts Festival is the largest and longest-running celebration of Islamic art in the United States. Organised by the Islamic Arts Society, the festival began in 2014 with a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture through the universal language of art.
Now in its 12th year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors annually to the University of Houston, where it showcases more than 5,000 works from over 50 artists across the country. Visitors experience a vibrant mix of calligraphy, painting, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, and architecture-inspired design, alongside live performances, film screenings, and interactive workshops.
Beyond exhibitions, the festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange and community connection, highlighting the diversity and creativity of Muslim artists in America. It also partners with leading institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Children’s Museum of Houston, and the Asia Society to extend Islamic art education to broader audiences.
Each year, the Islamic Arts Festival continues to evolve, fostering dialogue, preserving tradition, and inspiring new generations to see beauty as a bridge between cultures.
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