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I absolutely love that May in Houston is jam-packed with family-friendly events, from exciting markets and outdoor activities to thrilling shows and fun hands-on activities.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable new show, a new year shopping experience, or a chance to get festive, this month has something for everyone. Dive into our ultimate guide to kids’ events in Houston this May to plan your perfect month of fun!
This month’s highlights include some of my favorites, like the Flip Circus, Panda Fest, Pasadena Strawberry Festival, and more!
This list is grouped by date range for easy browsing and quick planning.
Planning more outings this May? Explore our full list of Houston events and kid-friendly activities to keep the fun going all month long.
Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!
Also, please note that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our readers!
In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we make our recommendations.
For family-friendly activities this April and throughout the year, check out our list of 100 Things to do in Houston with Kids!
Also, check out our articles on Kids Eat Free Houston, Restaurants with Playgrounds in Houston, and Things to do in Houston with Teens
Top Pick – La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival
Image Credit: visitgalveston.com
Celebrate Galveston’s coastal culture at the La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival (Izzy Fest). This three-day “Third Coast” celebration features a unique longboard surf contest, over 20 live musical acts, and a vibrant local art market, all while supporting beach preservation and the island’s creative spirit.
Enjoy performances by artists like Alex Maas and the Lost Bayou Ramblers, browse local vendors, and catch the “Eddie Aikau” style surf competition on the sand.
When: Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2, 2026 | Fri: 2 pm – 11 pm, Sat: 9 am – 11 pm
Where: Beach Central (Main Stage) & 21st and Seawall (Beach Stage), Galveston, TX 77550
How Much: $30 General Admission (Weekend Pass); $100 VIP; Kids 10 and under are free
Kids Events in Houston in May 2026 (1st – 3rd May)
LULAC Cinco de Mayo Fiesta – Celebrate Mexican heritage and community spirit at the LULAC Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. After a 30-year hiatus, the festivities return to the island with a vibrant downtown parade featuring decorated floats and creative costumes, followed by a lively fiesta at the grounds with live music, local vendors, and authentic food.
Image Credit: visitgalveston.com
Color Factory’s: Colors in Bloom – Step into Color Factory’s limited-time Colors in Bloom installation and celebrate Houston’s beauty with larger-than-life cactus blooms and confetti-filled fun.
Zoo Bloom – Watch the Zoo come alive during Zoo Bloom, where spring-inspired décor and colorful plant displays transform the grounds. Enjoy photo ops, daily Meet the Keeper Chats about pollinators, and extended hours on the first four Saturdays while discovering how plants support birds, bees, butterflies, and bats across the city.
Image credit: Houston Zoo
FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola – See the original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy when the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola stops in Houston.
Image credit: The Coca-Cola Company
Through the Eyes of a Child – Enjoy an uplifting musical journey with Through the Eyes of a Child, presented by Houston’s premier multicultural choir. Listen as soothing lullabies, hopeful hymns, folk favorites, and musical theater selections explore the powerful connection between music and childhood memories.
Flip Circus – Step under the big top for Flip Circus, a brand-new show from the Vazquez family featuring world-class performers. Watch incredible acts including illusionist Jimmy Saylon, comedian Misha, juggler Dede Larible, trapeze artist Alexander Lichner, The Kung Fu Boys, and more.
University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance presents 10-Minute Play Festival – Experience fresh storytelling at the 13th annual 10-Minute New Play Festival presented by the University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance. Watch a showcase of original short plays created by the school’s talented students.
The Makers in Bloom Market – Browse the Makers in Bloom Market at Grand Central Park, where local vendors showcase artisanal clothing, jewelry, home décor, baked goods, and more.
Houston Symphony presents Toy Story in Concert – Watch Toy Story on the big screen while the Houston Symphony performs Randy Newman’s Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live to the film.
ARTECHOUSE presents Blooming Wonders: A Celebration of Spring – Explore a 26,000-square-foot digital garden at ARTECHOUSE Houston, where larger-than-life floral landscapes and virtual creatures awaken through your movement and touch. Discover interactive “singing” blooms, AI-generated visuals shaped by your hands, and scavenger hunts, while adults enjoy specialty cocktails that come to life at the XR Bar.
First Saturday Arts Market – Bring your family to the Historic Houston Heights for the 21st season of Houston’s original outdoor First Saturday Arts Market. You will explore a diverse array of original paintings, sculptures, photography, and jewelry while connecting with emerging and established artists.
Kids Events in Houston in May 2026 (8th – 10th May)
Panda Fest – Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures at Panda Fest, where you can explore dozens of food vendors, a Cultural Marketplace filled with artisan crafts and heritage goods, and lively performances.
Main Street Theater presents The Best School Year Ever – Watch the chaos unfold in The Best School Year Ever as the notorious Herdman kids return with their wild pranks and unforgettable personalities. Follow Beth Bradley’s surprising challenge to find something good about Imogene Herdman in this funny and heartwarming stage story.
Image credit: Main Street Theater – Houston
Bodies Race Company presents Hometown Half Marathon/10K/5K – Join the Hometown Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K for a lively community race that welcomes runners of all levels. Hit the course, celebrate your finish with medals and race swag, and enjoy the festive atmosphere waiting at the finish line.
Image credit: runsignup
Flip Circus – Step under the big top for Flip Circus, a brand-new show from the Vazquez family featuring world-class performers. Watch incredible acts including illusionist Jimmy Saylon, comedian Misha, juggler Dede Larible, trapeze artist Alexander Lichner, The Kung Fu Boys, and more.
ARTECHOUSE presents Blooming Wonders: A Celebration of Spring – Explore a 26,000-square-foot digital garden at ARTECHOUSE Houston, where larger-than-life floral landscapes and virtual creatures awaken through your movement and touch. Discover interactive “singing” blooms, AI-generated visuals shaped by your hands, and scavenger hunts, while adults enjoy specialty cocktails that come to life at the XR Bar.
Kids Events in Houston in May 2026 (15th – 17th May)
Houston Spring Market – Explore the Houston Spring Market, where you can shop small and discover a vibrant mix of independent artists and makers. Browse unique home décor, fashion, art, design, and delicious food while supporting local creativity in a lively community setting.
Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy – Head to Discovery Green for Flea by Night, an open-air market where local makers, artists, and small businesses showcase vintage finds, handmade goods, plants, and one-of-a-kind creations.
Image credit: Discovery Green
Howey’s Water Safety Festival – Bring the family to Howey’s Water Safety Festival for a lively day of games, bounce houses, face painting, and interactive activities.
Image credit: Houston Swim Club
Screen on the Green: Thunderbolts – Catch Thunderbolts under the stars at Screen on the Green in Discovery Green. Bring your blanket or chairs, enjoy games and activities before the show, and settle in for a fun outdoor movie night.
YAGP Junior Final Round – See the next generation of dance stars at the YAGP Junior Final Round, where some of the world’s most talented young dancers perform after advancing from a global pool of more than 12,000 competitors.
Houston Greek Fest – Experience the spirit of Greece at Houston Greek Fest with delicious Greek foods and pastries, lively traditional dancing, church tours, and plenty of shopping.
Image credit: The Original Greek Festival
Pasadena Strawberry Festival – Celebrate all things strawberry at the Pasadena Strawberry Festival, where you can see and enjoy a slice of the world’s largest strawberry shortcake. The festival also features plenty of berry-themed fun and activities for the whole family.
Image credit: The Pasadena Strawberry Festival
20th Annual Empty Bowls Houston – Support the fight against hunger at the 20th Annual Empty Bowls Houston. Browse handcrafted bowls created by local artists, enjoy live demonstrations and music, and take part in an event that brings art, food, and compassion together for a meaningful cause.
Flip Circus – Step under the big top for Flip Circus, a brand-new show from the Vazquez family featuring world-class performers. Watch incredible acts including illusionist Jimmy Saylon, comedian Misha, juggler Dede Larible, trapeze artist Alexander Lichner, The Kung Fu Boys, and more.
ARTECHOUSE presents Blooming Wonders: A Celebration of Spring – Explore a 26,000-square-foot digital garden at ARTECHOUSE Houston, where larger-than-life floral landscapes and virtual creatures awaken through your movement and touch. Discover interactive “singing” blooms, AI-generated visuals shaped by your hands, and scavenger hunts, while adults enjoy specialty cocktails that come to life at the XR Bar.
Kids Events in Houston in May 2026 (22nd – 24th)
COMICPALOOZA 2026 – Step into a pop-culture wonderland at Comicpalooza as the George R. Brown Convention Center fills with geeky entertainment, exciting programming, family-friendly activities, and a star-studded lineup of guests.
Image credit: ComicPalooza
Flip Circus – Step under the big top for Flip Circus, a brand-new show from the Vazquez family featuring world-class performers. Watch incredible acts including illusionist Jimmy Saylon, comedian Misha, juggler Dede Larible, trapeze artist Alexander Lichner, The Kung Fu Boys, and more.
ARTECHOUSE presents Blooming Wonders: A Celebration of Spring – Explore a 26,000-square-foot digital garden at ARTECHOUSE Houston, where larger-than-life floral landscapes and virtual creatures awaken through your movement and touch. Discover interactive “singing” blooms, AI-generated visuals shaped by your hands, and scavenger hunts, while adults enjoy specialty cocktails that come to life at the XR Bar.
Kids Events in Houston in May 2026 (29th – 31st)
International Festival – Celebrate cultures from around the world at the International Festival of the United States of America, a vibrant event dedicated to multiculturalism and diversity.
Houston Chamber Choir presents “Open-ish Mic Night” – Hear a different side of the Houston Chamber Choir at “Open-ish Mic Night,” where choir members step away from traditional choral music to perform pop songs, show tunes, and more. Local guests may also take the stage, adding unexpected talent and surprises to the evening.
Flip Circus – Step under the big top for Flip Circus, a brand-new show from the Vazquez family featuring world-class performers. Watch incredible acts including illusionist Jimmy Saylon, comedian Misha, juggler Dede Larible, trapeze artist Alexander Lichner, The Kung Fu Boys, and more.
ARTECHOUSE presents Blooming Wonders: A Celebration of Spring – Explore a 26,000-square-foot digital garden at ARTECHOUSE Houston, where larger-than-life floral landscapes and virtual creatures awaken through your movement and touch. Discover interactive “singing” blooms, AI-generated visuals shaped by your hands, and scavenger hunts, while adults enjoy specialty cocktails that come to life at the XR Bar.
Want more family adventures beyond this month’s lineup? Check out our full guide to current Houston events and kid-friendly activities happening across the city.
- Fun, Free & Cheap Events | May 22 – May 24 - May 18, 2026
- Houston Highlights: May 18 to May 21 – Food, Music, Arts & More - May 17, 2026
- Best Summer Kids Events in Houston in June 2026 for Families - May 17, 2026
