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The best Things to do in Houston this Weekend (January 16 – January 18) include Rochelle Gomes Live at the City Centre Plaza, Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty, and more!
I’ve rounded up the top events and activities happening across the city—from festivals and outdoor fun to live shows and family-friendly picks. Scroll down for my picks — or use the links above to skip to your favorite section!
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
Free Things to Do in Houston this Weekend
9th Annual Family Fun Day at MATCH
Dive into a vibrant, free celebration packed with excitement and a continuous lineup of live performances from local favorites. Your journey takes you through four theaters, the gallery, and the open-air breezeway, all filled with free activities such as face painting, balloon art, and stilt walkers.
There will be live showcases from acclaimed groups, including Main Street Theater for Youth, Prelude Music, and Open Dance Project, throughout the day. You will also find bounce houses and vibrant chalk art displays to keep the little ones engaged and entertained.
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 1 pm – 5 pm
Where: MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Cente,r Houston, 3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free
Friday in Houston | Best Weekend Kickoff Events
Rochelle Gomes Live at the City Centre Plaza
Come enjoy live music in the plaza every weekend*! A new line-up with performance times is posted every week; enjoy a wide range of sounds, from smooth jazz to pop, and classic rock to country.
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 | 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: 713 Music Hall, 401 Franklin St, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77201
How Much: Free
Ali Wong
Image credit: Netflix
Experience the comedic genius of Ali Wong live! This performance promises a night of non-stop laughs as she shares her unique and sharp perspective on motherhood, relationships, and the quirks of everyday life.
When: Friday, January 16 – 17, 2026 | 7 pm
Where: 713 Music Hall, 401 Franklin St Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77201
How Much: Starts at $86
Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green
Houston’s premier outdoor ice rink, powered by 100% renewable energy, is open all season long! I know how fun! Glide across the ice beneath the city skyline, enjoy themed events, and celebrate the holiday season. This annual tradition offers 75-minute skate sessions for a festive, unforgettable experience in the heart of downtown.
When: November 21, 2025 – February 16, 2026 | 5 am – 11 pm
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $18 plus tax (Includes skate rental and 75 minutes of skating)
Candlelight Concert: The Lord of the Rings
Prepare for a breathtaking journey through Middle-earth as Fever presents the limited Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings concert! Enjoy a masterfully curated program featuring your favorite themes from the entire trilogy, including The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 | 6:30 pm
Where: Resurrection MCC, 2025 W 11th St, Houston, TX 77008
How Much: Starts at $28
Ishida Dance Company: Rara avis
Experience Rara avis with Houston’s own Ishida Dance Company at Asia Society Texas Center. Follow the story of a singer grappling with imposter syndrome as she returns to the stage after a hiatus.
The evening also features Mutual Comfort by world-renowned Romanian choreographer Edward Clug alongside a new dance theater work by award-winning Finnish choreographer Kristian Lever.
When: Friday, January 16 – 18, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Where: Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Starts at $25
Ballet Hispánico: CARMEN.maquia
Image credit: Performing Arts Houston
Experience a stunning reimagining of a classic with Ballet Hispánico’s CARMEN.maquia! Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bizet’s all-time epic through a bold performance featuring Picasso-inspired set design and the company’s signature fusion of ballet and Latin styles.
When: Friday, January 16 – 17, 2026 | 7 pm
Where: Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $39
International Gem & Jewelry Show
Skip retail markups and shop directly from designers, wholesalers, and manufacturers at the best prices at the International Gem & Jewelry Show. Grab your tickets now for America’s longest-running direct-to-consumer jewelry trade show.
When: Friday, January 16 – 18, 2026 | 7 pm
Where:NRG Park, NRG Center, 1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
How Much: $6
Drunk Shakespeare presents Drunk Romeo & Juliet
In this immersive performance, one professional actor downs five shots of whiskey before attempting to lead Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. The remaining sober cast members must scramble to keep the play on track amidst the resulting chaos and hilarity.
Because the drinker and their reactions change every night, no two shows are the same. You can purchase craft cocktails and snacks during the performance to join in the spirit of the evening.
When: Friday, January 16 – July 11, 2026
Where: Drunk Shakespeare Houston, 412 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $49
Theatre Southwest presents Murder on the Orient Express
Join me and board the train with Theatre Southwest for Murder on the Orient Express. When a wealthy American tycoon is found dead in his locked compartment, world-famous detective Hercule Poirot must unravel the mystery.
Navigate a train full of suspects and follow Poirot as he works to solve the murder before the killer strikes again.
When: Friday, January 16 – 17, 2026
Where: Theatre Southwest, 3939 Hillcroft St Ste 160, Houston, TX 77057
How Much: Starts at $58
Green Mountain Energy Ice
Come with me and glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and discover holiday magic at Discovery Green when you visit the Green Mountain Energy Ice.
You can take advantage of Cheap Skate Mondays on select dates (5-10 p.m.) where skating is half off at $9 plus tax per person, including skate rental. Additionally, you can enjoy a variety of themed events like DJ Skate Night Saturdays, Skating with Santa!, Wine Down Wednesdays, and Kids Skate Free Thursdays for even more festive fun.
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 – February 16, 2026
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $18
Radiant Nature
Experience magic this holiday season at Houston Botanic Garden’s annual Radiant Nature display and discover a unique wonderland of vibrant, gently glowing lanterns set perfectly among the Garden’s diverse plant life.
The 2025-26 show is open for 59 nights between Nov. 14 and Feb. 22, running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with select weeknights. Enjoy a $2 discount on Thursday and Sunday nights throughout the run.
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 – February 22, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017
How Much: $28.50
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Be Our Guest at Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 30th Anniversary production, a breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love. Experience this timeless story brought to life with spectacular new sets, dazzling costumes, and the Oscar®-winning, Tony Award®-nominated score featuring beloved songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
This new production also reunites members of the original Tony Award®-winning creative team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, and director and choreographer Matt West.
When: Saturday, January 17 – 18, 2026
Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $48
3rd Annual Mix-MATCH: A Mixed Arts Festival
Experience a massive one-day celebration of Houston’s vibrant arts community with a lineup of over 20 performances and exhibits. This festival honors a decade of creative expression by inviting you to build your own ideal experience through theater, dance, music, performance art, film, and visual art all in a single afternoon and evening.
You can customize your journey by selecting a single performance or making a full day of it with four distinct shows starting at 3:15pm, 4:45pm, 6:30pm, and 8:00pm.
Throughout the day, you can also explore a variety of interactive activities and enjoy local food trucks scattered across the venue. The excitement culminates at the MATCH Mixer, where you will mingle and meet with the artists, performers, and fellow art lovers who bring the city’s creative spirit to life.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 2:30 pm – 10 pm
Where: MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Center, Houston, 3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $15
The Jury Experience: Death by AI at Bayou Theatre
Step into the role of a juror at Bayou Theatre for a gripping performance of The Jury Experience: Death by AI! You will hold the power to deliver justice in this live theatrical event where the audience determines the final verdict.
As you listen to the evidence of a moral dilemma involving a fatal accident with a driverless car, you must decide who pays the ultimate price: the programmer, the passenger, or the machine itself.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Bayou Theatre, University of Houston – Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: Starts at $56.50
Citizens’ Environmental Coalition presents Wild and Scenic Film Festival
The Citizens’ Environmental Coalition presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour, one of North America’s largest environmental film events. View a global selection of films ranging from short to medium lengths that highlight the Earth’s beauty alongside the challenges it faces.
This screening features a mix of humorous, awe-inspiring, and reality-based stories that showcase how communities worldwide work to protect and restore nature.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 3 pm – 5:30 pm
Where: The DeLuxe Theater, 3303 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
How Much: Starts at $5
Deon Cole
Best known for his two-time NAACP Image Award-nominated role in the hit sitcom Black-ish, Cole brings his signature sharp wit and unexpected punchlines to Houston. Secure your tickets now for a night of pure comedy from one of the industry’s most unique voices.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Where: Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $54
Super Saturday: K-Pop Crafts and Choreo
Image credit: asia society
Dive into K-Pop culture at this month’s Super Saturday workshop. Start with a scavenger hunt through the ‘Explore Asia’ exhibition before heading to craft stations to decorate photo cards and design custom fandom accessories.
The session also features a beginner-friendly choreography class led by an experienced instructor, requiring no prior dance experience. After dancing, you can head over to the craft stations to personalize your creative keepsakes to take home.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: $5
Sunday Funday: Houston Events & Activities
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
Image credit: feverup
Witness this classic fairy tale brought to life on stage through an innovative and glowing performance. Every dancer wears lit and glow-in-the-dark costumes, creating a mesmerizing visual experience that illuminates the choreography in a completely new way.
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 6 pm
Where: Bayou Theatre, University of Houston – Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: Starts at $51.50
ARTECHOUSE presents Fractal Worlds
Image credit: ARTECHOUSE DC
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: Sunday, January 16 – March 1, 2026 | 12 pm – 8 pm
Where: ARTECHOUSE, 600 W 6th St, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: Starts at $17
Ali Wong
Experience the comedic genius of Ali Wong live! This performance promises a night of non-stop laughs as she shares her unique and sharp perspective on motherhood, relationships, and the quirks of everyday life.
When: Friday, January 16 – 17, 2026 | 7 pm
Where: 713 Music Hall, 401 Franklin St Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77201
How Much: Starts at $86
Drunk Shakespeare presents Drunk Romeo & Juliet
In this immersive performance, one professional actor downs five shots of whiskey before attempting to lead Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. The remaining sober cast members must scramble to keep the play on track amidst the resulting chaos and hilarity.
Because the drinker and their reactions change every night, no two shows are the same. You can purchase craft cocktails and snacks during the performance to join in the spirit of the evening.
When: Friday, January 16 – July 11, 2026
Where: Drunk Shakespeare Houston, 412 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $49
Theatre Southwest presents Murder on the Orient Express
Board the train with Theatre Southwest for Murder on the Orient Express. When a wealthy American tycoon is found dead in his locked compartment, world-famous detective Hercule Poirot must unravel the mystery.
Navigate a train full of suspects and follow Poirot as he works to solve the murder before the killer strikes again.
When: Friday, January 16 – 17, 2026
Where: Theatre Southwest, 3939 Hillcroft St Ste 160, Houston, TX 77057
How Much: Starts at $58
Happy Hour Fridays at the MFAH
Kick off the best night of the week at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Grab your friends or your partner and explore the campus and galleries before heading to the bar for a refreshing drink, available by credit card only.
When: Recurring every Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5 pm – 8 pm
Where: The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
How Much: $5 for happy hour drinks
The Jury Experience: Death by AI at Bayou Theatre
Step into the role of a juror at Bayou Theatre for a gripping performance of The Jury Experience: Death by AI! You will hold the power to deliver justice in this live theatrical event where the audience determines the final verdict.
As you listen to the evidence of a moral dilemma involving a fatal accident with a driverless car, you must decide who pays the ultimate price: the programmer, the passenger, or the machine itself.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Bayou Theatre, University of Houston – Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: Starts at $56.50
Deon Cole
Best known for his two-time NAACP Image Award-nominated role in the hit sitcom Black-ish, Cole brings his signature sharp wit and unexpected punchlines to Houston. Secure your tickets now for a night of pure comedy from one of the industry’s most unique voices.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 7:30 pm
Where: Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $54
Family-Friendly & Kids Events in Houston This Weekend
9th Annual Family Fun Day at MATCH
Dive into a vibrant, free celebration packed with excitement and a continuous lineup of live performances from local favorites. Your journey takes you through four theaters, the gallery, and the open-air breezeway, all filled with free activities such as face painting, balloon art, and stilt walkers.
There will be live showcases from acclaimed groups, including Main Street Theater for Youth, Prelude Music, and Open Dance Project, throughout the day. You will also find bounce houses and vibrant chalk art displays to keep the little ones engaged and entertained.
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 1 pm – 5 pm
Where: MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Center, Houston, 3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free
Green Mountain Energy Ice
Glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and discover holiday magic at Discovery Green when you visit the Green Mountain Energy Ice.
You can take advantage of Cheap Skate Mondays on select dates (5-10 p.m.) where skating is half off at $9 plus tax per person, including skate rental. Additionally, you can enjoy a variety of themed events like DJ Skate Night Saturdays, Skating with Santa!, Wine Down Wednesdays, and Kids Skate Free Thursdays for even more festive fun.
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 – February 16, 2026
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: $18
Radiant Nature
Experience magic this holiday season at Houston Botanic Garden’s annual Radiant Nature display and discover a unique wonderland of vibrant, gently glowing lanterns set perfectly among the Garden’s diverse plant life.
The 2025-26 show is open for 59 nights between Nov. 14 and Feb. 22, running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, along with select weeknights. Enjoy a $2 discount on Thursday and Sunday nights throughout the run.
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 – February 22, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017
How Much: $28.50
Super Saturday: K-Pop Crafts and Choreo
Dive into K-pop culture at this month’s Super Saturday workshop. Start with a scavenger hunt through the ‘Explore Asia’ exhibition before heading to craft stations to decorate photo cards and design custom fandom accessories.
The session also features a beginner-friendly choreography class led by an experienced instructor, requiring no prior dance experience. After dancing, you can head over to the craft stations to personalize your creative keepsakes to take home.
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: $5
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Be Our Guest at Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 30th Anniversary production, a breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love. Experience this timeless story brought to life with spectacular new sets, dazzling costumes, and the Oscar®-winning, Tony Award®-nominated score featuring beloved songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
This new production also reunites members of the original Tony Award®-winning creative team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, and director and choreographer Matt West.
When: Saturday, January 17 – 18, 2026
Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $48
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty
Witness this classic fairy tale brought to life on stage through an innovative and glowing performance. Every dancer wears lit and glow-in-the-dark costumes, creating a mesmerizing visual experience that illuminates the choreography in a completely new way.
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 6 pm
Where: Bayou Theatre, University of Houston – Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
How Much: Starts at $51.50
