This week’s guide is presented by The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Don’t miss Hocus Pocus Pops this Friday when the Houston Symphony will be playing music from the cult classic Halloween favorite, Hocus Pocus!
In a city as big and diverse as Houston, there’s always something exciting to do. The best part? There’s plenty of fun to be had without breaking the bank! That’s why we put together this guide to help you find the very best free and cheap things to do in Houston this week.
Free and cheap events in Houston this week include Hocus Pocus at the Pavilion, Halloween Grosstopia at CM Houston, ARToberFEST at The Grand 1894 Opera House, Texas Renaissance Festival, Dragon Boat Races in Sugar Land, The Haunting of Hill House, Last Laugh Comedy, Houston Press Tacolandia, free performances at the Miller Outdoor Theater, free comedy, live music, and more.
Here is this week’s guide to Free and Cheap Things to Do In Houston:
TOP PICK
Hocus Pocus Pops!
What: The Houston Symphony will be live, in concert, at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion! They’ll be playing compositions from the cult classic Halloween favorite, Hocus Pocus, in a show the whole family can enjoy. The first 100 kids to check in at Hocus Pocus Central in the North Plaza, in their Halloween costumes, can march in the Goblin Parade. There will also be train rides on the Great Pumpkin Express and other Halloween activities. Train rides begin at 5:30 p.m. in The Pavilion’s Gold Lot. Lawn and mezzanine seating is free as always, while reserved seats are just $20.
When: October 18, 7:30 pm
Where: 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands TX 77380
How much: Lawn & mezzanine seating is free, reserved seats are $20
EVERYDAY FUN
Here are a few ways you can have fun on the cheap any time, all year long!
The King and Queen invite you to visit the 45th Annual RenFest in Todd Mission, Texas. They’re open every weekend from October 5 through December 1st. This weekend’s theme will be ‘1001 Dreams,’ where faeries, elves, and other fanciful creatures will be strolling the grounds. Dress up and enter the fantasy costume contest or see if you have what it takes to withstand the heat in the fiery dragon-wing eating contest. There will be live performances, plenty of shopping, delicious turkey legs, kids activities, and more. Admission is $11.95 for children aged 5 -12 years old and $23.99 for adults.
This week in the Sweetest City in Texas, you can attend the free Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta! This totally free, family-friendly event is going on at Brook’s Lake. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Don’t miss Construction-Eerie WonderWeek at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center where admission is just $12! There are many more events, deals, discounts, and freebies going on in Sugar Land every day of the week. See more information here.
Halloween Grosstopia at CM Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston is offering a spectacularly spooky Halloween celebration starting October 12 and lasting through Halloween! Enjoy daily trick-or-treating, workshops, movie marathons, a slime-off, and more. It’s a fun and unique way to celebrate Halloween in an environment that encourages education and curiosity. All activities are included in the price of admission, just $12 per person.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One of Houston’s favorite museums can be pretty pricey- $25 per person. Now, you can get General Admission to the HMNS for only $11.10! Other HMNS discounts are available, like 50% off tickets to the butterfly habitat & exhibit, shows at the planetarium, and other special exhibits. Exhibits are always changing so if you haven’t been in a while, there will definitely be something to surprise you! (Some exhibits may cost extra.)
All Day Gaming at Dave & Busters
Dave & Busters is fun for the whole family but those gaming prices can really add up! Enjoy an all-day gaming package for TWO for just $25! Regularly priced, this package would cost you $70 plus tax. That is a savings of more than 50%!
Lone Star Flight Museum
This 130,000 square foot museum and warehouse features 40 vintage and historically significant aircraft. You can tour the planes on the ground or even sign up for a flight! Don’t miss the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and their other carefully curated exhibits. Best of all, admission is regularly $20 per person but tickets are now 50% off! Just $10 gets you in the door so take advantage while the promotion lasts!
MONDAY
Cow-O-Ween at CFA
What: The Chick-Fil-A at Katy Green is hosting a Halloween for kids and families. Any kid wearing a cow costume will get a free Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets kids meal. Everyone else will love the face painting, games, balloon animals, and more. Admission is always free, just pay for your food and drinks.
When: October 14, 5 pm
Where: 19303 Katy Fwy, Houston TX 77094
How much: Free Admission
Movie Night at Neil’s Bahr
What: Every Monday night, catch a free movie on the big screen at Neil’s Bahr. Admission is free, just pay for your food and drinks. The event is 21+ only. This week’s movie is The Lion King: Dies in 4K.
When: October 14, 8 pm
Where: 2006 Walker St, Houston TX 77003
How much: Free Entry
TUESDAY
Toddler Tuesday at Discovery Green
What: All aboard at the HPL Express in Discovery Green! Freight Train by Donald Crews and Tip Tip Dig Dig by Emma Garcia will be read to toddlers and their caregivers, followed by singing, rhymes, soft play, and more. The activities and books are different each week!
When: October 15, 10:30 am – 12 noon
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Precinct 2 Family Movie Night in the Park: Coco
What: Bring your own picnic blankets, folding chairs, and bug spray for a family movie in the great outdoors! Admission is free and there will be free snacks!
When: October 15, 6 pm
Where: 10918 Bentley St, Houston TX 77093
How much: Free
Bachata at Sable Gate Winery
What: This local winery offers a cheap dancing class every Tuesday evening! No partner or experience necessary, the meet and greet starts at 7:30, the class starts at 8! Stick around afterwards for the free social. Everyone must be over 18.
When: October 15, 7:30 pm
Where: 2600 Travis St Suite #104, Houston TX 77006
How much: $7
WEDNESDAY
Kinder HSPVA Lunch Concerts
What: Bring your picnics and picnic blankets for a lunch-time serenade by local HSPVA student musicians. With specialties in music, voice, poetry, and more, this live performance in a great way to spend your lunch time. Admission is free!
When: October 16, 12 noon – 1 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Children’s Bingo
What: Head to the Pavilion at Levy Park for a free weekly kids session of Bingo! Kids will practice their letters and numbers, rain or shine! There’s no fee, just find some parking!
When: October 16, 4:30 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Nightmare Before Christmas
What: Get a free screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas at Under the Radar Brewery. Admission and the game are free, plus you can win prizes, visit the food truck on site, and get pints for just $4.
When: October 16, 7:30
Where: 1506 Truxillo St, Houston TX 77004
How much: Free Entry
THURSDAY
Tai Chi at Levy Park
What: Tai Chi is an ancient, meditative art using slow, controlled movements, and localized body strength. Admission to this class is free, just bring your own hand towel and a bottle of water!
When: October 17, 9 am
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Pay What You Can at Avant Garden
What: This donation-based comedy show is free to attend, just pay for your food, drinks, and tips! The show is upstairs but you can stick around afterwards for socializing. Suggested donation is $5.
When: October 17, 9 pm
Where: 411 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 77006
How much: $5+
FRIDAY
The Haunting of Hill House
What: This is the story of caretaker Mrs. Dudley whose isolation in an out of the way, crumbling mansion is broken only by the arrival of Dr. Montague. Watch the supernatural visits unfold at The Company OnStage. We have your tickets for just $9 per person {regularly $18}!
When: October 18, 8 pm
Where: 4930 W Bellfort Blvd, Houston TX 77035
How much: $9
Last Laugh Comedy
What: Bring your belly-laughs and sharpen your sense of humor! This live show at Taylors of Houston is hosted by Dee Will Skit. Admission starts at $15 per person but we have tickets for as low as $7.50!
When: October 18, 7 pm
Where: 13100 S Post Oak Rd, Houston TX 77045
How much: $7.50+
Dia de la Hispanidad at Miller
What: The Miller Outdoor Theater is always free when you get lawn seating. To reserve tickets to this show honoring Venezuela, you must show up at the box office on the morning of the performance. Bring your picnic blankets and bug spray!
When: October 18, 7:30 pm
Where: 6000 Hermann Park, Houston TX 77030
How much: Free
SATURDAY
ARToberFEST at The Grand 1894 Opera House
What: The 22nd Annual ARToberFEST Galveston – the island’s premier juried fine arts Festival – will again transform the city’s historic downtown cultural arts district into an open-air gallery bursting with color and culture. Set for the weekend of October 19-20, this spectacular Festival will take place on Postoffice Street between 20th and 23rd streets, between the hours of 10-6, Saturday, October 19; and 11-5, Sunday, October 20. There’s live music, art, kids activities, antique appraisals, and so much more!
When: October 19, 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Postoffice Street between 20th-23rd Streets, Galveston Island
How much: $5 for adults, Kids under 12 free
Houston Press Tacolandia
What: Get taco samples in flavors ranging from original street-style to a modern fusion, plus live music and a cash bar! Admission is just $25 per person {regularly $45!}
When: October 19, 4 pm
Where: 105 Sabine St, Houston TX 77007
How much: $25
Screen on the Green
What: Houston’s favorite outdoor movie series is back at Discovery Green! Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs, How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World is on starting at 7:30 pm.
When: October 19, 7:30 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Young Audiences at Levy Park
What: Bring your aspiring poets, your picnic blankets, and your listening ears! This free live performance features local student and professional poets. Admission is free, bring your poetry or just come for the show!
When: October 19, 1 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
SUNDAY
ARToberFEST at The Grand 1894 Opera House
What: The 22nd Annual ARToberFEST Galveston – the island’s premier juried fine arts Festival – will again transform the city’s historic downtown cultural arts district into an open-air gallery bursting with color and culture. Set for the weekend of October 19-20, this spectacular Festival will take place on Postoffice Street between 20th and 23rd streets, between the hours of 10-6, Saturday, October 19; and 11-5, Sunday, October 20. There’s live music, art, kids activities, antique appraisals, and so much more!
When: October 20, 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Postoffice Street between 20th-23rd Streets, Galveston Island
How much: $5 for adults, Kids under 12 free
The Phantom Tollbooth
What: This musical, based on the novel by Norton Juster, explores the exceptional tale of Milo, Tock, and their trip through the magical tollbooth! Admission is $15 per person but we have tickets for 50% off! For a limited time, pay just $7.50 per person!
When: October 20, 3 pm
Where: 3017 Yost Blvd, Pearland TX 77581
How much: $7.50
Unplugged at Discovery Green
What: This free concert series at Discovery Green is back and better than ever! The show this week includes Los Guerreros de la Musica. Admission is free, just bring your own blankets and picnics!
When: October 20, 5 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Lunada, an All-Ages Show
What: This free performance at Miller Outdoor Theater is great for all ages. The Houston Symphony will be playing live for the public.
When: October 20, 7:30 pm
Where: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston TX 77030
How much: Free
Is there something on this list you can’t resist? Tell us what free and cheap events you’re looking forward to in Houston this weekend! Leave us a comment below:
Tips on free parking at Discovery Green?
Mon-Sat will be pretty difficult to find free parking. However, on Sunday, street parking is free (you shouldn’t have to pay at the meters). https://www.downtownhouston.org/parking/-street-parking/
This is very much appreciated!
Good write-up. I definitely appreciate this site. Keep
writing!
for the “Sundays in the Park at Discover Green”, it mentions the Unplugged event afterwards from 5 to 9. if you have a dog from the event from 2 to 5, will they be allowed for the show as well?
Thanks for all the great information. I liked it better when it was arranged by date and not by event type, it was so much easier to find things to do. Hopefully, you’ll go back to that format.
Me too. I like knowing events by dates
No problem! Try clicking on “Calendar” at the top of the page and you can search by date or keyword or scroll through to find something which interests you. Thanks for reading!
same here
i heard Brad Meldau(sp?) will be here on the ivories this Friday (on KTSU)…allegedly it’s free, but i don’t know the venue-
(helluva nationally-known jazz pianist if you never heard of him)
facts appreciated if you find out before me
Would love to have the info on the Easter Eggstravaganza. Thanks!
Hi, check out our Easter guide here: https://www.houstononthecheap.com/easter-egg-hunts-in-houston