This week’s roundup of events is sponsored by Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Don’t miss The Houston Symphony’s grand performance of The Music of Tom Petty this Saturday, April 20 at 7 pm.
Another week, another round up of the best free and cheap things to do in Houston! Whether you’re looking for a free workout or discounted tickets, you can find it all here. Free and cheap activities this week include The Music of Tom Petty, Cosmic Potential, Dorothy Returns to Oz, Springworld Festival at Discovery Green, family storytime, grand openings, and much more.
Read more below for the best free and cheap activities in Houston this week:
TOP PICK
The Music of Tom Petty
What: The Houston Symphony is putting on a show that Won’t Back Down! The music of Tom Petty will be rocking at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The Houston Symphony will perform a night of Petty’s classic rock hits alongside all-star Broadway vocalist Tony Vincent and a band of talented musicians who will bring Petty’s catalog to life. Petty’s music was arranged for the symphony orchestra by conductor/arranger Brent Havens. The show is family-friendly and is sure to please guests of all ages. Reserved seats start at $20, and there is free seating available on the lawn. Gates open at 7, the show starts at 8.
When: April 20, 8 pm
Where: 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
How much: Free lawn seating; $20 reserved seats
EVERYDAY FUN
Here are a few cheap things to do in Houston any day of the week!
Whether you’re going for the first time or to get to know the place again, Lone Star Flight Museum has treasures awaiting. The 130,000 square foot museum and warehouse offers 40 vintage and historically significant aircraft. The planes have been restored to flying condition and are available for tours. Don’t miss the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and their other carefully curated exhibits. Best of all, tickets are now 50% off! Just $10 gets you in the door so take advantage now!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Get General Admission to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for only $11.10 (regularly $25!). Other HMNS discounts are available, like 50% off tickets to the butterfly habitat & exhibit, planetarium show, and other special exhibits. The museum has several great exhibits on display at the moment as well. (Some exhibits may cost extra.)
Wild West Escape Room
At PanIQ Room, you’ll have to use your wits to get you out of jail. Props, design, and clues are used to help you piece together the mystery and escape the room. Tickets are usually $28- $32 per person- yikes! Now, you can get them for as little as $14- $17.50. Purchase your tickets now and they’re good through May 1st. Don’t panic, just escape the room!
Go-Kart Racing at K1 Speed
Race your kids, family, and friends and try to beat the clock! Experience competition, thrills, adrenaline, and more. Compare your times and ranks- all in a family-friendly environment. Right now, you can get packages ranging from $17- $38 and tickets are good at any K1 Speed facility.
MONDAY
Dance Circle at Moody Park
What: Monday evenings, the indoor gymnasium at Moody Park hosts and open dance circle for you to appreciate the ways and music of Danza Mexica Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water. Women and girls are encouraged to wear long skirts.
When: April 15, 7:30- 8:45
Where: 3725 Fulton St, Houston TX 77009
How much: Free
Story Time in the Gardens
What: Enjoy a free story time in the middle of Mercer Botanic Gardens. The activity is best for kids age 2- 5 years old with their parents present. Admission to the gardens is always free!
When: April 15, 10:30 am
Where: 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble TX 77338
How much: Free
Yoga at Discovery Green
What: Bring a yoga mat and prepare to get Zen. This free, one-hour class is hosted in the beautiful outdoor Anheuser-Busch Stage. Take time this week to strengthen, relax, and recharge. All you need is a yoga mat, a towel, and plenty of water.
When: April 15, 12 noon- 1 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
TUESDAY
Family Night at Chick-Fil-A
What: The famous family restaurant is hosting dinner with the Easter Bunny! The location on Highway 6 and Bellaire will host the Easter Bunny starting at 5 pm. Visiting with the special friend is free, just pay for your own dinner.
When: April 16, 5 pm
Where: 6895 Hwy 6 S, Houston TX 77083
How much: Free
Toddler Tuesdays at Discovery Green
What: Hosted by the Houston Public Library, this kid-focused day includes story time, special appearances, and fun activities just for toddlers. All activities are free and open to the public. Bring a picnic blanket for seating and 90 minutes of toddler and preschooler fun!
When: April 16, 10:30 am- 12 noon
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Core Focused Yoga
What: Get an hour of free yoga with a focus on building strength, improving balance, and learn yoga sequence. Bring your own mat, a towel, and plenty of water.
When: April 16, 6:30 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
WEDNESDAY
Grand Opening at Chicken Salad Chick
What: Their newest location in Vintage Park is having a Grand Opening Celebration with giveaways all week long. The first 150 guests will receive free chicken salad for a year, the first 10 get one large quick chick every week!
When: April 17, 10:30 am- 8 pm
Where: 10300 Louetta Rd, Houston TX 77070
How much: Free
Children’s Bingo at Levy Park
What: Bring your preschoolers and toddlers for a quick game of Bingo! The game is free for everyone and best for kids who are toddlers through 5th grade. Practice your numbers and letters in the great outdoors!
When: April 17, 4:30 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Off the Couch Wednesdays at Discovery Green
What: Get up, get out, and get fit with Discovery Green! Meet on the Anhaueser-Busch Stage for an introductory course on all things fitness. Enjoy a variety of low impact and medium-intensity work outs to ease you back into shape. The class is free, just bring a towel and plenty of water.
When: April 17, 6:30 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
THURSDAY
STEM Story Time at KBB
What: Katy Budget Books is hosting Katy’s youth with a STEM story time in their storefront! You must register in advance, the event is $5 per child.
When: April 18, 6:30 pm
Where: 2450 Fry Rd, Houston TX 77084
How much: $5
Bingo Night at Under the Radar
What: Under the Radar Brewery hosts a free weekly Bingo night. The game is free to play and you might even win prizes. There will also be drink specials if you get there early for Happy Hour.
When: April 18, 7 pm
Where: 1506 Truxillo St, Houston TX 77004
How much: Free
Levy Park Family Story Time
What: This weekly, recurring story time is made for the whole family. People of all ages will enjoy the stories and games. It’s free and open to the public each Thursday at Levy Park.
When: April 18, 10 am
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
FRIDAY
Cosmic Potential at Playhouse 1960
What: This play by Tony Award-winning playwright Alan Ayckbourn is set in the near-future where androids have replaced actors. The show goes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this weekend and next but shows will sell out fast! Tickets are regularly $21 but you can get them now for just $10.50!
When: April 19, 8 pm
Where: 6814 Grant Rd, Houston TX 77066
How much: $10.50
Axelrad Anniversary Party
What: This Houston favorite is hosting a birthday party to remember! Celebrate with multiple bands and Saint Arnold beer. The party is totally free, just pay for your drinks!
When: April 19, 7 pm
Where: 1517 Alabama St, Houston TX 77004
How much: No Cover
Tai Chi at Discovery Green
What: This beginners class is great for anyone who’s never tried the martial art, Tai Chi. Learn the basic, meditative movements and explore inner peace and tranquility.
When: April 19, 12 noon- 1 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
SATURDAY
Dorothy Returns to Oz
What: Playhouse on the Prairie is putting on their own, unique rendition of The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy has returned and things aren’t quite normal. Find out how Kansas gets even more exciting. Tickets are regularly $20 but you can get them now for just $10.
When: April 20, 12 noon
Where: 1008 Prairie St, Houston TX 77002
How much: $10
Springworld International Festival
What: This one-day festival includes live music, gourmet food, and plenty of vendors. Admission is free at Discovery Green.
When: April 20, 10:30 am- 5 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Young Audiences of Houston
What: Bring your teenagers and other youth for a free, live show of spoken word poetry by local Houston youth. They can watch the show or get on stage, then stay afterward for networking with professional artists.
When: April 20, 1- 2 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
SUNDAY
Montrose Morning Market
What: Shopping and brunch is waiting for you! There will be local artists and artisans on site, as well as farmers with fresh produce, and more.
When: April 21, 10 am- 5 pm
Where: 1915 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free Entry
Free Yoga Sundays at The West End
What: This public house has live DJs every Sunday, plus yoga, champagne, and brunch. The event is totally free, just pay for your food and drinks.
When: April 21, 10- 11 am
Where: 5320 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 77056
How much: Free Entry
Sundays in the Park
What: You’ll know what’s special about Sundays at Discovery Green after you spend an afternoon playing games, relaxing on a picnic blanket, and hanging out with your family. There are also RC boats and kayaking for just $5 per 15 minutes.
When: April 14, 3- 5 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
What free and cheap things to do in Houston are you looking forward to this week? Let us know in the comments:
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