Check out our guide to free and cheap things to do in Houston this week (May 3-9) with picks that include: Exploring African American History on Galveston Island, $10.99 All Day Rides at Traders Village, The Rusty Krab Spongebob Squarepants Pop-up, Skyline Views by the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, A.D. Players Present Metzler New Works Festival: Apollo 8, Children’s Book Week at Woodlands Children Museum, and more!
TOP PICK: AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY ON GALVESTON ISLAND
Galveston Island is well known for its 32 mile long beaches and the great food & drink scene. However, there are many other aspects to Galveston island that make it a must visit for your next trip.
One of them is the special place that it holds in United States and African American history. Galveston Island is the birthplace of Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the emancipation of slaves in the US. However, the richness of this island’s history goes well beyond celebrating Emancipation.
From being home to the first African American high school and public library in Texas to being the hometown of World Heavyweight Champ Jack Johnson, Galveston has long fought to preserve the knowledge of African American accomplishments and heritage on the island, holding dear the many historic sites and monuments that live on to tell the story.
Next time you are thinking about a great place to visit with you family, consider Galveston Island. It’s a great place to have fun and also learn more about the history of African Americans in the US.
FUN DISCOUNT PICK – ALL DAY RIDES AT TRADERS VILLAGE FOR $10.99!
In addition to great shopping & food, Traders Village Houston has rides your ENTIRE family will love! Maybe you are a thrill seeker and want to try the 128 feet drop of the FleaFall! Or maybe you want to enjoy a family ride in the Trackless Train – there are rides for everyone! Click here for more information on the rides and start planning your fun day!
THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON THIS WEEK BY DAY OF THE WEEK
MONDAY
The Rusty Krab Spongebob Squarepants Pop-up
What: Fans of the show Spongebob Squarepants will be delighted to see the nautical pop-up bar and restaurant, where they can experience a recreated Rusty Krab burger shack and try a rusty patty in real life. This is one of our top picks for things to do this week in Houston!
Where: 711 Main St, Houston
When: Monday, May 3rd at 6:30 PM
How Much: $20 – $30
Skyline Views by the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts
What: This online virtual presentation will feature works performed by the UH Dance Ensemble.
Where: Virtual event
When: Monday, May 3rd at 7 PM
How Much: Free with an RSVP
TUESDAY
A.D. Players Present Metzler New Works Festival: Apollo 8
What: This streaming production tells the story of the brave Americans who planned and flew to the moon during 1968, in the midst of the race to space.
Where: Virtual event
When: Tuesday, May 4th at 7 PM
How Much: Free
What: It’s Children’s Book Week at The Woodlands Children’s Museum! This week, the museum will feature guest authors and even visits from some beloved book characters.On Wednesday, May 5 th , families can enjoy a special Cinco de Mayo storytime of Cinco De Mouse-O! by Judy Cox at 10:45 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., children can participate in picture book bingo featuring classic picture book characters. A display will also be available showcasing Mexican culture, clothing, books, and artifacts. This is among our top picks for things to do in Houston this week!
Where: 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, #280, Woodlands
When: May 5th – 8th
How Much: Daily admission to the museum is $7.Tickets and additional information can be found here.
Wednesday Evening Market
What: The Braeswood Farmers Market meets every Wednesday night to bring you fresh produce, mid-week! There is no entrance fee but you’ll be required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
When: Wednesdays 4 PM – 8 PM
Where: 5401 S Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX
How Much: Free
THURSDAY
Market Street Spring Concert Series
What: The Market Street Spring Concert Series will feature a new artist every week. Attendees are invited to bring blankets and chairs and enjoy performances from a variety of genres. This week, Yelba will be performing.
Where: Market Street, The Woodlands, 9595 Six Pines Drive, The Woodlands
When: Thursday, May 6th at 6 PM
How Much: Free
Free Museum Thursdays
What: Thursdays are the best day to go check out the great museums around Houston on a budget. Each Thursday, several museums around town offer free admission times, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The Health Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and more. Times for free admission may vary, so check out our guide for more info.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Various museums around Houston
How Much: Free
FRIDAY
Wine + Charcuterie Board Pairing
What: Explore the history of charcuterie boards and learn how to make the perfect board and the best wines to pair it with.
Where: Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar Street, Houston
When: Friday, May 7th at 6 PM
How Much: $40
SATURDAY
The Car Culture Invitational
What: The Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land will be presenting the Car Culture Invitational where you can view a variety of luxury and performance cars, along with a visit from professional race car driver Kory Enders.
Where: Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land
When: Saturday, May 8th at 8 AM
How Much: Free admission
Eleanora’s Market
What: This free outdoor market on Ella is open to the public! Enjoy finely crafted goods, handmade art, delicious prepared foods, and more.
When: Saturdays from 9 AM – 12 PM
Where: 2120 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77008
How Much: Free Admission
SUNDAY
Mothers Day 2021 Specials in Houston
What: Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9th and this year, our favorite restaurants in Houston have lined up some great specials. Whether you are looking for brunch, lunch or dinner, our list includes food & drink deals and freebies from high end steakhouse restaurants to affordable fast food eats.
Where: Multiple locations near you
When: Sunday May 9th
The Mothers Day Drive-In Concert
What: Looking for something to do to celebrate mom this weekend? AAA Events and World Class Entertainment are presenting a concert with three artists that is the perfect way to kick back and cheers to all the moms in your life.
Where: Constellation Field Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land
When: Sunday, May 9th at 4 PM
How Much: $125 – $299 a car
Heights Morning Market
What: Each weekend, these local shops in the Heights open up their streets and walkways to local vendors and artisans. Shop local jewelry, handmade art, locally sourced honey, and much more. Bring your own shopping bags and wear a mask!
When: Sundays from 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: 3106 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: Free
Bay Area Farmer’s Market
What: This local farmer’s market is free to attend and easy to shop! Find local produce, ethically sourced honey, homemade candles, freshly prepared foods, and much more. Admission is always free, bring your mask and shopping bags.
When: Sundays at 11 AM
Where: 500 Baybrook Mall Dr, Friendswood, TX 7754
How Much: Free entry
What are some other things to do in Houston this week? Leave a comment and let us know.
Looking for fun activities for your kids? Check out our recently updated list of 41 things to do with kids and toddlers in Houston!
Tomball Farmers Market in Old Town Tomball is also a great choice that features all local farmers, local producers and local artisans with over 60+ diverse vendors to choose from every Saturday from 9 to 1. Masks and social distancing are required to shop. Established in 2009 it’s a rain or shine market with many cute and interesting places to shop for antiques, art and wonderful restaurants to visit after shopping the outdoor Farmers Market.
Where: Old Town Tomball, 205 W Main St, Tomball, TX 77375
Time & Date: Every Saturday from 9 to 1
Dogs welcome, park, Train Depot and splash pad nearby
Walkable shops and restaurants nearby
This event is on Sundays, I drove out last Friday and no market. Looked at the website and it says Sunday. ???
FRIDAY
Montrose Morning Market
What: This indoor and outdoor market is hosted in a beautiful venue space wtih local vendors! Admission is always free and there is often live music, wine sampling, kids activities, and more. No cover, just wear a mask and bring your shopping bags.
When: Friday, October 2, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: 501 Lovett Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
How Much: Free
Hi Sabine,
Thanks for the heads up. Their Facebook page shows it as also happening on Fridays (see here: https://www.facebook.com/events/553325165397811/). I wonder if they forgot to update it.
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