Here in Houston, there’s a lot of great things to do this week (January 17-23)!!
Our top free and cheap picks include MLK Grande Parade Midtown, Galveston Restaurant Week, The Lifespan of a Fact at 4th Wall Theatre, High School Play: A Nostalgia Fest at the Alley Theatre, and more!
Top Pick – Check out Membership That Means More – Get Started With The Y Today!
Here are 3 great reasons why you should consider getting a membership to the YMCA of Greater Houston TODAY!
- Multiple Options: The Y offers multiple options to personalize for you and your family’s needs. There are premium in-person and virtual class options for all ages (popular classes: Zumba®, cycling, Les Mills BodyPump™). If you want flexibility of location, you can choose a membership type that gives you access to all city and nationwide locations!
- Kids Programs: The Y offers youth a path with a purpose from early childhood to their teen years and beyond. Programs include – after school and preschool, sports, martial arts, dance, swim lessons, swim team, enrichment activities and many more!
- Affordability & Money – Back Guarantee: Y continues to offer citywide facility access at a reduced rate. There are no contracts, no joining or enrollment fees. There are financial assistance options and membership rate will not increase as long as your membership remains active. Best part is a 30 day money-back guarantee!!!
Sign up for the YMCA of Greater Houston Membership today and start seeing benefits of the membership that matters!
Plan ahead for this one – Mardi Gras Party With a Galveston Twist!
Celebrate Mardi Gras 2022 at the Michel B. Menard House, the site of the island’s inaugural Mardi Gras celebration in 1853! Menardi Gras is a night of food, fun, music, and frivolity hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation at Galveston’s oldest mansion.
Get more information about the 2022 Mardi Gras Celebration in Galveston
When: Friday 11 February, 7 pm to 9 pm
Where: Menard House located at 1605 33rd St, Galveston, TX 77550.
How Much: $65 per ticket, $110 for couple’s reservation. Book your Menardi Gras fun today!
Things to do this week in Houston
Things to do this week in Houston – MONDAY
MLK Grande Parade Midtown
image credit MLK Grande Parade
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., come watch the 28th annual MLK Grande Parade, a multicultural event that unites people both virtually and in person. The parade will feature dance and cheer teams, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, marching bands, floats, dignitaries, and more.
When: Monday, January 17th, from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: San Jacinto St at Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Free
44th Annual Original MLK Day Parade Downtown
The MLK Day Parade organized by the Black Heritage Society is back in person after going virtual last year. Honor the legacy of the civil rights hero at a long-running parade, then get ready to party at the festival that follows.
When: Monday, January 17th, at 10 a.m.
Where: Lamar and Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free
Houston MLK Festival in Hermann Park
After you watch the MLK Parade, you can immediately head over to Hermann Park for a festival complete with kid-friendly activities, live musical performances, great food, and local craft vendors.
When: Monday, January 17th, from the end of the MLK Day Parade to 5 p.m.
Where: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
How Much: Free
Fool in the Fairytale: Niki de Saint Phalle Films at Menil
In association with the exhibition Niki de Saint Phalle in the 1960s, Menil has curated a collection of short films from the 1960s and ’70s, when Niki De Saint Phalle was experimenting as a filmmaker. The films capture the spirit and art of the decades in which they were created and demonstrate how the audience participates in creating the story behind a work.
When: Monday, January 10th-Sunday, January 23rd
Where: Online
How Much: Free
Galveston Restaurant Week
image credit galveston.com
Fine food lovers are in for a treat this week because Galveston Restaurant Week is back for another winter. Like Houston Restaurant Weeks, it’s a several weeks-long event when you can enjoy two- or three-course meals for a fixed price. Just pick from the list of participating restaurants and enjoy a prix fixe meal. A portion of the proceeds will be used to support local charities.
When: Monday, January 17th-February 13th
Where: Various Galveston restaurants–list here
How Much: $10-20 for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and $20-$45 for dinner
Things to do this week in Houston – TUESDAY
Jump to It WonderWeek at Children’s Museum Houston
This week, get ready for some fitness that brings together the whole family at the Children’s Museum Houston. Kids get to compete with friends in a fitness spinner craft, then give their brains a workout with a drawing exercise before coding their own Lego robots.
When: Tuesday, January 18th-Saturday, January 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: $12 (General admission)
Things to do this week in Houston – WEDNESDAY
Dialogue of the Carmelites at the Wortham Center
A tragedy about life during the French revolution, this opera follows a young aristocrat who flees to a convent to survive the purging of the noble class. The nuns fight for their convent against the revolutionaries in a surprising show of fortitude. The lead, Blanche, is played by soprano Natalya Romaniw.
When: Wednesday, January 19th and Saturday, January 22nd, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Tickets start at $25
Things to do this week in Houston – THURSDAY
“Calder-Picasso” Gallery Concert (Part 1) at MFAH
Part 1 in a pair of concerts inspired by the artwork in The Museum of Fine Arts Houston exhibit “Calder-Picasso” will have two performances this Thursday, one at 6:30 and one at 7:30. Enjoy an arrangement of music performed by Da Camera Young Artists, including Bugles and Birds: A Portrait of Picasso” by Virgil Thomson, “Banalités” by Francis Poulenc, Three Pieces for Clarinet” by Igor Stravinsky, and more.
When: Thursday, January 20th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: 5500 Main Street, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Free
The Lifespan of a Fact at 4th Wall Theatre
A recent Broadway hit, come watch the musical story of an editor for a failing New York magazine and a writer with an essay that might just be able to save it as they argue about the ethics of facts vs. truth.
When: Thursday, January 20th-Saturday, February 5th (Thursdays-Sundays and Monday the 31st), 7:30 p.m. on weeknights and Saturday, 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Where: 1824 Spring St #101, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: Tickets start at $17
Things to do this week in Houston – FRIDAY
Listen to the powerful Piano Concerto No. 4 as performed by pianist Jan Lisiecki and Brahms’ symphony No. 1 as led by conductor Christoph Eschenbach. The concerts will be opened with a performance of Ibert’s Flute Concerto by Stathis Karapanos. Face coverings are required at the venue. There is a virtual viewing option available for the Saturday performance.
When: Friday, January 21st-Sunday, January 23rd, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 615 Louisiana St; Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Tickets start at $26–Livestream tickets for Saturday available for $20
High School Play: A Nostalgia Fest at the Alley Theatre
Don’t miss this uniquely Texan play developed in the 2020 Alley All New Festival, where high school seniors in a small suburban town try to come back from a devastating loss in a theater competition with a bold new choice of play that has their community buzzing.
When: Friday, January 21st-Sunday, February 13th, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Tickets start at $30
Hit the Road (Jaddeh Khaki) at MFAH
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is highlighting films from Iran. This movie, Hit the Road (Jaddeh Khaki) (2021), is a comic drama about a family of four bonding as they drive across the countryside. The movie is in Farsi with English subtitles.
When: Friday, January 21st, from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Where: 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005
How Much: $10
Things to do this week in Houston – SATURDAY
WWII Winter Encampment at George Ranch Historical Park
image credit George Ranch Historical Park
For fun and historical things to do this week, check out the George Ranch Historical Park, which is switching up from its usual Old West programming. This week, they’re giving guests a chance to see how WWII soldiers camped during the winter. You’ll get to see what they ate, how they slept, and even how they fought. Don’t miss the restored cars, army equipment displays, or plane spotting demonstrations. Guests will also be able to participate in hands-on activities at the war post office throughout the day.
When: Saturday, January 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 10215 FM 762 Rd, Richmond, TX 77469
How Much: $10 for kids, $15 for adults
No Choice (Majboorim) at MFAH
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is highlighting films from Iran. This movie, No Choice (Majboorim) (2020), is a contemporary legal thriller involving three women: a human-rights lawyer, a homeless teenager, and a gynecologist. The movie is in Farsi with English subtitles.
When: Saturday, January 22nd, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005
How Much: $10
Family Owl Prowl at the Arboretum
image credit Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Explore the trails at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center at night while on the lookout for owls. While you’re at it, enjoy light snacks, hot cocoa, coffee, and Saint Arnold Brewing Company beer. You’ll get to meet live owl ambassadors and learn all about them before going out on a hike to see these birds in their natural habitat.
When: Saturday, January 22nd, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
How Much: $45 for adults, $20 for kids 5-12
Chess of the Wind (Shatranj-e Baad) at MFAH
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is highlighting films from Iran. This movie, Chess of the Wind (Shatranj-e Baad) (1976), is a recently rediscovered murder mystery from Iran’s pre-revolution New Wave. The movie is in Farsi with English subtitles.
When: Saturday, January 22nd, from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Where: 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005
How Much: $10
Things to do this week in Houston – SUNDAY
Art Car IPA 5k Social Run/Walk at Flying Saucer
Get a head start on those resolutions with a 3.5 mile run. Once you finish the run, you’ll receive a pint glass, three Saint Arnold’s brews, and a breakfast from Texas Tamale Company.
When: Sunday, January 23rd, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: 705 Main Street, Houston, TX US 77002
How Much: $30
Virtual Author Talk: “The Nazi’s Granddaughter: How I Discovered My Grandfather was a War Criminal” at Holocaust Museum Houston
image credit Holocaust Museum Houston
The Holocaust Museum Houston is hosting a virtual author talk with journalist Silvia Foti,who wrote The Nazi’s Granddaughter: How I Discovered My Grandfather was a War Criminal, which details the story of how she found out that her grandfather, who she was always told was a hero, had actually been on the side of the Nazis in WWII.
When: Sunday, January 23rd, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Virtually here
How Much: Free
What are some other things to do in Houston this week? Leave a comment and let us know.
Looking for things to do with kids in the Houston area? Check out our weekly updates to Top Things To Do On The Weekend With Kids In Houston!
And if you want these types of updates delivered directly to your feed, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking the …next to the search lens icon.
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