Things to Do This Week Sponsored by Woodforest

This week’s round up of free and cheap things to do in Houston this week is sponsored courtesy of JDC Woodforest’s Rock the Block Party, taking place this Saturday, April 21.

All week, you can find great events for kids, family, couples, and adults — no matter who you are, there’s plenty of fun to be had! Houston events this week include the Rock the Block Party, Better Out West Fest, Art and Chocolate Show, crawfish festivals, and more. Read more about the top free and cheap events going on this week.

FAMILY FUN

Rock the Block Party at Woodforest
What: Woodforest, in Conroe, is throwing a huge all-day neighborhood block party full of food, fun, and music. Beer and Margaritas will be available for adults as well as food and sno-cones for kids of all ages! Be sure to check out the live musical performances as well as an appearance by DJ Chico.
Why: Food and fun activities are open to the public all day including inflatables, outdoor games, and face painting. Be sure to hop on one of their tour buses while you’re there for complimentary transportation to all of the stunning model homes in the area. Let them know you’re coming and check out their website here.
When: April 21, 10 am- 5 pm
Where: 212 Fox Trail Rd., Conroe, TX 77304
How much: Free Admission

Better Out West Fest
What: A live music festival compliments of Jordan Ranch featuring Family Day starting at 3 pm with face painting, bounce houses, obstacle courses, zip-lining, rock climbing, and more.
Why: Food trucks will be on hand so that you can get your grub on while rocking out to country music line up Jay Allen and Maddy & Tae. Better Out West Fest is sure to be one of the best free events going on in Houston this weekend.
When: April 21, 3- 8 pm
Where: 30757 Jordan Crossing Blvd., Houston, TX 77423
How much: Free Admission

San Jacinto Festival and Reenactment
What: A full day of fun is planned celebrating the Battle of San Jacinto. Educational activities, craft demonstrations, a petting zoo, kids crafts, music and dance are just some of the festivities beginning at 10 am and going all day.
Why: Visit the reenactor’s camps or stop by the heritage and history groups before watching the show. Three stages will feature musicians and dancers throughout the day to get your groove on during the festival.
When: April 21, 10 am- 6 pm
Where: One Monument Circle, La Porte, TX 77571
How much: Free entry

Butterfly Family Festival 
What: The Messiah Lutheran Church is hosting its annual Butterfly festival with a free, live butterfly release, BBQ lunches, a book walk, and a raffle. Get there early for multiple vendors and take part in the silent auction.
Why: All are welcome to attend this free family event benefiting Chrysalis, A Grace Place for Children.
When: April 22, 11:30 am- 3 pm
Where: 11522 Telge Rd., Cypress, TX 77429
How much: Free

Nature Story Time at the Nature Discovery Center
What: Bring the little ones for a free, drop-in story time each Wednesday. Stay afterwards for a puppet show, nature walks, and crafting.
Why: A variety of activities are provided each Wednesday for preschoolers and their caregivers.
When: April 18, 4-4:30 pm
Where: 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire, TX 77401
How much: Free

Children’s Story Hour at Hermann Park
What: Each Friday, the children can gather around the Family Garden at Hermann Park for a different story each week plus special activities.
Why: Stay afterwards for coloring pages and planting seeds to bring home and nurture.
When: April 20, 10- 11 am
Where: McGovern Centennial Gardens- 1500 Hermann Dr., Houston, TX 77004
How much: Free

HobbyFest 2018
What: A free family event educating the community about Hobby Airport featuring a live DJ, vintage aircraft tours, and a Kids Zone with princess makeovers for ages 12 and under, a bounce house, balloon artists, rock climbing, and face painting.
Why: Get there early for free food for the first 1,000 people as well as free goodies and swag bags from the vendors. The event is free but a canned food donation is requested.
When: April 21, 10 am- 4 pm
Where: 8402 Nelms St., Houston, TX 77061
How much: Free entry

 

WORK OUT

HIIT at Levy Park by The Preserve Gym
What: Get your work out in with High Intensity Interval Training, a great way to get your heart rate up for your best health. Combine fast-paced work outs with slower or resting intervals for one of the best calorie-busters around.
Why: A recurring event hosted by The Preserve Gym held in the beautiful Levy Park. Bring your own equipment if you prefer but everything will be provided.
When: April 17, 8-9 am
Where: 3801 Eastside, Houston, TX 77098
How much: Free

Zumba at Midtown Park 
What: What’s better than an hour-long upbeat dance class to get your heart-rate up and improve flexibility and stamina all at the same time? A free one which recurs every week!
Why: One of the most fun and intense work outs you can find around town and it’s good for all levels, from beginners to the movers and shakers.
When: April 17, 6:30- 7:30 pm
Where: 2811 Travis St., Houston, TX 77006
How much: Free

Yoga at Levy Park by Joy Yoga Center
What: If HIIT isn’t your thing, or you just want to try something new, head out to Levy Park for an hour-long, relaxing session of yoga.
Why: Focus on breathing and flexibility at this free class designed for beginners and the experienced alike. You can bring your own mats if you prefer but all materials will be provided.
When: April 21, 10- 11 am
Where: 3801 Eastside, Houston, TX 77098
How much: Free

 

SHOP

University of Houston’s Farmer’s Market 
What: Hosted by Matisse Bakery, this free farmer’s market features delicious desserts, pastries, and cakes. A pop up event with sweet treats is the best free event you’ll find in Houston this week.
Why: Free samples will be available for tasting and both cash and credit cards are accepted.
When: April 18, 12 – 4 pm
Where: Butler’s Plaza- 4800 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77204
How much: Free entry

 

ART

Art and Chocolate Show 
What: This is a unique adults-only event featuring art, live performances, photographers, and other creatives. Free chocolate will be available as well as beer, wine, and other vendors.
Why: It’s an art market, live show, and shopping adventure underground at The Garage. This is a strictly 21+ event.
When: April 20 and 21, 8 pm- 2 am
Where: 1520 Oliver St., Houston, TX 77007
How much: $15
Find more information here.

 

EAT & DRINK

Houston’s Coolest Crawfish Boil
What: More than 5,000 pounds of crawfish and fixin’s will be ready to go for this free event in Fort Bend. Each attendee will receive a 2 1/2 pound bucket of mudbugs, corn and potatoes until supplies run out.
Why: Other food trucks will be available as well as soda, water, and adult beverages for purchase. A giant slide, inflatables, and an obstacle course are just some of the festivities available to keep the family entertained while you chow down.
When: April 21, 12 pm- 4 pm
Where: The Club at Riverstone- 18353 University Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479
How much: Free admission

West Houston Food Truck Festival
What: Bring your appetite and and dancing shoes! At least 16 food trucks will be available as well as live music courtesy of Mixdoctor’s Mobile DJ. Activities will also be available for the kids, including face painting, balloon artists, and bounce houses.
Why: Admission is regularly $8 but you can get two tickets for the price of one with the HOTC reader discount below. All proceeds from the event benefit Houston area food banks.
When: April 22, 12 pm- 4 pm
Where: Temple Sinai- 13875 Brimhurst Dr., Houston, TX 77077
How much: $4.50
Find ticket discounts here.

Food Truck Festival in the Heights
What: Food trucks are just getting better and better! A taste of local and regional cuisine from sweet and savory burgers to Pho-jitas, over 20 food trucks have signed up to represent so far.
Why: Kids under 12 are admitted for free and you can pre-order your other tickets with a 50% off discount at the link below. This is one of the foodie-est cheap events in Houston this week.
When: April 21, 11am- 5 pm
Where: 411 West 20th St., Houston, TX 77008
How much: $5
Find more information here.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

New Worlds: Bill Murray, Jan Vogler, and Friends
What: A night of performances by legends Bill Murray, Jan Vogler, and more. Comedy, readings from classic literature, singing, and music will be on show to celebrate the release of Bill Murray’s new collaborative album.
Why: This unique concert tour is a can’t miss for comedy, music, and discussion panels regarding the American experience from a variety of perspectives. Don’t miss the deals from re-sellers below!
When: April 16, 7:30 pm
Where: Jones Hall for the Performing Arts- 615 Louisiana St., Houston, TX 77002
How much: $89
Find more information here.

Lillies of the Field at A.D. Players Theatre
What: Written by William E. Barrett and made famous in the screen adaptation starring Sydney Portier, this famous stage adaptation is now making its way to Houston!
Why: The story of a veteran traveling the country after his discharge from the army, Homer Smith finds a new mission to dedicate himself to. Check out your 50% off Houston on the Cheap discount below.
When: April 19, 7:30 pm
Where: 5420 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056
How much: $25 with 50% off reader discount
Find discounted tickets here.

Romeo & Juliet
What: If you enjoy live theater and Shakespeare, there is no better event for you this weekend. Shakespeare under the Shade live at Burroughs Park and the show will go on, rain or shine.
Why: The play has been given a family-friendly makeover so that fans of all ages can attend. Come earlier in the day for the Shakespeare Festival starting at 1 pm.
When: April 20, 7:30 pm
Where: 9738 Hufsmith Rd., Tomball, TX 77375
How much: Free

The :nv:s:ble Play at Queensbury Theatre
What: When Colin’s lunch partner is laid off, he finds himself alone and invisible to his remaining coworkers. This is magical realism meets adventure comedy.
Why: Multiple showings are available with a half-off Houston on the Cheap reader discount.
When: April 21, 8:30 pm
Where: 12777 Queensbury Ln., Houston, TX 77024
How much: $10 with your half-off discount
Find ticket discounts here.

Bathtub Full of Gin at Prohibition Theatre
What: Prohibition Supper club puts on a show with burlesque and singers straight out of the Roaring 20s. This is one of the best cheap events for adults this weekend.
Why: This is an adults-only event with stripteases by The Moonlight Dolls while you have dinner and drinks. Tickets are normally $20 but you can find your Houston on the Cheap discount below.
When: April 21, 11:30 pm
Where: 1008 Prairie St., Houston, TX 77002
How much: $10
Find more information here.

Canned Acoustica Concert Series at Discovery Green
What: The Spring season of  concerts has arrived! Popular local and regional bands will perform unique acoustic sets, reimagining their songs in a new format. Bands will range from rock and soul to indie and Latin.
Why: Donations are encouraged at this totally free concert also featuring food and drinks available for purchase on site. All proceeds go towards keeping Discovery Green filled with free events all year long.
When: April 22, 1- 6 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77010
How much: Free

See something that catches your eye? Hit us up in the comments below and let us know where you’ll be going in Houston this week!