This week’s guide is presented by Galveston Island. Take the kids down to explore Galveston’s many exciting beach parks before school starts back up!
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 activities in Houston this week include visiting the excellent Galveston Island Parks, Midtown Live 5, Baroness & ‘Lectric Eye, The Eado Comedy Show, Jasper in Deadland, Comedy Rockers The Dan Band, free workouts, story time, live music, and much more.
Keep reading for the full guide to Free and Cheap Things to Do in Houston this week:
TOP PICK
Visit the Galveston Island Beach Parks
What: It’s Island Time! The beaches are calling your name and Galveston has plenty of shoreline to choose from and plenty of awesome parks for family fun. Visit the Galveston Island State Park for a whole new dose of nature, island-style. Seawolf Park on Pelican Island offers the island’s best fishing piers, picnic sites, a playground for kids, plus the WWII submarine the US Caballa plus the USS Stewart, one of only three destroyer escorts in the whole world. There are tons of other great parks across Galveston, including Seawall Urban Park, pocket parks, and more.
Don’t forget, many parks are free or cheap to enter.
When you’re all salt-watered out, head over to Pleasure Pier for carnival rides, games, and ice cold beer!
Check out the full guide to Galveston Island Beach Parks on their website!
When: ANY TIME
Where: Galveston, TX
How much: Prices Vary
EVERYDAY FUN
Here are a few ways you can have fun on the cheap every day of the week!
Ready for some sugar? Sugar Land is the Sweetest City in Texas and they certainly know how to delight. Whether you’re a culinary explorer or a culture enthusiast, there are plenty of sweet deals and events going on every week! Don’t miss An Evening with Lyle Lovett & His Large Band playing at Smart Financial Centre! Bring your Slytherins and RavenClaws to Mischief Managed during Wonderweek at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center! Kids and kids-at-heart will get the chance to step into a world of wizardry and celebrate the famed series. Go during Neighborhood Days and get $2 off admission, plus discounted memberships! Learn the details and more events here.
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
Free Classes at H-Town Dance
What: Your first class is always free at H-Town Dance but every Monday, you can learn Cumbia totally free! No partner is necessary and the instructors are bilingual. Just bring a hand towel and plenty of water!
When: August 12, 7:30 pm
Where: 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston TX 77055
How much: Free
Water Play at Kinder Lake
What: Kinder Lake, in the heart of Discovery Green, allows you to rent kayaks and play with remote-controlled boats! They’re each $5 per person and each ride or play time lasts 15 minutes.
When: August 12, 11 am – 7 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: $5
Jazz Jam at Cafeza
What: Cafeza hosts a free weekly Jazz Jam on Monday nights. Admission is free but you’ll want to bring cash or card for their full menu and yummy desserts!
When: August 12, 8 pm
Where: 1720 Houston Ave, Houston TX 77007
How much: Free Admission
TUESDAY
The Secret Choir Sing-A-Long
What: Bring the kids and the kids-at-heart for an evening of singing, creativity-building, and stress reduction. This interactive music open house is in partnership with the Houston Arts Alliance. Best of all, it’s free!
When: August 13, 6 pm
Where: 2007 Commerce St, Houston TX 77002
How much: Free
HIIT at Levy Park
What: Each week, get an awesome workout in the beautiful outdoors at Levy Park. High Intensity Interval Training includes short bursts of fast-paced moves, mixed with periods of rest. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and blast the fat away. The class is free, just bring a towel and plenty of water.
When: August 13, 7 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Story Time at Mission Bend
What: Mission Bend Library is hosting a free story hour for toddlers and preschoolers every Tuesday morning. Enjoy family-friendly activities. There is no fee, just drop in when you can.
When: August 13, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Where: 8421 Addicks Clodine Road, Houston TX 77083
How much: Free
WEDNESDAY
Midtown Live 5
What: This signature event is in its 5th year of glory, showcasing local Houston artists through music and live theater. Connect with yourself, your family, the performers, and your H-Town love! Tickets are $25 each but we’ve cut them in half! For a limited time, we’re getting you in for just $12.50 per person!
When: August 14, 8 pm
Where: 3400 Main St, Houston TX 77002
How much: $12.50
Nature Story Time
What: Head to the Nature Discovery Center for a free story hour for kids! This class is best suited for preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers. The class is free and includes other fun activities like puppets, sing-a-longs, nature specimens, and more.
When: August 14, 4 – 4:30 pm
Where: 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire TX 77401
How much: Free
Journey Through China
What: In it’s 9th year, Journey Through China at Miller Outdoor Theater is a celebration and expression of Chinese cultures and arts. The show is free but if you want covered seating, you’ll have to reserve your free tickets by showing up to the box office on the morning of the performance.
When: August 14, 11 am
Where: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston TX 77030
How much: Free
THURSDAY
Baroness & ‘Lectric Eye
What: Are you ready to rock? Head to House of Blues this week for a tribute show for those who like big hair and big sounds. Baroness will perform a tribute to QUEEN and ‘Lectric Eye is pounding out all the Bowie hits. Tickets to the show are $16 per person but for now, you can just pay processing fees and your ticket is complimentary!
When: August 15, 8 pm
Where: 1204 Caroline, Houston TX 77002
How much: COMPLIMENTARY
The Eado Comedy Show
What: High energy, fast-paced laughs, and edgy absurdities await you. This long-form improv show in East Downtown is not for kids or the easily offended. Local talent is waiting to make you laugh your butt off and admission is just $5 {regularly $10}! Plus, it’s BYOB.
When: August 15, 8 pm
Where: 2201 Preston, Houston TX 77003
How much: $5
Westchase District Farmers Market
What: This is one market that is fun for the whole family! Leashed pets are welcomed, as are children. The kids can get their face painted while you shop for fresh produce and local goods! Admission is always free.
When: August 15, 3 pm
Where: 10503 Westheimer Rd, Houston TX 77042
How much: Free
FRIDAY
Jasper in Deadland
What: Ryan Scott Oliver and Hunter Foster have put their musical genius to the test with this multicultural, myth-driven show. The musical follows the story of 17 year old Jasper who is plunged into the land of the dead in search of his best friend, Agnes. Tickets to the show begin at $25 each but we found you a discount! Get your tickets before they sell out at just $12.50 – $16.50!
When: August 16, 8 pm
Where: 1125 Providence St, Houston TX 77002
How much: $12.50 – $16.50
On the Side at La Centerra
What: Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs to La Centerra in Katy for an evening of live music! On The Side will be performing Friday evening so you can get in some culture while you shop and dine!
When: August 16, 7 pm
Where: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494
How much: Free
Video Game Night at the Square
What: The Square at Memorial City is rolling out the big screen this weekend for their weekly Video Game Night. Super Smash Bros will be playing so you can see if you have what it takes.
When: August 16, 8 pm
Where: 303 Memorial City Way, Houston TX 77024
How much: Free
SATURDAY
Comedy Rockers The Dan Band
What: The Dan Band is not just a rock band- they’re also hilarious! This unique mix of pop covers and explicit comedy is on stage at House of Blues! Tickets to the uproarious show are $20 each but we have some tickets for free! Just pay processing fees and your admission is complimentary!
When: August 17, 7 pm
Where: 1204 Caroline, Houston TX 77002
How much: COMPLIMENTARY
Summer Nature Series
What: Head to Levy Park for a program by Precinct 4! Disney’s Monkey Kingdom will be playing on the big screen so you can fall in love with nature and learn a little bit about the jungle.
When: August 17, 6 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Tai Chi at La Centerra
What: This calming, restorative martial art is like no other. You aren’t busting blocks and you may not even bust a sweat. The class is free, just bring your own towel and a bottle of water.
When: August 17, 8:30 am
Where: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494
How much: Free
SUNDAY
House Made Ice Cream Contest and Social
What: Head to Lazybrook Baptist Church for home made ice cream samples! There will be prizes for the best teams or you can just come to taste!
When: August 18, 6 pm
Where: 1822 West 18th Street, Houston TX 77008
How much: Free Admission
Montrose Morning Market
What: Every Sunday morning, enjoy a specially curated farmers market in the heart of Montrose. You’ll be able to load up on handmade goods, locally sourced honey, gifts, and more. Admission is free!
When: August 18, 10 am
Where: 2534 Amherst St., Houston TX 77005
How much: Free
Gop La Mua Xuan IV
What: This concert features Vietnamese artists and musicians who have overcome their disability to become amazing performers. The concert is free!
When: August 18, 2 pm
Where: 2811 Hayes Rd, Houston TX 77082
How much: Free
Any other free or cheap happenings you’re looking forward to in Houston this week? Spill all the tea in the comments 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