Things to do in Houston this week of October 16: Texas Renaissance Festival 2023, Miller Outdoor Theatre - Reggae Vibrations, & more!

Things to do in Houston this week of October 16: Texas Renaissance Festival 2023, Miller Outdoor Theatre – Reggae Vibrations, & more!

Our top free and cheap picks for things to do in Houston this week of October 16, 2023, include the Texas Renaissance Festival 2023, Miller Outdoor Theatre Presents Reggae Vibrations, Rare Steak Championship HoustonHouston Corporate 5K, and more!

Houston is among the top 5 metroplexes in the US! What that means is that there’s plenty going on in Houston any day of the week. There are always things to do on Monday in Houston, things to do in Houston on Saturday night, and everything in between!

Some of you may be looking for things to do in Houston with family, while others may be focused on free things to do in Houston this week. Either way, you can be sure we have you covered in our list below. 


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, remember to check out our other Houston posts: Dog-Friendly Restaurants Houston, Date Night Ideas Houston, Pet-Friendly Hotels Houston, and Best Bubble Tea Places Houston!


TOP PICK! – Texas Renaissance Festival 2023

Texas Renaissance Festival 2023

Texas Renaissance Festival 2023

Travel through time with the Texas Renaissance Festival! Every year, this festival transports visitors to the lively ambiance of the 16th century. With its array of themed weekends, each day offers a unique and captivating exploration of the Renaissance period. 

When: Saturdays, Sundays, & Thanksgiving Friday, October 7 through November 26, | 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, Texas 77363
How Much: Ticket prices vary depending on the themed weekends.

For more information about this amazing event, visit their website at The Texas Renaissance Festival.


TOP PICK! – Miller Outdoor Theatre Presents Reggae Vibrations

Miller Outdoor Theatre's 'Reggae Vibrations' Featuring the Legendary Wailers, Third World, & The Skatalites

Miller Outdoor Theatre’s ‘Reggae Vibrations’ Featuring the Legendary Wailers, Third World, & The Skatalites

The Miller Outdoor Theatre stage will come alive with three of reggae’s most influential bands—The Legendary Wailers, Third World, and The Skatalites. Prepare to be entranced by hits like “Get Up, Stand Up,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and many more!

Don’t miss out on this high-energy reggae extravaganza! Here’s everything you need to know to catch the ‘Reggae Vibrations’ performance live.

When: Friday, October 20, 2023, 7 PM (3 hours)
Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
How Much: FREE

Tickets will be available starting October 19 at 10:00 AM. The performance will also be live-streamed on the Miller Outdoor Theatre websiteYouTube Channel, and Facebook.

For more information on ‘Reggae Vibrations’ tickets and seating, visit the Miller Outdoor Theatre website.


Deal Alert – Houston City Sightseeing Tour + Museum of Natural Science option

Things to do in Houston this week of October 16: Texas Renaissance Festival 2023, Miller Outdoor Theatre - Reggae Vibrations, & more!

A good choice for first-time visitors to Houston, this tour offers a comprehensive overview of the city. Visit several well-known landmarks, parks, and stadiums including historic Market Square, Discovery Green, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, Buffalo Bayou, and more. You’ll also have an opportunity to admire the lavish homes and boutiques in River Oaks. A local guide shares insider information about what to see, where to eat, and what to do while you’re in town.

Get more information and check out the Houston City Sightseeing Tour + Museum of Natural Science option TODAY!!!


Things to do in Houston this week of October 16, 2023 – Monday

Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers

Houston Astros and Texas Rangers fans, you better get ready because the week is about to get pretty hot with back-to-back games for the 2023 ACLS. Catch the games live at Minute Maid Park and cheer on your favorite teams!

There will also be a pre-game Postseason Street Fest before every game where you can enjoy food trucks, yard games, photo ops, and more. 

When: Monday, October 15 – 27, 2023, 7:15 pm 
Where: Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Prices vary (Only resale tickets available)


Top Things to do in Houston this week of October 16, 2023 – Tuesday

International Sawfish Day

Take the kids out and visit the Downtown Aquarium to celebrate International Sawfish Day.

Learn about the awesome Sawfish and the conservation efforts for them with trivia, arts and crafts, prizes, sawfish swag, and more.

When: Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 10 am
Where: Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $13.99


7th Annual Hess Houston Corporate 5K

Things to do in Houston this week of October 16 | 7th Annual Hess Houston Corporate 5K

Image credit: Houston Corporate 5K

Houston’s biggest corporate wellness and team-building events and one of the city’s largest 5K run/ walks is back! This year, there is an expected 7,000 participants representing over 200 Houston companies. 

After the 5K fun run/ walk, there will be an outdoor happy hour with refreshments, live entertainment, and more. Proceeds from the event will go to the Memorial Park Conservancy. 

When: Tuesday – Thursday, October 17 – 19, 2023, 4 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: $10 for individual entries


Things to do in Houston this week of October 16, 2023 – Wednesday

TUTS: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

This spooky season, everyone’s favorite demon barber is coming to Houston!

Coming from the mind of Stephen Sondheim, this musical is set in the Industrial Age of London and centers on a vengeful barber who meets a pie shop owner all too eager to please him. Together, they set off into a murderous business.

When: Wednesday, October 18 – 25, 2023, 7:30 pm
Where: Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $40


Sunset Yoga on the Labyrinth

Enjoy lovely views of the sunset over the city skyline while stretching and relaxing your body in a wonderful yoga class on the labyrinth. Invite your friends and destress before continuing on with the rest of the week.

When: Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 7 pm 
Where: City Orchard, 1201 Oliver St #108, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: $10


Things to do in Houston this week of October 16, 2023 – Thursday

Museum After Dark: Paint and Sip

The Museum After Dark series of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is back! Check it out and enjoy their paint-and-sip event this Thursday. Wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. Light bites will be available as well.

When: Thursday, October 19, 2023, 7 pm 
Where: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, 3816 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: $15


Rare Steak Championship Houston

Things to do in Houston this week of October 16 | Rare Steak Championship Houston

Image credit: Posthtx

Calling all carnivores from across the state! Sink your teeth into the juiciest steaks this Thursday at the Rare Steak Championship Houston!

Over 20 of the region’s most acclaimed steak purveyors will be putting their grilling talents to the test to fight for the title of Top Steak. And you’ll get to taste their best works. 

When: Thursday, October 19, 2023, 6 pm – 10 pm 
Where: POST Houston, Southwest Parking Lot, 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
How Much: Starts at $108


Top Things to do in Houston this week of October 16, 2023 – Friday

Houston Home and Garden Show

Get new ideas for interior design, tackle your upcoming home projects, and learn how to set up your very own gardens this fall at the Fall Home Show at NRG Park. 

In addition to that, if you’re in the mood for shopping to bring your ideas to life, stop by the Made in Texas Marketplace and start filling up your baskets. 

When: Friday – Sunday, October 20 – 22, 2023, 11 am – 7 pm
Where: NRG Park, NRG Center, 1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
How Much: $10 | Free for kids aged 16 and under


Things to do in Houston on Saturday, October 21, 2023

George Ranch Frontier Days Festival

George Ranch Frontier Days Festival

Image credit: George Ranch

Head out with the whole family and get to relive history at the George Ranch Frontier Days Festival.

To celebrate more than 150 years of Texan history, there will be battle re-enactments, historic home tours, first-person costumed interpreters, hands-on activities, games, and more to enjoy. 

When: Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9 am – 5 pm 
Where: George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762 Rd, Richmond, TX 77469
How Much: $15 – $20


Things to do in Houston this week of October 16, 2023 – Sunday

Fall Picnic at the Houston Arboretum

Fall Picnic at the Houston Arboretum

Image credit: A Bayou City Picnic

Get to enjoy the perfect outdoor fall picnic experience at the Houston Arboretum! 

The event will have all the essentials you’d need including a classic picnic blanket, utensils, water, napkins, plates, and cleanup. You can choose between a charcuterie selection or a picnic with two or more sandwiches. All picnics will also come with a six-pack of Saint Arnold beer. 

When: Sunday, October 22, 2023, 11:30 am – 1 pm
Where: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
How Much: $75 for a picnic for two


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Things to do in Houston this Week - Last Minute Getaway Deals from Groupon

Check out last-minute travel deals to some of the hottest destinations around the globe! Deals include killer promotions ranging from the Sheraton Niagra Falls for just $104 per night, to the highly-rated All-Inclusive Platinum Yucatan Princess Adults Only in Playa Del Carmen for just $266 per night!

So go ahead and jet-set with spontaneity! Check out these last-minute travel bargains.


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