- Houston
- Events
- Cities
We do it bigger in Texas—including weekend fun throughout April.
By
Brooke Viggiano
Blessed with the best of both worlds—a big, urban concrete jungle and an abundance of natural landscapes—Houston bursts with exciting things to do and thrilling places to explore. This massive city boasts museums, record stores, amazing restaurants and bars (hidden ones, too), vintage shops, luxurious spas, farmers markets, and much more.
Houstonians love the great outdoors, too. Running paths, lush hiking trails, nearby beaches—there’s a flavor of greenspace for every level of outdoorsy. Plus, the prettiest places in Houston are perfect for simply going outside to bask in nature.
For the sporty set, catch an Astros game at Minute Maid (and snap up a few food and drink recs before you go), or plan your visit to the rodeo. Food lovers are rarely if ever bored with dining options that range from beloved brunches to prime steakhouses to top-notch barbecue.
As for Houston events, you’re in the right place. Our monthly guide outlines all the entertainment you can’t miss inApril 2024. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Houston, updated monthly.
Special Events in Houston
April 5 & 6, 10 am
Downtown, Free
The Houston Junior Forum’s third annual The City Market will take place at POST Houston for two days, featuring the chance to shop a curated market with 60 specialty vendors and make a difference in the community, with proceeds benefiting charitable services for children, youth, women, and senior adults in Houston. In addition to the free-to-attend market, add-on experiences include a VIP Kick-Off Brunch and Sip and Shop Party (Friday) and The Bubbles and Biscuits Party (Saturday).
April 6 & 7
Downtown, $25 and up
Anime merch, sports cards, Funko Pops, Pokemon cards, and more will be up for grabs at this massive collector’s convention at George R. Brown Convention Center. The two-day event will feature 800-plus vendor tables, live performances, celebrity special guests, and the chance to buy, sell, and trade your authenticated collection.
April 11–14
Various locations, Free
Back for its 37th year, the Houston Art Car Parade is one of the wackiest, most beloved annual events in Houston. On Saturday, over 250 artfully decked masterpieces-on-wheels will roll through the streets along Allen Parkway and Smith. Other weekend highlights include Thursday’s “Main Street Drag” mini parades throughout the city, Friday’s Art Car Sneak Peak and legendary Art Car Ball, and Sunday’s Awards Ceremony.
April 13 & 14, 1 pm–10 pm
Sugar Land, $12 to $20, Free for kids 12 and under
Heda to Crown Festival Park for this family-oriented Latin festival, highlighting Latin culture via live music, art, food and drink, and community. Tickets are $12 per day or $20 for the weekend, with free admission for kids 12 and under.
Food and Drink Events in Houston
April 5, 6:30–10 pm
Museum District, $149 to $299
The Houston Zoo’s Feast with the Beasts is one of its most highly anticipated events, giving locals the chance to experience the Zoo by night and enjoy food and drink from a curated list of the city’s top restaurants. The evening features unlimited sampling, live music across the Zoo, a dueling piano show, and an after-hours look at the animals.
April 5–7
NRG Park, $6
Foodie fans can hit up multicultural food festival FoodieLand for an al fresco evening of good eatin’. Expect a family-friendly atmosphere featuring over 185 vendors, live music, shopping, and games. Tickets must be pre-purchased in advance with timed arrival.
April 14, 1–4 pm
Humble, $65–$125
Blood Bros. BBQ, Gatlin’s BBQ, The Brisket House, Henderson & Kane, Corkscrew BBQ, Truth BBQ—these are just some of the absolute smokeshows expected in the lineup of the 11th Annual Houston Barbecue Festival, taking over Humble Civic Center Arena Complex for an afternoon of good eatin’. Prepare for meat sweats.
April 14 & 15, 7 pm & 8:30 pm
Downtown, $195 and up
World-famous NOLA restaurant Emeril's will be popping up at Four Seasons Hotel Houston for two nights as chef Patron E.J. Lagasse presents a six-course tasting menu. Guests will be greeted by live jazz music and a Brandy Crusta, as imagined by the Four Seasons’ speakeasy bar Bandista before the epic meal. Optional wine pairings can be added for $130–$315. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Camp H-Town, an urban camp experience for children touched by cancer.
April 20, 1–5 pm
Third Ward, $500 and up
Southern Smoke Foundation will host inaugural wine-focused event, Southern Smoke Decanted, raising awareness and resources to aid its mission of supporting members of the food and beverage industry nationwide through emergency relief funding and access to mental health services, and bringing locals some outstanding wines while they’re at it. Held at at the Eldorado Ballroom,, guests can sip from over 50 winery, including vintners like Hirsch, Cruse, Heitz, Matthiasson, Sinskey, Raventos, and Dunn; score rare vintages in the live auction; and share bottles with friends.
April 20, 7 pm (6 pm VIP)
Arts District Houston, $50–$75
A world-class selection of fine tequilas, mezcals and agave spirits from Mexico—from Blanco and Añejo to Reposado and more—will be on full display at this tequila tasting experience at Sawyer Yard’s Silver Street Studios. The tastings will be complemented by an up-and-coming art showcase, playlist of next-gen Mexican music, food truck village, and fun stuff like free hair and beard trims.
April 27, 1 pm–4 pm (noon VIP)
Downtown, $50 to $65
Beer enthusiasts can head to Discovery Green for this afternoon suds fest, featuring over 50 breweries and 150 beers along with food trucks, live cover bands, lawn games, and fun. Your admission includes samplings from participating breweries, with early-access and specialty brews for VIP ticket holders.
Health & Wellness Events in Houston
April 6, 8 am
NRG Park, $20 to $40
Help keep the iconic Houston Astrodome’s legacy and future alive at this family-friendly 5K adult road race and 1K kids fun run. Runners and spectators are encouraged to sport vintage Dome gear and enjoy a post-race party and awards ceremony celebrating the Dome’s 59th birthday. Gates open at 7 am.
Register online.
April 27
Woodlands, Free, VIP seating and packages available
Watch as athletes tackle in the rigorous IRONMAN competition, starting with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands before their 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile run finishing off at Waterway Ave. This North American Championship Texas is part of the VinFast IRONMAN North America Series, offering age group qualifying spots to the 2024 Championship races in Nice, France (women) and Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i (men). See the Spectator’s Guide for the best places to catch the race.
Live Music and Performances in Houston
April 7, 8 pm
Downtown, $75.50 and up
One-third of the rap group Migos, Offset promises to Set It Off on his first-ever headlining tour, hitting the Bayou Music Center with special guests Skilla Baby, Sleazyworld Go, and YRN Mango Foo.
April 7, 14, 21 and 28
Buffalo Bayou Park, Free
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is bringing back its vibrant Jazzy Sunday series, putting on free weekly jazz concerts in parks across Houston. In April, folks can settle into the lawn by The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome.
April 27, 2–10 pm
Third Ward, $10
Get ready to boogie as today’s best Zydeco bands hit their washboards and tap those accordion keys to bring soulful rhythms to life at Emancipation Park.
April 28, 8 pm
NRG Park, $69 and up
Iconic rock musicians The Rolling Stones are back on the road with their brand-new Hackney Diamonds ‘24 Tour, stopping in at Houston’s NRG Stadium. Rock on as Mick, Keith and Ronnie crush decades-old classics and deep cuts from their new album, Hackney Diamonds.
April 27, 7 pm
Downtown, $59.95 and up
Country star Kane Brown brings his heartfelt, soulful sound to center stage at Toyota Center for his In the Air Tour, with special guests Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee. Scream along to chart-toppers from “Bury Me in Georgia” to the CMA-nominated “Thank God.” Doors open at 6 pm.
April 30–May 1, 8 pm
Downtown, $190 and up
Global sensation Bad Bunny—“The King of Latin Trap”—takes over Houston’s Toyota Center for two reggaeton-fueled shows on his 'Most Wanted Tour. Expect a high-energy crowd and experience. Doors open at 7 pm.
Arts & Theatre Events in Houston
April 12–May 5
Downtown, $35 and up
Experience the heart-wrenching story of heroine Jane Eyre as the Alley Theatre company puts on this adaptation of Brontë’s beloved and renowned literary classic.
April 16–28
Downtown, $40 and up
Brought to Houston by Theatre Under The Stars, this new, Tony Award-winning musical celebrates boundary-pushing, legendary superstar Cher for an inspiring run at The Hobby Center.
Visual Arts and Film Events in Houston
April 6, 8–10 pm
Buffalo Bayou East End, Free
Stretching along a half mile of trails in Buffalo Bayou East End, the Aurora Picture Show and Buffalo Bayou Partnership have teamed up to put on this moonlit video and sound art installation. Stroll or bike the pathways to enjoy the art piece, then stick around for a market with music by DJ beats, food trucks, and local vendors at Tony Marron Park.
April 12–14
The Woodlands, $15 and up, Free for kids 12 and under
Held al fresco on the banks of The Woodlands Waterway and in Town Green Park, this Texas fine arts fest will feature a vibrant gallery of original artworks, live music, local bites, kids’ activities, and shopping.
April 24–28
Memorial City, $10 and up
Championing independent filmmakers, WorldFest celebrates its 56th year showcasing the creations of brilliant visionaries from around the globe at this 5-day international film festival. You can discover the 30 feature premieres and 60 international short film premieres at CinemarkMemorial City.
Arts and Theatre Events in Houston
February 29–March 3
Toyota Center, $49 and up
World-renowned circus arts troupe Cirque du Soleil will make its Houston return for seven spellbinding, reality-bending shows. Bringing the audience into the mind of a clown named Mauro The Dreamer, Corteo is a spectacular parade of imagination, human spirit, and theatrical acrobatics.
March 5–10
The Hobby Center, $40 and up
Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Tim Burton’s cult classic film gets Broadway spin as the gothic musical comedy takes the stage at Sarofim Hall.
March 19 & 25, 7 pm
8th Wonder Distillery, Eureka Heights Brewery, $18
Offering a mashup of opera and beer, fresh-faced opera company Hopera will host its first performance, CARMENcita, at 8th Wonder Distillery on March 19 and Eureka Heights on March 25. The 90-minute arrangement takes on Bizet’s Carmen.
March 23 & 24, 10 am–6 pm
Downtown, $18 and up
The Bayou City Art Festival returns, bringing a giant open-air art gallery set to backdrop to Sam Allen Park. Meet with artists and score one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork, from world-class paintings to jewelry, sculpture, and mixed-media. The weekend event also rocks entertainment stages, a food truck park, wine and craft beer gardens, and a Chef’s Culinary Arts Stage and tasting experience featuring local chefs.
Kids and Family-Friendly Events in Houston
April 3 & 4
Downtown, $30 and up
Bring the kiddos to the Hobby Center to join Baby Shark and friends in a live-action undersea adventure. The interactive show will feature those catchy Baby Shark tunes, dancing, and belly laughs aplenty.
April 11–14
NRG Stadium, $25 and up
The magic of Disney takes over the ice at NRG, as kids can wish upon a star and experience their favorite Disney and Pixar characters and stories—including Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana, plus Raya’s on-ice debut.
Brooke Viggiano is a Houston-based writer who suddenly has a ton of weekend plans. Follow her journeys on IG @brookiefafa or on Twitter @brookeviggiano.
