The Biggest Picnic in Texas, the Rodeo, and More Things to Do in Houston

We do it bigger in Texas—including weekend fun throughout March.

rodeo
Courtesy HOUSTON RODEO
Courtesy HOUSTON RODEO

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 in March 2024. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Houston, updated monthly.

Special Events

Now through March 17
NRG Park
The HLS&R is officially back in town for its action-packed three weeks of fun. Break out the boots and giddy up for bull riding and barrel racing, carnival games and rides, giant turkey legs and deep-fried everything, wine gardens, and late-night two-stepping, and a series of high-energy performances from legendary headliners including 50 Cent (March 1), Luke Bryan (March 7), Brad Paisley (March 16), and closer Eric Church (March 17).

March 16, noon
Downtown
The 63rd annual Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start and end at Post HTX, parading the through the streets of downtown around the Market Square area before ending with a free, all ages welcome post-party back at Post.

March 22–24
Old Town Tomball, Free
Celebrating the area’s German roots, the city of Tomball puts on yearly German Heritage Festival every spring, transforming Old Town into a giant street market with more than 150 vendors, plus an open-air biergarten, family-friendly activities, and four stages of live entertainment. The ceremonial tapping of the keg goes down after the parade at 11 am.

sushi
Courtesy Truffle Masters

Food and Drink Events in Houston

March 2, 6:30 pm
Armadillo Palace, $150 and up
Goode Company President and chef Levi Goode invites folks to join him at a Texas Independence Day dinner, presented family-style in the backyard at Armadillo Palace. Celebrate the great state of Texas alongside live music, Texas spirits and wines, passed bites, a live-fire locally-focused menu, and good times.

March 4, 7–10 pm
The Revaire, $295 and up
One of the year’s most highly-anticipated events pairs top local chefs and luxurious DR Delicacy truffles for an indulgent night of competition. This year’s list of participants includes Hai Avnaim at Doris Metropolitan, Jassi Bindra of Amrina, and Suu Khin of MasterChef fame, among other renowned chefs. A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit The Houston Symphony.

March 4, 7 pm
Stages Theater, $45–$100
Hosted by local hero Chef Chris Shepherd, this one-of-a-kind series goes behind the mind of chefs, with dynamic conversations and never-before-told stories. This next production invites James Beard Award-Winning Chef Sarah Grueneberg, whose experience includes Michelin-starred restaurant Spiaggia and local fine dining institution Brennan’s of Houston, as well as being a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef: Texas.

March 9, 10–3 pm
Memorial Park, free
One of Houston’s most beautiful parks will celebrate its centennial with a party the size of the Lone Star, bringing back its Biggest Picnic in Texas for a second year. Folks are invited to join the community for an afternoon of fun, with picnic festivities, entertainment, and food, drink, and treats from local spots available for purchase.

March 17
McGonigel’s Muck Duck, $30 and up
The Irish pub and live music venue is bringing the shenanigans for its 33rd annual St. Patty’s Day celebration, rocking live Irish music, traditional Irish foods, and flowing pints of Guinness Stout, Harp Lager, and more. There will be two parties, one inside for tables of 4–6 and one outside for general admission.

March 23
Midtown Park, $8
This hip-hop music and foodie fusion is back for another year, with DJs and live bands playing hip-hop, rap, and old-school beats and vendors dishing out comfort eats like turkey legs, tacos, bbq, boudin, and more.

jurassic world
Jurassic World: The Exhibition | Universal Studios and Amblin

Family-Friendly Events in Houston

Opening March 8
Katy Mills, $24 and up
Step through the iconic Jurassic World gate to come face-to-face with an almighty T-Rex and towering Brachiosaurus at this traveling family-friendly exhibit. Kids can discover the science of Jurassic times, walk among the dinos, and see baby dinos including “Bumpy” from the popular animated series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous on Netflix.

March 11, 6:30 pm
Toyota Center, $20 and up
Catch all the ringside drama as WWE Raw returns to Houston, featuring wrestling superstars Cody Rhodes, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Rhea Ripley, The Judgement Day, Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre, Gunther, Becky Lynch, and more. Doors open at 5 pm.

Courtesy Kemo Sabe, Four Seasons Hotel Houston

Shopping Events in Houston

March 12–17
Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Free entry
Known for its custom Western-inspired gear—think luxury hats and boots, funky belt buckles and jewelry, leather goods and knives—high-end shop Kemo Sabe is popping up in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Houston in time for Rodeo season. Visitors can pop in to get rodeo-ready and create custom goodies.

cirque du soleil
Courtesy Cirque du Soleil Corteo

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.

Courtesy Red Bull Dance Your Style

Live Music and Performances in Houston

March 2, 1 pm
Post HTX, Free
This dynamic freestyle dance competition wil showcase 16 dancers in a tournament-style battle. DJs Bruce Wayne and Donnie Houston will spin top of different genres to test each dancer’s dance style and rhythm as the crowd’s cheers decide who moves to the next round. Reserve your spot for free.

March 3, 8 pm
Bayou Music Center, $59 and up
The King of Queens star and standup comedian Kevin James takes Houston on his Owls Don't Walk tour.

March 17, 2 pm–8 pm
Cle, $50
It’s the ultimate day party as rockstar DJ Steve Aoki brings his electrifying music and possible cake-throwing poolside at Cle. Table reservations are available.

March 22
Toyota Center
Feel the vibe as multi-platinum R&B royals Trey Songz and Keyshia Cole take their joint tour to H-Town, with special guest Jaheim.

March 28 & 29
Toyota Center, $79.50 and up
Time to get into the groove, y’all. Absolute icon Madonna continues to reign on her Four Decades Celebration Tour, with two nights of hit after hit after hit.

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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.