Oh how we wish Houston’s beautiful springtime could last forever. But alas, there is only so much time before the rising temperatures start creeping their way into our lives… and our pits. To cut a long, gross story short, you better make the most of the season; so we put together a Houston spring calendar to help you do just that.
From movies under the stars to epic festivals featuring barbecue, crawdads, and wine-mouth, here’s how to properly prep for the spring in Houston:
Feel and see the breeze at Discovery Green
Now through March 20
Downtown
Discovery Green art installation, GUST: Celebrating a Decade of Discovery brings to life the invisible patterns of the wind with vivid color, motion and light along the Brown Foundation Promenade. The artwork is inspired by folk traditions of handmade art and is intended to be playful and interactive, with visitors invited to ‘be the wind’ by spinning and making the pinwheels turn. The installation is on view daily during park hours; the lights are activated from dusk until midnight.
Cost: Free
See 'Star Wars: A New Hope' -- in Concert
March 22 - 24
Downtown
What could be better than watching the original Star Wars on the big screen? Why, having the soundtrack played by a live orchestra, of course. John Williams’ epic score is brought to life by the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall; showtimes are 8pm on Friday, 2:30pm and 8pm on Saturday, and 2:30pm and 7pm on Sunday.
Cost: Tickets start at $29
Experience The Wizard of Oz out in the park
March 23
Downtown
Bring your blankets, picnics and lawn chairs to Discovery Green for a outdoor showing of everyone’s favourite slightly-freaky classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. Glass containers aren’t permitted in the park, and you can’t bring your own alcohol, but fear not: food, beer and wine are available for purchase at The Lake House. The evening kicks off with a costume contest at 6:15pm, so don’t forget to don your finest scarecrow/lion/tinman garb.
Cost: Free!
Drink up at Houston Cocktail Fest
March 23
Washington Avenue Arts District
This spirited festival is as close as you’ll get to cocktail utopia, with over 20 different cocktails from Houston's best mixologists. It all goes down at Silver Street Studios from 7pm to 11pm.
Cost: $55 for general admission including drinks and bites, or $150 for VIP tickets, which include early entry (6pm), private areas and exclusive liquor selections
Meet Houston’s Tastemakers
March 27
Washington Avenue Arts District
CultureMap Houston will host its annual swanky food and drink event, the CultureMap Tastemakers Awards, at Silver Street Studios from 7pm to 10pm. The evening will honor the top restaurant and bar talent in Houston, unveiling the winners with an awards ceremony and a shit-ton of tastings.
Cost: Tickets are $60 for general admission and $105 for VIP
Get artsy at the park
March 29-31
Memorial Park
Set in the open air of the beautiful Memorial Park, The Bayou City Arts Festival showcases the works of over 300 fine artists from around the world. Festival hours are 10am to 6pm.
Cost: General admission is $15 per adult and $5 per child (12 and under); family passes and two-day passes are also available
Say “Prost!” at the Tomball German Heritage Festival
March 29-31
Tomball
This weekend-long, family-friendly fest serves up a taste of Germany, with over 200 street vendors, traditional eats, gallons of beer and wine, street performers, arts and antiques, a petting zoo, and more. Head to Old Town Tomball near the Historic Train Depot Plaza, on Friday 6pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-6pm.
Cost: Free!
Suck down crawfish at Discovery Green
March 30
Downtown
Get your mudbug fix at the annual Crawfish Festival at Discovery Green. There’ll be boat-loads of crawfish from Bayou Brew Krewe and 242 Pub and Grill, along with zydeco music, food trucks, games, bounce houses, and plenty of beer, wine and prosecco to quench your thirst. The event runs all day, from 11am to 10pm.
Cost: Tickets start at $10
Watch Exit Through the Gift Shop in the park
April 3
Downtown
Bring your blankets and pack a picnic for a free outdoor screening of Exit Through the Gift Shop, in which an eccentric French shop-keeper and amateur film-maker attempts to locate and befriend Banksy. Eats and boozy beverages can be purchased from the in-park Niko Niko’s stand. The movie starts at 8pm.
Cost: Free
Cheer on the ‘Stros on Opening Day
April 5
Downtown/EaDo
The Houston Astros face off against the Oakland Athletics in their first home game of the year, starting at 7:10pm. If you can’t make it there (or you just want one helluva pre-game), check out the Astros Opening Day Block Party at Lucky’s Pub, beginning at 4pm and running all night long.
Cost: Tickets start at $64
See cult classic 'The Princess Bride' under the stars
April 6
Downtown
It’s outdoor movie time again. Go along to Discovery Green for a showing of the 1987 favorite, The Princess Bride, starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright. Get your food, beer and wine at The Lake House; you can’t bring your own glass containers or alcoholic beverages into the park. The show starts at 8.30pm.
Cost: Free!
Drink wine on the Bayou
April 6
Memorial/Buffalo Bayou
Is there anything more pleasant than spending the afternoon by the picturesque bayou sipping award-winning wines alongside chefy bites? We think not. You’ll find that exact sitch at Brenner’s on the Bayou’s springtime Wine Fest. 4-7pm.
Cost: Tickets are $89 presale ($99 day of) or $150 for VIP
Ball out at the Zoo
April 6
Museum District
The annual Zoo Ball invites guests to dress to the nines and enjoy a night under the stars, with animal meets, a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing to midnight. This year’s theme is Flights of Fancy, putting the spotlight on Houston Zoo’s diverse collection of birds and efforts to save bird species around the world.
Cost: Tickets start from $1,000
Honor thy tacos
April 7
East End
Run by Tex-Mex institutions The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation and El Tiempo Cantina, Tacos Over Texas tasks chefs from around the country with showing off their culinary prowess in a taco throwdown, all in the name of charity. Tickets get you unlimited speciality tacos from guest chefs, plus two drink coupons (hello, margaritas), live music and a day o’ fun. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund which supports education in Houston. 1 to 4pm (noon for VIP), at Guadalupe Plaza Park.
Cost: Tickets are $40 for general admission and $200 for VIP
Gorge on unlimited samples from 35+ hot restaurants
April 9
Washington Ave Arts District
Stuff yourself silly at Houston Press’ annual Menu of Menus event, taking place at Silver Street Studios from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets will get you all-you-can-eat samples of food, wine, beer and cocktails, and the event is 21 and up.
Cost: $59 for general admission and $89 for VIP (with perks including early admission at 6pm)
Run for Do-Nuts
April 13
EaDo
Guess what? You can earn a guilt-free donut by completing the 2-mile Shipley Do-Nut Dash. Even sweeter? The event raises money for Kids’ Meals Houston, a nonprofit serving healthy lunches to over 1,700 pre-schoolers living in poverty. The totally non-competitive fun-run starts at BBVA Compass Stadium at 9am, with donut-themed obstacles along the route and a donut after-party at 8th Wonder Brewery.
Cost: Register for $30 ($20 for kids age 5-12)
Experience the wackiness that is the Houston Art Car Parade
April 13
Downtown
Every year, Houston shows off its eccentricity at the globe’s biggest and baddest Art Car Parade, as quirky art cars (and people) roll their way down the Main Street drag. Now in its 32nd year, the fun runs from 2pm to 4pm, with the route opening for first looks at 11am. Exact parade routes and stops TBA.
Cost: It’s free, just show up
Feast on crawfish and drink beer for charity
April 14
Lazybrook/Timbergrove
Hit Karbach Brewery for its Crawfish Fest, a day of mudbuggin, brews and zydeco music in the biergarten. The open-to-all event benefits the Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation. Noon to 9pm.
Cost: Tickets are $15 for early birds or $25 regular for general admission; it’s $135 for a VIP ticket, which includes three pounds of crawfish, three beers, access to the VIP deck and pub with air conditioning and private bathrooms, plus an RTIC bag with shirt and koozie
Eat in the name of charity at Southern Smoke Spring
April 14 - 18
Houston
Since it was founded by restaurateur Chris Shepherd, The Southern Smoke Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million for food and beverage industry professionals in crisis and charities like the MS Society. This year, the annual Southern Smoke Spring fundraiser brings the same heat and passion as usual, via a series of dinners and steak nights throughout the city, culminating in a Finale Dinner with James Beard Award winner Jamie Bissonnette at One Fifth Mediterranean.
Cost: Ticket from $200 per person
Get the meat sweats at Houston’s best barbecue festival
April 14
Humble
Old school meets new school and East meets Central meets Southeast Texas-style barbecue at this annual smokeout and festival, held at the Humble Civic Center Arena Complex. This year’s badass lineup of pitmasters includes top spots like Ray's BBQ Shack, Blood Bros BBQ, Gatlin's, CorkScrew BBQ, Killen's Barbecue, Harlem Road Texas BBQ, Feges BBQ, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ, and two of Central Texas' most famous ‘q purveyors, Louie Mueller Barbecue and Southside Market & BBQ. Come hungry, from 1pm to 4pm.
Cost: Tickets (limited) include unlimited sampling and are $60 for general admission ($50 for early birds), and $120 for VIP.
Jam to Zeppelin at the Symphony
April 19
Downtown
As iconic heavy metal band Led Zeppelin celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Houston Symphony will pay tribute by covering a set list of all their most beloved hits. The show will be amplified by a full rock band, with the evening going down at Jones Hall beginning at 7:30pm.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Singalong to Mamma Mia! under the stars
June 14
Museum District
Bring your blankets and boxes o’ wine to Miller Outdoor Theatre for a free outdoor screening of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. As always, seating on the hill is open, with ticketed (but still free) seating available by reservation at the box office. 8:15pm.
Cost: Free
Play with Puppies for Breakfast
April 20
Downtown
Houston’s biggest dog party brings everything pup-centric to Market Square Park. Expect 50+ dog industry vendors, businesses and creatives, plus plenty of dogs for your four-legged pal to play with. 10am to 2pm.
Cost: Free
Celebrate diversity at the SpringWorld International Festival
April 20
Downtown
Discovery Green will be the backdrop for this one-day festival, showing off the rich cultural tapestry, sounds of music and gourmet food of the world. 10:30am to 5pm.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Laugh along with Chelsea Handler
April 20
Downtown
The hilarious Chelsea Handler takes over Revention Music Center for a sit-down comedy show at 8pm. Every ticket comes with a copy of Handler’s new book, Life Will Be the Death of Me.
Cost: Tickets start at $68.25
Light up the night at Houston Lights Fest
April 20
Baytown
You know those really cool floating lantern thingys you see on Instagram? You can launch your own at the Houston Lights Fest. Head to Baytown’s Houston Raceway for live music, food and dancing, then write down your dreams and wishes, light your lantern and watch it take flight as the sky fills with lanterns from the crowd.
Cost: Tickets run from $25 to $60
Learn to butcher a whole hog
April 25
Heights
Yonder Way Farms’ Jason Kramer of will be joining Revival Market’s Morgan Weber and Jack Matusek at Revival’s next Butchery Demo, where you’ll get an up close and personal look at butchering a whole hog, along with plenty of delicious eats. Starting at 5:30pm, sample a selection of meats from Revival Market's charcuterie case before heading into the kitchen for the demo; then close things out with a family-style meal. Guests are encouraged to bring their own wine, beer and/or bourbon to enjoy throughout the night.
Cost: 30 seats are available for $125 per person, plus gratuity
Get your wine buzz on Galveston Island
April 26-27
Galveston
The Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival returns for its 10th year, with main events including the Premium Wine Tasting (Friday) and The Grand Tasting (Saturday), both held at Saengerfest Park. If going for a jog before a wine tasting is your style, you can sign up for the 5K Champagne Run.
Cost: Tickets are $89 for the Grand Tasting, $119 for the Premium Wine Tasting, or $169 for both
Experience the hi-jinks of Doomsday Wrestling
April 27
Downtown
Headlocks and hi-jinks are on display intentionally funny Doomsday Wrestling. The over-the-top “comedy wrestling” will bodyslam into Market Square Park at 8pm. Show up early for live music, beers, and lawn games.
Cost: Free
Pig out on crawfish and listen to country
April 27 - 28
Old Town Spring
Head to Preservation Park for the 33rd annual Texas Crawfish Festival, featuring a solid roster of country and zydeco bands alongside mudbugs and beer for you, and a petting zoo and gator theme park for the kiddos.
Cost: Tickets are $12 at the gate ($5 for kids age 6-12)
Get Dazed and Confused at Market Square Park
May 1
Downtown
Cozy up for a moonlit showing of Richard Linklater’s coming-of-age cult classic, Dazed and Confused. Eats and boozy beverages can be purchased from the in-park Niko Niko’s stand. The movie starts at 8:30pm.
Cost: Free
Celebrate Cinco de Drinko
May 3 - 5
Downtown
El Big Bad will be ground zero for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with its 9th Annual Fiesta going down all weekend long. Details are TBD, but expect a tequila-soaked party with everything from DJs and photo booths to liquid nitrogen margaritas.
Cost: TBA
Fill yourself up at a food and wine festival
May 4
Memorial City
Head to Memorial City for the inaugural Taste of Memorial City Food & Wine Festival, where West Houston will show off its culinary scene via 30+ restaurants, chefs, breweries, and winemakers. Hit The Lawn from 4pm to 6pm; VIPs get early access from 3pm.
Cost: Tickets are $35 for general admission and $60 for VIP
Rock your fanciest Derby hat
May 4
Heights
It’s mint julep o’clock at Heights Bier Garten’s Kentucky Derby Party, featuring free entry, live music, drink specials, and costume contests with prizes for Best Dressed, Best Dressed Couple, Best Dressed Dog, and Best Hat. The fun starts at 11am.
Cost: Free
See A Wrinkle in Time on the big screen
May 4
Downtown
Disney’s 2018 smash hit A Wrinkle in Time is playing at the Discovery Green outdoor theatre, starting at 8.45pm. Bring your picnic blankets, and grab food and drink at The Lake House when you arrive (glass containers and alcoholic beverages from outside are not permitted in the park.
Cost: Free!
Unleash your inner superhero at Comicpalooza
May 10-12
Downtown
The Lone Star’s largest pop culture convention draws loyal fans to the George R. Brown Convention Center for three days of fandom. This year’s roster of stars, comic writers, artists, and actors includes Jeremy Davies, Gates McFadden, Trish Stratus, Neal Adams, and more. Festival goers can expect celebrity panels, film and literature festivals, entertainment acts, gaming areas and a cosplay competition.
Cost: Adult passes start at $39
Conquer a tacos & margs crawl
May 11
Washington
Washington Ave bars including HandleBar Houston, Lincoln Bar, Standard, Daisy Dukes, and Kung Fu Saloon are just some of the expected stops on this Tour de Tacos and Margs. Crawlers will be treated to specials and prizes at every stop.
Cost: Tickets start at $14.99
Love on some whiskey
May 11
Downtown
Whiskey enthusiasts won’t want to miss the 6th annual Houston Whiskey and Fine Spirit Festival, going down over at the Ballroom at Bayou Place from 6 to 10pm. The fancy spirit-sipping event will include expert seminars, tastings, live bands and a cigar lounge, bringing with it master blenders, whiskey distillers and stiff drinks aplenty.
Cost: Tickets are $45 to $100
Go Greek!
May 16 - 19
Energy Corridor
Experience the best of Hellenic culture at The Houston Greek Fest, held over a long weekend at St. Basil The Great Greek Orthodox Church. This gyro-fueled festival draws crowds thanks to its mix of traditional Greek eats from souvlaki to baklava, plus shopping, dancing, tours and family-friendly activities.
Cost: Admission is $3 per person
Refresh your soul with live music at Karbach Brewery
May 19
Lazybrook/Timbergrove
Karbach’s annual Love Street Music Fest will bring you back to the music-heavy times of the 1960s, when Love Street on Allen's Landing was a hot spot of music and social impact. Let the music soothe your soul as you sip Karbach suds throughout the day. Doors open at 1pm.
Cost: Tickets are $40 for general admission, or $150 for VIP, which includes three beers and access to the buffet.
Combine chocolate and art
May 23 - 24
Warehouse District
Explore the works of some of Houston's finest up-and-coming artists, photographers and creators at the two-day Chocolate & Art Show, held at 1120 Naylor and featuring everything from body painting and live music, to art vendors, face-painting, and free chocolate.
Cost: Tickets are $15 early bird and $20 regular
Indulge in the flavors of Louisiana
May 25
Sugar Land
The Taste of Louisiana Festival, held at Brazos River Park from 2pm to 9pm, showcases the full sweep of Louisiana food, music, and culture via independent vendors, arts, live performances, and chef demos. There’s a bunch of fun family-friendly stuff like inflatable activities and rides too.
Cost: Tickets start at $12 for adults
Go on Houston’s first Brunch Crawl
June 1
Washington
It’s a waffles and bubbles-fueled party at Houston’s very first Brunch Crawl, taking place at Washington Ave’s most poppin’ bars and eateries. The lineup includes Clutch Bar & Restaurant (starting location), Kung Fu Saloon, Concrete Cowboy, Handlebar, Lincoln Bar, Daisy Duke's, and The Standard, with exclusive brunch specials and prizes at every stop.
Cost: Tickets are $17.99 or $59.99 for VIP
Head to The Woodlands for Wine & Food Week
June 3 - 9
The Woodlands
The H-E-B Wine Walk, Sips, Suds & Tacos, Platinum Wine Vault, and The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase are just some of the sweet events going down at the annual Woodlands Wine & Food Week.
Cost: Tickets range from $25 to $200, depending on the event
Watch 'Crazy Rich Asians' under the stars
June 14
Museum District
Bring your lawn chairs and boxes o’ wine to Miller Outdoor Theatre for a free screening of blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians. As always, seating on the hill is open, with ticketed (but still free) seating available by reservation at the box office. The movie starts at 8:30pm.
Cost: Free
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