How to Make the Most of Your Weekends in Houston This August
August is packed with fun things to do, from Snoop D-O-double-G to a horror film fest.
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 August 2023. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Houston, updated monthly.
Live Music in Houston
August 2, 8 pm
Post Houston, $20
Get “comfortably numb” on Post’s super cool Skylawn as Houston-based tribute band Pigs on The Wall rocks out with Pink Floyd hits. Seating is first come, first-served, and there will be bars setup on the rooftop (pre- or post-show eats are available in the excellent food hall downstairs).
August 17–20
Wortham Center, $10–$50
DaCamera presents a summer of jazz, with concerts from three-time Grammy Award winning Salsa and Latin Jazz band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra (Thursday), Grammy nominated vocalist and songwriter Gretchen Parlato (Friday), and “electrifying “ musical collective Mwenso and the Shakes (Saturday). All performances are Pay What You Can, with suggested ticket prices of $35 and $50, as well as options to pay more or less (minimum is $10).
August 18, 7:30 pm
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, $34.75–$295
Southern country music star Sam Hunt takes the stage up in the Woodlands, with opening acts from country pop singer-songwriter Brett Young and rising star country artist Lily Rose. Gates open at 6 pm.
August 18 & 19, 7:30 pm
Miller Outdoor Theatre, free
Miller’s two-night Summer Mixtape concert series gives a shoutout to Houston’s local music scene. Night one’s headliner is hometown legend and rapper Paul Wall, while night two’s got country roots artist George Ducas.
August 19, 6 pm
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Snoop’s 33-city H.S. Reunion Tour brings the starpower, sharing the stage with Wiz Khalifa, Too $hort, Warren G, and Berner and featuring special guest DJ Drama. Gates open at 5 p.m.
August 24, 7 pm
Toyota Center, $35-$145+
Heavy hitter Busta Rhymes and R&B singer Jeremih join Fiddy on his massive worldwide tour, one he says will be his last. Rap along to dozens of chart-toppers and old tracks the star hasn’t performed live in decades.
Sports & Games
August 4, 5, 8, 13, 16, & 17
NRG Park, free tickets available
Football fans have to wait a bit longer until the 2023 NFL Season officially kicks off, but until then, we’ve got training camps. See the work the Texans have been putting in the off-season at a series of practices. Each begins at 9 a.m. CT, with the exception of the night camp on August 5 practice, which will start at 6 p.m. There’s also the Houston Texans vs. Miami Dolphins preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 19.
August 5
East Beach, Free
A colossal beach soccer tourney, volleyball tourney, and Battle of the Bands competition are on the roster for Galveston’s annual Summer Fest. The family-friendly event is free to attend, with registration open for competing teams and bands.
August 17, 6 pm
Market Square Park, $10 packets
Summertime means Blanket Bingo is back at Market Square, with a chance to scream “Bingo!” and win prizes. The event is free and open to all, with $10 packets and $1 daubers. Packets on sale at 6 pm, games start at 7 pm. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome.
Food & Drink Events in Houston
August 1–September 4
Various locations, $25–$55
The summer’s most coveted foodie campaign returns for its 20th year, with hundreds of restaurants offering meals and deals for a worthy cause. Houston Restaurant Weeks raises funds for the Houston Food Bank (to date, HRW has raised $18.8 million, generating 56.4 million meals to help those that are food insecure in the region). This year’s buzzy newcomers include Hamsa, Money Cat, and Pacha Nikkei.
August 2, 6:30–9:30 pm
Uchiko Houston, $150
At this bi-monthly dinner series, Uchiko collabs with world-renowned whiskey distillery Michter's Distillery, debuting with a special multi-course dinner featuring whisky cocktails and Wagyu dishes such as Texas Wagyu Carpaccio with yuzu kosho and A5 fat washed ponzu. The a la carte menu will be featured every Wednesday from 4 pm to 10 pm through October 4.
August 5, 7 pm (5:30 pm VIP)
Galveston Water & Electric Light Community Center, $175+
Benefiting Galveston’s Own Farmers Market, this Galveston gala invites guests to a locally inspired feast prepared by local chefs. Don your white attire, create a whimsical Okra Hat, and enjoy the evening garden party alongside live music and cocktails and beers.
August 6, 5 pm
Saint Arnold Brewing Company, $140
Saint A’s annual beer dinner is an absolute feast, rocking five beer-paired courses (seafood, pork, poultry, beef, and dessert) and some special taps. The epic event raises funds for Texas Children’s Hospital’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.
Weekends in August
Messina Hof Estate Winery and Resort, $40–$109
Moonlit harvests, wine pickin’ and stompin’, tasting experiences, and special events like the Luau BBQ and Murder Mystery Dinners are just some of the fun up for grabs up in Bryan, Texas as Messina Hof’s 46th Annual Harvest Festival goes down on weekend through September 2.
Arts & Theatre in Houston
August 1–5, 8:15 pm
Miller Outdoor Theatre, Free
Debuted in 1975, the Houston Shakespeare Festival is an annual collaboration between the University of Houston and Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. This summer’s run includes performances of Macbeth (August 2 & 4) and Much Ado About Nothing (August 1, 3, & 5). As always, performances are free with open seating on the hill and free ticketed seating available by reservation.
August 8–13
The Hobby Center, $40+
The Tony Award winning Broadway musical makes its way to Houston’s Hobby Center, following The Temptations from their beginnings on streets of Detroit to their rise to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Enjoy smash-hits including “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”
August 25, 8 pm
Market Square Park, Free
When the sun goes down, the big screen lights up with a free showing of the film adaptation of hit musical In The Heights. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, and snacks and beverages are available for purchase from the in-park Niko Nikos and surrounding restaurants.
Late August
Westin Galleria, $20–$25, Free for children under 5
A mind-bending sensory experience is coming to Houston later this summer, featuring 60 immersive exhibits that combine mesmerizing optical illusions and wonderment. We’re talking tilted rooms, vortex tunnels, and a chance to shrink yourself or have your head served on a platter.
Special Events in Houston
Thursdays in August, 7 pm
Discovery Green, Free
Every Thursday this August, locals are invited to Discovery Green for an after dark experience featuring pop-up vendors, food trucks, art installations, lawn games, and free salsa and gardening classes.
August 5
Heights, Free
Hope your linen’s pressed. The Heights’ annual summertime block party is back, with the main event going down on historic 19th Street featuring pop-up vendors and local art, live musicians and DJs, and open houses (many with free booze) at local shops. The whole neighborhood is abuzz for the yearly event, so pop into any of the Heights finest watering holes and you’ll likely find some fun.
August 13, 3–8 pm
NRG Center, Hall E, $20–$150
Spend your Sunday checking out fresh kicks at this sneaker collector’s dream sale. Buy, sell, and trade options are up for grabs and there will be contests, prizes, and more.
August 11–13
Marriott, $30–$50
In addition to screenings, vendors, and cosplay, horror film fanatics can experience celebrity meet-and-greets with special guests including Billy Zane (Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, Tombstone), Nick Castle (aka “Michael Myers” in Halloween), Tara Reid (Sharknado, Urban Legend), and more.
August 20
Downtown Aquarium, $20
Celebrating two decades of fish and fun, the Downtown Aquarium is offering $20 All-Day Adventure Passes on the 20th of each month through the end of 2023. In addition, this month it’ll throw a family-friendly birthday bash including mascots Sharkey & Nero, kids crafts and an education table, a kid-friendly DJ, ambassador animal appearances, keeper chats, and more.