17 listings in Houston, TX: free concerts, festivals, shows and things to do. Each one checked against its official source, every catch spelled out.
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Sun, Nov 1, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Discovery GreenHouston
A free Día de los Muertos celebration downtown on Sunday, November 1, 3–7pm: a community ofrenda by artist Angel Quesada (bring a photo or keepsake, and a new altar for pets), a Catrín and Catrina costume parade and contest, live music, performances and crafts. Food and vendors are extra.
Verified Oct 27 · discoverygreen.com
No catch
Thu, Oct 29, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
CAMH's Music at the Museum goes Halloween: explore the current exhibitions, make art at hands-on stations and listen to live music on Thursday, October 29, 6–8pm. Costumes and dancing encouraged. Free and open to all; RSVP online.
Verified Oct 27 · camh.org
No catch
Thu, Oct 29, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Discovery Green, Anheuser-Busch StageHouston
Deep in the Heart, Discovery Green's free weekly Texas music series, closes October with David Michael Wyatt and DJ Big Reeks on the Anheuser-Busch Stage, Thursday, October 29, 7–9pm. Bring a blanket.
Verified Oct 27 · discoverygreen.com
No catch
Thu, Nov 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston screens the documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening on Thursday, November 5. Doors at 6pm, film at 6:30pm. Free, first come first served with limited seats; RSVP on Eventbrite is encouraged but doesn't hold a seat.
Verified Oct 27 · camh.org
No catch
Thu, Nov 5, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Menil Collection, Main BuildingHouston
Artist Ann Hamilton reads and talks about her work, which mixes reading, audience participation, video and paper, as part of the Menil's Artist Talk Series. Thursday, November 5, 7–8pm in the Main Building; free and open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · menil.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 7, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Discovery Green, Anheuser-Busch StageHouston
The rescheduled Deep in the Heart concert brings Cure For Paranoia, Jumprope and DJ Bloom to Discovery Green's Anheuser-Busch Stage on Saturday, November 7, 7–9pm. Free; bring a blanket.
Verified Oct 27 · discoverygreen.com
No catch
Sun, Nov 8, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The Menil Collection, Main BuildingHouston
Artist Li(sa E.) Harris gives a short gallery talk in the Menil Collection's Main Building on Sunday, November 8, 3–3:30pm. Like all Menil programs, it's free and open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · menil.org
No catch
Thu, Nov 12, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Menil Collection, Main BuildingHouston
The Nameless Sound Ensemble performs scores based on Terry Winters' works, in conjunction with the exhibition Terry Winters: Vitalized Geometry. Thursday, November 12, 7–8pm in the Menil's Main Building; free and open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · menil.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 14, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Menil Drawing InstituteHouston
DACAMERA Young Artists play a free afternoon concert responding to the exhibition Fragility at the Menil Drawing Institute, Saturday, November 14, 3–4pm. Menil programs are free and open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · menil.org
No catch
Sat, Nov 14, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
North Lakeside Pavilion, Clay Family Eastern Glades, Memorial ParkHouston
Astronomers from the Houston Astronomical Society guide you through constellations, planets and other sky objects through their telescopes. Bring your own telescope or binoculars if you have them. Saturday, November 14, 6–9pm, at the North Lakeside Pavilion in Clay Family Eastern Glades. There's an RSVP button on the event page.
Verified Oct 27 · memorialparkconservancy.org
No catch
Thu, Nov 19, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Menil Collection, Main BuildingHouston
African art scholar Frederick John Lamp traces the python as a spiritual force in coastal Guinea and Sierra Leone. Thursday, November 19, 7–8pm in the Menil's Main Building; free and open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · menil.org
No catch
Thu, Dec 3, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Menil Drawing InstituteHouston
Artist Jim Hodges talks about his work in the exhibition Fragility, including his pieces made with paper napkins. Thursday, December 3, 7–8pm at the Menil Drawing Institute; free and open to all.
Verified Oct 27 · menil.org
No catch
Wed, Dec 9, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Buffalo Bayou ParkHouston
Buffalo Bayou Partnership and AARP lead a festive 3-mile, 90-minute walk through Buffalo Bayou Park and downtown to see the new holiday lights, with pop-up musical performances along the way. Wear your holiday best. Wednesday, December 9, departing 6:30pm from 105 Sabine Street (a second trek runs December 16). There's a Register button on the event page.
Verified Oct 27 · buffalobayou.org
No catch
Thu, Dec 10, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Public opening reception for Robert Pruitt: Infinite, the first survey of the artist's 25 years of work (over 120 pieces), at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston on Thursday, December 10, 7–9pm. Free; RSVP encouraged.
Verified Oct 27 · camh.org
No catch
Sat, Dec 12, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Artist Robert Pruitt and CAMH chief curator Ryan N. Dennis discuss his survey exhibition Infinite in the Brown Foundation Gallery, Saturday, December 12, 2–3pm. Free; RSVP is recommended and opens to the public November 10.
Verified Oct 27 · camh.org
No catch
Sat, Jun 5 · check hours
Texas public waters (Houston area)
On the first Saturday in June every year, anyone can fish recreationally in Texas public waters without a license or endorsements. Separately, fishing from shore or piers inside more than 70 Texas state parks needs no license all year (park entry fees still apply). The waiver covers all Texas public waters, including Texas public waters (Houston area). Eligibility: Anyone.
Verified Oct 27 · tpwd.texas.gov
Catch: Bag and length limits still apply
Most evenings during the season; children's shows at 11am
Miller Outdoor TheatreHouston
Every performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park is free during its eight-month season: classical music, jazz, dance, Shakespeare, musicals and classic films. Sit on the hill with a blanket (no ticket needed), or claim a free covered seat online from 10am the day before an evening show. Daytime children's shows start at 11am and need an RSVP.
Verified Oct 27 · milleroutdoortheatre.com
Catch: Covered evening seats need a free ticket: online from 10am the day before (max 4, 16+) or at the box office · Daytime children's shows ask for an RSVP
