From the smoky haze of NRG Park to bass drops that'll reset your heartbeat, Houston is going all-in this weekend.
Houston doesn't ease into Rodeo Season — it cannonballs. This weekend marks the smoky, boot-stomping kickoff to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the city is practically vibrating with energy. The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest fires up at NRG Park, filling the south side of town with enough mesquite smoke to be visible from space (okay, maybe just from the highway). It's the annual signal that Houston has entered its most Houston month of the year.
But if you think BBQ is the only thing on the menu, you haven't been paying attention. This weekend's lineup is stacked: two nights of earth-rattling bass at 713 Music Hall, a marquee MLS matchup downtown, punk legends at House of Blues, a joyful explosion of color in Midtown, and enough live music to keep your ears ringing through Monday. Whether you're chasing brisket, ballet, or bass drops, Houston events this weekend have you covered from every angle.
We dug through hundreds of listings on AllEvents and beyond to find the things to do in Houston this weekend that are actually worth your time. Here's what made the cut.
How we pick: We comb through event listings, local calendars, and our own shoe-leather knowledge of Houston to surface the events that are genuinely worth your weekend. No paid placements, no filler — just the stuff we'd actually tell a friend about.
What it is: The smoky, sizzling kickoff to Houston's legendary Rodeo Season. Over 250 competition teams descend on NRG Park to battle for BBQ supremacy, and the entire grounds transform into a sprawling temple of smoked meat. The Garden Stage features free live Texas country music all weekend — Braxton Keith and Cole Goodwin on Friday, Jason Boland & The Stragglers and Cory Morrow on Saturday. This isn't just a cook-off; it's Houston's annual BBQ pilgrimage where the air is thick with mesquite smoke and the competition is dead serious. Thousands of Houstonians pour through in their best boots and buckles, sampling brisket that could bring a tear to your eye. The energy on the Garden Stage alone makes this worth the trip — think Texas country under the open sky with a cold beer in hand.
Why go: It's the unofficial start of Rodeo Season. The BBQ is world-class, the music is free, and you'll smell the smoke from the highway.
Who it's for: BBQ lovers, rodeo enthusiasts, anyone who considers smoked meat a personality trait.
When: Fri Feb 27 (12 PM–11 PM), Sat Feb 28 (9 AM–11 PM) at NRG Park. Garden Stage music: Fri 3:30 PM–10:45 PM, Sat 12:30 PM–11 PM.
What it is: The king of bass music takes over 713 Music Hall for a two-night headbanging marathon. Excision's "The Evolution" production brings massive visuals, earth-shaking sound systems, and the kind of bass drops that rearrange your internal organs. If you've never experienced an Excision show, imagine standing inside a subwoofer while a T-Rex does a DJ set. Two nights means you can pace yourself — or go twice as hard. The 713 Music Hall's state-of-the-art sound system was practically built for shows like this.
Why go: Two chances to catch one of electronic music's most visually spectacular live acts. The production alone is worth the ticket.
Who it's for: EDM fans, bass heads, anyone who thinks music should be felt in your chest cavity.
When: Fri Feb 27 & Sat Feb 28, 8:30 PM at 713 Music Hall.
What it is: The Dynamo continue their 2026 MLS season-opening homestand with a marquee matchup against LAFC at Shell Energy Stadium. After kicking off the season earlier in the week, Houston hosts one of the league's most talented rosters in what should be an electric downtown atmosphere. Shell Energy Stadium in EaDo puts you right on top of the action, and early-season MLS energy in Houston is always buzzing — especially when a team like LAFC rolls in. The stadium's compact design means there's not a bad seat in the house, and the Dynamo faithful will be out in force.
Why go: Early-season MLS with a top-tier opponent, in one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in the country.
Who it's for: Soccer fans, sports lovers looking for a Saturday evening downtown.
When: Sat Feb 28, 5:30 PM at Shell Energy Stadium.
What it is: Punk rock legends Descendents co-headline with folk-punk hero Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls at House of Blues Houston. The Descendents have been delivering fast, melodic punk since the early '80s, and their live shows remain as tight and ferocious as ever. Frank Turner brings a completely different but equally infectious energy — the kind of folk-punk anthems that turn entire rooms into singalongs. With Canadian punk trio NOBRO opening, this is three generations of punk attitude on one bill. It's a rare co-headliner pairing that covers a lot of ground, from hardcore roots to acoustic rebellion.
Why go: Two legendary acts from opposite ends of punk's spectrum, sharing one unforgettable bill.
Who it's for: Punk fans old and new, anyone who's ever moshed OR crowd-surfed.
When: Fri Feb 27, 6 PM at House of Blues Houston.
What it is: TUTS brings the hit Broadway musical to the Hobby Center's Sarofim Hall, recreating the legendary 1956 jam session where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins all ended up in the same recording studio at Sun Records in Memphis. It's one of rock 'n' roll's most mythical moments, brought to life with live performances of hits like "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Great Balls of Fire," and "Folsom Prison Blues." The energy in the room builds like a real jam session, and by the finale, the whole audience is on their feet. TUTS productions consistently deliver Broadway-quality performances at Houston prices, and this one is no exception.
Why go: A toe-tapping, historically rooted musical that'll have you googling "was this real?" (yes, it was).
Who it's for: Theatre lovers, classic rock fans, anyone who thinks music peaked in 1956.
When: Fri Feb 27 (8 PM), Sat Feb 28 (2 PM & 8 PM), Sun Mar 1 (2 PM) at Sarofim Hall, Hobby Center.
What it is: Houston's biggest Festival of Colors returns to Midtown Park for its 17th year, transforming a city block into a technicolor explosion of music, dance, food, and pure joy. Expect massive color throws, Bollywood dance performances, a live concert by Arjun, DJs spinning bhangra and Bollywood hits, and enough street food vendors to keep you fueled through the afternoon. Holi is one of those events where you show up in a white shirt and leave looking like a walking rainbow — and absolutely nobody minds. It's become one of Houston's most beloved spring traditions, drawing thousands from every corner of the city. 🌈
Why go: Few events in Houston are this joyful or photogenic. Come for the colors, stay for the food and music.
Who it's for: Families, festival lovers, Instagram enthusiasts, anyone who owns a white t-shirt they're willing to sacrifice.
When: Sat Feb 28, 12–5 PM at Midtown Park, 2811 Travis St. (Rain date: Sun Mar 1).
What it is: One of Mexico's most popular banda groups brings their massive brass-driven sound to the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land. Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga has been dominating Latin music charts for over a decade, and their live shows are the kind of high-energy spectacles that get 5,000 people singing every word in unison. This rescheduled show (originally November 2025) means demand has been building even longer, so expect a packed and passionate crowd. The Smart Financial Centre's intimate-for-its-size design means even seats toward the back feel close to the action.
Why go: Banda MS live is a guaranteed party. The energy of a Houston crowd singing along to every corrido and cumbia is something else entirely.
Who it's for: Regional Mexican music fans, Latin music lovers, anyone ready for a Friday night out in Sugar Land.
When: Fri Feb 27, 8 PM at Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land.
What it is: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Aimee Mann celebrates the 22½th anniversary of her beloved album Lost In Space with a special tour stop at The Heights Theater. With special guest Jonathan Coulton opening, it's an evening of sharp, literate songwriting in one of Houston's most charming intimate venues. Mann's voice and lyrical precision have only gotten better with age, and hearing Lost In Space tracks in the cozy Heights Theater setting is the kind of music experience that feels personal. The Heights neighborhood offers plenty of pre-show dinner options along 19th Street, making this an ideal date night anchor.
Why go: A rare chance to hear a modern classic performed live in an intimate room by the artist who made it.
Who it's for: Indie rock fans, '90s/2000s music lovers, anyone who appreciates a perfectly crafted song.
When: Sat Feb 28, 8 PM at The Heights Theater.
What it is: The No. 6-ranked Houston Cougars host the Colorado Buffaloes at Fertitta Center in a Big 12 Conference showdown. Houston's been one of the most dominant programs in college basketball over the past few years, and catching them at Fertitta Center — which gets LOUD — is one of the better game-day experiences in the city. The Cougars are making another push toward March Madness, and every Big 12 game matters at this point in the season. Fertitta Center's relatively small capacity (7,100) means the atmosphere is compressed and intense.
Why go: Top-10 college basketball in an arena that sounds like it holds twice as many people.
Who it's for: College hoops fans, Cougar faithful, anyone who wants to see March Madness–caliber basketball in person.
When: Sat Feb 28, 11 AM at Fertitta Center, University of Houston.
What it is: Houston Ballet presents Stanton Welch's Sylvia, a lush full-length ballet based on Greek mythology, at the Wortham Theater Center. Originally premiered by Houston Ballet in 2019, this three-act production tells the story of the huntress Sylvia and the shepherd Aminta through gorgeous choreography, lavish costumes, and Léo Delibes' iconic 1876 score. It's the kind of ballet that even people who "don't usually do ballet" find themselves transfixed by — the storytelling is vivid, the athleticism is jaw-dropping, and the Wortham's Brown Theater is one of the most beautiful performance spaces in Texas. A perfect way to close out the weekend with something elegant.
Why go: World-class ballet in a stunning venue. This production is Houston Ballet at its finest.
Who it's for: Ballet lovers, date-night seekers, culture enthusiasts, anyone who wants Sunday afternoon to feel special.
When: Sun Mar 1, 2 PM at Brown Theater, Wortham Theater Center.
What it is: Montreal's multilingual comedy superstar Sugar Sammy brings his razor-sharp observational humor to The Riot Comedy Club at Rudyard's for multiple shows this weekend. Known for his crowd work and ability to perform in four languages (though these shows are in English), Sugar Sammy has sold out venues across the globe and brings a unique outsider-looking-in perspective on American culture. The Riot at Rudyard's is one of Houston's best-kept comedy secrets — an upstairs club above a beloved Montrose dive bar, where you're close enough to the comedian to make eye contact (and potentially become part of the act). It's the kind of room where comedy hits different.
Why go: International-caliber comedy in Houston's most intimate comedy room. You might get roasted. You'll definitely laugh.
Who it's for: Comedy fans, date-night couples, anyone brave enough for front-row crowd work.
When: Fri Feb 27 (9 PM), Sat Feb 28 (7 PM & 9 PM) at The Riot Comedy Club at Rudyard's, Montrose.
What it is: The nation's largest touring import car show and drag race series rolls into Houston Motorsports Park for a full day of automotive adrenaline. Hundreds of custom cars, trucks, and bikes line up for the show, while drag racers hit the strip for heads-up competition and bracket racing. Whether you're into meticulously detailed show cars or raw quarter-mile speed, Import Face-Off delivers both in one massive event. The drifting exhibitions are a particular crowd favorite — watching modified imports slide sideways at speed never gets old. Food vendors keep you fueled, and the show floor alone is worth the trip for gearheads.
Why go: If it has wheels and goes fast, it's probably here. A full day of car culture, racing, and automotive eye candy.
Who it's for: Car enthusiasts, gearheads, families with speed-obsessed kids.
When: Sun Mar 1, 9 AM–5 PM at Houston Motorsports Park, Humble.
What it is: Canadian synth-pop artist LIGHTS brings her "Come Get Your Girl" tour to White Oak Music Hall's downstairs room, with Softcult opening. LIGHTS has been crafting catchy, emotionally resonant electropop for over a decade, and her devoted fanbase treats every show like a homecoming. The downstairs room at White Oak is one of Houston's best mid-size venues — the sound is excellent and the all-ages setup makes it accessible for younger fans. If you've been sleeping on LIGHTS, her live show is the wake-up call you need; she's a genuinely dynamic performer who connects with the crowd between every song.
Why go: A synth-pop powerhouse in one of Houston's best-sounding rooms. LIGHTS fans already know; everyone else is about to find out.
Who it's for: Synth-pop fans, indie music lovers, all-ages crowds.
When: Sat Feb 28, 7 PM at White Oak Music Hall (Downstairs).
1. Rodeo Run 5K/10K — Lace up for the annual Rodeo Run through downtown Houston. The race kicks off rodeo weekend with 5K and 10K courses, plus a wheelchair race. Even if you're not running, the spectator energy along the route is festive. Sat Feb 28, 9 AM, Downtown Houston.
2. Indian Film Festival of Houston — The 18th annual IFFH screens a curated lineup of Indian and diaspora cinema at Asia Society Texas Center. A two-day celebration of independent filmmaking with Q&As and receptions. Fri Feb 27 & Sat Feb 28, Asia Society Texas Center.
3. Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone — British Invasion nostalgia in the charming town of Tomball at Main Street Crossing. Multiple shows including matinees and evening performances. If "I'm Henry the Eighth, I Am" still lives rent-free in your head, this is your weekend. Sat Feb 28 (3 PM & 7 PM) & Sun Mar 1 (4 PM), Main Street Crossing, Tomball.
4. Rooftop Rodeo at POST Houston — POST's Skylawn transforms into a month-long rodeo celebration with mechanical bull rides, live honky tonk music, and downtown skyline views. Running through March 29, but this weekend's rodeo energy makes it extra special. Ongoing at POST Houston, 401 Franklin St.
5. Katy Grand Lunar New Year Celebration — Ring in the Year of the Fire Horse with yoga, cultural performances, lion dances, and family-friendly activities powered by lululemon. Free event in Katy. Sat Feb 28, 2:30–6:30 PM, Katy Grand.
6. Zach Rushing (Comedy) — Catch the rising comedian at Dosey Doe Big Barn in The Woodlands/Spring. The venue's dinner-and-show format makes it a proper night out north of the city. Sat Feb 28, 8:30 PM, Dosey Doe Big Barn, Spring.
What are the best things to do in Houston this weekend (February 27 – March 1, 2026)?
This weekend is dominated by the kickoff of Rodeo Season — the HLSR World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park is the marquee event, with 250+ teams competing and free live music on the Garden Stage. Beyond the BBQ smoke, Excision takes over 713 Music Hall for two nights, Houston Dynamo host LAFC, the Descendents and Frank Turner play House of Blues, and the Houston Holi Festival of Colors brings a massive celebration to Midtown Park. Check AllEvents for the full lineup of things happening around town.
Is the Houston Rodeo happening this weekend?
Rodeo Season officially kicks off this week! The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest runs February 27–28 at NRG Park with live music and competitive BBQ. However, the main RODEOHOUSTON concerts at NRG Stadium don't begin until Monday, March 2, when Riley Green opens the season. So this weekend is all about BBQ, boots, and getting in the rodeo spirit before the big shows start.
Are there any free events in Houston this weekend?
Yes! The Garden Stage at the HLSR World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is free with NRG Park admission. The Katy Grand Lunar New Year Celebration is completely free. The Rooftop Rodeo at POST Houston has affordable entry ($9 on weekends). The Rodeo Run is a paid race, but spectating along the route is free and festive.
What's the weather like in Houston at the end of February?
Late February in Houston is unpredictable — expect highs in the mid-60s to low 70s°F with the possibility of rain (Houston Holi even has a rain date planned for Sunday). Layer up for evening outdoor events like the BBQ Contest Garden Stage, and keep an umbrella handy. Welcome to Houston weather.
Where can I find more Houston events this weekend?
For the complete list of what to do in Houston this weekend and beyond, AllEvents has comprehensive listings you can filter by date, category, and neighborhood. It's a great starting point for planning any weekend in the city.
Houston's serving up BBQ smoke, bass drops, Bollywood beats, punk rock, and ballet pirouettes — all in one weekend. Rodeo Season doesn't knock politely. It kicks the door in wearing cowboy boots. Get out there, Houston.
