Houston's not messing around this weekend. Four R&B legends sharing one stage. UFC returning to Toyota Center. The Dynamo kicking off their MLS season. Texas Monthly once called Houston "the most ethnically diverse city in America," and this weekend proves it—from Tejano birthday bashes to Lunar New Year celebrations to a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about learning English. Whether you're screaming for knockouts or sipping craft beer while Pat Green plays, there's something for every kind of Houstonian.
AllEvents has the full rundown of everything happening across Greater Houston this weekend. These 15 picks hit the sweet spot of big-ticket draws and local flavor.
How this list works: We've sorted through hundreds of events across the Houston metro to bring you the best of the weekend. Picks are ranked by a mix of timeliness, cultural significance, and "you really shouldn't miss this" energy—not by date or category. Multi-day events are consolidated into single entries.
What it is: A historic one-night-only concert featuring Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and Stephanie Mills—four of the greatest voices in R&B and soul history sharing the Toyota Center stage for the first time ever.
Why go: This isn't a greatest hits tour. It's a moment. These four women have collectively won 17 Grammys, sold hundreds of millions of records, and defined what R&B sounds like for five decades. When Gladys Knight sings "Midnight Train to Georgia" and Patti LaBelle belts "Lady Marmalade" in the same building on the same night? That's witnessing history. The tour has been selling out across the country, and Houston gets exactly one shot at this.
Who it's for: Anyone who loves soul music, grew up on these legends, or wants to see living icons perform together.
When: Friday, February 20 at 8:00 PM at Toyota Center
What it is: The UFC returns to Toyota Center with a middleweight main event pitting #3-ranked Sean Strickland (29-7) against #4-ranked Anthony Hernandez in a bout that could determine the next title challenger.
Why go: Strickland is one of the most unpredictable fighters in the game—both in the octagon and on the microphone. The former middleweight champion is looking to fight his way back to a title shot, and Hernandez has been on a tear with four straight finishes. The full card features 13 fights, so you're getting a full day of MMA action. Prelims start at 2:00 PM, and the main card fires up at 5:00 PM on Paramount+.
Who it's for: MMA fans, combat sports enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates controlled violence in a professional setting.
When: Saturday, February 21. Doors at 3:00 PM, prelims at 2:00 PM CT, main card at 5:00 PM CT at Toyota Center
What it is: The Houston Dynamo kick off their 2026 MLS season at Shell Energy Stadium against the Chicago Fire in a matchup that sets the tone for the campaign ahead.
Why go: Opening day in soccer always brings that extra electricity—full stands, tifo displays, and 90 minutes of possibility before reality sets in. The Dynamo are coming off an up-and-down 2025 campaign and looking to make a statement. Shell Energy Stadium's downtown location means you can hit up EaDo's bars and restaurants before or after. Nothing says Saturday night in Houston like soccer, street tacos, and optimism.
Who it's for: Soccer fans, Dynamo faithful, and anyone who loves the energy of opening day.
When: Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 PM at Shell Energy Stadium
What it is: A three-concert weekend at Jones Hall featuring Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" Overture-Fantasy, Scriabin's "Le Poème de l'extase," Gubaidulina's violin concerto "In Tempus Praesens," and Augusta Holmès' "La Nuit et l'Amour."
Why go: Music Director Juraj Valčuha has programmed this weekend around passion, tragedy, and the intoxicating chaos of doomed romance—fitting for a late February weekend. Violinist Alexi Kenney handles Gubaidulina's demanding concerto, and Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet remains one of the most emotionally devastating 20 minutes in classical music. The Sunday matinee is perfect for a cultured afternoon before the week starts.
Who it's for: Classical music lovers, romantics, and anyone who needs a good cry set to orchestral swells.
When: Friday, February 20 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 21 at 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 22 at 2:30 PM at Jones Hall
What it is: Karbach Brewing Co.'s annual country music and beer festival featuring Pat Green, Mike Ryan, and The Droptines in the biergarten.
Why go: ZiegFest is one of Houston's best day-drinking experiences, full stop. You've got Texas country legends (Pat Green literally wrote the playbook), cold Karbach beer, food trucks, and the kind of vibes where strangers become friends by the third round. The brewery's sprawling outdoor space handles crowds beautifully, and the 4 PM start means you've got a full evening of music ahead. It's the anti-stadium show—intimate, rowdy, and thoroughly Texan.
Who it's for: Texas country fans, craft beer enthusiasts, and anyone who thinks concerts are better with a brewery as a backdrop.
When: Saturday, February 21 starting at 4:00 PM at Karbach Brewing Co. (2032 Karbach St.)
What it is: An intimate dinner experience featuring Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson (Empire, Hidden Figures) in conversation with Tashara Parker, Claudia Jordan, and Funky Dineva, presented by Ruth and Roz.
Why go: This isn't a celebrity meet-and-greet—it's an unfiltered conversation over a curated dinner. Taraji P. Henson has never been shy about speaking her mind, from Hollywood pay gaps to mental health advocacy, and this format lets her go deeper than any red carpet interview. The Sunday Supper Club series has built a reputation for creating space where real talk happens. Plus, you eat while you listen.
Who it's for: Fans of honest celebrity conversations, foodies who like their dinners with intellectual substance, Empire stans.
When: Sunday, February 22 at 4:00 PM at The Corinthian
What it is: Big 12 men's basketball as the #1-ranked Houston Cougars host the Arizona Wildcats at Fertitta Center in a conference showdown.
Why go: Houston basketball under Kelvin Sampson has become must-see TV, and Fertitta Center's atmosphere rivals anything in college basketball. The Cougars have Final Four aspirations, Arizona is always loaded with talent, and a Saturday afternoon tip means you can double up with Dynamo soccer that night. Student sections in Big 12 basketball hit different—loud, creative, and relentless.
Who it's for: College basketball diehards, Coogs faithful, and fans of elite defense.
When: Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM at Fertitta Center (University of Houston campus)
What it is: The legendary saxophonist and his quartet bring the "Belonging Tour" to Cullen Theatre at Wortham Center, presented by DACAMERA.
Why go: Branford Marsalis has played with Sting, led The Tonight Show band, and won three Grammys—but he's at his best leading his own quartet through jazz that's simultaneously accessible and boundary-pushing. This is the kind of show where the musicianship leaves you slack-jawed. The intimate Cullen Theatre means you'll hear every breath, every note, every moment of spontaneous genius. DACAMERA's jazz programming is elite, and this might be the crown jewel of their season.
Who it's for: Jazz aficionados, saxophone enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates watching masters at work.
When: Sunday, February 22 at 5:00 PM at Cullen Theatre, Wortham Theater Center
What it is: Blues-rock guitar virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd celebrates 30 years of his debut album "Ledbetter Heights" at House of Blues.
Why go: Shepherd released "Ledbetter Heights" when he was 18 years old. Eighteen. Three decades later, he's still one of the most respected guitarists in blues-rock, and this tour is a celebration of the album that started it all. House of Blues is the perfect venue for this—intimate enough to see his fingers fly, loud enough to feel it in your chest. Expect deep cuts, fan favorites, and the kind of guitar work that reminds you why the blues still matters.
Who it's for: Blues and rock fans, guitar nerds, and anyone who remembers buying the album in 1995.
When: Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 PM at House of Blues Houston
What it is: A comedy festival headlined by Rickey Smiley and DeRay Davis, with supporting acts Lady Rico and Grossman, at Arena Theatre.
Why go: Rickey Smiley's prank calls are legendary, and his stand-up hits that sweet spot between church jokes and unfiltered observations about Black family life. DeRay Davis brings chaotic energy and movie-star timing (you've seen him in everything). Together? It's a full evening of laughs. Arena Theatre's setup means good sightlines from everywhere, and comedy festivals give you that variety-show energy where different styles keep things fresh.
Who it's for: Comedy lovers, fans of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and anyone who needs a good laugh to start the weekend.
When: Friday, February 20 at 8:00 PM at Arena Theatre (7326 Southwest Fwy)
What it is: The boundary-pushing string quartet Brooklyn Rider performs Gabriela Lena Frank's new string quartet inspired by the art of Frida Kahlo, presented by DACAMERA at the Hobby Center.
Why go: Brooklyn Rider isn't your grandmother's string quartet. They've collaborated with everyone from Yo-Yo Ma to Béla Fleck, and their programming consistently finds the intersection of classical rigor and contemporary edge. Gabriela Lena Frank's Kahlo-inspired piece promises to be visually evocative even in purely musical form—expect the passion, pain, and color that defined the Mexican artist's work translated into sound. It's classical music for people who think classical music is stuffy.
Who it's for: Chamber music enthusiasts, Frida Kahlo fans, and adventurous listeners.
When: Friday, February 20 at 7:30 PM at Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
What it is: Multiple celebrations across Greater Houston marking the Year of the Snake, including events at Space Center Houston, Pearland Recreation Center, and River Oaks District.
Why go: Houston's Asian-American community knows how to celebrate. Space Center Houston goes all out with two days of performances, crafts, and themed activities (because nothing says "new year" like dragons and rocket ships). Pearland's festival at the Recreation Center is family-friendly with traditional performances and food. River Oaks District offers a more upscale take with pop-up installations and special restaurant offerings. The beauty of Houston is that you can experience authentic celebrations in multiple neighborhoods.
Who it's for: Families, culture enthusiasts, and anyone ready to ring in the Year of the Snake.
When: Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22—check individual venues for times. Space Center Houston: 10 AM–4 PM both days; Pearland: Saturday 11 AM–4 PM
What it is: A Tejano celebration as David Lee Garza y Los Musicales hosts a birthday bash with special guest Jay Perez at Mainland Music Hall in Texas City.
Why go: David Lee Garza has been a pillar of Tejano music for decades, and Jay Perez—"The Voice"—is one of the genre's most beloved singers. This isn't just a concert; it's a party. Birthday shows bring out the best in performers, and the intimate Mainland Music Hall setting means you're part of the celebration, not just watching it. If you've never experienced Tejano live music, this is your invitation. If you have, you already know.
Who it's for: Tejano music lovers, fans of cumbia and conjunto, and anyone who wants to dance on a Saturday night.
When: Saturday, February 21. Doors at 8:00 PM, show at 9:00 PM at Mainland Music Hall (6832 Emmett F Lowry Expy, Texas City)
What it is: The Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Sanaz Toossi about four Iranian students and their teacher preparing for the TOEFL exam, exploring what gets lost (and found) when learning a new language.
Why go: "English" won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and Houston's Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre is the perfect home for this intimate, funny, and deeply moving play. Director Evren Odcikin brings fresh perspective to Toossi's script about identity, ambition, and the complex relationship immigrants have with language. The Neuhaus Stage keeps you close to the action, making every linguistic stumble and breakthrough feel personal. It's theater that makes you think about words differently.
Who it's for: Theater lovers, anyone who's learned a second language, and fans of award-winning contemporary drama.
When: Friday, February 20 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 22 at 2:00 PM at Alley Theatre (Neuhaus Stage)
What it is: The Houston-born pop-rock singer returns home on her "I Feel Everything" tour at House of Blues, with special guest Ayleen Valentine.
Why go: Maggie Lindemann grew up in the Dallas-Houston corridor, and this homecoming show carries extra weight. Her music sits in that Olivia Rodrigo-adjacent space—pop songs with rock edges, lyrics that don't sugarcoat feelings, and a stage presence that's magnetic. House of Blues on a Sunday night is the perfect cap to the weekend, especially for a crowd that skews younger and comes ready to sing every word. Supporting act Ayleen Valentine is worth arriving early for.
Who it's for: Pop-rock fans, Gen Z and millennial music lovers, and anyone who likes their Sunday nights loud.
When: Sunday, February 22 at 7:00 PM at House of Blues Houston
Gary Owen: No Hard Feelings Tour (Saturday, 8 PM, Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land)
The "Black America's Favorite White Comedian" brings his unfiltered stand-up to Sugar Land. Gary Owen's sets are consistently hilarious and surprisingly honest.
Lorrie Morgan (Saturday, 8:30 PM, Dosey Doe Big Barn, The Woodlands) — Classic country at its finest in the intimate Dosey Doe setting. Dinner and a show makes for a proper date night.
Sammy Virji (Saturday, 10 PM, Stereo Live Houston)
UK garage and bass music for the late-night crowd. If you know, you know.
2026 Houston Quinceañera Expo (Sunday, 12–5 PM, George R. Brown Convention Center)
The region's largest quinceañera planning event. Even if you're not planning one, the fashion and pageantry are spectacular.
Alameños de la Sierra + Los Dos de Tamaulipas (Sunday, 1 PM, Monumental Plaza Garibaldi)
Regional Mexican music in an authentic setting. Plaza Garibaldi knows how to throw a party.
Houston Texans STM Family Field Day (Saturday, 12 PM & 3:30 PM, NRG Stadium) — Season ticket members get on-field access for photos and activities. Check your eligibility if you're an STM.
What's the biggest event in Houston this weekend? The Queens concert at Toyota Center on Friday night—four legendary R&B voices (Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills) on one stage is a once-in-a-lifetime lineup.
What free events are happening in Houston this weekend? The Lunar New Year celebration at River Oaks District is free to attend. The Pearland Lunar New Year Festival is also free. Check Space Center Houston for admission details on their celebration.
Are there any major sports events this weekend? Yes—UFC Fight Night at Toyota Center (Saturday), Houston Cougars vs. Arizona Wildcats basketball (Saturday afternoon), and Houston Dynamo's MLS season opener (Saturday night). It's a stacked sports weekend.
What's the weather forecast for Houston this weekend? Late February in Houston typically brings mild temperatures in the 60s–70s with variable conditions. Check forecasts close to the weekend for outdoor events like ZiegFest.
Where should I eat before events downtown? For Toyota Center events: Pappadeaux or Vic & Anthony's if you're splurging, or grab tacos at Tacos A Go-Go in EaDo. For Jones Hall: head to Main Street for options like Oporto Fooding House or The Palm.
Is the Houston Rodeo happening this weekend? Not yet—the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs March 2–22. The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest starts February 26.
What's good for families this weekend? The Lunar New Year celebration at Space Center Houston combines cultural festivities with space exhibits—perfect for kids. The Quinceañera Expo is family-friendly, and the Houston Symphony's Sunday matinee works well for young classical music fans.
How do I get to Toyota Center events? METRORail's Green and Purple lines stop at the Toyota Center/Downtown Transit Center. Parking is available in surrounding lots ($20–40 depending on event). Rideshare drop-off is on La Branch Street.
Are there any sold-out shows I should know about? Check availability for The Queens—the tour has been selling out across the country. UFC Fight Night and the Cougars basketball game are also high-demand events.
Whatever you choose this weekend, Houston's got the range. See you out there—and check AllEvents for the full lineup of everything happening across the city.
