Your guide to the concerts, exhibitions, games, and hidden gems worth leaving the couch for. From a Pulitzer Prize-winning opera premiere to inflatable art you can literally bounce through, here are absolutely the best things things to Do in Houston This Weekend: January 23-25, 2026.
Houston, it's official: your January weekend options have entered "overwhelming in the best way" territory. Whether you're catching Frida Kahlo's first weekend at the MFAH, getting your spice tolerance tested at the Hops n' Hot Sauce Festival, or ice skating downtown like temperatures aren't going to rebound to 70 by Tuesday, there's no excuse to stay home.
We combed through the city's calendar so you don't have to scroll endlessly. This curated list prioritizes what's opening, closing, or only happening now—think opening weekends, world premieres, and that jazz guitar legend who won't be back anytime soon. We also verified every event because nothing ruins a Saturday like showing up to the wrong venue (looking at you, outdated event pages).
Fair warning: the Texans' season ended in the Divisional Round, so no AFC Championship party this time. Pour one out, then redirect that energy toward opera, art, hot sauce, or all three. Everything below has been verified through AllEvents and official sources.
Events are organized by vibe and timing, mixing can't-miss headliners with local gems. Each entry tells you what it is, why it matters, who should go, and the practical stuff (times, costs, neighborhoods). Bold your favorites, block your calendar, and actually go.
What it is: The most comprehensive Frida Kahlo exhibition to hit Houston in decades, featuring 35+ works by the iconic Mexican artist alongside pieces by her contemporaries, exploring how she transformed from unknown painter to global cultural symbol.
Why go: This is opening weekend—crowds will only grow as word spreads. The exhibition goes beyond her famous self-portraits to examine her commercialization, influence on disability and LGBTQ+ movements, and the mythology we've built around her. MFAH knocked this one out of the park.
Who it's for: Art lovers, Frida devotees, anyone who's ever bought a Frida tote bag and wondered about the person behind the unibrow, couples seeking cultured date material.
The details: Museum District. Through May 17, 2026. Timed tickets required—book ahead for weekends. Adults $25 for special exhibition (includes general admission). Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 12:15pm-7pm.
What it is: The Pulitzer Prize-winning opera about the legendary 1914 Christmas Truce, when WWI soldiers from opposing trenches laid down arms to sing carols together. This Houston premiere features a newly revised version with additional music from composer Kevin Puts.
Why go: Opening weekend of what may be the most moving opera you'll see all year. The subject matter—enemies choosing humanity over war—hits differently these days. HGO pulled in stellar talent, and the updated score adds new emotional depth.
Who it's for: Opera regulars, history buffs, anyone who needs a good cathartic cry, theatergoers who want substance with their spectacle.
The details: Wortham Theater Center, Downtown. Sunday January 25 at 2pm (Friday is the opening on Jan 23 at 7:30pm if you're reading this early). Tickets from $35. Sung in English, French, and German with supertitles.
What it is: The legendary jazz fusion guitarist—who's shared stages with Return to Forever, collaborated with Paco de Lucía and John McLaughlin, and basically invented a genre—performs in an intimate theater setting on his "Guitarchitect" tour.
Why go: You're getting a living legend in a 500-seat venue. Di Meola's technique is absurd (seriously, YouTube his speed picking), and this tour features reimagined compositions from his entire career plus stories behind the music. The Heights Theater's vibe is perfect for this.
Who it's for: Guitar nerds, jazz fusion fans, anyone who appreciates virtuosity, date nights where you want to seem cultured and actually enjoy it.
The details: The Heights. Saturday January 24, doors 7pm, show 8pm. Tickets from $65. Standing and seated options. All ages.
What it is: The Astros' annual fan celebration returns with player autograph sessions, alumni appearances, behind-the-scenes ballpark access, games, and the first chance to dream about another pennant run.
Why go: It's $2 admission for a full day with the team. Where else can you walk on the field, meet current players, and argue about the lineup with thousands of like-minded obsessives? Plus, it's the perfect antidote to January baseball withdrawal.
Who it's for: Astros faithful of all ages, families looking for affordable Saturday fun, anyone still processing the offseason moves.
The details: Downtown at Daikin Park. Saturday January 24, 11am-4pm (not Friday—the calendars lied). Tickets $2 via MLB.com/astros. Get there early for autograph lines.
What it is: Josefina López's beloved coming-of-age comedy about a first-generation Mexican-American teenager navigating family expectations, body image, and dreams of college—the play that inspired the celebrated film.
Why go: Opening weekend at Houston's flagship regional theater. This production has been generating buzz, and López's writing feels just as relevant now as when she penned it. Laughs, tears, and tamales (metaphorically).
Who it's for: Theater lovers, anyone who's ever felt torn between family duty and personal ambition, groups, date nights with substance.
The details: Hubbard Stage, Downtown. Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm & 7pm. Through February 15. Tickets from $31.
What it is: Internationally acclaimed conductor Marin Alsop leads the Houston Symphony through Brahms' warm, lyrical Second Symphony alongside works that showcase the orchestra's depth.
Why go: Alsop is one of the most dynamic conductors working today—her interpretations are passionate and precise. Brahms 2 is basically a musical hug, and hearing it live at Jones Hall is how it was meant to be experienced.
Who it's for: Classical music fans, date nights seeking elegance, anyone who needs their nervous system reset by something beautiful.
The details: Jones Hall, Downtown. Saturday January 24 at 7:30pm, Sunday January 25 at 2pm. Tickets from $29.
What it is: The internationally touring immersive art exhibition featuring monumental inflatable installations from leading contemporary artists. Think museum-quality art you can touch, climb on, and photograph the heck out of.
Why go: It's art you interact with—bouncy, colorful, genuinely playful. The Balloon Museum has drawn over 7 million visitors worldwide, and the Houston installation at EaDo is massive. Perfect for breaking out of January's gray doldrums.
Who it's for: Families, Instagram enthusiasts, couples, friend groups, anyone who wishes more museums let you touch stuff.
The details: EaDo (2501 Commerce St). Through April 19, 2026. Timed entry required. Tickets from $24.50. Allow 60-90 minutes.
What it is: Over 100 artifacts from China's legendary burial army, including actual terracotta soldiers, plus new archaeological discoveries from the 21st century—the most significant traveling exhibition HMNS has hosted in years.
Why go: These 2,200-year-old sculptures are bucket-list material. The craftsmanship is mind-blowing up close—each warrior has unique facial features. This exhibition features recent discoveries that weren't in previous tours.
Who it's for: History lovers, families with curious kids, anyone who's ever been fascinated by ancient civilizations, date nights that spark conversation.
The details: Museum District at HMNS. Through Spring 2026. Adults $35 (includes permanent exhibits), children $27. Weekday mornings are least crowded.
What it is: The comedian (yes, Chris Rock's brother, but very much his own force) brings his sharp, no-holds-barred standup to the Improv's intimate room.
Why go: Tony Rock's comedy is unapologetically honest—he goes places other comics won't and somehow makes it hilarious. The Improv is the right size for comedy; you feel like you're getting away with something.
Who it's for: Adults who like their humor unfiltered, comedy club regulars, groups looking for a great night out.
The details: Katy Freeway location. Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 7pm & 9:30pm, Sunday 7:30pm. 18+. Tickets from $30. Two-drink minimum.
What it is: The Lubbock-bred Texas country outfit brings their "Encore Tour" to Houston, delivering the Red Dirt sound that's made them regional legends for nearly two decades.
Why go: JAB is Texas country done right—heartfelt, high-energy, and authentically Lone Star. House of Blues' main room sounds great for this kind of show, and Saturday night energy is undefeated.
Who it's for: Texas country fans, two-steppers, anyone craving live music with soul, groups ready to boot-scoot.
The details: Downtown at House of Blues. Saturday January 24, doors 6pm, show 7pm (not Friday). Tickets from $35. Foundation Room upgrades available.
What it is: A celebration of craft beer and artisanal hot sauces featuring dozens of vendors, live music, food trucks, and competitions where brave souls test their capsaicin limits.
Why go: It's the 10th anniversary bash, so they're going big. Sample sauces ranging from "pleasantly warm" to "sign a waiver," pair them with local craft brews, and enjoy the controlled chaos of watching strangers challenge their biology.
Who it's for: Spice enthusiasts, craft beer lovers, competitive eaters (or watchers), groups looking for a uniquely Houston Saturday.
The details: Humble Civic Center (about 25 min north of downtown). Saturday January 24, 11am-5pm. Tickets from $20. Bring cash for vendors.
What it is: Houston Contemporary Dance Company presents the world premiere of an original dance work celebrating Japan's cultural heritage, blending traditional and contemporary movement in Asia Society's stunning gallery space.
Why go: World premieres are special—you're seeing something no one else has seen. The Asia Society space transforms beautifully for performances, and this collaboration has been generating serious buzz in the dance community.
Who it's for: Dance enthusiasts, anyone interested in Japanese culture, adventurous arts patrons, date nights seeking something unique.
The details: Museum District at Asia Society Texas Center. Saturday January 24 at 7:30pm, Sunday January 25 at 2pm. Tickets $45-65.
What it is: Houston's premier outdoor ice rink continues its winter run in the heart of downtown, with the added twist of ice bumper cars—yes, bumper cars on ice.
Why go: Skating under downtown's skyline is magical, even if your technique resembles a baby giraffe learning to walk. The bumper cars are legitimately hilarious and don't require any skill whatsoever—just a willingness to spin wildly into strangers.
Who it's for: Families, date nights, friend groups, anyone who wants to feel wintery despite Houston's general refusal to cooperate with seasons.
The details: Downtown at Discovery Green. Through February 16. Skating $18 (75 min including skate rental). Bumper cars separate ticket. Weekend hours: Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-8pm.
What it is: British alt-rock powerhouse Don Broco brings their arena-ready hooks and massive energy to White Oak's Downstairs room, with nu-metal revivalists Dropout Kings opening.
Why go: Don Broco puts on an incredibly tight live show—they're huge in the UK for a reason. White Oak Downstairs is a perfect mid-size room where you can actually see the band without binoculars. Sunday night shows have a different energy—dedicated fans only.
Who it's for: Rock fans, anyone who misses when MTV played music videos, concert-goers who like to move.
The details: Near downtown at White Oak Music Hall. Monday January 26, doors 7pm. All ages. Tickets from $25. Standing room.
Moein at Hobby Center (Saturday 8:30pm) – The Iranian pop legend performs for Houston's Persian community and anyone who appreciates masterful vocalists.
24kGoldn at Bronze Peacock (Sunday 7pm) – The "Mood" hitmaker brings Gen-Z energy to House of Blues' intimate room.
City of the Sun at Bronze Peacock (Saturday 7pm) – The instrumental trio creates surprisingly emotional soundscapes with just guitars and drums.
Bridal Extravaganza at GRB (Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm) – If you're engaged, this is wedding planning central with 225+ vendors.
Arbor Day Celebration at Houston Arboretum (Saturday 10am-2pm) – Free family event with tree giveaways and nature activities.
Rockets vs. Grizzlies (Monday January 26, 7pm) – Not technically the weekend, but if you're still in town, catch the surging Rockets at Toyota Center.
What's the weather like? January in Houston means mild days (50s-60s) and chilly nights. Layers are your friend.
What about parking downtown? Use SpotHero or ParkWhiz to pre-book. Street parking exists but weekend events fill garages fast. Midtown and EaDo have more options.
Best area to explore? The Museum District packs MFAH (Frida), HMNS (Terracotta Warriors), and Asia Society within walking distance. Make a day of it.
Where should I eat? Montrose has everything. Heights is great before/after Heights Theater. Downtown's food hall at POST Houston near House of Blues is solid.
Is anything sold out? Al Di Meola was moving fast. Frida timed tickets for weekend afternoons go quick. Book ahead.
Family-friendly options? Astros FanFest ($2), Pop Air, Terracotta Warriors, Ice at Discovery Green, and the Arboretum event are all kid-approved.
The bottom line: Houston's stacking this weekend with opening nights, world premieres, and visiting exhibitions that won't last forever. Pick your adventure, book those tickets, and go make some January memories. Find all these events and more on AllEvents.