Take the word “bored” out of your vocabulary this summer. There’s not shortage of things to do around Houston this season. From music festivals and culinary events to sand castle competitions to tours of heritage sites, here are 10 summertime events to add to your calendar.
1. Asian Heritage Bus Tour
Explore Chinatown and the heritage and cultural sites around the city on a tour across Southwest Houston. Hosted by the Chinese Community Center, this 4.5 hour tour takes guests popular dining and shopping hotspots all while providing valuable information about the history and culture of the community.Tickets are $35 per person and lunch is included.
2. AIA Sandcastle Competition
Take a trip out to Galveston to check out the AIA Sandcastle Competition. Dozens of sandcastle builders will take to the sandy beach to create beautiful and detailed sand sculptures. Parking is $15 but the event is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring along a picnic lunch to the summer event.
3. Avenida Living Art
Each Wednesday Houstonians and visitors alike can witness art first-hand. Each week guests can find rotating art performances including ice carving, live painting and more at Downtown’s Discovery Green. The free event is both kid-friendly and dogs are welcome to join in on the fun, too.
4. Free Press Summer Fest
The eighth-annual Free Press Summer Fest will be taking over Eleanor Tinsley Park along the banks of Buffalo Bayou on June 3 through 4. Artists set to attend include Lorde, Flume, The Shins, Portugal The Man, Solange, G-Eazy, Grouplove and many more.
5. The Juneteenth Celebration
This admission-free event celebrates the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and is recognized as Houston’s official Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration. There will be parades and entertainment. For more info, check out the event holder’s website.
6. Freedom Over Texas
Celebrate Independence Day at Houston’s Freedom Over Texas festival with food, fireworks, live music, family-fun entertainment for an all-American experience. There will be plenty of fireworks and patriotic spirit, too boot.
7. Blues at the Brown
Houston is brimming with musical talent. And where better to experience it than right here in town at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Recurring weekly on Wednesday afternoons, Blues at the Brown brings together an all-star group of musicians from Bayou City and beyond. All concerts are free.
8. Houston International Jazz Festival
This annual event, which takes place at The Buffalo Bayou Music Center in Downtown Houston, has been running for decades and showcases local and regional jazz talent from around Houston and beyond. The festival promotes and raises funds the arts, music education.
9. Sunday’s in the Park
Redefine “Sunday Funday” and get outdoors with the entire family, including your pets, for Sunday’s in the Park. Each Sunday Discovery Green will be hosting these family-friendly events with live music performances and a series of lawn games like Jenga, horseshoes and corn hole.
10. Houston Restaurant Week
Try out a new restaurant this summer and dine out for Houston Restaurant Week. The week-long culinary event features local restaurants and raises money for Houston-area food banks. Some of the participating restaurants include Alamo Drafthouse, Brasserie 19, Midtown Barbecue, Ray’s Grill, Rainbow Lodge and many, many more.
