Memorial Day 2023 Weekend Roundup

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! With the holiday weekend ahead of us and school coming to a close, we want to help you find fun events around town to keep the whole family busy. Here are some Houston happenings to add to your Memorial Day Weekend agenda: 

Memorial Park Conservancy is hosting a run between Friday and Monday to commemorate those who have dedicated their lives to the U.S military. The event is a memorial; participants may walk or run a mile (or more) to honor individuals who have passed away during or after their service. 

Run to Remember at Memorial Park 
Memorial Park Conservancy is hosting a run to commemorate those who have dedicated their lives to the U.S military. The event is a memorial; participants may walk or run a mile (or more) to honor individuals who have passed away during or after their service. The event is free of charge and open to all those who are interested. The run will take place between Friday and Monday along the flag-lined Seymour Lieberman Trail at Memorial Park. Memorial Park was founded in 1924 in memory of the service members who died during WWI. Memorial Park will tally the total number of miles and post the results on their social media. Register here.  

Miller Outdoor Theatre: Forever Motown 
Come down to the Miller Outdoor Theatre and enjoy this all-star performance. It will feature artists such as Theo Peoples, Traci Robinson, Glenn Leonard, and more! This performance is free to attend and runs from Thursday to Saturday starting at 8:15 p.m. 

Comicpalooza will return to the George R. Brown Convention Center this Memorial Day Weekend. Attendees will have the opportunity to view panels, special attractions, and national exhibitors.

Comicpalooza 
Comicpalooza will return to the George R. Brown Convention Center this Memorial Weekend. Doors to the exhibition center will open Friday at 3 p.m. Guests will have a chance to view program panels, special attractions and national exhibitions. Tickets vary; adult tickets begin at $50.

The Lone Star Flight Museum will offer a variety of special activities for all ages over Memorial Day Weekend. Pictured: A flight simulator in the Aviation Learning Center. (Photo courtesy of the Lone Star Flight Museum)

Memorial Weekend at Lone Star Flight Museum
The Lone Star Flight Museum will be offering a variety of special activities for all ages this weekend, including paper airplane building, hangar talks, aircraft, and spacecraft tours. The Museum will also be exhibiting their newest exhibit Space Gallery, which provides an in-depth look at the living conditions for Space Shuttle astronauts. The exhibit features the NASA Crew Compartment Trainer-2 (CCT-2) and EVA Airlock System, the Space Shuttle Motion Base Simulator, and more. Tickets for the gallery are included in general admission, which are $18 for adults, $15 for youth 12-17, and $12 for children 4-11. 

The Houston Museum of Natural Science debuts its new exhibit “Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths” on Friday, May 26.

“Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths” Exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science will debut its new exhibit “Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths” on Friday. The exhibit will feature live sharks and will allow for a hands-on and personal experience, if one chooses. Guests can enter the world of sharks as every type of known shark is represented within the exhibit, including a life-size model of the behemoth the Megalodon. The event is for all ages; adult and child tickets are $35 and $27 respectively, while member tickets are $20.  

Memorial Day Weekend at Kemah Boardwalk
Head down to the Kemah Boardwalk for Memorial Day Weekend to enjoy a long weekend of fun. With the Adventure Pass, your entry is valid for four days, instead of the standard three, at the Downtown Aquarium and Pleasure Pier. Check out the rides and amusements, which range from the children’s “Wonder Wheel” to the more thrilling Boardwalk Bullet, and grab a bite to eat at the myriad waterfront restaurants, including Joe’s Crab Shack, Saltgrass, and Bubba Gump. The boardwalk is family-friendly and great for the kiddos! Pricing will vary on ticket packaging.  

Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra Rooftop Concert
POST is partnering with Jazz Houston to exhibit the Young Orchestra on its Skylawn. The cultural hub invites you to enjoy a lovely concert with a view of the Houston Skyline on Friday from 7-9 p.m. The event will function as the band’s fundraiser and warm-up for their year-end concert trip to Washington, D.C. Jazz Houston, a non-profit performing arts organization, seeks to honor the Houstonians and Texans who have contributed to jazz through celebrating their legacy and work. Admission is free, but a donation of $20 to support the performers and the organization is greatly appreciated. RSVP is required here. 

Watch a family-friendly movie under the stars at Levy Park.

Family Movie Night at Levy Park
Bring your family and friends to screen Clifford the Big Red Dog at Levy Park. It will be a night filled with great laughs and fun! The movie will be screened on Friday and begin at 8:30 p.m. The movie night is presented by Texas Children’s Hospital. There is no cost of admission and pets are welcome. 

Discovery Green: Hatha Yoga
As a part of their “Fitness in the Park” series, Discovery Green will be hosting a basic Vinyasa yoga class instructed by Andria Dugas. The class has two time slots on Saturday, 9 a.m and 10 a.m, and will be held on the Hess Patio Deck. The class is free, but registration is required on site. Bring a towel, water, and a yoga mat! 

Creepy Tales Storytime and Crafts
The Blue Willow Bookshop will be hosting a story time for the creepy collaboration between authors Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown. Creepy Crayon!, Creepy Carrots!, and Creepy Pair of Underwear! will be available for purchase at the session. The story time and crafts will be held this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Purchase the Creepy collection books here.

Water Lantern Festival
This family-friendly festival, which takes place in Spring, gives participants the opportunity to decorate lanterns and send them off while enjoying food trucks and live music. This event will take place on Saturday from 5:30-9:30 pm. While it is free to watch, you must purchase tickets to participate in this festival.

Bank of America Screen on the Green: VIVO
Head out to Discovery Green to enjoy Netflix’s family-friendly film VIVO. The event, sponsored by Bank of America, will be on Saturday at the outdoor Anheuser Busch Stage. The film will be shown at 7 p.m and end at around 8:45 p.m. The animated musical comedy stars Lin-Manuel Miranda, Zoe Saldana, and Gloria Estefan. Admission is free, pets are allowed, and blankets are encouraged!

CityCentre: Live Music on the Plaza
CityCentre will be hosting live music on the plaza! Enjoy rock and pop classics on the plaza with new lineups weekly (weather permitting). Live music will be on Friday and Saturday from 6-9 p.m. 

Flashback Funkfest at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 
Come down to the Woodlands this weekend to enjoy a night of music and dancing. This concert features bands such as Morris Day and The Time, Ohio Players, Atlantic Starr, and more! The event will take place on Saturday at 6 p.m. 

Houston Dynamos vs Austin FC
Come cheer on the Houston Dynamos this weekend as they battle Austin FC! The match is at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 

Historic Market Square Park: Movies Under The Stars
Grab takeout from a local shop and come watch Everything Everywhere All At Once (R) at the Historic Market Square Park.  The screening will take place this Saturday at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket and a friend! Entry is free but registration is required here.

Houston Botanic Garden: Canvas and Cocktails
The Houston Botanic Garden will be hosting an adults-only (21+) afternoon of painting and drinks this upcoming Saturday at 1 p.m. No previous artistic experience needed and materials will be provided at the event. Price per person is $35. 

Memorial Day Golf Cart Procession in Galveston 
This event is free to spectators and a perfect way to honor fallen veterans this Memorial Day weekend. The procession will begin at VFW Post 880 and continue through downtown Galveston. This event will take place Sunday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Children’s Museum: Wonder Week
This event is an opportunity for children to create crafts, play with other kids, and experiment with science. The following activities will be included: cup and ball games, paper puppets, UV bracelets, playground architects, and more! This event is happening through Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  Buy your tickets here. 

Evelyn’s Park Annual Bark at the Park is the one day a year dogs are welcomed at the park. The festivities include food, music, dog-friendly vendors, and a Canine Catwalk.

Evelyn’s Park Annual Bark at the Park 
For one day a year, Evelyn’s Park welcomes dogs to its grounds. Get excited, because this Sunday, the  Park  will be welcoming all dogs once again. From 12-4 p.m., take advantage of this special day and have your furry friend tag along for an afternoon of fun, food trucks, and dog-friendly vendors. Along with the monthly small business market, the Park will have special dog vendors, rescue organizations, and a yummy Los Tios pop-up. Little MonStar’s Training Academy will have dogs performing tricks, and at 2 p.m., there will be a “Canine Catwalk” that is free to enter and will include prizes. 

Memorial Day in The Woodlands
Kick off summer and celebrate Memorial Day 2023 in the Woodlands! Join the Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Annual Memorial Day weekend celebration as they honor troops who have served and high school graduates who have enlisted in the U.S. military. Enjoy live music, various attractions, and a choreographed firework show. The event will take place Sunday from 5-9 p.m. and is free of charge. 

Memorial Day Celebration at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Learn about the Buffalo Soldiers and the African Americans who served in the U.S. military at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM). Attendees can explore BSNM’s interactive exhibits, as well as special resources for veterans and their families. The celebration takes place 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Monday.  Guests can receive free admission for the entire family by RSVPing in advance here. 

Galveston Naval Museum Memorial Day Ceremony
Head down to Galveston this weekend and visit the Galveston Naval Museum (GNM) for a special Memorial Day ceremony. This event will feature a speech from Mayor Brown, refreshments, and guided tours of the museum. The ceremony will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. There will be free parking two hours prior to the event and free admission into the museum until 11 a.m.

Astros vs. Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park
It’s not summer without baseball! On Monday afternoon, the Houston Astros will kick off a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park. The Astros will be returning to Houston after two away series against the Brewers and the Oakland A’s. First pitch is at 3:10 p.m. Tickets start at $35 here. 

Memorial Day 10K
Join Houston Running Co. for their fourth annual race in honor of those who have lost their lives serving in the U.S. Military Monday. The race is friendly to all ages and running backgrounds. Runners can participate in a 5K or a 10K (both events begin at 7:30 am) and young ones can participate in a Kids K (event begin at 9:30 am). Registration price varies from $60 for the 10K, $50 for the 5K, and  $25 for the Kids K. Participants will be given a t-shirt, and the first three male and female runners to finish each race will be awarded a medal. The race will take place at St. Thomas High School on Memorial Drive. Register here.

Rent: The Musical 
Produced by Theater Under The Stars and performing at The Hobby Center For The Performing Arts, Rent the Musical is playing through Sunday! Ticket prices vary, starting at $40 per person. Viewer discretion is advised, as the show contains mature themes that may not be appropriate for children. Purchase tickets here.

More Fun Houston Happenings  

Check out these other current Houston events that will be continuing through and after Labor Day weekend!

Houston Zoo recently debuted a new exhibit: The Galápagos Island. The Houston Zoo is the first in the world to build a major conservation-focused exhibit based on the Galápagos Islands. Visit and learn about Bonnethead sharks, Galápagos tortoises, Humboldt penguins, and more. (Photo: Daniel Ortiz)

Houston Zoo: Galápagos Island Exhibit
Spend some time this weekend exploring Houston Zoo’s newest exhibit: The Galápagos Island. It features several remarkable wildlife, including Bonnethead sharks, Galápagos tortoises, and Humboldt penguins. Tickets start from $26 here.

Colors in Bloom at the Color Factory 
Immerse yourself into a world of wonder at Colors in Bloom, the current exhibit at interactive art museum, the Color Factory. Colors in Bloom features 14 immersive art exhibits that celebrate the many hues of Texas. The museum is fun for all ages; visits include surprise giveaways, sweet treats, and complimentary digital photos. The exhibit is on display daily until June 30, 2023. Admission is $36.49 for adults and $28 for children ages 3-12. 

“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli is on view at Holocaust Museum Houston May 5 through Aug. 13, 2023. 

“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli Exhibition
One doesn’t have to be a fan of When Harry Met Sally to enjoy this exhibit. If you haven’t yet, check out “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli at the Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH). The exhibition highlights how American Jews culturally adapted and built community through the shared experience of food in Houston, a city renowned for its diverse cuisine. The Jewish Deli was organized by the Skirball Cultural Center and is housed in the Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery. The exhibition is on view through Aug. 13, 2023, and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are $22 for adults and free for those under 18. Read more about the exhibit here. 

Steve Tobin’s Intertwined: Exploring Nature’s Networks
Visit Houston Botanic Garden and explore American artists and sculptor Steve Tobin’s project Intertwined: Exploring Nature’s Networks, an artistic display of sculptures capturing the hidden power of nature and life, open through Aug. 13. Tickets start at $10 here.

Installation view of Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish, 2017, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. (Photo: The Storyhive)

Pipilotti Rist
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston has opened a special exhibition that brings together two experimental works: the Pixel Forest (2016) and Worry Will Vanish (2014) through an immersive presentation of the converging worlds. The exhibit is open until Sept. 4. General admission tickets start at $16 here.

Seismique
Get ready to be transported to a different universe with this technology-fueled experiential art museum. Seismique features 40 unique galleries that use AI, immersive experiences, and gamification to showcase a wide range of art forms. This is an experience for the whole family, but it is important to note that strollers and backpacks are not allowed inside and there will be no storage available. The museum is open every day except Tuesday. Tickets are $28 for children and $35 for adults.

More Events
See our online event calendar for more Houston happenings.