Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

Happy Friday! Many Houstonians are mourning the Longhorns’ loss to the Washington Huskies last weekend. Despite the tough loss, it’s sure to be an exciting weekend ahead as Huskies fans and Michigan fans cheer on their teams during the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, which takes place on Monday at NRG, 6:30 p.m. Read more about the game and Buzz residents who are Michigan and Washington fans here. Find weekend highlights below: 

Playoff Fan Central gives fans the opportunity to be a part of the College Football Playoff National Championship. The three-day, free family-friendly event will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. (Photo courtesy of Harris County - Houston Sports Authority)

College Football Playoff National Championship's Playoff Fan Central  
Playoff Fan Central is an interactive experience that gives thousands of fans the opportunity to be a part of the College Football Playoff National Championship. The three-day, free family-friendly event, held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, will include games, clinics, pep rallies, band performances, special guest appearances, autograph signings, and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. Open Friday, 12-6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  

AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will bring a weekend of free music to Houston, serving as the soundtrack for the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. (Photo courtesy of Harris County - Houston Sports Authority)

AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! 
AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! brings a weekend of free music to Houston, serving as the soundtrack for the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. The free concerts will take place in downtown Houston leading up to the national championship game. Tonight, KIDZ BOP will take the stage. Saturday features six-time GRAMMY-nominated rap superstar Jack Harlow and 2023 BET "Best Female Hip Hop Artist" winner, two-time GRAMMY® nominee Latto and special performances by GRAMMY® Award-winning hip-hop legend, 2 Chainz, and "Lil Boo Thang" hitmaker, Paul Russell. Sunday features ACM and CMA award-winning artist and Grand Ole Opry member Jon Pardi, 10-time chart topping country superstar Jake Owen and multi-platinum artist-songwriter, dubbed “Country’s Hottest Rising Star” by PEOPLE magazine Megan Moroney. Gates for AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will open at 6 p.m. each day at Shell Energy Stadium. Fans will need to pre-register for concert tickets for Saturday and Sunday (wristbands are not required for the KIDZ BOP concert on Friday). Find more details here. 

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo is back for its twelfth year! Stroll through the Zoo grounds illuminated with earth-friendly LED bulbs and, take photos in front of the 33-foot color-changing holiday tree and sip hot chocolate by one of the smores-making stations.

Houston Zoo Lights: Closing Weekend 
If you haven’t yet visited the Zoo at night this holiday season – or want to return while you still can – this weekend is your last chance. Stroll through the winter wonderland, take in the life-sized animal lanterns, walk through the colorful light tunnel, and take on the interactive dance floor. Visit Zoo Lights Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $27.95. 

Galaxy Lights, presented by Reliant, is a space-themed, out-of-this-world holiday light show. (Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston)

Galaxy Lights: Closing Weekend 
It’s also the closing weekend for Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston. Embark on an out-of-this-world holiday adventure. Open 6-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Tickets start at $19.95. 

The 8th annual Magical Winter Lights features thousands of intricately designed lanterns, illuminated tunnels, interactive exhibits, music, and entertainment.

Magical Winter Lights: Closing Weekend 
Magical Winter Lights, held at Katy Mills Mall, is also closing this weekend. Take in thousands of intricttely designed lanterns in various themes, shapes, and sizes and enjoy interactive exhibits, music, and entertainment for all ages. Open Friday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m., and Sunday, 5-10 p.m. Tickets are $25/adult; $18/child (3-12); $88/family four-pack. 

Play in real snow at Children's Museum Houston's Polar Palooza, Dec. 16-Jan. 7.

Polar Palooza at Children's Museum Houston: Closing Weekend 
Don’t miss the opportunity to play in snow at Children’s Museum Houston’s Polar Palooza, which is open through this Sunday as well. Experience the winter fun through Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. General admission to the museum is $17/adults and children (ages 1+); children under 1 are free. 

Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Cheer on the Rockets as they play against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center, Friday, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15.  

College Basketball: Houston Cougars vs. West Virginia  
After an undefeated run to start the year, the Coogs open Big 12 play against West Virginia on Saturday, 1 p.m. at Fertitta Center. Tickets start at $20. 

Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks  
Root for the Rockets as they play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Rodeo Night at Toyota Center, Saturday, 7 p.m. The first 3,000 fans will receive a Rockets cowboy hat. Tickets start at $35.  

The College Football Playoff 2024 Trophy Trot presented by Houston Methodist is a family-friendly run/walk hosted in conjunction with the College Football Playoff national championship. Proceeds benefit Extra Yard for Teachers as well as Houston Loves Teachers. (Photo courtesy of Harris County - Houston Sports Authority) 

College Football Playoff 2024 Trophy Trot  
The College Football Playoff 2024 Trophy Trot presented by Houston Methodist is a family-friendly run/walk hosted in conjunction with the College Football Playoff national championship. The Trot takes place Sunday, 9 a.m., starting at George R. Brown Convention Center. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a t-shirt and medal, and there will be an opportunity for participants to win tickets to the CFP National Championship. There is an option to run the 5K ($45) and 10K ($55). Proceeds from the Trot benefit Extra Yard for Teachers as well as Houston Loves Teachers.  

College Football Playoff Watch Party: Michigan vs. Washington
This year’s College Football Playoff National Championship will take place at NRG Stadium where the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines will face the No. 2 Washington Huskies. If you don’t have tickets, grab some friends, a picnic, and head to Discovery Green for a free watch party Monday evening, 6:30-9:30 p.m. 

More Events
Find more upcoming events on our calendar here. 

Editor's note: Read more about the College Football Playoff National Championship Game and Buzz residents who are Michigan and Washington fans here.