Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

This weekend brings Father's Day, along with Juneteenth celebrations. The weekend is jam packed with special events to commemorate this historic day in Black history and to celebrate all dads do for us. Here are some highlights happening around town this weekend:

Emancipation Conversations Panel at Emancipation Park
Tonight from 6-9 p.m. at Emancipation Park, this panel discussion will explore the overlapping histories and legacies of emancipation across Black Houston, considering the overlapping and expanding emancipatory practices that Black agents deployed to constitute freedom in Houston. The panelists include Alex Byrd, Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, Caleb McDaniel, and Erika Thompson; the panel will be moderated by Katiera Winfrey. Arrive early for pre-panel light bites, followed by a panel discussion and post-panel dessert and refreshments. Tickets for this event are free, but you must RSVP.

Live Music ft. the Outliers at Evelyn’s Park
The Outliers Band will perform tonight from 6-9 p.m. at Betsy’s Restaurant at Evelyn’s Park. The band ranges from old school to classic rock and traditional country. Tickets are free to the public.

"Absolute Equality," a new mural from the Juneteenth Legacy Project in Galveston.

Moody Center Open Dance Project Performance
Tonight and tomorrow night, enjoy a three-dimensional, multi-sensory dance production from Open Dance Project and co-produced by the Moody Center for the Arts. This multimedia experience allows the audience to walk through theatrical recreations, with dancers, of the West Texas Town where Georgia O’Keefe grew up. Red Landscape: Georgia O’Keeffe in Texas 1912-1918 is open to viewing tonight and tomorrow night from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Moody Center for the Arts. Tickets are $35. 

The Houston Collective - Annual Juneteenth Ride
This Saturday, from 6:30-11 a.m., join the Fourth Annual 2024 Houston Juneteenth Ride, sponsored by Justice League Cycling, Motherland Cycling, Major Taylor Houston, the Street Ridaz, Trek, and the Freedmens Town Bike Tour. Ride will depart at 6:30am from Trek-Weslayan and feature two routes across 3 pace groups. This will be a social ride around Houston and will travel to several Houston historical sites, including: Booker T. Washington High School, George Floyd Memorial, Emancipation Park, and Texas Southern University.

2nd Annual Freedom Run/Walk at Emancipation Park
Join others in an exhilarating day of fitness, community, and fun at the second annual Freedom Walk/Run on Saturday from 7-11 a.m. This free event will take place at Emancipation Park. 

 

Flutter Fling at Buffalo Bayou Park
Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership for Flutter Fling, a free summer butterfly extravaganza this Saturday, from 9-11:30 a.m. Beginning at 9 a.m., families can enjoy a 90-minute Butterfly Walk led by Nancy Grieg, former director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Then, participate in butterfly crafts, and join the Pollinator Parade, from Lost Lake to the Jackson Hill Bridge, where you can spot butterflies at The Houston Monarch Story, a living art piece that uses larger-than-life butterfly sculptures and a growing pollinator prairie to educate about the importance of native plants to butterflies. Flutter Fling is part of Summer Species: Butterflies, a series that celebrates the importance of butterflies to our bayou ecosystem. 

Defying Gravity at the Children’s Museum
Defy gravity at the Children's Museum Houston this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Texas Bubblers will showcase the mesmerizing magic of bubbles, creating giant orbs that seem to dance effortlessly through the air. Hold your breath as the talented performers from Artz Aerial Studio take center stage, defying gravity with breathtaking acrobatics and awe-inspiring stunts that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Unleash your inner rocket scientist at the gravity-defying rocket workshop, where you'll design, build, and launch your very own rockets into the sky, soaring to new heights with each exhilarating blast-off. Tickets for the event are general admission to the museum, starting at $19.95 for children and adults, and $17.95 for seniors. 

 

Houston Grand Opera Storybook Opera
Held at Levy Park’s event pavilion, singers from the Houston Grand Opera present an engaging storytime to introduce opera to students from pre-k through second grade. On Saturday, enjoy Opera Book starting at 11 a.m. This event is free.

Galveston Juneteenth Festival
The 2024 Juneteenth Festival will be held this Saturday from 12-9 p.m. Enjoy food, vendors, and music celebrating the birthplace of Juneteenth on the historical grounds of McGuire Dent Recreational Center, known today as Menard Park 2222-28th Street on the Seawall. This free event will also include the crowning ceremony for 2024 Galveston County Lil Mr. Juneteenth Prince and Lil Ms. Juneteenth Princess, and Father of the Year Award. 

Juneteenth Galveston Parade & Picnic
Galveston Island, the birthplace of Juneteenth, is hosting the annual Juneteenth Parade and Picnic on Saturday. The parade kicks off at 26th and Avenue H at 1 p.m. and concludes at Wright Cuney Park at 2 p.m. The picnic will immediately follow at Wright Cuney Park from 2 to 5 p.m.

Annual Juneteenth Music Celebration
Emancipation Park is hosting their Annual Juneteenth Music Celebration this Saturday from 4-9 p.m. It’s a free night of good music, good food, good people and great vibes. The concert starts with the Juneteenth Community Gospel Choir followed by Southern Soul artist Roi Anthony, and closes out with some Zydeco from Lil Nathan and the Big Timers. The crowd typically gathers at 3 p.m., so grab your family and friends, and come early to secure the best spot. There’s a chance to shop from a variety of vendors offering unique crafts, merchandise, and delectable treats from a variety of food trucks. 

 

Juneteenth Celebration at the Heritage Society
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park is commemorating Juneteenth this Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. with a performance from The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses Houston, a teacake reception, Juneteenth Freedmen’s Town Bike Riders, talks from special guest speakers, and more at The Heritage Society.

Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers
The Astros, with a home-field advantage, will be taking on the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. The game will take place at Minute Maid Park, beginning at 3 p.m. Ticket prices start at $31. 

Houston Dash vs. Angel City
The Houston Dash will be facing Angel City on Saturday. The professional women’s soccer game will occur at the Shell Energy Stadium at 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $15. 

Miller Outdoor Theater - Juneteenth: A Musical Journey Through Eras
Tonight and tomorrow night at 8:15 p.m., Miller Outdoor Theatre presents “Juneteenth: A Musical Journey Through Eras,” an exploration of Black music’s evolution, highlighting the soulful expressions of Classic R&B, Blues, Inspirational, Hip Hop, and more. The journey continues to the dynamic years from 1980 to 2000, where Hip Hop emerged as a force for social change and chronicled the realities of systemic injustices. 

Juneteenth Fest at Avenida Houston.

Juneteenth Culture Fest at Avenida Houston
Kickoff the Juneteenth celebrations at Avenida Houston and Discovery Green this Saturday from 4-9 p.m. with a series of free family-friendly events with multiple genres of live music, top DJs, art, games, BLCK Market vendors, health and fitness activations, food trucks, fireworks and much more. Enjoy some of Houston’s top entertainment, while also supporting local artists and businesses.

Father's Day at Bayou Bend
Celebrate Father’s Day at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens surrounded by nature, art, and music. Light refreshments and free admission for fathers.

Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers, Game 2
The Astros play the Detroit Tigers again on Sunday. The game will take place at Minute Maid Park, beginning at 1 p.m. Ticket prices start at $29. 

Juneteenth Freedom Fest at Children’s Museum Houston
Bring the kids to celebrate Juneteenth with a Community Mural, the Juneteenth Champions art exhibition, a Juneteenth storytime, and more at Children’s Museum Houston on Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.