Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to This Weekend

Happy Friday! This weekend includes Japan Festival Houston, live music, and more. 

Solar Flare Music Festival
Fri., Sept. 5, 5:30 p.m.; Sat., Sept. 6, 3 p.m.
Axelrad Beer Garden
Single ticket: $20; two-day pass: $35
This two-day music festival, hosted by Houston Music Classifieds, brings together some of the most exciting voices in Houston’s music scene. This weekend features live music from 35+ Houston-based acts across two stages, an artists market with local vendors, and some special surprises after midnight.

Party at the Pavilion featuring Walkin' the Line (Johnny Cash Tribute)
Fri., Sept. 5, 7 p.m.
Bellaire Town Square
Free
PATRONS of Bellaire Parks and the City of Bellaire hosts Party at the Pavilion, featuring Walkin' the Line (Johnny Cash Tribute). Bring your own coolers and chairs and join neighbors for a fun night out. 

Jazz pianist Isaiah J. Thompson is “a compelling composer and a powerhouse performer…one of the leading pianists of his generation,” says All About Jazz. 

Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet Produced by DACAMERA
Fri., Sept. 5, 8 p.m.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Free
DACAMERA brings talented jazz pianist Isaiah J. Thompson to Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Japan Festival Houston
Sat., Sept. 6-Sun., Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days
Free to attend; select activities require a fee
Japan Festival Houston is an annual celebration of Japanese culture held in Houston’s Hermann Park. This year's festival, in celebration of the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park, takes place Sept. 6-7, 2025, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Japan with traditional and contemporary performances of Japanese music, dance and martial arts, Japanese/Japanese-inspired food, as well as demonstrations and displays of Ikebana flower arrangement, tea ceremony, origami, bonsai and more. The annual Japan Festival of Houston is co-sponsored by the City of Houston and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

Houston Dynamo FC vs. LA Galaxy: Military Appreciation Night
Sat., Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Shell Energy Stadium
$28
The Houston Dynamo take on the LA Galaxy in a high energy match on Houston’s home pitch. This match and event were rescheduled due to inclement weather from the original date on Friday, July 25, 2025. Tickets for the original game are still valid. As part of the Dynamo’s annual Military Appreciation Night event, the club will recognize members of the U.S. military in Houston and around the world and celebrate active military members and veterans leading into and during the match. 

Lights, Action, Japan! Produced by Japan-America Society of Houston stars the renowned Wataru Kozuki, celebrated for her iconic roles in major Takarazuka productions such as The Rose of Versailles. The stunning revue-style show will feature a selection of beloved songs from renowned Takarazuka musicals.

Lights, Action, Japan! Produced by Japan-America Society of Houston
Sat., Sept. 6, 8 p.m.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Free
Following Japan Festival Houston, head to Miller Outdoor Theatre for Lights, Action, Japan! produced by Japan-America Society of Houston. The evening stars the renowned Wataru Kozuki, celebrated for her iconic roles in major Takarazuka productions such as The Rose of Versailles. The stunning revue-style show will feature a selection of beloved songs from renowned Takarazuka musicals.

Japan Festival Houston 2025’s performing arts showcase brings the energy, elegance, and excitement of Japan’s rich cultural heritage to life. 

Japan Festival Houston at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Sun., Sept. 7, 11 a.m. 
Free
Presented by Japan-America Society of Houston, Japan Festival Houston 2025’s performing arts showcase brings the energy, elegance, and excitement of Japan’s rich cultural heritage to life. Audiences will be captivated by a dynamic lineup of traditional and contemporary performances, blending centuries-old artistry with modern interpretations that celebrate Japan’s evolving theatrical landscape.

More Events
See our event calendar for more upcoming fun.