HOUSTON — 11 free things to do in Houston this weekend
If you’re planning a staycation this Memorial Day Weekend, here's a list of free things to do in and around the Houston area.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green offers an oasis in the middle of downtown’s concrete canyons, with pretty scenery, live music and people watching for hours.
If you're feeling ambitious, they offer free fitness classes, including yoga and tai chi.
You can cool off under the mist tree, take the kiddos to the splash pad or rent kayaks on Kinder Lake for $5.
Four-legged family members are also welcome.
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
This is another great spot to get the kids outdoors and away from their video games. They might even accidentally learn something about nature and wildlife.
The Arboretum is located on the southwest corner of Memorial Park. It’s free but donations are welcome to help maintain the wildlife habitat and trails.
The Nature Center is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. The Discovery Room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but closed on Mondays. Full list of closures
Splashpads and spraygrounds
Score points with the kids this weekend by taking them to a neighborhood splashpad. They’re fun, they’re free and they’re everywhere.
We have interactive maps, along with a list of splashpads and spraygrounds around Houston and the burbs.
Interactive map: Free splashpads and spraygrounds all over the Houston area
The Menil Collection
If you’re looking for a dose of culture, check out the world-class Menil Collection in Montrose.
The Menil houses one of the largest private art collections in the country with 17,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings and more.
Founders John and Dominique de Menil opened the museum in 1987 because they believed art should be accessible to all.
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and admission is free.
Art Car Museum
Just a few miles away in the Heights, sits a very different kind of museum. The Art Car Museum, or “Garage Mahal,” showcases some of the wild and wacky works of art that roll down Allen Parkway every spring.
Exhibits feature contemporary artists from all over the world. The fun and funky museum is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday. Admission is always free.
Photos: Moments from the 31st Annual Houston Art Car Parade
Motown Revue
Miller Outdoor Theater will be pumpin’ all weekend with Motown music and dancing by local performers.
The Dancin’ in the Street Motown & More Revue happens Thursday thru Sunday nights at 8:15. Admission is free but you can avoid the lines and buy advance tickets for a $10 donation.
Houston breweries
Houston breweries not only serve tasty craft beers, most offer free tours and some have restaurants with delicious pub grub.
The vibe is perfect for date nights, group gatherings and special events.
There are more than 20 Houston area breweries. Tap here for a list, tour times and restaurant hours.
No Label Brewery in Katy
The No Label Brewery in Old Katy kicks off Memorial Day weekend Saturday with from noon to 5 p.m. There’s a floating beer pong game, along with family-friendly events like creating patriotic crafts.
They have a Run to Remember at 6 p.m. Monday to honor our fallen service men and women.
Concert Under the Stars in Katy
There’s a free Concert Under the Stars Saturday night features the Hybrid 7 band from Houston. It starts at 7 p.m. at Central Green Park.
Bring your lawn chairs and wear your dancing shoes.
More Katy area events from katymagazine.com
Memorial Day Concert in Sugar Land
Kick back, relax and enjoy music from the Houston Choral Showcase’s Elite Mixed Choir. This performance will include Patriotic tributes to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend.
It takes place Friday night from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Sugar Land Town Square.
Memorial Day in The Woodlands
The annual Memorial Day event in The Woodlands Sunday will pay tribute to all military service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.
The festival at Town Green Park features live music, children’s activities, strolling entertainers and fireworks.
A care package drop-off booth will be available onsite for donations of recommended items to be shipped to the troops. Please click here to view a list of recommended items.
The evening concludes with a fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music. The free festival is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
5 p.m. - Welcome and National Anthem
5:10 p.m. - Live Music by KlockWork Band (variety)
6 p.m. - Keynote Speaker Brig. Gen. (R) Henry Ostermann - United States Army Reserve Ambassador and "Our Community Salutes" Ceremony*
6:45 p.m. - Live Music by KlockWork Band (variety)
8:55 p.m. - Fireworks**
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