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Houston offers live music, cultural celebrations, family entertainment and professional soccer from Aug. 28 through Aug. 30. These things to do in Houston this weekend include free activities and major performances across the city.
Celebrate Mariachi Music at Wortham Theater Center
The seventh annual Houston Mariachi Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave.
The festival showcases mariachi ensembles, vocalists and ballet folklórico dancers from across Texas. Each day features a different lineup celebrating Mexican music and cultural traditions.
Performances are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets, family packages and the complete program are available through the Houston Mariachi Festival.
Hear Pepe Aguilar With the Houston Symphony
Mexican music star Pepe Aguilar joins the Houston Symphony for two concerts at Jones Hall. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Guest conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez will lead the orchestra. The program blends mariachi, ranchera and other Mexican musical traditions with symphonic arrangements.
Jones Hall is located at 615 Louisiana St. Tickets start at $35, although availability may change. Additional information is available from the Houston Symphony.
Find Free Things to Do in Houston This Weekend
The Boho Market will bring local vendors to Montrose Collective from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Admission is free, and the market welcomes families and dogs.
The National Dog Day event will include shopping and dog-friendly activities. Montrose Collective is located at 888 Westheimer Road. Vendor and event details are posted by The Boho Market.
On Saturday, Cirque-tacular: The Art of Circus begins at 8 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The free production combines acrobatics, aerial performances and dance with costumes inspired by famous works of art.
Free tickets are required for covered seating. The hillside remains open without tickets. Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 6000 Hermann Park Drive. Miller Outdoor Theatre provides seating rules and ticket information.
Watch the Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium
Houston Dynamo FC hosts the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Major League Soccer match will take place at Shell Energy Stadium, 2200 Texas Ave.
The club will recognize Kick Cancer Night during the match. Cooling towels will also be distributed at the gates while supplies last.
Tickets and stadium information are available through Houston Dynamo FC.
Experience Spanish-Language Theater at MATCH
Teatro Loft will present “El sueño de las mariposas” at MATCH in Midtown. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.
Written by Sandra Franzen and directed by Georgina Palencia, the Spanish-language play follows the Mirabal sisters. The women became symbols of resistance against dictatorship in the Dominican Republic.
The 90-minute production has no intermission. General admission costs $40, plus a box office fee. MATCH is located at 3400 Main St. Tickets are available through MATCH.
Close the Weekend With Caribbean Culture
Caribbean Nights runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at MATCH. The event will highlight the food, music and traditions of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
Proceeds support future hospitality professionals through an endowment at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College. Admission costs $125 before processing fees. Details are available from the Houston Hospitality Alliance.
With free performances, cultural programs and sports available, Houston residents have several ways to enjoy the final weekend of August. Attendees should confirm ticket availability and event policies before leaving home.