Houston offers a packed schedule of festivals, shopping and family entertainment from Friday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 15. These things to do in Houston this weekend include cultural celebrations, classic arcade games and the opening of a popular holiday attraction.
Celebrate Diwali at Levy Park
The Houston Diwali Festival of Lights will fill Levy Park with music, dance and community celebration. The free festival runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Singer Subhadeep Das will lead the live entertainment. The program also celebrates the traditions associated with Diwali, a major festival observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.
Levy Park is located at 3801 Eastside St. Organizers have designated Sunday as the rain date. Houston Diwali provides the latest schedule and weather updates.
Explore Native American Culture
The 36th Annual Native American Pow Wow returns to Traders Village on Saturday and Sunday. The event features competitive dancing, traditional singing and powerful drum performances.
Visitors can also learn about Native American heritage while exploring the sprawling marketplace. Programming begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and continues through 5 p.m. Sunday.
Admission costs $6, while parking is available separately. Traders Village is located at 7979 N. Eldridge Parkway. Additional information is available through the official event listing.
Start Holiday Shopping at the Nutcracker Market
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market continues through Sunday at Reliant Center. More than 280 merchants are offering holiday decorations, clothing, jewelry, specialty foods and gifts.
Friday hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The market opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Proceeds support Houston Ballet, its academy and community programs. General admission tickets and event policies are available from the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market.
Discover Art at the International Quilt Festival
The International Quilt Festival/Houston brings textile art, classes and shopping to the George R. Brown Convention Center. The public festival runs through Sunday.
The annual gathering showcases traditional and contemporary quilts from skilled artists. Vendors also offer fabric, patterns, tools and other supplies for sewing enthusiasts.
Classes and special programs require separate registration. Festival schedules and admission information are available at the International Quilt Festival website.
Play Through Houston Arcade Expo
Classic video games and pinball machines take over the Houston Marriott Westchase during the Houston Arcade Expo. The event runs throughout the weekend at 2900 Briarpark Drive.
Hundreds of vintage and modern machines will be set to free play for passholders. The expo also includes console games, tournaments, workshops, live music and industry guests.
Friday hours run from noon until after 2 a.m. Saturday programming begins at 10 a.m. and continues past 2 a.m. The final day runs from 10 a.m. to approximately 2:30 p.m. Pass information is available from the Houston Arcade Expo.
See Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Galaxy Lights launches its holiday season Saturday at Space Center Houston. The space-themed attraction combines illuminated displays with interactive experiences inspired by human spaceflight.
A new galactic snow slide joins the seasonal program this year. Galaxy Lights operates from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The attraction continues on select dates through Jan. 3. Advance reservations are recommended because capacity is limited. Tickets are available through Space Center Houston.
From free cultural programs to ticketed holiday attractions, Houston families have several ways to connect this weekend. Guests should confirm schedules, ticket availability and weather policies before leaving home.