Fun in the sun: 20 Houston events happening this summer
From taco and craft beer festivals to a Fourth of July party, you won’t want to miss these Houston events happening in summer 2025.
As a major metropolis that’s home to tons of museums, parks, professional sports teams, restaurants, and bars, there’s always something to do or see in Houston—and this summer is no exception. H-Town is set to host a number of events for all its residents and visitors to enjoy. Whether you want to try new food or drinks, immerse yourself in Caribbean culture, or catch a performance by a GRAMMY-winning artist, there’s something happening in Houston this summer that’s worth checking out.
To make your summer planning easier, we put together a list of the best Houston events of the season. Our guide features events taking place from Memorial Day weekend—the unofficial start of summer—through Labor Day. Keep reading to learn more about each event, including where and when it’s taking place and how much it costs to attend.
1. PlantCon
Phytophiles, this one’s for you! Connect with fellow plant lovers at the third-annual PlantCon while you explore the 150-vendor plant market with sellers from all over the world. But that’s not all. Field experts will host seminars and workshops throughout the weekend-long event, which will also feature exhibitions from leading plant brands and an opening and closing reception with refreshments.
Ticket prices start at $37.89 for two-day general admission, which includes two drink tickets that can be redeemed during the receptions and a free T-shirt for the first 5,000 entrants. Children 14 years and younger can attend for free with a ticketed adult.
When: May 31 to June 1
Where: NRG Park, 1 Fannin St.
2. Houston Tattoo Arts Festival
Whether you have zero tattoos or are rocking full sleeves of art, you’ll have an ink-credible time at the Houston Tattoo Arts Festival. Connect with local artists and pick up some work for your body canvas, or just sit back and watch a variety of thrilling acts. From contortionist archer Camille Zamboni to Alakazam, the Daredevil from Down Under, you’ll marvel at what the human body is capable of doing. These routines will also probably make you want to stretch, which is a good routine for everyone to get into.
Tickets start at $20 per day or $40 for a three-day pass.
When: June 6-8
Where: NRG Center: NRG Park, 1 Fannin St.
3. Texas Monthly Taco Fest
Treat yourself to the best tacos in the Lone Star State at the Texas Monthly Taco Fest. This multi-city celebration stops in Houston on June 7 for an evening of top-notch tacos and live entertainment. Sample tacos from 15 restaurants featured on Texas Monthly’s 50 Best Tacos in Texas list. Beverages will also be available for purchase.
General admission adult tickets cost $50. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Zavala Family Foundation, which supports restaurant industry workers who are battling cancer.
When: June 7
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
4. Fade To Black Arts Festival
Hosted by Shabach Enterprise, Fade to Black Arts Festival is a culmination of African-American creativity. There really is something for everyone, and tickets include entry to multiple events throughout the week. The lineup features film and theatre shows, music and poetry performances, and entrancing masterclasses and discussions with Black celebrities and influential voices. Plan a day off to experience the festival or spread your visit out over the entire week—there’s plenty to see.
Tickets range from $150 (six events) to $600 (10 events, plus parties, mixers, panels, and an award ceremony).
When: June 8-14
Where: Multiple locations around downtown
5. Dukes & Boots Mimosa Festival
Outdoor Houston events in mid-June can be a dicey proposition, with hot and sticky days limiting mobility and enthusiasm. Mimosa Land’s Duke & Boots Mimosa Festival is a good way to combat the heat. The fest offers two options: a daytime session starting at noon and an evening soiree at 6 p.m. Both feature complimentary mimosas, live music, small bites, and a delightful amount of good vibes. Tickets start at $25.
When: June 14
Where: The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park: 105-B Sabine St.
6. Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra
Mimosas during the day and an impressive hip-hop show at night? June 14 is going to be a fantastic Saturday. Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra are taking the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre; the show combines strings, horns, and piano with fire-spitting MC work. It’s a brilliant combination of musical styles that makes for one special show.
Tickets are free and can be reserved the day before the performance.
When: June 14
Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre: 6000 Hermann Park Dr.
7. Brewsology Beer Fest
Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science after hours with a beer in hand at the Brewsology Beer Fest. This event, held at the museum after it closes to the public, features sips from more than 50 local craft breweries and cideries.
Ticket prices range from $60 for general admission to $90 for VIP, which includes a $30 food credit and souvenir glass.
When: June 21
Where: Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Dr.
8. Beyoncé: Cowboy Carter Tour
Houston’s most famous pop star returns home for the Beyoncé: Cowboy Carter Tour. The tour—Beyoncé’s 10th—celebrates her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, and includes two nights in Houston.
When: June 28-29
Where: NRG Stadium, NRG Pkwy
9. Pride Houston
Pride Houston returns for its 47th year with a festival and parade. This year’s theme is “Celebration Is Our Legacy,” and the event will feature performances by Flawless, Siya, and SunNithaRapper, plus other fun activities and attractions.
The parade is free, but advance festival tickets for those 21 and older start at $5.
When: June 28
Where: Downtown Houston
10. Houston Caribbean Festival
Carnival comes to Houston this summer with the arrival of the Houston Caribbean Festival. The festival features a lineup of events that showcase Caribbean culture. A camo party kicks off the festivities, followed by Ultra Glo, where everyone dresses in white, and J’ouvert, a pre-dawn party where attendees cover themselves in paint, mud, or colorful powder.
Weekend passes start at $100 plus fees. You can also purchase individual event tickets.
When: July 3-7
Where: 9550 W. Bellfort Ave.
11. Freedom Over Texas
A “Texas-sized” fireworks display, live music, and delicious eats are a few of the things you can expect to enjoy at Freedom Over Texas, an annual Fourth of July celebration that attracts an average of 50,000 people per year.
Details for this year’s event haven’t been released yet, but the 2024 event was headlined by Russell Dickerson, with special performances by Jo Dee Messina, Chapel Hart, and others. A portion of food and beverage sales were donated to the Houston Food Bank.
When: July 4
Where: Eleanor Tinsley Park along Allen Parkway
12. Houston Pickle Festival
Astute fans of “Seinfeld” might recall Jerry Seinfeld (the character) saying he’s never eaten a really good pickle. Clearly, Jerry never made it to Houston during the summer, or else he would have stopped by the Houston Pickle Festival. As the name suggests, the event offers an abundance of pickle-themed activities. There are pickle foods, of course, but visitors will also score pickle drinks, pickle desserts, pickle accessories, and lots more. One thing you might not be able to find is pickleball, though never say never.
Tickets start at $3 for children and $7 for adults, plus additional fees.
When: July 5
Where: Zone Event Center: 10371 Stella Link Rd.
13. CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
The Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is one of FIFA’s association football leagues. The Gold Cup is the organization’s top-tier event, launched in 1991 and held every two years. This installment of the tournament will take place in 13 host cities throughout the United States and Canada, with NRG Stadium hosting the final. Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium, plus venues in Austin and Arlington, will host earlier rounds of the tournament, so this Gold Cup will undoubtedly have some Texan flair.
Tickets have yet to be released, but start at $138 for earlier rounds.
When: July 6
Where: NRG Stadium: 1 NRG Pkwy
14. Dude Perfect Hero World Tour
The Dude Perfect crew—five friends who met at Texas A&M University—returns to the Lone Star State on its Dude Perfect Hero World Tour. The trick shot and stunt group shows off some of its most iconic trick shots, participates in hilarious challenges, and shares behind-the-scenes stories about its unique journey to stardom during its tour stops.
When: July 10
Where: Houston Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St.
15. Anime Matsuri Festival
The most exciting people in the anime industry converge in Houston for Anime Matsuri, a four-day fest as jam-packed as your favorite episode. There’s K-pop, J-rock, cosplay, manga, video games, a fashion show, artist showcases, and many other activities for attendees to check out. The event is like one big party—and that’s helped by actual soirées throughout the event, including a pajama party to kick everything off.
Tickets start at $100 (adults) and $40 (kids) for a 4-day pass.
When: July 10-13
Where: George R. Brown Convention Center: 1001 Avenida De Las Americas
16. Swim Thick Pool Party
The general vibe of the Swim Thick Pool Party is to come as you are. All body types are welcome to enjoy a weekend of entertainment and swimming. The festivities get rolling on a Thursday with the Thicknick Backyard Bash welcome party. A DJ will be spinning hits that’ll have you joining a group sing-along, even if you’re rolling solo. The party continues into Friday with the Pajama Jam, hosted in a 90s house-party style setting that will thankfully not end up as disastrous as all the movies from that era. Finally, the Swim Thick Pool Party wraps up the fun with a poolside extravaganza. Soak up the sun and make a splash at the world’s grandest body-positive pool party.
Tickets start at $185 for a 2-day pass and $250 for a 3-day pass.
When: July 24-26
Where: Grand Tuscany Ballroom: 2801 Northwest Fwy
17. H-Town Sneaker Summit
H-Town Sneaker Summit is a celebration of shoe culture that brings together sneakerheads, brands, and celebrities. Check out the latest in sneaker design, pick up a new pair to add to your collection, and mingle with other sneaker lovers at this annual event. There will also be special guest appearances, contests, prizes, and more.
Early bird tickets start at $20.
When: July 27
Where: Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Rd.
18. Houston Restaurant Weeks
Houston is home to thousands of restaurants, and Houston Restaurant Weeks presents an opportunity to try some you haven’t had the chance to visit yet—or return to your favorites. During the annual two-month-long event, which raises funds for the Houston Food Bank, participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus for brunch ($25), lunch ($25), or dinner ($39 or $55).
In 2024, almost 400 restaurants participated, including local eateries and chain establishments. The 2025 list hasn’t been shared yet, but you can explore last year’s and view menus to get an idea of what’s offered here.
When: August 1 through Labor Day
Where: Multiple locations throughout Houston
19. Houston Horror Film Fest
Who says October gets to have all the ghoulish fun? The Houston Horror Film Fest is a frighteningly good time, as more than 100 scary movies are screened over three days. The festival also has a boo-tiful lineup of special guests. Alongside dozens of other appearances, this year is headlined by “Scream” star Rose McGowan and Chris Sarandon, who played Jerry Dandrige in “Fright Night” and voiced Jack Skellington in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Tickets start at $30 for a single-day pass or $50 for a 3-day pass.
When: August 8-10
Where: Houston Marriott Westchase: 2900 Briarpark Dr.
20. GHOST: Skeletour World Tour 2025
GHOST, the GRAMMY-winning Swedish rock group known for its theatrical flair, is heading to Houston this summer as part of its GHOST: Skeletour World Tour 2025. The tour celebrates the band’s new album, Skeletá, out April 25.
When: August 16
Where: Houston Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St.
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