Free and Paid things to do in Houston (July 22-28)
Looking for fun, unique, and affordable things to do in Houston (July 22-28)? From live comedy and music fests to hands-on workshops, game nights, and outdoor art experiences, Houston is packed with events to fill your week with creativity and connection. Whether you’re flying solo, planning a date night, or entertaining friends, these picks cover free, ticketed, indoor, and outdoor fun across the city.
Best Things To Do in Houston (July 22-28)
1. Out of Stock: The Supply Chain Art Experience
This immersive exhibit at CAMH uses large-scale sculptures and multimedia installations to explore the global supply chain and its breakdowns. Through humor and critique, it reveals how deeply our lives are intertwined with logistics and consumerism. A must-see for fans of conceptual art and social commentary, plus you can purhcase merch as an added bonus.
• Website: Contemporary Art Museum Houston
• Date: Now until October 19
• Venue: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
• Price: Free
• Email: info@camh.org
• Phone: (713) 284-8250
2. Hairspray The Broadway Musical at The Art Factory
The Art Factory presents the beloved musical Hairspray, featuring high-energy choreography, catchy songs, and an uplifting story set in 1960s Baltimore. Follow Tracy Turnblad’s journey as she dances her way to social change. A vibrant night out with great performances and feel-good vibes.
• Website: Art Factory Houston
• Date: July 25– August 3
• Venue: Art Factory Houston
• Price: $30
• Email:info@ArtFactoryHouston.com
• Phone: (832) 210-5200
3. Wall Drawing Series: Ronny Quevedo
This new exhibition at the Menil Drawing Institute features a monumental wall drawing by Ronny Quevedo. Incorporating gold leaf and architectural lines, the piece explores migration, memory, and Indigenous identity. Visitors can witness the intersection of mapping, sports courts, and ancient cosmologies.
• Website: Menil
• Date: Now until August 10
• Venue: Menil Drawing Institute
• Price: Free
• Email: info@menil.org
• Phone: (713) 525-9400
4. Layering Textures Drop-In Event
Inspired by the richly layered works of artist Tomashi Jackson in Across the Universe, this hands-on activity invites you to combine decorative paper and found materials to craft your own unique textured collage. Draw from Jackson’s use of textiles and mixed media to explore layering, pattern, and personal expression.
• Website: Contemporary Art Museum Houston
• Date: July 26, 1:00 PM
• Venue: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
• Price: Free
• Email: info@camh.org
• Phone: 713-284-8250
5. Texas Elite Auto Show
Get ready for Houston’s most dynamic car show, featuring custom cars, exotic models, muscle machines, and elite automotive vendors. Perfect for car lovers and families alike, the event also includes live entertainment and food trucks. Expect stunning rides and a buzzing crowd.
• Website: Texas Elite Auto Showcase
• Date: July 26 & 27
• Venue: NRG Center
• Price: Starting at $27.40
6. Ceramic Animals Workshop
Get creative with clay at this guided workshop where you’ll sculpt your own ceramic animal figure. Perfect for beginners and seasoned hobbyists, this class is hosted by the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. All materials and firing included.
• Website: Craft Houston
• Date: July 25 & 26
• Venue: Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
• Price: $75
• Phone: (713) 529-4848
7. Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer
Experience the epic film scores of Hans Zimmer performed live by the Listeso String Quartet in a stunning candlelit setting at the Lone Star Flight Museum.
- Website: Fever Up
- Date: July 25
- Venue: Lone Star Flight Museum
- Price: Starting at $55.00\
8. Lights & Apparitions Concert w/ War Within Dreams & More
Catch an electrifying lineup led by Lights & Apparitions with support from Houston hardcore outfit War Within Dreams, plus additional heavy-hitters like Eyes Like Fire, Town Destroyer, and Suffering In Silence. The show takes place at The End, an acclaimed small venue known for its intense, live music community.
- Website: The End
- Date: July 26, 6:00 PM
- Venue: The End
- Price: $15+
9. Drag Show Bingo Brunch at Boheme
Start your weekend with flair at Boheme’s iconic 21+ Drag Show Bingo Brunch. Hosted by some of Houston’s fiercest queens, this lively event combines a delicious brunch buffet with interactive bingo, music, and fabulous performances. Expect sass, sequins, and surprises, plus prizes for lucky winners.
- Website: Bar Boheme
- Date: Every Saturday, 11:00 AM
- Venue: Boheme
- Price: $28 (includes brunch buffet + bingo cards)
- Phone: (832) 462-7455
10. Derrick Stroup Headlines at The Riot Comedy Club
Derrick Stroup brings his high-energy southern storytelling and sharp punchlines to The Riot Comedy Club at Rudyard’s. Stroup delivers a night of bold and relatable humor. The show takes place in an intimate upstairs venue with a full bar and table service.
- Website: The Riot
- Date: July 26, 5:00 PM
- Venue: Rudyard’s second floor
- Price: Starting at $26.25
- Email: Comedy@theriothtx.com
- Phone: (713) 264-8664
11. Destroying Texas Fest 19
Destroying Texas Fest 19 brings together some of the most aggressive underground bands for two days of nonstop heavy music. Hosted at BFE Rock Club, this annual fest features a mix of death, black, and thrash metal acts from around the country. Expect loud riffs, loyal fans, and an unrelenting lineup.
- Website: BFE Rock Club
- Date: July 25 & 26
- Venue: BFE Rock Club
- Price: $130
- Email: bferockclub@gmail.com
- Phone: (832) 533-1500
12. Orthodox Concert w/ Mugshot & More
Orthodox headlines this powerful one-night showcase featuring a rising lineup in metalcore and hardcore. Joined by Mugshot, Omerta, Fromjoy, and Claymore, the event promises explosive sets with emotionally raw lyrics and high-intensity performance. Part of the No Sleep Fest series, it’s a must-attend for fans of the genre.
- Website: Eventbrite
- Date: July 25, 6:00 PM
- Venue: The End
- Price: $25+
13. Lotería Game Night at MFAH
MFAH’s Lotería Game Night brings the traditional Mexican bingo-style game to life, with slots based on artworks from their permanent collection. Attendees play for fun and prizes while exploring the galleries, guided by lively hosts in the Museum’s intimate theater space. It’s an engaging, all-ages evening that blends art appreciation with community game night charm.
- Website: Museum Of Fine Arts Houston
- Date: July 24, 6:00 PM
- Venue: Lynn Wyatt Theatre in the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston
- Price: Free with Museum admission
- Phone: (713) 639‑7300
14. The Hobbit Cafe
The Hobbit Cafe is Houston’s original mead bar since 1972, inspired by Tolkien’s Shire and offering a cozy, character-filled environment ideal for casual hangouts. The spacious wooden deck beneath a giant oak tree is perfect for enjoying craft beers, rotating meads, and outdoor seating in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Website: Hobbit Cafe
- Date: Open Daily
- Phone: (713) 526-5460
15. Smither Park Mosiacs
Smither Park is a vibrant, ever-evolving outdoor mosaic garden created by over 300 artists, filled with whimsical sculptures, swing sets, meditation spaces, and a dramatic 400-foot “Memory Wall” made of recycled tiles and items, making it one of the most photo-worthy things to do in Houston (July 22–28).
- Website: Orange Show
- Date: Open daily
- Venue: Smither Park
- Price: Free admission; donations accepted
- Email: smitherpark@orangeshow.org
- Phone: (713) 926‑6368
16. Intro to Papermaking w/ Kira Lear
Join interdisciplinary artist Kira Lear for a beginner-friendly workshop exploring traditional and sustainable papermaking techniques. Participants will create unique handmade sheets perfect for zines or books while learning about the science behind the craft.
- Website: Orange Show
- Date: July 26, 1 PM
- Venue: Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
- Price: $50 per participant (all materials included)
- Email: classes@orangeshow.org
- Phone: (713) 926‑6368
17. Foraging: Taste a Bit of Nature, Houston Botanic Garden
Experience Houston’s biodiversity on a guided evening walk through the Botanic Garden, learning to identify and taste native plants. Discover both culinary and medicinal uses of indigenous flora while enjoying the garden’s warm summer ambiance.
- Website: Houston Botanic Garden
- Date: July 26, 5:00 PM
- Venue: Houston Botanic Garden
- Price: $12 adult, $8 child/student/senior/military (Garden members free)
- Email: info@hbg.org
- Phone: (713) 715‑9675
Smither Park is a vibrant, ever-evolving outdoor mosaic garden created by over 300 artists, filled with whimsical sculptures, swing sets, meditation spaces, and a dramatic 400-foot “Memory Wall” made of recycled tiles and items, making it one of the most photo-worthy things to do in Houston (July 22–28). For more summer plans, check out our favourite Peaceful Outdoor Spots in Houston to Visit This Summer.
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