Free and Paid Things To Do in Houston This Week (July 15-21)
If you’re searching for exciting things to do in Houston in July 2025, you’ve come to the right place. From outdoor festivals and cultural exhibits to immersive art and high-energy entertainment, Houston is bursting with activity this summer. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, family adventurer, or weekend wanderer, we’ve curated a list of must-attend events happening across the city from July 15–21.
Best Things To Do in Houston This Week (July 15-21)
1. Conservatory Galleria Mixology Experience Class
Sip and shake your way through a hands-on cocktail workshop at Conservatory Galleria. This experience is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their bartending skills while having fun in a lively setting. No experience needed, just bring your energy and enjoy expertly guided tastings.
• Website: Event Brite
• Date: July 18, 6:00 PM
• Venue: Conservatory Galleria
• Price: $75
• Email: info@conservatorygalleria.com
• Phone: (713) 832-8887
2. Punk Rock Garage Sale
Dig through DIY merch, vintage threads, and vinyl at this community flea market-meets-punk festival, easily one of the most offbeat things to do in Houston in July 2025. Local bands and vendors will fill the space with sound and energy. A perfect Sunday for music lovers and collectors.
• Website: Bad Astronaut Beer
• Date: July 20, 2:00 PM
• Venue: Bad Astronaut Brewery
• Price: Free
• Phone: (346) 980-8829
3. Summer Jam 2025 at Moody Center for the Arts
Celebrate summer with a lively night of music, art, and community at Rice University’s Moody Center for the Arts. Expect DJ sets, local vendors, drinks, and interactive installations. This is a free outdoor block party you don’t want to miss.
• Website: Moody Rice
• Date: July 19, 12:00 PM
• Venue: Moody Center for the Arts
• Price: Free
• Phone: (713) 348-ARTS
4. Tomashi Jackson: Across the Universe
Explore Tomashi Jackson’s powerful visual storytelling at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. The exhibition merges history, identity, and activism through immersive multimedia works. Entry is always free at CAMH.
• Website: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
• Date: Ongoing
• Venue: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
• Price: Free
• Email: info@camh.org
• Phone: (713) 284-8250
5. Houston Lotería Night
Play a round of classic Mexican bingo with a Houston twist. Enjoy themed prizes, craft beer, and great vibes at Bad Astronaut Brewing. It’s a chill midweek event for friends or solo fun.
• Website: Bad Astronaut Beer
• Date: July 16, 7:00 PM
• Venue: Bad Astronaut Brewery
• Price: Free
• Email: artmanifested@yahoo.com
• Phone: (713) 517-1223
6. Movie Night in Helix Hall: “IF”
Grab some popcorn and enjoy a screening of “IF” inside the architecturally stunning POST Houston’s Helix Hall. Family-friendly vibes, comfy seating, and a giant screen make for a great evening out. RSVP recommended for guaranteed entry, and donate $15 to get a picnic blanket.
• Website: Helix Park
• Date: July 17, 6:00 PM
• Venue: TMC3 Collaborative Building in Helix Hall
• Price: Free
• Phone: (713) 791-6161
7. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
See your favorite monster trucks light up the night in a thrilling arena spectacle. This Glow Party edition amps up the stunts with blacklight effects and laser shows. Perfect for kids and families.
• Website: Toyota Center
• Date: July 19 & 20
• Venue: Toyota Center
• Price: Starting at $28.65
• Phone: (866) 446-8849
8. WWE Monday Night RAW
Catch all the drama, action, and body slams live as WWE RAW takes over Houston. Top wrestling superstars will battle it out in a high-octane night of entertainment. Great for fans of all ages.
• Website: Toyota Center
• Date: July 21, 6:30 PM
• Venue: Toyota Center
• Price: Starting at $99
• Phone: (866) 446-8849
9. Spray City Walls Graffiti Battle
Watch live graffiti artists go head-to-head at this high-energy street art competition hosted by Bad Astronaut Brewing. DJs, local vendors, and food trucks round out this celebration of hip-hop and street culture. All ages welcome, and entry is free.
• Website: Bad Astronaut Beer
• Date: July 18, 8:00 PM
• Venue: Bad Astronaut Brewing Co.
• Price: Free
• Phone: (346) 980-8829
10. Design a Button at The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Create your own wearable art during this hands-on drop-in workshop, one of the most crafty things to do in Houston in July 2025. CAMH provides all materials and inspiration to help you design unique buttons. Great for kids, teens, and creatives of all levels.
• Website: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
• Date: July 19, 1:00 PM
• Venue: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
• Price: Free
• Email: info@camh.org
• Phone: (713) 284-8250
11. Buffalo Bayou Park Wellness Walk
Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a rejuvenating 90-minute, 3‑mile guided walk. This free event offers a chance to boost your mental and physical wellness while immersing yourself in Houston’s beautiful natural waterways. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and en Español once a month at The Water Works.
• Website: Buffalo Bayou
• Date: July 16, 6:30 PM
• Venue: The Water Works, Buffalo Bayou Park
• Price: Free
• Email: info@buffalobayou.org
• Phone: (713) 752‑0314
12. Game Show Studio Houston
Step into the spotlight and compete in a real-life game show experience with your friends or coworkers. Hosted by a live MC, this interactive hour of trivia, challenges, and laughs is perfect for parties, date nights, or team-building events. No experience needed, just bring your energy and get ready to buzz in.
• Website: Game Show Studio
• Date: Ongoing daily
• Venue: Game Show Studio Houston
• Price: $35-$39 per person (group rates available)
• Email: houston@gameshowstudio.com
• Phone: (346) 843-0101
13. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Marvel at the iconic 64-foot-tall sculptural fountain that circulates 11,000 gallons of water per minute. Located in the heart of Uptown, this picturesque park is the perfect spot for a stroll, picnic, or photoshoot, especially refreshing on hot July afternoons. Whether you’re visiting solo or with family, it’s a serene escape in the middle of the city.
• Website: Uptown-Houston
• Date: Ongoing
• Venue: Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
• Price: Free
14. Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Tours
Descend into a mesmerizing underground world at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a former 1926 municipal water reservoir transformed into an awe-inspiring cultural venue. Guided tours reveal fascinating history, from its 87,500 sq ft size and 221 towering 25‑ft columns to its dramatic 17‑second echo, and showcase breathtaking art, architecture, and acoustics. The space is regularly host to performances, installations, and sound‑healing events that take full advantage of its cathedral‑like ambiance.
• Website: Buffalo Bayou
• Date: Ongoing
• Venue: The Cistern at The Water Works, Buffalo Bayou Park
• Price: Varies by tour
• Email: info@buffalobayou.org
• Phone: (713) 752‑0314
15. Firework Fridays at Kemah Boardwalk
Light up your Friday night with themed fireworks set to popular music, lighting up the sky over Galveston Bay. Enjoy live music in the plaza from early evening, grab a bite, then board the Beast or FantaSea cruise for a perfect waterfront show. It’s a festive summer staple with family fun and stunning views.
• Website: Kemah Boardwalk
• Date: Every Friday in June + July, 9:30
• Venue: Kemah Boardwalk
• Price: Starting at $40
• Phone: (281) 535-8100
No matter your vibe or budget, there are endless things to do in Houston in July 2025, from live music and family fun to underground art and skyline views. Keep exploring, stay cool, and make the most of everything this city has to offer. Check back weekly for more curated Houston highlights all summer long. While you’re exploring the city, make sure to check out these 25+ Best Cheap Eats in Houston.
More…
