10 fun things to do in Houston on Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a time for reflection, but the holiday weekend is also the perfect time to enjoy fun activities with friends and family. From the parks to the performances, check out our list of some great ways to spend your Memorial Day weekend.

What to do for Memorial Day in Houston

1. Attend the Astros vs. Orioles game

What better way to celebrate America than with baseball? The Houston Astros will be playing the Baltimore Orioles all Memorial Day weekend long, right here at Minute Maid Park. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a sports newbie, you won’t want to miss these games—there’s a reason that ESPN just named the Astros “the most fun-to-watch team in baseball.”

When: May 26 at 5:10pm, May 27 at 4:15pm, May 28 at 11:10am
Where: 501 Crawford St

2. Catch “Dancin’ in the Street” at the Miller Outdoor Theatre

Houston’s favorite soul music event is back for its 22nd year. Relive the soul-stopping sounds of classic Motown with Dancin’ in the Street… Motown & More Revue at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, conveniently located in Hermann Park. The performance is free, so bring the whole family!

When: May 27, 8:15pm
Where: 6000 Hermann Park Dr

3. Bike through Hermann Park

One of Houston’s most visited public parks, Hermann Park stretches across 445 acres in the Museum District. Enjoy the warm weather as you zip between the Sam Houston statue, Museum of Natural Science, Reflecting Pool, and the many other attractions on-site. If you don’t have a bike of your own, rentals are available on arrival.

When: May 26-29
Where: 6001 Fannin St

4. Visit Waugh Drive Bat Bridge

Bats get a bad rap sometimes, but they do a lot to control mosquitoes and other nasty pests. If you’ve never watched a bat colony emerging to hunt, you’re missing out on one of the animal kingdom’s most incredible sights. The bats at the Waugh Drive colony usually come out in force at around dusk, but the time really does vary day-to-day, so get here early if you don’t want to miss them.

When: May 26-29
Where: Waugh Dr

5. Kayak on Buffalo Bayou

Buffalo Bayou flows through Houston like an artery, supporting the city’s development for nearly 200 years. It’s also a fairly slow-moving river, making it easy for kayakers of any skill level to have a great time on the water. Rent a kayak at the riverbank or bring your own and discover the sights of Houston from a new angle.

When: May 26-29
Where: Buffalo Bayou

6. Grill at Memorial Park

One of the largest urban parks in the country, Memorial Park stretches across nearly 1,500 acres of woods and meadows in Houston’s city center. Enjoy a classic Memorial Day experience as you grill up some burgers and corn in the warm Texas sun. Between hiking, swimming, cycling, and the many sports fields and facilities, there’s plenty of opportunity to work up an appetite beforehand.

When: May 26-29
Where: Memorial Park (the park is open from 6am-11pm daily)

7. Houston Dash vs. Seattle Reign game

Houston’s premier women’s soccer club is just a few years old, but they’re quickly finding their footing and racking up a devoted fan base. The Houston Dash will be playing against bitter rivals Seattle Reign at BBVA Compass Stadium on the afternoon of Saturday, May 27 in a matchup you won’t want to miss.

When: May 27, 1pm
Where: 2200 Texas Ave

8. 10th Annual World Yuanji Day in Sugar Land

Celebrate the millennium-old heritage of Yuanji Dance at the 10th Annual World Yuanji Day in nearby Sugar Land, TX. Yuanji combines traditional Chinese dance with movements taken from Tai Chi and kung fu. Join in on the fun yourself—it’s a really remarkable experience, and just a short ride away!

When: May 27, 6:30-9:30pm
Where: 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land

9. See a musical at Hobby Center

With its rich, iconic design and convenient downtown location, Houston’s state-of-the-art Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is the place to be for musical theatre. This year, you can catch performances of the Broadway hit Fun Home, playing all weekend long (though note that the theatre is closed on Memorial Day itself).

When: May 26-29 – see showtimes here
Where: 800 Bagby St

10. Relax on the patio at Axelrad Beer Garden

Axelrad may be relatively new in town, but they’ve sure hit the ground running. Quickly becoming one of Houston’s most popular nightlife destinations, Axelrad is all about community relaxation. With 31 beers on tap, plus bottled brews and wine, plenty of pizza, and Houston’s only hammock grove, you owe it to yourself to visit.

When: May 26-29
Where: 1517 Alabama St

This Memorial Day, make some new memories that will last a lifetime as you explore Houston’s finest destinations.