Mexico in the Heart, free concerts, family activities, Zoo Boo, and museum programs are part of the Friday to Sunday schedule.
Updated September 24, 2026.
HOUSTON, Texas — If you still don’t have plans for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, this guide gathers some of the major Houston events this weekend, with free options, family activities, and alternatives to celebrate the arrival of autumn.
The schedule for September 25 to 27 includes Latin music and dance at Discovery Green and Miller Outdoor Theatre, activities for kids at Levy Park and Rienzi, the start of Zoo Boo, and the Houston Pumpkin Festival.
Before heading out, it’s advisable to check the weather conditions and the official pages of each event. Some outdoor activities may change due to severe weather, while others have specific policies for rain.
Friday, September 25: Zoo Boo and Free Concert
Zoo Boo Begins at the Houston Zoo
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; extended hours until 9 p.m. on Friday the 25th.
Location: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive.
Cost: Included with general admission; free for members.
Zoo Boo kicks off this Friday with illuminated pumpkins, autumn decorations, activities for animals, and photo spaces. September 25 will also be the first night of extended hours and will feature a Wizard Night theme.
The last entry during the extended hours will be at 8 p.m. Visitors who are not members must reserve their tickets online.
Parking: There is free parking in Hermann Park, but spaces are limited. The zoo recommends considering METRORail, rideshare, or other nearby parking options.
If it rains: The Houston Zoo operates rain or shine, unless conditions pose a risk to visitors and staff. It does not offer refunds or “rain checks” for rain.
Check details on the official Zoo Boo page.
ROCO Presents “Eyes On The Horizon” at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive.
Cost: Free.
The ROCO chamber orchestra opens its season with Eyes On The Horizon, a concert that blends music, imagery, and new compositions. The program is designed for audiences of different ages and will last about 90 minutes.
Indoor seating requires a free ticket. Tickets are available online from 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, and there will also be a quantity available at the box office one hour before the show. To sit on the hill, no ticket is required.
Parking: Hermann Park lots A, C, F, G, and H offer free parking. The Houston Museum of Natural Science garage or METRORail can also be used.
If it rains: Miller Outdoor Theatre performances go on rain or shine.
Check ROCO details at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Houston Events This Weekend: Saturday 26
Mexico in the Heart and Flea by Night at Discovery Green
Hours: Flea by Night, 6 to 10 p.m.; Mexico in the Heart, 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Cost: Free.
More than 70 artists will participate in Mexico in the Heart, a showcase of music, mariachi, folkloric ballet, regional costumes, and Mexican traditions.
Only the first 1,700 people will be able to occupy the hill in front of the stage with a wristband issued on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be additional space on Jones Lawn with a screen to follow the performance.
That same Saturday, Flea by Night will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. with vendors, artisans, and Latin food. From 5 to 7 p.m. there will also be an alebrijes workshop; advance reservations have already closed, and additional participation will be available only while materials last.
Parking: Due to ongoing construction in the area, the Central Avenida Garage is closed to the public. Discovery Green recommends parking on the street when available, the Avenida North Garage at 701 Avenida de las Americas, or other downtown lots.
More information on the official Mexico in the Heart page.
Dia de la Hispanidad: Alma Latina
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive.
Cost: Free.
Another option to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month will be the 44th edition of Hispanic Day. The program Alma Latina will explore different genres and generations with music associated with artists such as Celia Cruz, Maná, and Karol G.
Free tickets for covered seating will be available from 10 a.m. on Friday the 25th. The hill will remain open without a ticket.
If it rains: Miller Outdoor Theatre continues performances rain or shine.
Check schedules and free tickets.
Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green
Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.
Cost: $28 per person Friday through Sunday; children 3 years old or younger enter free.
The Houston Pumpkin Festival continues this weekend with pumpkins, a carousel, boats, a 30-foot slide, a hay maze, and photo areas.
Rides and attractions are included with the ticket; food is sold separately.
If it rains: Those who purchase a weekend ticket and cannot attend due to rain can use it on another day during the festival season.
Check our Houston Pumpkin Festival 2026 guide for prices, attractions, and tips before you go.
Sunday 27: Family Activities and Museums
Family Day at Rienzi Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
Hours: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive.
Cost: Free.
Rienzi, the house museum of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, will host a family afternoon dedicated to Hispanic and Latin history and culture.
There will be art activities throughout the afternoon, self-guided tours, a flute performance from 2 to 3 p.m., a guided Spanish-language tour from 3 to 4 p.m., and a violin performance from 4 to 5 p.m.
Parking at Rienzi is free, though space may be limited during special programs.
Check Rienzi’s Family Day schedule.
Houston Museum of Natural Science Comes to Levy Park
Hours: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St.
Cost: Free.
Houston Museum of Natural Science specialists will bring specimens and objects from the museum’s collection to Levy Park’s Event Pavilion for an educational activity open to the public.
It is one of the free family options among the Houston events this weekend and does not require purchasing the museum’s regular admission.
Parking: There is parking beside the park and on Eastside Street and Wakeforest Avenue. Paid parking is also available in the Kirby Grove parking garage.
Check Levy Park’s calendar.
What to Check Before Heading Out This Weekend
For events at Hermann Park, arriving early can ease parking. Miller Outdoor Theatre and the Houston Zoo are also accessible via METRORail.
In Downtown Houston, those going to Discovery Green should note that the Central Avenida Garage is temporarily closed to the public. The park recommends checking parking options before arriving.
Rain policies vary by event. Miller Outdoor Theatre and the Houston Zoo operate rain or shine, while the Houston Pumpkin Festival allows weekend tickets to be used on another day if rain prevents attendance.
Schedules can change, so it’s advisable to check the official page of each event before heading out.
