As summer winds down and temperatures peak, Houston comes alive with evening events perfect for escaping the daytime heat. From captivating theater performances and culinary festivals to thrilling concerts, August offers a mix of culture and excitement under the stars. For those brave enough to face the daytime heat, there are some engaging daytime events to enjoy as well. Here’s your guide to the top events happening in Houston this month.
Celebrate the 50th season of the Houston Shakespeare Festival with a night under the stars at Miller Outdoor Theatre. August 1-10 features alternating performances of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Arrive early for Bard Talks at 7:45 pm to gain insights into the play and its themes. The festival’s free performances draw over 475,000 people annually, making it a staple of Houston’s cultural scene.
Ask any Houstonian what the best thing about Houston is, and they will say it’s the food. In August, we beat the heat by staying out of the kitchen. Houston’s food scene is renowned for its diversity, and Houston Restaurant Weeks is the perfect time to explore it. This month-long event allows food lovers to indulge in special prix fixe menus at the city’s top restaurants. Participating venues donate a portion of their proceeds to the Houston Food Bank, so you can enjoy delicious meals while supporting a great cause. HRW lasts from August 1 through September 2.
Check out Lodgeur’s restaurant picks for pretty restaurants, Midtown brunch, and downtown bites.
If you’re looking to work off some of Houston’s amazing food, the Watermelon Dash on August 10 is a great option. The 5th annual Watermelon Dash, part of the Summer Dash Series, which also includes the Lemonade Dash and Popsicle Dash. This family-friendly event features 5K and 10K distances, perfect for staying fit and refreshed in the summer heat. It starts from Karbach Brewing Co., so you can cool off with a local brew after the race.
For indoor fun, try Anime Matsuri from August 10-13 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Anime Matsuri is an annual anime and Japanese pop culture convention hosted in Houston, Texas. It celebrates anime, music, art, and more, featuring a variety of concerts and main events, along with a huge exhibitor area boasting over 300 artists and 200 exhibitors. This event is designed for the entire family but does include some adult-only content clearly marked as ‘Strictly 18+’. Most events are included in the badge price, though some may require additional fees. (Learn why you should book that GRB stay with Lodgeur.)
Planning ahead? Check out September’s events and celebrations.
