Your Guide to April

APRIL 1 - April 30

Hermann Park Conservancy, with the support of a lead gift from the Dunwoody Foundation, presents The Great Elephant Migration—a month-long daily public art installation featuring 100 life-sized sculptures of Indian elephants made from dried lantana plants. Houston is the fourth stop on this traveling installation's global journey, featuring the largest tusker the herd has ever had on display. Check out the herds at Hermann Park for free during the park’s operating hours (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.). The majority of herds will be located in the Park’s newest destination, the Commons, with additional herds at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and in the Texas Medical Center.

APRIL 1

Play ball! The Houston Astros take the field at Daikin Park on April 1 at 7:10 p.m. when they face off against the San Francisco Giants. What could possibly make cheering for the home team even better? Dollar Dog Night! Load up on some ballpark classics or visit the various concession options throughout the park. This game will also serve as Autism Awareness Night, making for a perfect evening to celebrate the ‘Stros and gather as a community. Plan your Astros experience here.

APRIL 3 - APRIL 6

The Riot Comedy Festival returns for its third year from April 3 - April 6.  The festival will include more than 30 shows across four stages, over 50 performers, and big name headliners. Talent for the festival includes in part Chris Redd, Sam Tallent, Hans Kim, Chad & JT, Catherine Blanford, Fiona Cauley, Alec Flynn, Wolves of Glendale, Andre Kim, and more. Exclusive parties and the festival’s inaugural all-you-can-eat Riot BBQ Cook Off Competition with special guest Meat Dave will be held on the lawn of the Gordy Theatre on Saturday, April 5. Weekend passes and individual tickets are available for purchase here.

APRIL 5

Enjoy the great outdoors at The Menil Collection for the Houston landmark’s free Neighborhood Community Day! Spend an afternoon of art, music, poetry, and family activities in celebration of the museum’s vibrant neighborhood and the 30th anniversary of the Cy Twombly Gallery. With a number of participating organizations including DACAMERA, Houston Center for Photography, Inprint, and more, the day is stacked with engaging events and entertainment. Poetry readings, jazz performances, watercolor demos and more await!

APRIL 9

So, if you care to find her, look to the Theater District! Since bursting onto the West End and Broadway stages in The Color Purple, Cynthia Erivo has taken the world by storm, recently starring as Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda in Universal’s record-breaking film adaptation of the hit musical WICKED. Now, Erivo brings her gravity-defying voice to Jones Hall for a one-night-only special performance. Hear her perform powerful works from The Color Purple, Harriet, and, of course, Wicked, backed by the full Houston Symphony.

APRIL 10 - APRIL 13

Crowds will gather in Downtown Houston for the 38th Annual Houston Art Car Parade & Festival! The oldest and largest festival of its type in the world takes over Houston April 10-13 with plenty of ways for people of all ages to enjoy. The festivities, including The Legendary Art Car Ball and Lineup Party, all lead up to The Orange Show's Houston Art Car Parade featuring over 250 mobile masterpieces designed and created by artists, individuals, schools, non-profits, corporations and anyone with a dream and a set of wheels. With children’s activities and VIP opportunities throughout the days-long celebration, the celebration concludes with the Art Car Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 13. View more details in our blog post here.

APRIL 12

Tacos, tequilas, and throwbacks! Grab your crew and enjoy a night out at Sam Houston Race Park with your favorite throwback artists, while chowing down on Houston’s best chef-inspired taco vendors throughout the festival. Artists slated to perform include T.I., Lil Jon, Chingy, Houston’s own Paul Wall, Mike Jones, and more! Nothing pairs better with amazing music and delicious tacos than delicious margaritas and tequila. Lucha libre wrestling, an exotic car showcase, a chihuahua beauty pageant, a salsa & queso competition, and even more all take place throughout the festival.

APRIL 16 - APRIL 27

Looking for “A Soft Place to Land” this month? Check out Waitress created by Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) in collaboration with The 5th Avenue Theatre. This brand-new production brings the heartwarming musical about Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress in an abusive relationship with her husband, Earl, to life. After Jenna unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she begins an affair with her doctor, Dr. James (Jim) Pomatter. Looking for ways out of her troubles, she sees a pie baking contest and its grand prize as her chance. Featuring music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, the musical is based on the 2007 film of the same name. Get tickets here.

 APRIL 23

Fresh off their historic Super Bowl Halftime performance, Kendrick Lamar and SZA are taking the show on the road, with a stop in Houston on April 23! The Grand National Tour takes over NRG Stadium with the “All of the Stars” collaborators and tour co-headliners treating fans to their biggest hits. From the big screen, having starred in One of Them Days, to the stage, SZA will bring her trademark talent and biggest hits to audiences. Meanwhile, after sweeping at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Lamar continues his streak of wins and Houstonians can join in on the celebration. Get your tickets here.

 APRIL 25 - JUNE 1

A witty Texas fable, Das Barbecü, rides into Stages for an uproariously good time! The local theatre is set to present the foot-stompin’, knee-slappin’ musical comedy April 25 to June 1. In a whirlwind of comedic antics, five incredible actors transform into over 30 outrageous characters at breakneck speed—from feuding families and heroic cowboys to mismatched lovers and synchronized-swimming river maidens. A musical mashup of Broadway standards and twangy country will delight audiences with show-stopping numbers like “Hog-Tie Your Man,” “Barbecue for Two,” and “Makin’ Guacamole.” Keep the rodeo vibes going in April with lassos, long-neck beers, fringed leather and steel guitars at Das Barbecü!

Thompson Houston opened its doors in February 2024 and has quickly become one of the top destinations for visitors to enjoy a luxurious stay, as well as locals who are looking to meet, connect, and celebrate. The 36-story architectural marvel in scenic Buffalo Bayou Park features personalized hospitality, originally designed rooms, outstanding culinary options, a full-service spa and one of the city’s largest rooftop pool decks. Positioned within walking distance to coffee shops, bars, restaurants and more, Thompson Houston is also within close proximity to Montrose, the Museum District, The Heights, Downtown, and River Oaks, which are all a short drive away. Book your stay and enjoy the lap of luxury in H-Town! More details here.