April has arrived, spring is in full force and Houston is buzzing with activities. You’ll find festivals, concerts, performing arts, cars transformed into art pieces, and opportunities to get outside. Start planning your month with our guide of things to do in Houston in April.
Latino Art Now Conference: Sight Lines and Time Frames
Join artists, art professionals, educators, scholars, and others at the 6th LAN! Conference, the centerpiece of Latino Art Now’s four-month celebration of Latino art in Houston. The conference, which takes place from April 4 to 6 at the University of Houston, is a great opportunity to engage in conversations about the creation and dissemination of Latino art.
32nd Annual Houston Art Car Parade
Don’t miss the chance to see some 250 mobile masterpieces drive along the streets of downtown during the 32nd Annual Houston Art Car Parade. This Houston tradition, powered by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, showcases the creativity of artists, schools, and non-profits who transform cars into works of art. The parade on April 13 is the highlight of a weekend jam-packed with events including previews, the Art Car Ball, and an awards ceremony.
Enjoy a Festival
Houston is home to food, cultural and art festivals all year round. In April, get your stretchy pants ready and prepare to eat the best barbecue the city has to offer at the 7th Annual Houston Barbecue Festival on April 14. On April 13, immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Japan Festival Houston. Watch dance, martial arts, and musical performances, get a taste of Japanese cuisine, learn how Ikebana flower arrangements are made, experience a tea ceremony, and more.
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Spring Spectacular
The Houston Ballet is hosting a spring edition of its popular holiday market from April 12 to 14. At the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Spring Spectacular, you’ll find 160 vendors from all over the country, showcasing gifts, gourmet food, home decor items, and summer apparel and accessories. It’s like Christmas in the spring!
Dance Salad 2019
Witness dancing at the highest professional levels during this three-day festival that showcases choreographers and dancers from around the world across various dance disciplines. This year’s Dance Salad, from April 18 to 20, returns to the Wortham Theatre Center bringing dancers from renowned companies like the New York City Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet.
Cigna Sunday Streets - Midtown
The weather is nice, so get off the couch, grab your bike and go to Cigna Sunday Streets in Midtown on April 28. This initiative closes stretches of streets typically reserved for cars and opens them to cyclists and pedestrians. Its goal is to encourage Houstonians to be physically active. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon with your family and friends? It sure beats the couch.
The Rolling Stones ‘No Filter’ U.S. Stadium Tour
There’s no question that in April, this is the concert to go to. Don’t miss the Stones performing their iconic hits live at NRG Center on April 28 as part of their ‘No Filter’ U.S. Stadium Tour.
Take a look at our Events calendar for more ideas of things to do in April.