While summer starts to wind down, we’re all looking for last-minute vacations and activities. August is a very busy month in Houston with the festivals, concerts and hotel packages to boot. Fill up your calendar and soak up the season with these fun activities.
What To Do In August
Discovery Days: Eco Explorers
Aug. 2
Enjoy a morning of nature discovery! Bring your family to the Houston Arboretum to explore interpretive trail hikes, learn about the wildlife and habitats, and enjoy adventure play in the Nature Playscape! Participants will learn to identify ways that organisms live and survive in their ecosystem by interacting with the living and non-living elements. Compare the physical characteristics of the woodland, savanna, prairie, and wetland habitats to determine how they support biological communities. Science is so fun and nature is too cool!
White Linen Night
Aug. 6
Since 2006, The Heights neighborhood has celebrated White Linen Night In The Heights! Visit the many wonderful independently owned stores, shops, restaurants and businesses in this quaint enclave of the city. As you browse up and down White Oak Drive, you’ll get to experience some of the best shops, artisans and entertainment that Houston has to offer. Plus, it’s always a fun night of mixing, mingling and a cocktail or two! Plan ahead for parking and transport.
Garth Brooks at NRG
Aug. 6
Garth Brooks is on a stadium tour and one of his upcoming stops is NRG. Electrifying, explosive and mesmerizing are words that describe a Garth Brooks concert. The country crooner is sure to play some of his amazing hits and usually there are some special guests in attendance. Plus, all within the air-conditioned comfort of NRG. Join 72,000 of your closest friends in low place where surely the whiskey drowns and beer chases your blues away.
Father John Misty and Suki Waterhouse
Aug. 11
Grammy-winning artist Father John Misty is on a 2022 tour across North America to support his next album 'Chloë and the Next 20th Century'. For his Houston leg of the tour, he’s stopping at the iconic White Oak Music Hall. Father John Misty, born Joshua Michael Tillman, is also well known for his time as drummer for acclaimed band Fleet Foxes. Joining Father John Misty on the tour will be a special guest Suki Waterhouse.
2022 Houston Reggae Fest
Aug. 13
Is there a better way to wind down the summer than with a reggae festival? Head to Hermann Square Park for the 5th Annual Houston Reggae Festival. There will be tons of fun activities, cultural opportunities and musical vibes, of course. This year the acclaimed festival will host national and local artists on three different stages! Some of the headliners include Gyptian, Kevin Lyttle, The Meditations, Jemere Morgan, DJ Maga Stories and more. Tickets are available, so be sure to grab yours.
Bun B’s Trill Burgers Pop-Ups
Aug 14 and 28
Coming off an epic victory on ABC’s "Good Morning America” on July 29, Bun B’s Trill Burgers is coming home to Houston to host two pop-ups where Houstonians can try the sought-after smashburgers. The first pop-up will be at 8th Wonder Brewery (2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003) on Sunday, Aug. 14, from 12-6 p.m. The second will be in front of Houston City Hall (901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002) in downtown Houston on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 3-7 p.m. Trill Burgers will offer its full menu including the OG Trill Burger, Grilled Onion Burger, Vegan Smashburger and seasoned fries, with burgers for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. Working in conjunction with the City of Houston, the city hall event promises a family-friendly environment with Trill Burgers complemented by some of Bun B’s favorite local food trucks. Kroger will be the Official Grocery Partner of the event. More information is to come regarding vendors and special entertainment.
Mean Girls at The Hobby Center
Aug. 16 – 21
In August, we wear pink, especially when we’re heading to see “Mean Girls” at The Hobby Center. Everyone’s favorite comedy with some new twists in musical form. Laughs on laughs are sure to be had with this new adaptation. You know the story, Cady Heron moves from Africa to suburban Illinois where she falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
“Bee Movie” Screening
Aug. 20
“Bee” there or “bee” square. Bring the whole family to celebrate National Honeybee Day at Buffalo Bayou Park. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is presenting Jerry Seinfeld’s “Bee Movie” to celebrate nature’s most important pollinators. The event is free and there will be plenty to do including bee-friendly crafts for kids, an observatory beehive to watch bees in action and a pop-up bee-inspired market. Tunes by a DJ will provide the perfect backdrop to do your bee waggle dance. As the night falls, settle in for the un-bee-leivable night!
Tycoon Houston Comedy Music Fest
Aug. 25
50 Cent, now a Houston resident, is hosting Tycoon Houston Comedy Music Fest on August 25 at the Toyota Center. This entertainment-packed event will feature comedians including B-Simone, Karlous Miller, Michael Blackson, Bill Bellamy, DC Young Fly, Jess Hilarious, Gary Owen, Lil Duval, and D’Lai. Fetty Wap, Flo Rida, Jacquees, Jeremih, Rotimi, and others will also be performing. Of course, the grand finale will be a live performance by 50 Cent.
La Zarzuela Vive Produced by Texas Medical Center Orchestra
Aug. 27
Head to Miller Outdoor Theatre where the award-winning Texas Medical Center Orchestra will perform La Zarzuela Vive, a Spanish lyric-dramatic genre incorporating operatic themes. Led by Artistic Director Libi Lebel, the orchestra will be joined by the International Voices Houston choir and feature Ricardo Garcia and Carmenchú Domínguez as soloists.This style originated in the baroque period in Spain and has been adopted in regions where Spain has wielded influence, particularly Cuba, Mexico, and the Philippines. It’s the perfect night for a beautiful cultural experience.
Where To Stay in August
Maybe it was “Schitt’s Creek” or maybe it was needing a break from the norm, but there are some amazing boutique hotels and motels in Houston. For a great option that is close to The Heights, especially if you’re going to White Linen Night, head to the Heights House Hotel. Further, one of the best parts of the hotel is the amazing on-site pool along with the Space Cowboy Bar & Lounge.
If you’re coming in town for Garth Brooks, the Blossom Hotel is a great option given its proximity to NRG. The hotel is minimalist with a lunar-inspired color palette, and plush textures, complemented by plenty of natural light. Plus, it’s pet friendly, has a rooftop pool and state-of-the-art fitness center. Enjoy another boutique experience with a high-end feel.