Your Guide to January

JANUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 16, 2026

Bumper Cars return to the ice for an extended time! Grab the fam and head to Discovery Green for some pure fun. For $20, you’ll enjoy a 7-minute ride on Houston’s one and only outdoor ice-skating rink. Get your tickets now!

JANUARY 11, 2026

Chevron Houston Marathon Race Weekend offers excitement for every runner right in the heart of the Bayou City! Experience true Texas hospitality as the fourth-largest city in the nation cheers you on through 26.2 miles of the Chevron Houston Marathon, 13.1 miles of the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, or 3.1 miles of the We Are Houston 5K. Join us for the 54th running of the event in 2026, and what is sure to be an exciting weekend full of tradition and camaraderie.

View the schedule for the entire weekend here. Check out our Guide to the Chevron Houston Marathon here.

JANUARY 19, 2026

For the first time in 30 years, the city's two major parades will unite as one to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The joint effort further underscores the commitment to peace, purpose, and progress. This effort highlights the theme of Embracing the Oneness of Humanity. The 2026 MLK Unity Parade will be held on January 19, 2026, in Downtown Houston, originating on Lamar Street & Smith Street beginning @ 10:00 AM. Join the millions of Houstonians and visitors alike to celebrate the life of Dr. King and enjoy a day of promoting equality and unity.

JANUARY 9 - 10, 2026

Experience the action-packed final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy on the big screen as the Houston Symphony performs the legendary score by John Williams. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the galaxy adventures, this performance will leave you speechless. To add to the fun, costumes are encouraged!

JANUARY 16 - 17, 2026

Get ready to experience the comedic genius of Ali Wong on January 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Known for her hilarious and unapologetic stand-up comedy, Ali Wong is sure to leave you in stitches with her unique perspective on motherhood, relationships, and everyday life. Don't miss your chance to see Ali Wong live at 713 Music Hall – book your tickets now for a night of non-stop laughs and entertainment. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her comedy, this is an event you won't want to miss.

• January 18, 2026: Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans
• January 28, 2026: Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs
• January 31, 2026: Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Dunkstronaut makes a comeback this season! Cheer on the Houston Rockets when they hit the hardwood dawning the crisp, clean white H-Town City Edition uniforms. Get your tickets now!

JANUARY 24, 2026

Don’t miss the Astros Fan Fest on January 24 at Daikin Park from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM where you can see your favorite players, alumni, and broadcasters! The Astros Fan Fest is the official kickoff to the 2026 season and will be fun for the whole family. Enjoy photo opportunities, autograph sessions, the World Series Championship Trophies, games, and much more! Admission is only $2 with all proceeds benefiting the Astros Foundation. A limited number of tickets will be available, so get your tickets early!

JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 1, 2026

The critically acclaimed, bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.” After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train, unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age. Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling” production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.So, step right up to the “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety) at WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania).