Rebecca Deurlein

November is one of the best months of the year in Houston—temperatures have dropped, the humidity has lifted, the mosquitos are gone, and the best place to be is outside enjoying it all. Plus, it’s officially the holiday season, and that brings even more events, festivals, and activities to Houston’s already bustling social scene. The city boasts an impressive cultural hub that reflects Houston’s diversity, and it’s on full display in the fall. Whether you are a family looking for engaging activities for all ages or just a music lover seeking out the next great concert, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Houston this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in HoustonThe best restaurants in Houston

Houston is a Foodie City, something residents have known for years. But the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas—and the Michelin ceremony honoring the first recipients right here in Houston—has made it official. The prestigious Guide recognizes chefs who elevate the dining experience, and with the ever-expanding and creative food scene in Space City, the possibilities were endless. That’s because Houston’s diverse population is reflected in its cuisine—you’ll find everything here, with offerings running the gamut from food truck “street meat” to multi-course delicacies served alongside flaming cocktails.  Thankfully, you can judge for yourself. Whether you are searching for a steak so tender you can cut it with a butter knife or the ultimate chips and guacamole, here are our choices for the best restaurants in Houston. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Houston🏘️ The best Houston Airbnbs🏛 The best Houston attractions🇺🇸 The best hotels in Houston This article was written by Texas-based Rebecca Deurlein. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and it celebrates its melting pot reputation while staying true to its Texan roots. That means that yes, everything is bigger here, but you’ll also be met with small-town warmth and hospitality. Whether stepping into quirky museums or stepping it up to award-winning, fine dining restaurants, you’ll get the same, downhome Texan welcome Houston is known for. With 25 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality, you could spend a year exploring and still not see everything Houston has to offer. So take our advice and check out the best things to do in Houston on your journey through Space City (more on that below!). This guide was updated by Houston-based writer Rebecca Deurlein. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:  🍴The best restaurants in Houston🏠The best Houston Airbnbs🇺🇸The best hotels in Houston

Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Scottsdale may have gotten this Mexican steakhouse first, but everything’s bigger in Texas, and the new-to-Houston Toca Madera is proof of that. The 14,000-sq ft space manages to feel cozy and oh-so-chic with a dark wood interior, swanky booths that curve around trees, and sexy photos hung over a recessed fireplace. Everything here puts on a show: Drinks arrive in a dry ice haze or topped with a flickering blue flame. Guacamole, wagyu striploin, and truffle Manchego fries are so pretty you’ll need a photo before delving into the deliciousness. Music thumps from the DJ booth, fire dancers heat things up tableside, and performers stroll the restaurant, strumming guitars. Save room for Dama de los Muertos—crack the chocolate skull and you’ll find an even sweeter treasure inside.

This classy French bistro for ladies who lunch and anyone with an appetite for French food with flair has found its home at Autry Park. Look for the curvy, pink pickup truck overflowing with flowers, a bouquet arch above the door, and a dining room where a cornucopia of flora covers every inch of the ceiling. Don’t let the whimsical decor fool you – this is seriously delicious food, as rich as you would expect from the French tradition and so satisfying you’ll want to keep ordering. Start with the decadent baguette with raclette to accompany the buttery escargot, then opt for seared diver scallops with a side of grilled hen of the woods mushrooms. And say Oui! to the classic profiteroles drizzled with chocolate sauce.

If you love fantasy, art, and music, immerse yourself in this massive art installation with lots of nods to Houston and Texas. November marks its first month in Houston. Themed Radio Tave, the multisensory experience places you in a radio station in another dimension. You’ll explore dozens of rooms bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors that represent the talent of over 100 artists, half of whom hail from Texas.

Visit Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts for free every Thursday and see the only Gaugin in the World exhibition, opening November 3. Enjoy free admission at Houston Museum of Natural Science on Tuesdays from 5–8pm, and take the kids to the Children’s Museum any Thursday from 5–8 pm for free play. Or visit the animals at Houston Zoo—it’s free all day on the first Tuesday of every month. 

Winter sports are rarely an option this far south, but Discovery Green makes the impossible possible with its yearly—and highly popular—outdoor ice skating rink. The almost 7,800 sq. ft. rink is in the heart of downtown, so evening skaters and hot cocoa drinkers will be immersed in the glow of the Houston skyline.

Beginning November 1 and continuing every Friday, Candlelight Concerts bring melodies to venues across the city and feature music by top artists and pop culture icons like Adele, Beyonce, and the music of Bridgerton. Venues are beautiful and intimate, and each artist is represented with a twist that will give you a new appreciation for their talent. 

The second in a series that fuses talent and culture, this event offers a steamy night of soul, R&B, jazz, and funk. Presented by KTSU 90.9FM, the November show will feature vocalist BJ The Chicago Kid, female phenom Stout, and Grammy-winning drummer Chris Dave and The Drumhedz.

Now that the weather has cooled, it’s the perfect time to enjoy Houston from the river that runs through it. Bike alongside the current, kayak past Houston’s skyscrapers, or enjoy a romantic picnic dinner while watching the sun set over the water. It’s a whole different way to take in the city.

Your favorite movies–including those of the holiday variety–just got a whole lot more interesting. Make a cozy night of it with a bucket of popcorn under the stars and catch some of your favorite classics like Superbad and The Holiday and new releases like Wicked. The vibe is family-friendly, and the fun is old-school.

It’s a different take on an African safari, with giant animal replicas covered in colorful lights. Kids will love running from a platypus to a pelican, oohing and ahhing over their holiday cheer. Be sure to toast s’mores, and don’t miss the “flower” exhibits arrayed in lights. 

No holiday is complete without this Christmas classic and one that has become a cherished Houston tradition. Your ticket will transport everyone from kids to grandparents to the Kingdom of Sweets. Take it a toe-step further and grab your own sweets, along with a behind-the-scenes tour, with a VIP Experience ticket.

This unassuming restaurant in an Asiatown strip mall specializes in delicious Vietnamese street food from the central city of Hue. The family-run establishment’s friendly staff and very reasonable prices make this a destination-worthy spot despite the driving distance. Though it’s perfectly fine to dine alone or as part of a duo, bring a group to justify ordering the many delicious small plate options. Order the banh beo steamed rice cakes appetizer combo platter, including all three varieties of the house specialty cakes: banh nam, banh bot loc la, and banh beo. Pro tip: pick up a bag of pork floss for the road on your way out.