Looking for free things to do in Houston this October 2025? From festive fall festivals to family-friendly activities, live music, and Halloween fun, our guide has everything you need to make the most of the month without spending a dime.
Join the Mid Main First Thursday block party on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Houston’s Midtown. Celebrate local businesses, artists, and musicians with art shows, craft workshops, DJs, live music, and the Winbern Street Market.
Location: The Continental Club, 3700 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Date & Time: Thursday, October 2 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m.
Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s – The Menil Collection, Houston
Explore the innovative textile art of Robert Rauschenberg at The Menil Collection. The exhibition, running now through March 1, 2026, features works from the 1970s, highlighting the artist’s creative use of fabrics like silk, lace, cheesecloth, and drop cloths.
This centennial exhibition includes loans from major museums and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, offering a unique look at how Rauschenberg pushed the boundaries of art and life.
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Location: The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross Street, Houston, TX 77006
Opening Reception: Moody Project Wall – Guadalupe Hernandez
Celebrate the fall 2025 Moody Project Wall at the Moody Center for the Arts with the work of Guadalupe Hernandez. The opening reception on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. includes remarks from the artist, tamales, Mexican hot chocolate, and a look at the collaborative papel picado elements created by Rice students.
Location: Moody Center for the Arts, 6100 Main St., MS-480, Houston, TX 77005
Date & Time: Friday, October 3 | 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Beats on the Bayou – East River, Houston
Enjoy an evening of live music at Beats on the Bayou, a family-friendly concert series along the waterfront at The Bayou Park. The October show takes place on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring DJ Anarchy, Dria Thornton with DJ Gabriel Cosby, and The Vibes.
Location: The Bayou Park, 2920 Riverby Rd., Houston, TX 77020
Date & Time: Friday, October 3 | 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Cy-Fest 2025 – Cypress
Celebrate community and fall fun at Cy-Fest 2025 at Lone Star College-CyFair on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy food trucks, bounce houses, a pumpkin patch, live DJs, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Free parking makes it easy to join the fun!
Location: Lone Star College-CyFair, 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX 77433
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Start your Saturday with Coffee and Cars at POST, a monthly car show featuring 100 luxury and exotic vehicles. Join on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the East Parking Lot. All car enthusiasts are welcome to showcase their own vehicles in the open section.
Location: POST, 401 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77201
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4 | 9 a.m.–11 a.m.
Start your Saturday with Hatha Yoga at Discovery Green, a free weekly class led by Andria Dugas. This basic vinyasa yoga session helps improve awareness and build a strong, healthy body. Classes take place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. through November 15, 2025.
Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
Date & Time: Saturdays | 9 a.m.–10 a.m.
9th Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival – Downtown Houston
Celebrate the vibrant culture of Nigeria right here in Houston. The 9th Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade & Festival brings an exciting day of music, dance, food, and fun to Root Memorial Square on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.).
Kick off the day with a lively parade starting at 10 a.m., followed by a festival full of performances, contests, and a colorful marketplace. Highlights include masquerade performances, an Afrobeat dance challenge, traditional shows, cultural contests, giveaways, and delicious Nigerian cuisine.
All ages are welcome, and the best part? It’s free to attend. You can even win free tickets to the Houston Rockets’ Nigerian Heritage Night and enter raffles for other prizes.
Bring your friends and family, soak in the culture, and enjoy an unforgettable day in Houston—no passport needed.
Location: Root Memorial Square, 1400 Clay Street, Houston, TX 77002
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Poder Hispano Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at POST Houston. This family-friendly event highlights Houston’s Latino community with interactive booths, kids’ cultural arts activities, live music and folkloric performances, Latin American cuisine, local vendors, and a free tango class.
Location: POST Houston, 401 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77201
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4 | 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
Hands-on Houston: Mini Basket Weaving
Try your hand at mini basket weaving at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn from teaching artist Molly Koehn and get inspired by the colorful baskets on display in CraftTexas 2025. This free, drop-in event is open to all ages, and materials are provided.
Location: Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Films on the Green: Beauty and the Beast
Enjoy a classic outdoor film at The Menil Collection with Beauty and the Beast (1946) on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. This French-language screening with English subtitles is part of Villa Albertine’s Films on the Green series and includes the AI short To Wonderland by Matthieu Grambert.
Location: The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross Street, Houston, TX 77006
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4 | 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
Farmers Market on Navigation
Visit the Esplanade at Navigation Market every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a vibrant farmers market experience. Enjoy fresh produce, locally made foods, dairy products, and unique handcrafted items in Houston’s historic East End, just in front of the original Ninfa’s Restaurant.
Location: 2600 Navigation, Houston, TX 77003
Date & Time: Sundays | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Asia Society Texas Center on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event features hands-on crafts like lantern-making and playdough mooncakes, a festive scavenger hunt, live performances, a fashion show, and poetry readings, all highlighting the holiday’s rich traditions.
Location: Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Boulevard, Houston, TX 77004
Date & Time: Sunday, October 5 | 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Fitbreak: Hip-Hop Dance Fitness – Houston
Get moving at Fitbreak, a free hip-hop dance fitness class led by world-renowned break dancer Jeffrey Louis. Join every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Market Square Park to build strength, burn calories, and learn fun dance moves. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
Location: Market Square Park, 301 Milam, Houston, TX 77002
Date & Time: Tuesdays | 7 p.m.–8 p.m.
Walking Tour of Houston: History, Architecture, Street Art
Discover Houston on a two-hour walking tour exploring the Historic District, Art Deco architecture, and downtown street art. Tours are available Saturdays and Sundays, including Sunday, October 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This free, tip-based tour is open to all, and advanced registration is required.
Location: Walking Tours Houston, 910 Prairie St, Ste 100, Houston, TX 77002
Date & Time: Saturdays & Sundays | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Celebrate Korean culture at Discovery Green on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival features K-Pop performances, traditional music and dance, taekwondo showcases, Korean food, interactive cultural exhibits, and local vendors.
Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
Date & Time: Saturday, October 11 & Sunday, October 12 | 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at Circle Around the Moon 2025 in Katy Asian Town on Saturday, October 11 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, October 12 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy live music, dance performances, cultural games, global street food, desserts, mooncakes, lanterns, lion dance, kid-friendly activities, and raffle prizes. Families can participate in hands-on cultural activities and earn chances to win prizes.
Location: Katy Asian Town, 22541 Grand Circle Boulevard, Katy, Houston, TX 77450
Date & Time: Saturday, October 11 | 2 p.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday, October 12 | 2 p.m.–9 p.m.
Films on the Green: 8 Women
Enjoy an outdoor French film screening of 8 Women (2002) at Rienzi on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Part of Villa Albertine’s Films on the Green series, the screening includes the AI short Jamais Nansa Souvenirs. The film features an all-star cast in a black comedy musical mystery about a wealthy industrialist’s murder and the eight women who could be responsible.
Location: Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77019
Date & Time: Saturday, October 11 | 7:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
Pilates on the Skylawn
Join Pilates on the Skylawn at POST Houston on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Bring your mat, towel, and water bottle for a free mid-morning workout on the lawn.
Location: POST Houston, 401 Franklin St., Houston, TX 77201
Date & Time: Sunday, October 12 | 11 a.m.–11:50 a.m.
Admission: Free
Experience Houston’s street art scene at the Spray City Walls Graffiti Battle at Bad Astronaut Brewery. Join on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for live mural painting, craft brews, local vendors, and live music. This free monthly event is a high-energy celebration of creativity and culture.
Location: Bad Astronaut Brewery, 1519 Fulton St., Houston, TX 77009
Date & Time: Friday, October 17 | 8 p.m.–11 p.m.
BLCK Market
Support Black-owned businesses at BLCK Market in East River on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore clothing, art, candles, skincare, books, and more, while enjoying live DJs, live music, and food trucks. This monthly market celebrates entrepreneurs and artisans in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Location: East River, 2920 Riverby Rd., Houston, TX 77020
Date & Time: Saturday, October 18 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Celebrate West African culture at IgboFest Houston on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Discovery Green. Enjoy live performances, traditional and contemporary Igbo dances, and educational cultural experiences from performers across the U.S. and Nigeria. This free event is a lively way to learn about and experience Igbo heritage.
Location: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
Date & Time: Saturday, October 18 | 3 p.m.–10 p.m.
Celebrate street art and culture at the Buffalo Bayou Mural Festival in Houston’s 2nd Ward on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19, starting at 11 a.m. Enjoy over 50 local and international murals, a vendor market, lowrider car show, live DJs, and lucha libre wrestling on the final day. This free festival brings together art, music, and community in a vibrant setting.
Location: 2600 Commerce St., Houston, TX 77003
Date & Time: Saturday, October 18 – Sunday, October 19 | Starts 11 a.m.
Super Saturday: Celebration of Korean Dance and Culture
Celebrate Korean culture at Asia Society Texas Center on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy traditional music and dance performances by Han Narea and Salmunori Newdot, along with family-friendly activities and complimentary access to the Explore Asia exhibition. This free event is perfect for audiences of all ages.
Location: Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Boulevard, Houston, TX 77004
Date & Time: Saturday, October 18 | 1:30 p.m.–4 p.m.
The Cultural Society – Live Orchestra Hip-Hop – Houston
Experience hip-hop like never before at The Cultural Society on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at East River. Enjoy live orchestra performances that blend orchestral music with hip-hop hits, creating a dynamic and cinematic musical experience.
Location: East River, 2920 Riverby Rd., Houston, TX 77020
Date & Time: Saturday, October 18 | 5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Celebrate family fun at KBR Kids Day in Buffalo Bayou Park on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy hands-on activities, games, and entertainment for children of all ages as the community comes together to mark the 10-year anniversary of Buffalo Bayou Park.
Location: Buffalo Bayou, 105 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007
Date & Time: Sunday, October 19 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Lecture: How Do Craft Museums Make History?
Join craft scholar Namita Gupta Wiggers at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a free lecture exploring how craft exhibitions shape history. Learn from Wiggers’ insights on curatorial practice, institutional changes, and the evolution of contemporary craft in the U.S.
Location: Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25 | 3 p.m.–4 p.m.
Scream on the Green – Discovery Green
Enjoy a spooky evening at Scream on the Green, Discovery Green’s annual Halloween celebration. Join in on costume contests, living sculptures, palm readers, games, music, and more on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The night also includes a screening of Beetlejuice starting at 7 p.m. Costume contest participants must pre-register, so check back for details.
Location: Discovery Green, Houston, TX
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25 | 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
2nd Annual Mystical Parade of Boo
Experience Halloween magic at the Mystical Parade of Boo in Galveston’s Historic Strand District on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy lanterns, music, costumed performers, marching bands, and candy in a family-friendly parade that brings spooky fun to life.
Location: 2100 Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25 | 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween and maritime fun at Boo on the Bayou hosted by the Houston Maritime Center & Museum on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a kids’ costume contest, bouncy ship, face painting, balloon art, Kona Ice, fire trucks, Coast Guard boats, and interactive exhibits. Free entry includes access to the museum’s new exhibits and Downtown Houston views.
Location: Houston Maritime Center & Museum, 2940 Riverby Rd., Suite 200, Houston, TX 77020
Date & Time: Sunday, October 26 | 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
