Southern Smoke Festival, Monster Jam, and More Fun Things in Houston This Month
Party like it’s 1599 at the Texas Renaissance Festival, and more fun things to do in Houston this October.
Blessed with the best of both worlds—a big, urban concrete jungle and an abundance of natural landscapes—Houston bursts with exciting things to do and thrilling places to explore. This massive city boasts museums, record stores, amazing restaurants and bars (hidden ones, too), vintage shops, luxurious spas, farmers markets, and much more.
Houstonians love the great outdoors, too. Running paths, lush hiking trails, nearby beaches—there’s a flavor of greenspace for every level of outdoorsy. Plus, the prettiest places in Houston are perfect for simply going outside to bask in nature.
For the sporty set, catch an Astros game at Minute Maid (and snap up a few food and drink recs before you go), or plan your visit to the rodeo. Food lovers are rarely if ever bored with dining options that range from beloved brunches to prime steakhouses to top-notch barbecue.
As for Houston events, you’re in the right place. Our monthly guide outlines all the entertainment you can’t miss in October 2023. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Houston, updated monthly.
Live Music in Houston
Foo Fighters
October 10, 7:30 pm
713 Music Hall, resale
Foo fans went into a frenzy when Dave Grohl and co. announced an upcoming stop in Houston just last month. In between the Grammy winning band’s weekend shows at Austin City Limits Music Festival, the more intimate experience is going down at one of Houston’s coolest live music venues, 713 Music Hall in the revamped Post Houston.
Chris Stapleton: All-American Road Show
October 13, 7 pm
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, $95 and up
Expect a show as smooth as Tennessee Whiskey from country music star Chris Stapleton, along with friends including talented singer-songwriter Nikki Lane and blues and country artist Charley Crockett.
Food & Drink Events in Houston
October 6–8
Karbach Brewery, Free
The final two weekends of Karbach Brewery’s annual Karbachtoberfest celebration continue this month, running Friday through Sunday and rocking fun from live music and wiener dog races to stein hoisting contests and keg racing. Plus, flowing Bavarian-style Marzen Karbachtoberfest brew.
October 5, 6–9 pm
Market Street, $75
Wine enthusiasts will want to hit Wine & Food Week’s all-inclusive wine walk, where (hopefully) cooler temperatures set the mood for a sip and stroll down The Woodlands’ Market Street. Expect over 50 wine tasting stations, 40+ craft beer selections, and a multitude of beverage displays alongside culinary delights from 35 area restaurants.
October 8, 3–6 pm
Julep, $5
Watch as Houston top chef’s see who’s got the best shuck in town at Southern cocktailery Julep’s annual oyster shucking competition. A $5 entry fee will be accepted at the door with proceeds donated to the winning chef's charity of choice.
October 13 & 14
King’s BierHaus, $20-$120
King’s BierHaus is always a damn good time, and that fact is exponentially true when it hosts its annual Oktoberfest. Breakout your finest lederhosen and dirndls for a weekend full of festive German music, flowing German biers, real deal Oktoberfest eats like Wursts, German Chocolate Cake, and 8-Hour Roasted Turkey Legs, and lively Oktoberfest style competitions. The Ceremonial Keg Tapping kicks off at 7:30 pm on Friday.
October 19, 6 pm
Post HTX, $175-$325
Houston’s first-ever RARE Steak Championship invites 24 Houston chefs to go head-to-head for the title of Top Steak. Expect high-quality cuts and paired cocktails from top area steakhouses and restaurants including Andiron, B&B Butchers, Blood Bros BBQ, Killen’s STQ, The Blind Goat, and more. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Blackwood Educational Land Institute and Post Houston’s Skyfarm.
October 18 & 19
Four Seasons Hotel (Friday), Discovery Green (Saturday), $175 and up
Supporting food and beverage industry professionals in need nationwide, homegrown nonprofit Southern Smoke Foundation hosts its annual Southern Smoke bash each fall. This year’s chef-heavy event rocks a truly all star roster of top talent from around the country (think folks like Chris Bianco, Nina Compton, Evelyn Garcia, and Aaron Franklin), kicking off with a Friday evening Respect the Rose collaborative tasting experience and following up with Saturday’s colossal The Throwdown event at Discovery Green.
October 21, 4–7 pm
The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park, $35–$75
Take down all the taco samples you can comfortably handle at this unlimited taco eating event. This year’s participants include Houston favorites like El Tiempo Cantina, Hughie’s Tavern, Tacodeli, and TJ Birria y Mas.
Arts & Theatre Performances in Houston
October 7, 2 pm
Smart Financial Centre, $40 and up
Get some screen-free time in and bring the kiddos to see Peppa live in action at a sing-along party complete with fan-favorite songs, dancing, and, a Peppa Pig standby, puddle jumping.
October 13–15, 20–22
A.D. Players at The George Theater, $69
The Royal Opera of Madrid has teamed up with experience creative Fever to bring touring flamenco dance show Authentic Flamenco back to Houston for a series of passionate theatrical performances. All ages are welcome.
October 17–29
Hobby Center, $40–$144
The “demon barber of Fleet Street” hits the Sarofim Hall stage for Stephen Sondheim’s killer run of Sweeney Todd. The eight-time Tony Award winning musical tells the dark tale of a barber turned madman and his sinister partnership with a not-so-innocent pie shop owner.
Special Events in Houston
October 7–November 26, 9 am–8 pm
Todd Mission, $10–$34
Folks are hereby invited to the best people-watching event in the Lone Star as the 49th annual Texas Renaissance Festival transforms its grounds into an enchanting 16th century English village complete with mythical creatures, king’s feasts, flowing mead, and debauchery. October’s themed weekends include Queen's Birthday Celebration (Oct. 7 & 8), 1001 Dreams (Oct. 14 & 15), Pirate Adventure (Oct. 21 & 22), and All Hallow’s Eve (Oct. 28 & 29). Weekends only, including Thanksgiving Friday.
October 7, 11 am–9 pm
Discovery Green, Free
Immerse yourself into Korean culture at this family-friendly festival, held at the gorgeous Discovery Green park in downtown. Expect vendors offering the best of Korean fare, performing arts and live music showcases (including K-Pop), pop-up market vendors, and more.
October 21, 6–10 pm
Discovery Green, free
Hunt through unique goods at nighttime pop-up market Flea by Night. In addition to local vendors, shoppers can enjoy live music, bites from local food trucks, and live music from New Orleans style–jazz group The Pew.
October 21, 6:30 pm
NRG Stadium, $20+
The monster truck tour slams into NRG Stadium, with a Pit Party pregame from 2 to 5 pm (passes required) and full throttle competition featuring trucks like Grave Digger driven by Adam Anderson, Bad Company driven by John Gordon, Shaker driven by Ryan Disharoon, and more.
Halloween Happenings in Houston
October 27, 6–10 pm
Discovery Green, Free
All ages (and dogs!) are invited to Discovery Green’s free Halloween fete, featuring costume contests in multiple categories, DJ beats and dance party, roaming performances by Cirque Olympus, and a moonlit screening of Hocus Pocus beginning at 7:30 pm.
Select dates through November 4
13th Floor Haunted House, $19.99 and up
Get the major heebie jeebies at hair-raising horror house 13th Floor, with attractions including the post-apocalyptic Deadlands, panic-inducing labyrinth The Rot Shot, and more. There’s also a horror themed bar if you need a little liquid courage.
All October
Color Factory, $29 and up
Make your next viral Tik Tok a spooky one with a trip to immersive art experience Color Factory’s Halloween themed transformation, open now through November 1 and featuring countless photo ops, a scavenger hunt and pumpkin patch, and treats including Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream from Aqua S.
All October
Rooftop Cinema Club, $19.75 and up
Outdoor theater experience Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown will be showcasing spooky season flicks, from slasher films to comedy horror, leading up to Halloween, when it’ll host a 21+ rooftop. Tickets are $45 and include a screening of classic horror film Halloween, music and photo booth before the show, a costume contest, bottomless popcorn, and one drink from the bar.
Health & Wellness Activities in Houston
October 7, 8 am
Sam Houston Park, $30–$45
Get your steps in and help the fight against breast cancer by registering and raising funds for this charitable Race For The Cure. Opening ceremonies and a memorial bird release start at 7:45 am,with the run/walk kicking off at 8 am before the post-race celebration taking place from 9:30 am to noon.
October 20, 8 pm
Discovery Green, Free
Turning Discovery Green into a meditative space, visual media and sound project “Shadow of Sounds” by local artist Ha Na Lee combines a healing live sound bath with contemplative abstract imaging. video projection of abstract and textual images based on sound frequency, amplitude and tone. Bring a yoga mat or blanket and get some much needed self-care.