Houston's Ultimate 2023 Summer Bucket List (2023)

Summer is here, Houston, and that means longer days under the Texas sun, outdoor concerts and movies, rooftop happy hours, and much more. We've rounded up the ultimate bucket list of must-do events and activities in Houston that will have you living your best life this summer.

20 Must-Do Activities in Houston This Summer

Ride a Pedal Boat at the Hermann Park Conservancy

What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than putzing around the pond at beautiful Hermann Park? Grab your friends (and maybe a sandwich) and get a little exercise while taking in the views.

Where:6102 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX
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Catch Movies, Concerts, Games, and More at Market Square Park

There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Market Square Park in the summertime. From outdoor movies to craft fairs to concerts to farmer’s markets, there’s really something for everyone in this historic location!

Where: 301 Milam St., Houston, Texas
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Have a Beach Day at Galveston Island State Park

Get out of the city and into the sunshine at Galveston Island State Park! Every nature lover and outdoor enthusiast can find their favorite activity here, including kayaking, swimming, hiking, fishing, and much, much more.

Where:14901 FM3005 Galveston, TX
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Go to an Immersive Alice in Wonderland Tea Party

For a limited time this summer, you can come along on a 90-minute topsy-turvy journey into the magical realm of Wonderland! This theatrical, alternate reality experience will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass, where you'll create two bespoke cocktails, solve riddles and challenges, indulge in treats, and more.

Where:ARMAHS: 18201 Egret Bay Blvd Ste B, Houston, TX
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Dine at a Lagoonside Restaurant

Blue Lagoon Bar & Grill is a literal oasis in Texas. Just a short drive from the city, you can enjoy upscale dining, a full-service bar, a diverse menu, and gorgeous views of a crystal-clear lagoon. You can even reserve a private, shaded cabana or enjoy your wine and charcuterie on a floating cabana in the lagoon!

Where:
Texas City: 12930 Crystal View Blvd, Texas City, TX
Humble: 15808 Crystal Terrace Dr, Humble, TX
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Celebrate Pride

Kick off Pride Month with the Pride Market, a Biergarten Party Extravaganza on June 24. Enjoy DJs, food trucks, performances, giveaways, games, contests, and more! Plus, 25+ vendors and exhibitors showcasing apparel, food, services, or organization to the Houston Pride community.

The 45th Annual Official HoustonPride Parade will take place downtown at Houston City Hall on June 24 and kicks off at 7 pm. Both events are free to attend and open to the public!

Where: Various locations. Check the website for specific event details.
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Go Out for Happy Hour at One of Houston's Outdoor Patios

Happy Hour is always a good idea, but something about enjoying discounted drinks on an outdoor patio on a summer Friday hits different. Luckily, Houston is home to lots of good spots.

We recommendLoro for smoked meats, boozy slushees, and chill vibes (plus a kid- and dog-friendly patio!), Rainbow Lodge for a sophisticated spot on the banks of White Oak Bayou, and La Lucha for oysters and fresh Gulf seafood bites alongside cold beer and cocktails.

Where: Various locations.

Game Out at an Arcade Bar

For days when you need a reprieve from the heat or an escape from a Texas thunderstorm, take cover at Cidercade. If you love arcade games, you’ll be in heaven here. This East End hotspot has over 275 of them and some very tasty drinks—plus, you can bring your own food!

Where:2320 Canal St. Houston TX
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Cool Off With a Cone from Bae & Co.

Who needs a bae when you have Bae? These photogenic soft serves are almost too pretty to eat, but we have a feeling once you’re done braving the Texas sun, nothing’s going to stop you from cooling down with a cone (no matter how pretty it is).

Where:9798 Bellaire Blvd Suite A, Houston, TX
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See a Free Performance at Miller Theater

Miller Outdoor Theater will host outdoor concerts and performances all summer long again this year! Performances are free, and no reservations are required for seating on the hill. Swing by on July 15 to celebrate the Theater's 100th Anniversary and enjoy a fantastic performance along with pre-show activities and events.

Where:6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
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Take a Cake Decorating Class (with Champagne)

School may be out, but that doesn't mean you can't do some learning this summer. Join Cake Classes HTX hosted by The Flour Petal Bakery for the most special brunch or happy hour and mini cake class! This will be the sweetest experience ever, with a lesson on decorating a four-inch vanilla cake while sipping on wine or mimosas!

Where:Majestic Oaks Wedding Venue Ballroom: 20125 Cedar Ln, Tomball, TX
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Attend Hot Summer Nights

The hottest way to spend a summer night in Houston? Attend Hot Summer Nights, obviously (sorry, we had to). Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning icons TLC and Shaggy are joining forces to bring decades of their most beloved hits to Texas this year with the Hot Summer Nights Tour 2023. The star-studded tour will also feature performances from special guests En Vogue and Sean Kingston. Catch it on July 1 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion!

Where:The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman: 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., Woodlands, TX
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Take a Day Trip to Kemah Boardwalk

Turn an ordinary day into a mini-vacation by making the drive to Kemah Boardwalk! See the sights, ride the rides, and grab a delicious snack or two (or three). You'll come home at the end of the day with a tan, and lots of fun memories.

Where:215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX
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Catch an Astros Game

Baseball season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to celebrate summer than spending a leisurely day at the ballpark. Catch an Astros game and watch the defending World Series champs hit home runs with a hot dog and cold brew in hand.

Where:Minute Maid Park: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX
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Visit Houston's Museums for Free

If you're looking for a free summer activity that offers art, culture, and air conditioning, Houston's museums have you covered. Lots of museums in the area offer free admission on Thursdays, including The Children's Museum of Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

For free museum entry any day of the week, check out the Contemporary Arts Museum, Diverseworks, and the Lawndale Art Center, plus many more. See the full listhere.

Where: Various locations.
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See a Drive-In Movie

Just like Danny and Sandy, you too can enjoy a drive-in movie in your red convertible. MoonStruck is Houston’s very own drive-in theater, featuring a number of select films which can all be viewed from the convenience of your car. They also offer private events and are 100% pet-friendly.

Where:100 Bringhurst St, Houston, TX
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Have a Picnic on a Rooftop Park

Skylawn is a truly unique space on top of POST Houston Market—it’s a rooftop park that also has an urban farm and incredible views of the city. While it's always a great hangout spot, you can also participate in free yoga and Zumba classes every month, plus a concert and DJ series throughout the summer. Check out the website for all the details!

Where:401 Franklin St, Houston, TX
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Enjoy Live Music at the Axelrad Craft Beer Garden

The summer vibes are on-point at Axelrad Craft Beer Garden with outdoor seating, a string-lit patio, and cold, flowing beer. Spend an evening mingling and listening to the sounds of jazz, soul, experimental, rock, pop, reggae, and more while sipping a beer, wine, cocktail, or mocktail.

Where:1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX
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Take a Free Sunset Yoga Class in Buffalo Bayou Park

What's better than a Texas sunset on a warm summer night? A Texas sunset with yoga, of course. Houstonians have the pleasure of enjoying the sunset in the downward dog position at Buffalo Bayou Park. Offered every second and fourth Thursday, this 45-minute class will help you reset while taking in golden-hour views of downtown from The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park. Bring your own mat!

Where: 105 Sabine St Houston, TX
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Race Your Friends at Speedy's Fast Track

If you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure and like a little friendly competition, check out Speedy's Fast Track. With a myriad of offerings, from laser tag to mini golf to go-karting, this spot is sure to rev up any lazy summer day.

Where: 11440 Hempstead Rd., Houston, TX
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