This Weekend’s Best Bets in Houston
It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, which means a lot of couples will be doing some lovey-dovey stuff in the next few days. We’ve got you covered with restaurants serving Valentine’s Day menus and a few less traditional date suggestions. Read on for all of this weekend’s best bets.
Thursday, February 13
- Houston Public Library presents "The Writers: Portraits by Laura Wilson" opening reception: Houston Public Library and Laura Wilson will celebrate the opening of the exhibition, "The Writers: Portraits by Laura Wilson." Renowned photographer Wilson offers intimate glimpses into the everyday lives of more than 30 influential and internationally acclaimed writers. This exhibition features a selection of portraits from her book, The Writers: Portraits, which was inspired by the popular photo essays published in Life magazine in the mid-20th century. Through Saturday, June 14. 5 pm.
- Alley Theatre presents Seared: Seared serves up a delectable blend of culinary chaos and artistic intensity. Harry, an up-and-coming chef, has received great praise, but his restaurant still operates in the red. To fix this, Harry’s business partner, Mike, hires a consultant, Emily, to elevate the restaurant. However, Harry and Emily have vastly different views on the priorities. The spicy comedy asks audiences to consider where art ends and business begins. Through Sunday, March 2. 7:30 pm (8 pm Friday; 2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 and 7 pm Sunday).
- We Own the Night presents 14th Annual VS Lingerie Contest: The 14th Annual Victoria’s Secret Lingerie Contest will feature women gracing the stage and mingling with an exclusive crowd. Experience the glamour of Texas’ most prestigious lingerie event, featuring the largest cash purse in the state. There will be DJs and entertainment throughout the night, culminating in a Victoria’s Secret-inspired lingerie burlesque show by Seduction Society Entertainment. 9 pm.
Friday, February 14
- POST Houston presents Art Club Valentine’s Day Special: Get ready for a weekend where romance meets revolutionary beats with Art Club, a black box museum featuring rotating new media artworks from award-winning artists around the world, at POST. Enjoy a mesmerizing performance by the Monarch Chamber Players that fuses classical masterpieces with pop covers of your favorite romantic hits — a celebration of love and music that promises to warm your heart. 7 pm.
- Dream Theater in concert: Boston progressive metal band Dream Theater comes to Houston as part of their 40th anniversary tour. It will be the first tour of North America since drummer Mike Portnoy’s return to the lineup. He’ll be joined by vocalist James LaBrie, bassist John Myung, guitarist John Petrucci, and keyboardist Jordan Rudess. The band has released 15 albums in their career, most recently A View from the Top of the World in 2021. 7:30 pm.
- Gabriel Iglesias: Don’t Worry Be Fluffy: It’s time to pull out your Hawaiian shirts and cargo shorts, because Fluffy is coming to town! Gabriel Iglesias comes to Houston as part of his Don’t Worry Be Fluffy tour. One of the most popular comedians out there (his 2022 Netflix special Stadium Fluffy has him performing to a sold-out crowd at Dodgers Stadium), the former All That castmate gets laughs out of audiences, whether it’s live, through his stand-up specials, or when he appears in movies like the Magic Mike films and Space Jam: A New Legacy, where he voiced Speedy Gonzales. 8 pm.
- Je’Caryous Johnson presents Jason’s Lyric: This weekend, fans of ’90s African American cinema can see a ‘hood classic played out on the stage, thanks to Houston’s own theater producer/director/wunderkind Je’Caryous Johnson. Jason’s Lyric, a theatrical adaptation of the beloved, made-in-Houston 1994 film, will feature Allen Payne reprising his role as Jason, alongside Eva Marcille as Lyric, and a cast including Treach, Tyrin Turner, and K. Michelle. 8 pm (3 pm Sunday).
Saturday, February 15
- Houston Irish Stew Cook-Off and Music Festival: Visitors can experience fine local Irish culture and cuisine at the 18th Annual Houston Irish Stew Cook-off and Music Festival. The Irish Stew Cook-off holds competition for Irish Stew, Chili, Open Irish Dish, Irish Dessert, Chef’s Choice, and Irish Coffee. There will be music, bagpipers, and dancers on two stages, face painting, vendor shopping, and the Billy Carr Guinness Relay. Proceeds go towards the Houston St. Patrick’s Parade Commission to ensure the continuation and preservation of the St. Patrick’s Parade and local Irish culture. 11 am.
- Performing Arts Houston presents Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock Live: When Gobo Fraggle discovers a legend about a long-lost Fraggle treasure called the Great Song Stone, his pals Mokey, Boober, Wembley, and Red join him on an adventure to find it, and end up celebrating the greatest treasure of all — something much more special than they could have ever imagined. The first-ever Fraggle Rock Live stage show is produced by The Jim Henson Company (Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth) with puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. 2 and 7 pm Saturday.
- Cactus Music presents Rock Romano’s Vinyl Album Release Texas Tour: Rock Romano has been part of the Houston music scene since 1965. His band, Dr. Rockit and the Sisters of Mercy, were one of the top bands in Texas throughout the ’80s. For the next 30 years, he did hundreds of recording sessions with local, regional, and national artists. He’s never stopped gigging, playing bass with the Steve Krase Band and Ms. Trudy Lynn. Cactus Music will celebrate his 80th birthday with a vinyl release party of his solo album Seasons Change, as well as a performance from Rock and the Rock in Orbit All-Stars. 3 pm.
Sunday, February 16
- River Oaks Theatre presents Cinemaniacs: In the Mood for Love: Hong Kong, 1962: Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung Man-yuk) move into neighboring apartments on the same day. Their encounters are formal and polite — until a discovery about their spouses creates a bond between them. At once delicately mannered and visually extravagant, Wong Kar-wai’s 2000 masterpiece (with its aching musical soundtrack and exquisitely abstract cinematography by Christopher Doyle and Mark Lee Ping-bin) is a masterful evocation of romantic longing and fleeting moments. 12:15 pm.
- Plume presents An Unscripted Sunday Affair: To celebrate the launch of its new brunch menu available every Sunday, Heights hangout Plume is hosting a high-energy, stylish brunch experience featuring live music, bottle specials, a Bloody Mary bar, signature cocktails, and a new food menu. Attendees can enjoy a live DJ & dancers, a variety of frozen margaritas, and $10 martinis. Be among the first to try soon-to-be-favorites like Eggs Benedict with toasted brioche and smoked honey ham, cheddar gruyere and prosciutto flatbread with an option to add an egg, and more. 1 pm.
ReelAbilities Houston presents ReelFilm: Ezra: ReelAbilities Houston presents the opening night of ReelFilm featuring a screening of Ezra. Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale) is a stand-up comedian who lives with his father (Robert De Niro) and struggles to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne). When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives. 7 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best way to spend Valentine’s Day?
A: Check out our list of romantic restaurants and events for a unique and special experience.
Q: What’s the most popular comedy special of the year?
A: Gabriel Iglesias’ Stadium Fluffy has been a huge hit, and he’s coming to town!
Q: What’s the best way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
A: Attend the Houston Irish Stew Cook-off and Music Festival for a fun-filled day of food, music, and culture!
Conclusion
This weekend, you have the opportunity to experience a wide range of events that cater to different tastes and interests. From romantic comedy shows to live music performances, you’re sure to find something that suits your style. Don’t miss out on the fun and make this Valentine’s Day weekend one to remember!
