It’s the last stretch before summer, folks. Make sure to enjoy the blooming flowers, crisp weather, and outdoor brunches while they last. Read on to discover 40 aMAYzing things to do in Houston this May!
1. Authentic Flamenco
Following its global success with more than 225,000 attendees, Authentic Flamenco returns to Houston with a fresh production and an entirely new cast! This exciting performance stars the acclaimed Patricia Donn and an impressive ensemble of Spanish artists, making their Houston debut with a mesmerizing blend of live music, dance, and vocals.
2. Experience Magical Candlelight Concerts
Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, this performance is for you. You don’t need to know all things Tchaikovsky to enjoy the evening, simply sit back and savor the stunning atmosphere and pieces you’ll hear.
Walk into one of Houston’s most exquisite buildings where the walls will be flickering by candlelight to create a magical atmosphere. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with some of the most treasured wintertime classics from Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi and other master composers!
3. Saunter through the City’s Gorgeous Gardens
Although the cityscape evokes the imagery of an urban jungle, hidden within are verdant oases in the form of parks, trails, and gardens. Explore Houston’s charming green sanctuaries this season at these 10 beautiful Houston gardens. Plus, be sure to check out Hermann Park’s new park and gardens, The Commons!
4. Check out this wild bingo experience
There’s a new bingo experience coming to Houston, and it’s anything but your usual run-of-the-mill bingo night! Let’s just say it’s an all-out party with amazing prizes from a cruise package to a trip to Vegas. Grab tickets!
5. Watch the Kentucky Derby
Don’t miss “the most exciting two minutes in sports” this year! On May 3rd, the Kentucky Derby returns. If you want to celebrate the race over Mint Juleps while showcasing your biggest hats, you’ll want to check out our list of these exciting Kentucky Derby parties in Houston this May!
6. Get tickets early for one of the biggest movies of the year, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina sets the Keanu Reeves-helmed franchise into a lethal new direction. It stars Ana de Armas as Rooney, a trained assassin raised in the ballet-drenched Ruska Roma underworld. The film opens June 6 and tickets are on sale now—click here for more info.
🍿 Release date: Jun. 6, 2025
7-9. Enjoy Houston’s Top Patio Bars
One surefire way to capitalize on the weekend, weekday, weeknight – really just any time – is to have a couple drinks amongst friends in the open air of a patio. Get out and about this season at some of our favorite watering holes in town.
- Bayou Heights Bier Garten in Houston is comprised of four buildings, a courtyard, beer, wine, and plenty more.
- Wakefield Crowbar is Houston’s premier sand volleyball and entertainment venue.
10. Listen to some Texas’ most talented musicians at a Concert Under the Stars
Step into a nostalgic Elton John and Billy Joel tribute concert at the Marriott Marquis in Houston. Taking place on May 18th, this ‘Piano Men’ Concert Under the Stars will feature timeless tunes such as “Tiny Dancer” and “Uptown Girl” as you soak up stunning views of the city from the pool deck. Grab tickets here!
11. Houston Greek Fest
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Greece at the annual three-day Houston Greek Fest! Savor authentic Greek cuisine and sweet pastries, enjoy lively traditional dancing, and keep the little ones entertained with fun-filled kids’ activities. Admission is $10, and children 10 and under get in free. May 15 – May 17.
12. The Jury Experience
Immerse yourself in the intensity of a courtroom drama with The Jury Experience in Houston—a gripping live theatre event where you take center stage as a juror. The fate of the accused rests in your hands as you sift through compelling evidence, scrutinize witness accounts, and analyze forensic details. In the end, it’s your verdict that will determine justice: guilty or not guilty?
13. Nosh On Houston’s Best Brunch Spots
Make the most out of your weekends in Houston with brunch. Get your avocado toasts, migas, mimosas, and more at Houston’s top brunch spots – a weekend necessity!
14. Celebrate Mother’s Day
You should be dazzling your mother with love and affection 365 days of the year, but on May 12, you really need to bring the heat. Celebrate Mother’s Day in Houston through special brunches, restaurant offerings, events, and more!
15. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
The parade, street festivals, rooftop DJ sets, and more: Cinco de Mayo is here and it’s time to celebrate. Check out our list here for the best Cinco de Mayo events in Houston this year!
16. Elevate Your Night on Houston’s Top Rooftops
Get the best views in town at Houston’s best rooftop bars and restaurants. From free rooftop gardens, to soaring bars 23 floors into the sky, rooftop coffee shops, and more: say hello to the skyline this May in Houston at the city’s rooftops.
17. Dive in to Houston’s Poolside Bars
Summer is almost here, Houston. With temps on the rise, it’s time to strategize on how to make the most of the coming heat. One way to do so is to hit the pool. Enjoy sunshine, cocktails, and post-dip eats at the best poolside bars in Houston!
18. Handpick Your Favorite Fruits
Pick your heart out this spring at these forever fields in and around Houston! Whether it’s strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries, these fields in and around Houston have what you’re looking for.
19. Wade through Fields of Bluebonnets
Any proud Texan understands the springtime ritual of honoring the Lone Star State’s official flower – the splendid and iconic bluebonnet. With the sun shining and warm weather on the horizon, bluebonnets are beginning to bloom across southern Texas.
Consult our list to discover the prime locations for spotting these exquisite bluebonnets throughout the state! And remember, always show respect for the environment – don’t mess with Texas (or its bluebonnets)!
20. Take a Hike in Houston
Get out and about this spring and enjoy the bountiful nature of the city at the best hiking in Houston.
21. Catch a Movie
From rooftop cinemas, old-school drive-ins, luxury cinemas, and more: whatever your speed, Houston has a movie theater to watch cult classics, blockbusters, and kid-friendly movies.
22. Stargaze in Wonderment at the Twilight Epiphany Skyscape
The rise and setting of the sun are spectacles all on their own: captivating natural phenomena that imbue us with feelings of wonder, awe, and romance. At the James Turrells’ Twilight Epiphany installation, you’ll see the sky in entirely new colors.
23-28. Eat the Best Food in Houston
The word is out, Houston is one of the best food cities in the entire country. Here’s us doing our part trying to put together our lists of the best of the best in Houston.
- 10 of the best burger joints in Houston
- 10 of the best crawfish joints in Houston
- 10 of the best pizza joints in Houston
- 10 of the best ice cream parlors in Houston
- 10 of the best sushi restaurants in Houston
29. Enjoy a Crisp Margarita
The weather can’t make up its mind in Houston. Either it rains for two weeks straight, or its lays down triple-digit temperatures, bitter frigidness, or outdoor-cancelling humidity. Be it frozen or on the rocks, salty, bitter, or sweet, when searching for the tequila-infused taste of the season in Houston, here are the best places to have margaritas in Houston.
30. Float a Lazy River
May is here, Houston, which means an early start to summer fun. Be it Memorial Day Weekend, or any other weekend, venture out to the best lazy rivers in Texas to float this season!
31. Bowl 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at this Texas Bowling Alley
In 2009, owner Johnny Morris set out to create Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill in honor of his Uncle Buck – an outdoorsman and fisherman. The result, Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill, is a spectacular entertainment venue, diner, and quite possibly the coolest bowling alley in the world.
32. Wade through a Lush Lavender Farm
Located on 290, about 45 minutes or so outside of Houston in route to Austin is Chappell Hill in Washington County. The area is knitted with a framework of scenic roads and beset with spring wildflowers in key sightseeing spots in Independence Trail, the Antique Rose Emporium, and Chappell Hill Lavender Farm. The latter is now open to the public.
33-36. Explore Houston’s Awesome Markets
Markets are surging in Houston these days. Recently, the city has been blessed with not one but two mixed-media markets, that which continue to host headlining musicians, art galleries, expositions, and excellent eateries.
- The former USPS warehouse as a new a cutting-edge, multi-purpose, multi-layered facility with a complete technical re-design, multiple double-helix staircases, a trio of skylit atriums, and a FIVE-ACRE ROOFTOP PARK.
- Lyric Market, owned and operated by Hospitality HQ, hones predominately on dining and chef-driven experiences.
- Ironworks, a 60,000-square-foot industrial building and development in East End has in the past few years transformed into a cultural hub using over 20 re-purposed shipping containers.
- Open 365 days of the year, the Azteca Farmers Market is one of Houston’s premier farmers market. With stellar street eats, fresh produce, and over 50 vendors, Azteca gives visitors 13 acres of vibrant market space.
37. Go Chasing Waterfalls
There’s no understating the natural beauty of the Lone Star State. This season, head the call to adventure and venture out to the state’s most gorgeous waterfalls and the hiking trails that take you there.
38. Groove Down at this New Speakeasy
Located at 310 Main St, Behind Closed Doors is an elevated new cocktail concept that comprises of multiple bars, including secret rooms, DJs, and all the vibes.
39. Paintball, Chuck Axes, and Laser Tag
Looking for something new and exciting for date night, team building, friendship? ARG Adventure Park is an adrenaline-fueled hot spot in Houston with locations in the northern Heights and Katy. Here, visitors can participate in axe throwing, paintball, laser tag, and follow up the action with a round of drinks at the bar and restaurant.
40. Surf Down To these Texas Beaches
Summer is slowly rolling in Houston! Whether you want to surf, swim, or build sand castle, be sure to pack and towel either sunscreen or tanning oil, and take a trip out the best beaches in Texas and the gorgeous coastal towns that house them!
41. Enjoy Aquatic Action at these Houston Waterparks
Towering slides, leisurely lazy rivers, ample waves, and more: beat the heat this sunny season at the best waterparks in Houston.