The Tina Turner Musical, Chevron Marathon, and More Events in Houston This January

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 January 2024. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Houston, updated monthly.

January 13, 8:30 am–6 pm
Galveston Island’s The Strand, $13–$35
Chili, beer, and beach. What more could one ask for during a Texas winter? Hit Galveston Island’s Historic Strand District to partake in all of the above, with chili sampling starting at noon, beer tasting going down at 1 pm, and all sorts of other shenanigans, starting with corn hole tourney sign-ups at 8:30 am.

January 13, 1–5 pm
Montrose Cheeses & Wine
Houston is far from being the Swiss Alps, but you can still get a little après-ski action witha Raclette party on the patio at a first-rate cheese and wine shop. Pop in to Montrose Cheese & WIne for plates of potatoes, cornichon, and charcuterie blanketed by a big ol’ scrape from the cheese wheel.

January 14, 1–4 pm
Saint Arnold Beer Hall, $75
This sellout bbq event challenges Houston’s best pitmasters to create the next great barbecue dish, one that defines Houston style and goes great with Saint Arnold beer. This year’s competitors include Brett's BBQ Shop, Daddy Duncan's BBQ (People's Choice winner from 2022), Tejas Chocolate + BBQ, and The Pit Room (Judge's Choice winner from 2022), among other local favorites. GA tickets include Saint Arnold beer and samples of each barbecue joint’s competition dish.

January 14, 5 pm
C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton, $250
Raising funds for Rescued Pets Movement and its lifesaving mission, the sellout Chefs for Paws evening features a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. followed by a seated, multi-course dinner from some of Houston’s hottest chefs at 6 p.m. This year’s talented lineup includes James Beard Award winner "Chef G" Benchawan Painter, MasterChef finalist Suu Khin, and Top Chef rockstar Sasha Grumman, among others.

January 20, 11 am–5 pm
Humble Civic Center, $10
If National Hot Sauce Weekend is totally something you’re down to celebrate, you can do so at this beer-fueled hot sauce festival, mixing fresh craft beer and all kinds of fiery products and spicy fare with fun including a Hot Pepper Eating Contest, photo booth, and more.

January 25, 6 pm
Rainbow Lodge, $215
Tickets for the iconic lodge restaurant’s second annual Game & Ranch Dinner go on sale January 5. Limited to just 50 guests, the intimate evening kicks off with an Angel’s Envy bourbon and rye tasting reception with passed game bites and live Texas tunes, followed by the seated four-course wild game and game bird dinner—thinkKing Ranch Nilgai Antelope, Macfarlane Farm Pheasant, Texas Rabbit and more.

January 14
Downtown
Chances are you’ve already registered for the 26.2 mile (or 13.1) Houston Marathon if you plan on running it, but if not, heads up, the race is around the corner! Or, if you plan on cheering on the marathoners, you can peruse the most popular watch spots to join the action.

January 20 & 21, Saturday 11 am–5 pm, Sunday noon–4 pm
George R. Brown Convention Center, $0–$24.99
Bride and grooms can get their ‘zilla on at Houston’ biggest wedding planning event, the annual Bridal Extravaganza. Expect face-to-face meets with vendors of all sorts and a day full of cake sampling, DJ and wedding band testing, florals hunting, gown shopping, and more.

January 27, 7–11:30 pm
The Post Oak Hotel, $1500+
This year’s white-tie-encouraged Houston Symphony Ball — Vienna Fête Impériale — connects the cultures of Vienna and America for a luxurious evening of enchantment. Highlights include a debutant Viennese Waltz opening, gourmet multi-course dinner with wine pairings, and a dance floor with Q the Band featuring Grammy nominated and Billboard charting recording artists.

Through January 28
Discovery Green, $8–$17
You have almost the whole month to toe-pick your way around the giant outdoor skating rink at Discovery Green, which will close out its seasonal run on January 28.

January 2–7
Hobby Center, $40+
Tony Award-nominated hit Tina Turner The Musical is rolling into the Hobby Center, and it’s bringing the adrenaline pumping, soulful music of the legendary star with it. Fans can sing along as they enjoy the journey of the barrier breaking “Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.”

January 23–28
The Hobby Center, $45
Whether it’s your first show or your twentieth, now’s your chance to catch one of the most popular musical productions of all time, Les Miz. Set to the backdrop of 19th century France, the revolutionary musical brings the feelings of passion, sacrifice and human spirit to the center stage of Sarofim Hall.

January 8, 6:30 pm
NRG Stadium, $1569+
This year’s bowl game of all bowl games, the CFP National Championship, is going down in Houston with the Rose Bowl Champion facing off against the Sugar Bowl Champion. Join the fans as the 2023–24 bowl season comes to an end and see which championship team will reign. Folks can also check out Playoff Fan Central, a free three-day experience over at George R. Brown Convention Center leading up to the games (January 5–7).

January 20 & 21, Saturday 6 pm, Sunday 3 pm
NRG Stadium, $20+
Kids and those young at heart can watch as the biggest, baddest monster trucks in the biz—including fan-favorites like Grave Digger, Megalodon, and El Toro Loco—tear up the dirt at NRG Stadium for a weekend of family fun.

January 26, 7 pm
Smart Financial Centre, $78+
Ludacris.Ja Rule. Ashanti. Fat Joe. Twista. Mike Jones. They’ll all be performing the throwback hits you crave at this nostalgic 2000s dream tour. Just make sure you’re “Always on Time” and “Lean Back” to enjoy the "Slow Jamz."

January 13, 8 pm
Bayou Music Center, $65
Travel to the 'Dark Side of the Moon' as a tribute band takes you on a journey through Pink Floyd’s biggest and trippiest hits complete with a mind-bending display of lasers, projections, and sound.

January 26, 7 pm
Bayou Music Center, $63.50+
Bad boy comedian Anthony Jeselnik is baring his bones at his brand new comedy tour.

January 13, 10 am–6 pm
Children’s Museum of Houston
Bring the kids to the Children’s Museum of Houston for a day of unity, peace, and justice as it honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kicking off at noon, the celebration will feature a musical selection, gospel songs, “I Have a Dream” speech reenactment and more.

All month long
Marq-E Entertainment Center, $39+
Ooey gooey immersive slime museum Sloomoo has made its way to Houston, set in a massive 23,000-square-foot warehouse slash ASMR paradise. Features include a DIY Bar where you can design a custom slime, a day-glo room of Slimy Mirrors, portals to The Sloomooverse, and enhanced experiences like Sloomoo Falls (ponchos included).

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