September nights get cooler (well, Houston-cooler), festivals kick off, and the city fills with reasons to get out and explore. Whether you’re into art fairs, food festivals, concerts, or just want a neighborhood block party like First Thursday at Mid Main, this is your guide to the best things happening around town this month.
Second Saturday at Sawyer Yards – September 13, 2025
Tour more than 350 working artist studios across Houston’s largest creative campus. Painters, sculptors, jewelry designers, and photographers open their doors for you to browse, chat, and shop. Admission is free, and parking is plentiful. Check the Sawyer Yards website for building maps and parking tips before you go.
An Evening with Lech Wałęsa – September 14, 2025
A rare chance to hear from the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Poland at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Expect inspiring stories, candid insights, and historical perspective from one of the key figures in the fight to end communist rule in Eastern Europe. More info at the GRB event page.
Spray City Walls Graffiti Battle – September 19, 2025
Bad Astronaut Brewery turns its walls into an outdoor gallery during this timed graffiti competition. Watch muralists create large-scale art live, with DJs and food vendors keeping the energy up. It’s free, family-friendly, and a great spot for street photography. Details at Bad Astronaut’s events page.
Untitled Art, Houston – September 19–21, 2025
Making its Houston debut, this boutique art fair brings a curated selection of top galleries from around the world to the GRB. Expect contemporary works across painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Even if you’re not buying, it’s a chance to see museum-quality art up close. Learn more at untitledartfairs.com.
Japan Festival Houston – September 6–7, 2025
Two days in Hermann Park dedicated to Japanese culture—taiko drumming, martial arts demos, tea ceremonies, cosplay contests, and sizzling okonomiyaki. Admission is free, but bring cash or card for food and vendors. Full schedule at the Japan Festival Houston site.
Texas Home Show – September 6–7, 2025
Meet contractors, designers, and suppliers who can make your home renovation ideas a reality. From kitchen remodels to backyard makeovers, it’s all under one roof at the GRB. Plan your visit via the Texas Home Show website.
AIA Sandcastle Competition – September 13–14, 2025
More than 60 teams of architects and designers turn piles of sand into massive, detailed sculptures at East Beach in Galveston. Free to watch, but East Beach parking fees apply. Arrive early for the best views. Details at the AIA Houston site.
Viet Cultural Fest – September 20, 2025
NRG Center hosts the largest Vietnamese cultural festival in Texas, with traditional dance, live music, cooking demos, and food stalls serving everything from pho to bánh mì. Find the schedule at the Viet Cultural Fest site.
Houston Celebrity Comic Con – September 20–21, 2025
Cosplayers, celebrity meet-and-greets, and vendor booths stacked with collectibles fill NRG Center for two days. Guest lists and autograph schedules are at celebritycomiccons.com. Book a vacation rental for your stay.
Houston Restaurant Weeks – Through September 2, 2025
Last chance to enjoy prix-fixe menus at Houston’s best restaurants, all benefiting the Houston Food Bank. Use Lodgeur’s guide to pick your spots.
Takuache Festival Houston – September 25, 2025
Celebrate Latin Heritage Month at Sports Creek with live bands, dancing, food trucks, and vendors. The music is loud, the drinks are cold, and the crowd is ready to party.
First Thursday at Mid Main – September 4, 2025
Every first Thursday, Midtown’s Mid Main block transforms into a lively street festival. Expect live music spilling onto the sidewalks, art vendors, drink specials, and food deals from neighborhood spots. Your $10 wristband gets you access to participating venues, with proceeds supporting a different local nonprofit each month. Find the latest band lineup and participating businesses on the Mid Main Houston event page.
Jimmy Carr – Laughs Funny Tour – September 18, 2025
British comedian Jimmy Carr brings his rapid-fire, unfiltered humor to Bayou Music Center. The show starts exactly on time, so grab your drinks early. Tickets and details at Live Nation.
Bon Jovi Tribute Band – Rooftop Concert – September 27, 2025
POST Houston’s Skylawn hosts a night of classic rock anthems with the downtown skyline as your backdrop. Arrive early to grab dinner from the food hall. Show details and tickets at POST Houston.
Night Nation Run – September 20, 2025
Part 5K, part EDM festival—Night Nation Run at Sam Houston Race Park turns a workout into a party. Run, walk, or dance through a glowing course with DJ stages, then hit the after-party at the finish line. Registration is open at nightnationrun.com.
October brings cooler temperatures and Halloween festivities, along with several major festivals and sporting events. Check out our October events guide for more information on upcoming fall activities.
