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JANUARY 17MLK Walk/Run Event
What: A 3–5 mile community walk/run supporting Samaritan’s Feet and its mission to address the crisis of children without shoes. Open to runners, walkers, and families. Benefitting Samaritan’s Feet
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
Where: 1024 Pinemont Dr., 77091
Cost: Free registration; monetary donations encouraged
JANUARY 19Houston MLK Day Unity Parade
What: For the first time, Houston will host a single unified Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, presented jointly by the Black Heritage Society and the MLK Grande Parade. The event will feature marching bands, floats, community and cultural organizations, and local leaders. Grand Marshals include radio personality Madd Hatter, MLK Grande Parade President Charles Stamps, and Houston Mayor John Whitmire. METRO will provide complimentary transit to the parade.
When: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, 10 a.m.
Where: Parade begins on San Jacinto Street in downtown Houston
Cost: Free
Info: https://houstontx.gov/mlk/index.html
JANUARY 24District H Town Hall Series
What: Council Member Mario Castillo launches his annual start-of-the-year Town Hall series, giving residents a chance to ask questions, hear updates, and connect with City departments and community partners about neighborhood issues.
When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 10–11:30 a.m.
Where: Northline/Clark Community Center
Cost: Free
Info: RSVPs encouraged at wkf.ms/4pEn9YE
Arbor Day Celebration at the Houston Arboretum
What: The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center’s annual Arbor Day Celebration features lumberjack games, fairy house building, a self-guided forest hike, crafts (while supplies last), and a chance to meet “Johnny Appleseed” while learning about the importance of trees. Held rain or shine.
When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 120 West Loop North, 77024
Cost: Free admission; free parking during the event
Info: houstonarboretum.org/event/arbor-day-celebration
Hear the Future: Houston Chamber Choir Choral Invitational Festival
What: The Grammy® Award-winning Houston Chamber Choir presents its 26th annual Hear the Future Invitational Choral Festival, showcasing two middle school choirs, one high school choir, and the Houston Chamber Choir in a free community concert. The day also includes free Master Classes led by choral professionals, including Dr. Anthony Maglione of the University of Houston.
When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
• Master Classes: 9–10:30 a.m. & 12:40–2:10 p.m.
• Community Concert: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Presbyterian Church, 10221 Ella Lee Lane, 77042
Cost: Free; open seating
Info: houstonchamberchoir.org/2025-2026-season/hear-the-future
JANUARY 25New Year, New Hue at Color Factory Houston
What: Color Factory invites guests to “New Year, New Hue,” an evening of immersive color installations and complimentary aura photography sessions with a live Aura Reader. Participants can discover the “hue” that defines their 2026 energy inside the Mixed Feelings Aura installation. Aura photo sessions require advance sign-up and have limited availability; tickets are first-come, first-served.
When: Sunday, Jan. 25, 4–6 p.m.
Where: Color Factory Houston, 3303 Kirby Dr., 77098
Cost: Regular Color Factory admission; aura photography included with event ticket (limited slots)
Info: Tickets and details at colorfactory.co
FEBRUARY 14
Chocoholic Feast & Games Night
What: A sweet-filled evening of chocolate indulgence and community fun, featuring games and activities for all ages. Tickets may be purchased online, at the parish office, or at the door.
When: Friday, Feb. 14, 2026, 7–10 p.m.
Where: St. Rose of Lima, 3600 Brinkman St., 77018
Cost: $15 presale; $20 at the door
Info: stroselima.org/schedule-and-events
Tapas on the Trails
What: The Houston Arboretum’s beloved Valentine’s-themed event returns with a twilight walk along softly lit trails, featuring six chef-crafted tapas courses paired with curated wines and beers. Proceeds support the Arboretum’s conservation and education programs. Ages 21+ only.
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 5–9 p.m. (last trail admittance 7:15 p.m.)
Where: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr. (alternate entrance: 120 West Loop North Fwy.)
Cost: $110–$125; VIP upgrade +$40 donation
Info: houstonarboretum.org/event/tapas-on-the-trails
Parking: Free; overnight parking allowed
HGO Family Day: Hansel and Gretel
What: Houston Grand Opera’s Family Day returns with a special 90-minute, English-language performance of Hansel and Gretel in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Enjoy crafts, character meet-and-greets, photo ops, and more before the show and during intermission.
When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, 11 a.m.
Where: Wortham Theater Center, Brown Theater, 501 Texas Ave.
Cost: $25–$157.50; all attendees require a ticket
Info: HGO.org/FamilyDay or 713-228-6737