Two of the most important things to do as a grad student are having fun (to maintain a work-life balance) and saving money. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to finding fun and free or low-cost activities in Houston, and I’ve compiled a list to share! A major benefit of living in a city is the number of things to do, and while eating and going out can be exciting, I like to branch out from that to enjoy all Houston has to offer.
The Tools
There are a variety of tools I use to search for events - Eventbrite is probably my favorite. You can filter by dates, type of event(s), and show only free events. Meetup is another similar service, but it differs in that you join a group of people to interact with at the same event. VisitHouston is another great source, and it even includes a list of free activities! I’m a fan of a Google search as well - it’s a classic for a reason. Many local organizations, including museums, libraries, bars, and even Rice, have event tabs on their websites, which I either check periodically or sign up for their mailing lists.
Face the Music
While Houston has a ton of awesome concerts, if I’m in the mood for music and want to see it live without spending a lot of money, there are other great options. Cactus Music, a local record store, has free in-store performances from local artists at least once a month. They also have free listening parties for the recently released albums of more well-known artists. These events often include free food and drinks, as well as free prizes (while supplies last). Vibration Station frequently hosts dance parties at local venues with early bird tickets available for free (they later go up to $10, which is still pretty reasonable). Also, keep an eye out for cheap concert tickets - I periodically check venue websites and have my Spotify set up to let me know when artists I like are in town.
For the Movie Lovers
Free and discounted movies also appear often throughout the city. Many of the parks host free movie nights; I search for these on Eventbrite. If you’re looking for recent releases, lots of movie theaters offer discounts. AMC (there’s one downtown) provides 50% off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 20% off for matinees, and student discounts. Regal (the closest location to campus is in Upper Kirby) has $5 mystery Mondays, where you get to see a surprise movie, and Tuesday movie tickets and popcorn are half price. You might have to make a free account to access these discounts, but it’s definitely worth it!
Extra Credit
Even if you hear lectures throughout the week, checking out ones outside of your field can be a good way to switch gears while still learning. Check the Rice Events page (I filtered it by “Lectures and Conferences”) to see what is going on in other departments. I also check the websites for local museums and other centers of learning, such as the University of Houston, The Heritage Society, and The Health Museum. The Houston Public Library also hosts a variety of events at its locations around Houston, including book clubs, workout classes, and workshops, as well as events for children, teenagers, and families.
Stirring the Pot
If you like cooking, whether you do it yourself or just appreciate watching someone else do it, Williams Sonoma in River Oaks has 30-minute cooking demos a couple of times each month that end with you getting to taste the dish(es). If you really feel like splurging, Central Market frequently hosts cooking classes. For fun cooking experiences at home, check Pinterest, YouTube, etc., for some recipes to try, especially if you (and your wallet) want to take a break from trying all of the delicious restaurants in town.
A Breath of Fresh Air
You may think living in Houston is all about beating the heat and staying indoors as much as possible, which is mostly true in the summer (unless you’re near a body of water). There are, however, a lot of great parks that host a variety of activities year-round, and as grad students, we definitely need to make time to leave the lab or the library and get some sun. Hermann Park is within walking distance from campus and is home to Miller Outdoor Theater, which has free shows that run from March to October/November, as well as the Houston Zoo, which will give you a free ticket if you bring your student ID. Some of the parks in town host free workout classes, although these are usually the ones downtown, so be aware that you may have to pay for parking. POST has free workout classes as well, such as yoga and zumba.
Local Arts & Growing
There are several markets in town to attend, even if just to browse. Rice Village has a farmers’ market on the first and third Sunday of every month, and there’s one in Upper Kirby every Saturday morning. The Houston Farmers Market is a bit further out, but it is open every day, 6 AM to 7 PM. Also check for craft markets, which often occur less frequently as special events, such as the Bayou City Art Festival that happens twice a year, with tickets for about $20. I really like volunteering at my local community garden, and the Skyfarm at POST offers similar volunteer opportunities.
Exhibit Exploration
There are several museums in town that have free days, or you can use your student ID for free admission. Places like the Menil Collection and the Contemporary Arts Museum are always free! The Moody Center (right on campus!) and the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft frequently have free events.
Study Spaces
Exploring study spaces on and off campus is another fun activity that can help add some variety to your normal homework routine. Dandelion Cafe, Brochstein, and the library are wonderful places to be on campus, or check out study spaces in other buildings that you may not visit otherwise. There are also a ton of coffee shops in Houston. I like to check social media to make sure the vibes are cute and there are enough outlets and seating spaces. Be aware that the more popular locations might have limited seating or parking, so you may have to find the place and time(s) that work best! Also, be aware that some activities, especially downtown, will require paid parking, so either prepare for that or avoid those places!
There are plenty of things to do in Houston beyond just eating and drinking, especially because those activities can add up quickly. You can definitely enjoy Houston while still staying within your budget, and save higher-cost activities for more special occasions. You will definitely never be bored living here!