Memorial Day Weekend 2017: Things To Do In The Houston Area This Weekend

Memorial Day, a solemn holiday that allows all Americans to reflect on those military members who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom, is also regarded as the first official holiday kicking off the summer season.

There will be plenty of activities happening in communities this weekend. Some will honor fallen soldiers and sailors, while others will provide lots of family or adult fun. (Want to get daily updates about traffic news and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

• Honky Ton Chili Challenge|Tomball, Tx| May 27: Old-style honky tonk tunes from the days of Patsy Kline and Hank Williams will be performed throughout the afternoon by Tony Booth, Doug Boggs, Amber Digby and Liz Talley. K-Star 99.7 FM will be hosting a Texas style two-steppin’ dance contest with an overnight weekend at Moody Gardens on Galveston Island for the winning couple. Chili cooks from across southeast Texas will be competing in this CASI sanctioned Chili Challenge. Points are awarded to the winning cook teams as they vie for a place at the Chili Appreciation Society International Championship in Terlingua, Texas later this year. There will also be categories for local businesses and organizations, and a kids division to find out who makes the Best Chili in Tomball. A margarita “pour-off” is also a part of the event.

Honky Tonk Fest (Mike Baxter)

• Summer Daze Arts & Music Festival|The Woodlands, TX|May 27-28: Community Arts and Crafts event that features food booths, music and fun.Admission is Free
• Dancin’ in the Street Motown & More Revue at Miller Outdoor Theatre |Houston, TX|May 25-28 The Bacement Soul Orchestra will be playing Motown hits while dancers and soul singers perform on stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre in the heart of the Museum District. 8:15pm nightly. Free Admission (365thingsinhouston.com)
• Lobby Hero at Studio 101 | Houston, TX | May 25-28: 4th Wall Theatre Company presents this acclaimed “dramedy” that sees tensions in a New York apartment building rise amid a murder investigation that will strain loyalties of all involved. Tickets start at $15, not including ticket fees. Thursday to Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm. (365thingsinhouston.com)
• Beats BBQ Brews at Glitter Karaoke – Jam to beats from DJ Seek, sip on $4 beers from Buffalo Bayou Brewery, and chow down on finger lickin’ barbeque from Blood Bros. BBQ at Glitter Karaoke. Noon to 4pm. (365thingsinhouston.com)
• The Houston Astros and Houston Dynamo will play this weekend in Houston. Want tickets? Houston Dynamo Tickets on Sale or Houston Astros Tickets on Sale

• Houston National Cemetery Ceremony |Houston, TX| May 29- 9:30 am (at Hemicycle) National Cemetery Administration will host Memorial Day ceremonies at VA national cemeteries across the country with the help of local communities. Each cemetery and community will add their own special touch of patriotism and “thanks” during the events.
• Montgomery County Memorial Day Veterans Ceremony|Conroe, TX |May 29: The public is invited to attend a Memorial Day Observance for those men and women from Montgomery County who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in the United States Military.The ceremony will begin at 9:00 AM on May 29 at the Montgomery County War Memorial Park located at the corner of N. San Jacinto St. and W. Davis St. in downtown Conroe, Texas. There will be the presentation of colors, a local vocal artist, roll call of the Wars, a rifle presentation, taps and featured speaker Chaplain Hiram L. "Doc" Jones, Brigadier General, US Air Force, Retired. This event is sponsored by the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission Board of Directors.Contact information: melaniec@mocovetmemorialpark.org
• Memorial Day Weekend Celebration & Fireworks Shows|The Woodlands, TX|May 28: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in The Woodlands. The festival pays tribute to all military service men and women who lost their lives while serving the United States, and also honors all veterans who serve as a symbol for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice of life to protect our freedom. Memorial Day Weekend in The Woodlands features live music, children’s activities, strolling entertainers and more at Town Green Park. The evening concludes with a dazzling fireworks display choreographed to a patriotic soundtrack.
• Sugar Land 9th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony|Sugar Land, TX|May 29: The ceremony will begin with a one-hour musical presentation. During that time, attendees will have the opportunity to visit with community organizations such as the Vet Center 711, the Sugar Land Rotary and the Indo American Forum. Activity stations including the Battleship Texas State Historic Site touch table will also be onsite. The official ceremony will commence at 11 a.m. and consist of a presentation of colors, words of remembrance by local dignitaries, a military flyover, a 21-gun salute and special tributes from members of the community. Patriotic performances will also fill the stage with choral and musical selections. For more information about the event, contact the Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at 281-275-2885, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/memorialday or follow Sugar Land Parks and Recreation at facebook.com/SugarLandParks.

You can find more events near you this weekend at 365thingsinhouston.com

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