Free Fun in Houston

1515 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006 (map)

Certainly no list of free fun in Houston would be complete without this world class museum. It is the carrot we dangle in front of out-of-towners to prove our art cred and the sprawling grounds make for excellent picnic terrain. Don’t forget the associated Dan Flavin installation, Byzantine Fresco and Rothko Chapel.

1500 McKinney Dr, Houston, TX 77002 (map)

Thanks in large part to former Mayor Bill White’s vision, Houston now has a public park that is a destination in its own right (and right off the light rail, to boot). With free movie screenings, yoga, live music and bike maintenance workshops, you could easily find yourself having fun here every day of the week.

3815 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 (map)

While the products in store are certainly not free, you can saddle up for the weekend samples with a group of friends.

1709 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098 (map)

This hip book and collectibles store in Montrose happens to screen a free movie on its lush patio almost every day of the week, with flicks that range from cult classics to obscure foreign flicks. Splurge on a beer or latte from neighboring Brasil.

2421 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005 (map)

Somehow we're lucky enough that this Rice Village bookstore hosts free readings several time a month, with authors as distinguished as Justin Cronin, Steve Almond and Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing.

2110 Portsmouth St, Houston, TX 77098 (map)

Working that hard-won indie cred, Cactus hosts regular in-store performances from local and visiting musicians. Oh, and did we mention the free St. Arnold's beer?

5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006 (map)

Exhibits at the Contemporary Arts Museum (CAMH) are free every day of the week but look for gratis events as well, like the Steel Lounge dance parties and artist talks.