Spring into Summer with Buffalo Bayou Partnership

As the days grow longer and the bayou begins to bloom, Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is kicking off an incredible lineup of events to welcome the season. From vibrant cocktails under the stars to jazz on the lawn, immersive art installations, and nature explorations, there’s something for everyone along Houston’s most scenic waterway.

Cocktails in Bloom

Date & Time: May 14 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Lost Lake, 3422 Allen Parkway

Tickets & More Information: Individual Ticket ($125), BBP Member ($100)

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Lost Lake, Cocktails in Bloom is BBP’s signature spring fundraising soirée. Expect an evening full of flavor—both culinary and cultural—with craft cocktails, delicious bites from Barbacana and Henderson & Kane, and live music that dances with the breeze. Plus, for one night only, Flora will be hosting an outdoor margarita bar with mouthwatering pairings.

In the Weeds Walks

Date & Time: May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16 (Third Saturdays) | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Location: Jackson Hill Bridge

Tickets & More Information: Kids 12 & Under (FREE), Individual Over 12 ($5)

Led by Nancy Greig, former director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center, these guided nature walks offer a deep dive into Houston’s resilient plant life.

Invasive Plant Eradication Unit Pop-Up

Date & Time: May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9 (Second Saturdays) | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park

Tickets & More Information: FREE

Created by artist Mark Dion, this interactive art-meets-education pop-up teaches us how to combat invasive species—and gives you a chance to make native seed “bombs” to take home!

Jazzy Sundays

Date & Time: May 11, 18, 25 & June 1 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park

Tickets & More Information: FREE

Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and let the music move you! In partnership with Emancipation Park Conservancy and Discovery Green, BBP presents a soul-filled lineup:

• May 11: MonoNeon and APBOYz
• May 18: Bobby Lyle and Patric Johnston
• May 25: Lao Tizer Band with Tareon Gully & Houston Groove Society
• June 1: Charly Siaba and Los Souldees

Underground Sounds

Date & Time: June 19 – 22

Location: The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Tickets & More Information: Ticket Release on May 16 at 9 AM

Experience the ethereal in Houston’s most unique venue. Composer and vocalist Sarah Grace Graves transforms the Cistern into a sonic cathedral with Three Names, an experimental tribute blending Gregorian chant and ritual soundscapes.

The Witness Series with Artist-in-Residence Kristi Rangel

Date & Time: May 17, Sept 13, Oct 18, Nov 22 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Buffalo Bayou East

Tickets & More Information: FREE

Explore the bayou’s legacy through art and observation. Join Kristi Rangel and guest artists in this reflective series in Buffalo Bayou East. The May 17 session at Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park invites participants to nature journal and sketch alongside Houston Audubon experts.

Wednesday Wellness Walks with Urban Paths

Date & Time: Every Wednesday | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park

Tickets & More Information: FREE

Unwind midweek with Laura Conely of Urban Paths. These free walks blend movement with mindfulness, weaving in topics like mental health and the healing power of nature. En Español: First Wednesday of the month features a bilingual walk with Marcella Cabrera.

Go Underground at the Cistern

Date & Time: Wednesday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park

Tickets & More Information: Adults ($15), Youth ($12), Military ($12), Students ($12), Seniors ($12)

The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a former drinking water reservoir built in 1926 for the City of Houston. BBP restored and repurposed the 87,500 square-foot Cistern into a magnificent public space for tours, performances, and art installations. Tours offered Wednesday – Sunday from 10am – 6pm.

Reservations are required to visit the Cistern. Free First Thursdays are generously sponsored by KBR. Children ages 9+ only.

Monthly Volunteer Workday

Date & Time: May 17 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park

Tickets & More Information: FREE

Help beautify Buffalo Bayou Park and support BBP’s mission by joining the Monthly Volunteer Workday. Ages 9 and up are welcome to lend a hand with mulching, weeding, or trash pickup. All tools provided—just bring gloves and a can-do spirit!

Stay up to date at buffalobayou.org