Kicking It at Hermann Park

This summer, Hermann Park Conservancy will welcome the world to Houston with Kicking It at Hermann Park, presented by ExxonMobil—a free, public celebration of culture, community, and the unifying spirit of sport. Featuring a dynamic mix of programming, diverse food offerings, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, everything will take place in the Commons, the vibrant 26-acre play and gathering space in the southwest corner of the Park.

• 📍 The Commons at Hermann Park
• 📅 Weekend and select weekdays from June 12 – July 5
• 🎟️ Free & open to the public

Kicking It at Hermann Park will run on weekends and select weekdays from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, July 5, offering 15 days of engaging experiences for Houstonians and visitors alike during a globally significant moment for the city.

The roster of dynamic programming will include:

• 🎶 Live music & entertainment
• 🍴 Local food trucks & culinary offerings
• 🎬 Outdoor movie nights
• ⚽ Soccer-inspired play & interactive experiences
• 🌿 Nature-based activities
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly programming
• 🎭 Cultural celebrations highlighting Houston’s diversity

Thank you to ExxonMobil for their generous support!

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

• Stay hydrated! Bring a refillable water and fill up at water stations throughout the Park. Water and other beverages are also available for purchase at the cafes and food vendors in the Park.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray, and be sure to reapply often if you are spending the day in the Park.
• Seating for movie night is on the grass lawn in the Commons, so be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
• Visitors can park in any of the open, available lots within Hermann Park. The lots closest to the Commons are Lot A, by the Japanese Garden, and Lots E, F, G, and H, by the Houston Zoo. Lot T, the small lot near Wortham Pavilion, will be closed to the public and reserved for event security and medical personnel.
  • A map of parking lots available throughout the Park can be found HERE.
• Visitors can also park at the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza Garage (Winpark), located at 6400 Fannin Street, which is across the street from the Commons site. There is a daily fee to park in this garage on the weekend.
• Additionally, we encourage visitors to use the METRORail Red Line’s “Hermann Park/Rice U” stop which located adjacent to a walking trail that leads directly to the Commons.

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DATES & THEMES
Stay tuned for more details and a complete programming calendar. Activities are subject to change and more may be added. Visit the Conservancy tent on-site in the Commons for any questions!

WEEKEND ONE (JUNE 12 – JUNE 14) PDF SCHEDULE HERE.

WEEKEND TWO (JUNE 19 – JUNE 21) PDF SCHEDULE HERE.

WEEKEND THREE (JUNE 26 – JUNE 29) PDF SCHEDULE HERE.

Friday, June 12 (5 – 9 p.m.): Kickoff in the Park

Saturday, June 13 (3 – 10 p.m.): Texas Heritage

Sunday, June 14 (3 – 9 p.m.): Family & Global Community Day

Wednesday, June 17 (3 – 9 p.m.): Wellness in the Park – THIS DATE HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER!

Friday, June 19 (5 – 9 p.m.): Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 20 (3 – 10 p.m.): Global Rhythms

Sunday, June 21 (3 – 9 p.m.): Community & Wellness Day

Tuesday, June 23 (3 – 9 p.m.): Youth + Play + Sustainability Day

Friday, June 26 (5 – 9 p.m.): Latin Night

• 5 – 6 PM: A Walk Through Tranquility: Japanese Garden Tour (Japanese Garden)
• 5 – 7 PM: Carousel Karaoke (Lott Family Carousel – The Commons)
• 5 – 9 PM: “WildGins” Tasting (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 6 – 7 PM: Grow Native: Wildflowers for Home Landscapes (Cullen Pavilion – The Commons)
• 6 – 8 PM: “Kick Into Creativity” Eco Art Studio (Astros Foundation Pavilion – The Commons)
• 6 – 8 PM: “Soccer for Success” Open Play by Houston Parks and Recreation Department (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 6 – 8 PM: Goya Giveaways (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 7 – 8 PM: Buzzing with Purpose: The Importance of Pollinators and Wasps (Cullen Pavilion – The Commons)
• 7 – 9 PM: Open Decks: Live DJ Experience with DJ Hiram (Lott Family Carousel – The Commons)

Saturday, June 27 (3 – 10 p.m.): Global DJ Night

• 3 – 8 PM: Goya Giveaways (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 3 – 4 PM: No Bugs, No Blooms: Gardens Bug Tour (McGovern Centennial Gardens)
• 4 – 8 PM: Community Mural with Maddy King (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 5 – 6 PM: Music by DJ BLTNprod* (Tsuru Family Terrace – The Commons)
• 5 – 7 PM: “A Taste of Latin Heritage” with Texas 4-H and Texas A&M AgriLife (Astros Foundation Pavilion – The Commons)
• 6 – 7 PM: Ryukyu Damashii DFW: “Spirit of Ryukyu” – Okinawa Taiko Drumming Group* (Tsuru Family Terrace – The Commons)*
• 6 – 8 PM: “Soccer for Success” Open Play by Houston Parks and Recreation Department (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 6 – 8 PM: “Kick Into Creativity” Eco Art Studio (Astros Foundation Pavilion – The Commons)
• 7 – 8 PM: Sound Box Studios: Dance Performance* (Tsuru Family Terrace – The Commons)
• 8:30 PM: “Moonlight Movie Nights” presented by Goya: Lilo & Stitch (Doreen Stoller Lawn)

*Presented by Yasuhiko & Akemi Saitoh Foundation, U.S. – Japan Council, Cole Chemical Company, The Gondo Family, Ito En, and Daikin Global

Sunday, June 28 (3 – 9 p.m.): International Culture Day

• 4 – 6 PM: Soccer Ball Origami with Japan America Society Houston (Japanese Garden Tea House)
• 4 – 8 PM: Community Mural with Maddy King (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 5 – 7 PM: Nature MVPs: Animal Adaptation Activities (Astros Foundation Pavilion – The Commons)
• 6 – 7 PM: Music by DJ WLL* (Molly Ann Smith Plaza – By Pioneer Memorial Obelisk and McGovern Lake)
• 6 – 8 PM: “Soccer for Success” Open Play by Houston Parks and Recreation Department (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 7 – 8 PM: “Makoto Taiko” Japanese Drum Ensemble* (Molly Ann Smith Plaza – By Pioneer Memorial Obelisk and McGovern Lake)

*Presented by Yasuhiko & Akemi Saitoh Foundation, U.S. – Japan Council, Cole Chemical Company, The Gondo Family, Ito En, and Daikin Global

Monday, June 29 (3 – 9 p.m.): Arts + Nature Day

• 3 – 4 PM: Grow Your Own: Plant Propagation Workshop (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 3 – 5 PM: Herb Society South Texas Pop-Up (Cullen Pavilion – The Commons)
• 3 – 7 PM: Zine Activity by Houston Audubon Society (Astros Foundation Pavilion – The Commons)
• 4 – 5 PM: Flower Power: Bouquet Making (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 5 – 7 PM: Urban Forestry Presentation by Texas 4-H and Texas A&M AgriLife (Cullen Pavilion – The Commons)
• 5 – 7 PM: Pop-Up Art Activity with The Orange Show for Visionary Art (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 7 – 8 PM: Mandolin Music with Clay Schutte (Next to the Carousel and Play Areas in the Commons)
• 7 – 8 PM: Sunset Bird Walk with Houston Audubon Society (Meet at the Pedal Boat Kiosk at Lake Plaza) (REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE)
• 8 – 9 PM: Prioritizing Peace: Sound Bath (Tsuru Family Terrace – The Commons)

Friday, July 3 (5 – 10 p.m.): Summer Nights in the Park

Saturday, July 4 (3 – 7 p.m.): Celebrate America – Houston Style

Sunday, July 5 (3 – 9 p.m.): Party in the Park

Friday, July 10: 713 Weekend

Saturday, July 11: 713 Weekend

Sunday, July 12: 713 Weekend

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MOONLIGHT MOVIE NIGHTS
Presented by Goya

As part of the summer offerings, enjoy Moonlight Movie Nights, presented by Goya, in the Commons! Movies will start at approximately 8:30 p.m., around sunset. These movies are free and open to the public.

• Saturday, June 13: The Parent Trap (1998; PG)
• Saturday, June 27: Lilo & Stitch (2002; PG)
• Friday, July 3: National Treasure (2004; PG)
• Saturday, July 11: A Bug’s Life (1998; G) (weather reschedule from 6/20)

Be sure to get to the Commons early to snag your spot on the lawn. Guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs to settle in for the movie.

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To inquire about sponsorship opportunities and ways to get involved, email community@hermannpark.org.