5 Reasons to Visit Houston This Spring: Frida Kahlo Exhibit, Hotel Daphne, Art Car Parade & More

A recent trip to Houston reminded us just how much this city has to offer. From world-class arts to delightfully unexpected experiences, Houston presents a mix of culture and creativity, especially in the spring. Here are some top picks for a weekend getaway.

1. Stay at the New Hotel Daphne

Staying in the Houston Heights neighborhood, with its walkable streets and charm, provided the perfect base for easy exploration. Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels recently brought its effortlessly cool sensibility to Houston with the debut of Hotel Daphne, a boutique stay in the heart of Houston Heights. The 49-room property blends warm, design-forward interiors with layered textures, vibrant art work and vintage accents. It includes an intimate library and a lush courtyard designed for lingering. Architecture by Blanchard A+D nods to the Heights’ industrial past with painted brick, steel windows, and Arts and Crafts influences. Mythology subtly threads through the design, with references to Daphne woven into textures and forms. Guest rooms feature playful textiles, handmade tilework and custom details. Downstairs, a lively all-day restaurant, Hypsi, led by Terrence Gallivan, channels old-world European culture with richly layered interiors that spill into a vine-covered courtyard. The result is a stay that feels artfully composed and indulgent enough to make you wish that you could stay a little longer.

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Hotel Daphne’s beautiful lobby seating area (photo by Julie Soefer)

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Hotel Daphne’s vibrant library room (photo by Julie Soefer)

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King room at Hotel Daphne (photo by Julie Soefer)

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Bathroom with gorgeous tiles and classic Bunkhouse robes (photo by Julie Soefer)

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Hypsi’s dining room at Hotel Daphne (photo by Julie Soefer)

2. Explore Must-See Exhibits at the MFA

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is hosting a remarkable lineup this season, including a striking presentation of works by Frida Kahlo alongside the fashion-lovers favorite “Louvre Couture” exhibition from the Louvre Museum. The pairing creates a dialogue between bold self-expression and historic fashion artistry. Expect immersive galleries, beautifully curated installations, and moments that feel equally intimate and grand. It’s an essential cultural stop in Houston, , and while you are there be sure to indulge in refined French cuisine at the MFA’s Michelin-starred Le Jardinier.
Take note: “Frida: The Making of an Icon” runs through May 17, but “Louvre Couture—Art and Fashion: Statement Pieces” is only on view through March 29.

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Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, 1940, oil on canvas, collection of Harry Ransom Center, the University of Texas at Austin, Nickolas Muray Collection of Modern Mexican Art. © 2026 Banco de Mexico Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museum Trust, Mexico, D.F. / Artists Rights Society, New York

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Installation view of Louvre Couture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

3. Experience the Art Car Parade

Few events capture the city’s creative spirit quite like the Houston Art Car Parade. This treasured tradition takes place on April 11, 2026 and transforms the boulevards into a moving gallery of wildly imaginative, finely detailed vehicles. From whimsical to cutting-edge, every car tells a story, and the energy of the crowd makes it feel like a really unique celebration. Arrive early, dress festively, and make a weekend out of this fun experience.  

4. Step Into “Mythical Realms” at the Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo invites guests into “Mythical Realms,” an enchanting, larger-than-life exhibition filled with glowing creatures and fantastical environments. Designed as an immersive tour, the experience blends art and storytelling throughout the zoo’s lush setting. When the sun sets, the installations take on an even more magical quality. “Mythical Realms” runs through Sept. 7. For ticket info, click here.

5. Spend a Day at The Menil

Set in the peaceful, tree-lined campus you can enjoy The Menil Collection, a public art museum located in the heart of Houston hat houses the art collection of founders John de Menil and Dominique de Menil, featuring a collection itself of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs and rare books. If you visit on their Neighborhood Community Day, held on April 18, 2026, you can enjoy an elevated yet easygoing way to experience this cultural institution. The day features live music, art-making activities, curated programming. Pair it with a relaxed walk through the surrounding neighborhood for a truly idyllic Houston moment.

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Browse a vast art collection at The Menil. (photo courtesy of The Menil Collection)

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Neighborhood Community Day offers a relaxed day to enjoy art. (photo courtesy of The Menil Collection)

Whether you’re organizing a quick weekend trip or a more leisurely spring reset, Houston in the spring yields a compelling mixture of culture and creativity.

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