Houston Events - June 2011

Houston events happening June 2011 present Houston couples with unparalleled opportunities to partake of some fabulous free concerts, fantastic festivals and free movies.

The heat may be on but so are the outdoor activities, we made sure to include indoors events as well. The place to catch some of the best music in Houston this month will be the concerts offered through the Texas Music festival.

Free Movies

Get the wifey, family or friends together for Discovery Greens, “Screen on the Green” or if you live near Spring Branch area you can spend your day Agnes Moffit Park farmers market and hang around for the free movie that night.

The free movies, farmers market and other family-friendly activities are scheduled during the Farmers Market and Movie Night Series. Each Friday, has a different theme with the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Facility, BARC, and the Houston Zoo stopping by with animals prior to some of the movies.

For more information about this Houston event visit the Agnes Moffit Park Facebook Page.

National Black Book Festival

June 2011 is also a big month for African American writers in Houston as the Black Book festival hits the town. There will be workshops seminars and luncheons to give festival goers a chance to meet with the top professionals in their fields.

A few of the sessions that may offer some interesting tidbits that can enhance any professionals career are:

The Get Signed - Get Published - Get Publicity
Book Marketers/Promoters Session

Local writiers, wannabe novelist and poets that take time to attend the book festival will get an excellent chance to hear professionals share tips, tricks and techniques to launch a career or keep a promising writing career picking up speed.

Texas Music Festival

The music featured at the Texas Music Festival spans a wide range from European to American repertories. The festival features young musicians from around the world the nation during this annual event. The festival is taking its music into the streets this year and you can catch some of the musicians at local venues.

A group of the chamber musicians from TMF will be jamming June 26th at the Bacchus wine bar on Dunlavy. A lot of the concerts are at the Moores Opera House on The University of Houston campus.


Here is a look at some of the concerts associated with the TMF.

Friday, June 10, 2011, Dudley Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. (FREE)
Le Chiavi di Bel Canto (The Keys to Bel Canto) Vocal Institute Final Concert
Joseph Evans and Melanie Sonnenberg, directors
Advanced young artists use the Keys of Bel Canto to unlock the secrets of music by some of opera's greatest composers.

Sunday, June 12, 2011, Dudley Recital Hall, 2 p.m. (FREE)
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition Final Round
Final competition round featuring solo performances by Festival Orchestra musicians.

Friday, June 17, 2011, Moores Opera House, 7 p.m. (FREE)
High School and College Jazz Institute Final Concert
Noe Marmolejo, director
Talented high school and college jazz musicians perform classical to contemporary repertoire in a big band setting.

Thursday, June 23, 2011, Dudley Recital Hall, 7 p.m. (FREE)
Young Artist Chamber Music
Small ensemble performances by Orchestra Fellows.

Saturday, June 25, 2011, Dudley Recital Hall, 10 a.m. (FREE)
High School Piano Institute Recital
Nancy Weems, director
Gifted high school pianists perform ensemble works.

Saturday, June 25, 2011, Methodist Hospital Crain Garden, 2:30 p.m. (FREE)
High School Piano Institute Recital
Nancy Weems, director
Gifted high school pianists appear as part of the Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) performance series.

These are just a few of the many Houston events for June 2011 that you’ll find on this blog this month. We could fill up several screens if we tried to list all of the events. We have launched a new feature that should help by listing useful products for any event or outing. This week it’s an Insulated Picnic Basket w/service for two


If you would like to see even more events try visiting our calender in the sidebar. You will find details, directions and plenty more stuff to do in Houston.

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10 Summer Getaway Ideas For Houston Tx

Two Wheel Tour – The beauty of the nature is best when viewed up close and personal. Sharing the seat of a motorcycle or peddling till you sweat on a road trip can be an exhilarating part of a romantic weekend for couples. It can be fun for friends and family too. Be sure to save time for hiking, boat tours and other outdoor fun that allows you to commune with the beautiful Texas outdoors.

Bike Tours (http://www.bicycletexas.com)
Motorcycle Tours (http://www.eaglerider.com)

Fruit/Vegetable Picking – At an orchard near you your family can enjoy an apple, watermelon or vegetable picking excursion as a day trip or part of a weekend getaway. It can be a great occasion to share with your sweetheart or your family. You may even be able to find an old fashion hayride in one of the rural communities for your kids to experience during the trip!


Local pick your own farms (http://www.pickyourown.org/TXhouston.htm)

Wildlife Conservation – Join the Houston Zoo, Audubon Society and other Texas organizations in preserving wildlife and the conservation of their habitat. You can tag along with local wildlife experts and zoo officials on adventure tours to Botswana's Okavanaga Delta and exciting destinations around the globe.

It’s a once in a lifetime chance to see animals in the wild in some of the worlds most unspoiled and diverse habitats. There are also local opportunities to take part in preserving Ridley turtles, Galveston beach and more,



Elderhostle (http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/search_res.asp?Type=A&StateCode=TX)
Houston Zoo Safaris (http://www.houstonzoo.org/safari/)
Audubon Society (http://www.houstonaudubon.org/default.aspx/MenuItemID/899/MenuGroup)/Sanctuaries.htm

Archaeological Adventures – You can find countless archaeological sites in and around Texas. Local museums and universities offer residents a chance to participate in uncovering traces of the states historical past.

Lubbock Lake Landmark (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/lll/fieldresearch.html)
Texas Archaeological Society (http://www.texasaaa.com/id4.htm)
Lake Jackson Plantation (http://www.lakejacksonmuseum.org/index.php?page=plantation-site)

Northern Getaways – If it’s gets a bit too hot in the summer travel north to the Texas panhandle where it’s cooler for a fun laid back getaway. There are lots of attractions, parks and museums that are open to visitors on weekends. It’s the place to find plenty of wide open spaces, dude ranches and canyons. Favored activities in the area area or horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.

Fort Davis National Historic Site (http://www.lasr.net/travel/recreation.php?Fort+Davis+National+Historic+Site&ID=2688)
Addicks Dam (http://www.lasr.net/travel/recreation.php?Addicks+Dam&ID=517)
Frontier Texas (Abilene) (http://www.frontiertexas.com/)

Texas History Excursion – What better place to go for a historical tour than Texas? There’s plenty of Texas history that a family, a couple or group can discover in a weekend. Allow enough time for sampling the local cuisine, shopping, and other attractions to make this an enjoyable and enriching excursion.

State Historical Sites(http://www.texaslakestrail.com/index)
Texas Driving Tours (http://www.texaslakestrail.com/index.aspx?page=1566)



Lake Cruises – A refreshing lake cruise on a humid, hot weekend is a great getaway for couples. It’s a wonderful opportunity to use that new camera to take lots of pictures, enjoy fabulous food, and relax to the sounds of waves slapping against the side of the ship. There are several vendors offering short 3 hour party cruises in Houston.

Clear Lake Cruise (http://www.starfleetyachts.com)
Galveston Bay Cruise (http://www.thebigwhiteboat.com)
Paddlewheel Boat Cruise (http://www.moodygardens.com/attractions/colonel_paddlewheel_boat)

Texas Beach Getaway – A beach getaway is ideal for a spouse or family that enjoys the sound of the surf outside of their door. These are a few of the best places to find vacation condos and cabins for rent during the summer.

Port Aransas (http://www.themayanprincess.com)
Moody Gardens Resort (http://www.moodygardenshotel.com)
Corpus Christi (http://traveltips.usatoday.com/hotels-beach-near-corpus-christi-27203.html)

The rates for multiple days are very reasonable June through September. For a getaway that won’t break your budget, look for privately owned beach rentals on Craig’s List. You should be able to save a few bucks off of the cost of staying at a resort.
Summer Festivals – Summertime is prime time for a bunch of festivals. There are festivals happening just about every weekend. Here’s a short list of some of the themes festivities in the South Texas area.

Annual Tomato Fest
Annual Texas Blueberry Festival
Kerrville Folk Festival

For more info on the dates and times of Texas fairs and festivals visit http://www.fairsandfun.com,


If traveling with a significant other or adult friends, check out the list of food and wine festivals happening in Texas.

Camping / Hiking Getaway – For a low key summer getaway for family, couples, or groups, consider a simple weekend camping or hiking trip. If you don’t want to travel too far from home, there are plenty of camping facilities in the Harris county parks. You and your partner or group will get to see the expansive Texas outdoors and enjoy our local habitats at the same time.

State Parks (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest)
Harris County Parks (http://www.hcp4.net/parks/reservations/index.htm)


More things for Houston couples

Houston couple activities
Romantic things to do in Houston
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What To Do In Houston This Weekend

Takasha Francis

Jecaryous Johnson

Ravey Wesley

Folks wondering what to do this weekend in Houston, should really consider hanging out at the Black Book festival in Houston. It's an exciting annual events where African Americans in Houston get a chance to mingle with literary talent from around the nation.

It's filled with exciting things to do for adults and children. It's a rare chance for you to get face time with your favorite author and/or the premier Black writers. The weekend event only lasts until Sunday.

Where
May 21-23, 2010,
Crowne Plaza Hotel - 1700 Smith Street-Downtown Houston

Take a look at some of the things you can do at the Black book festival in Houston.

Friday, May 21, 2010...10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Private Slumber Party
w/Authors Beverly Jenkins and Brenda Jackson
(Ladies only - Ages 18 and up)


Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 9:00 a.m.
Prayer Breakfast
Breakfast Speaker:Cheryl Lacey Donovan


Sunday, May 23, 2010 @ 4:00 p.m.
Spoken Word Poetry Slam
Poet and Host: Takasha Francis


The Black book festival is more than just a place for writers and publishers to hob nob. Their events are geared for book lovers of all ages and any professionals who would like to do some networking this weekend can get in on these cool activities.

• Book signing and discussion sessions with featured authors
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Spoken word poetry slam
• Book club give-aways

The tickets are moderately priced so everyone can come out and roam through the tons of exhibits. You can even bring your tweens and teens along to participate in these kid-friendly events.

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Children's Reading Room
Children's authors will read books to children and provide other entertaining activities

Etiquette for Teens
Director-Gloria Franklin
CEO, Ray of Hope Publishing

Take a peak at some of the publishers, authors and promoters participating during the festival in Houston.

Author Collective
Favor Two U Publishing
Lucy Rose Publishing
Revolutionary Disciples Media

Carl Weber
Author of 10+ novels, including
Up To No Good and Big Girls Do Cry

Ravey D. Wesley
Policy: One Man’s Legacy
A novel about a man born
in the early 1900s, who dreams
of creating financial wealth for future generations,
mission to learn the secrets of finance and wealth.


J. M. Benjamin
Publisher and author of 5+ urban fiction novels,
including Down in the Dirty, Ride or Die Chick and Menace

Writers, literary professionals or if you're interested in trying to publish a book, these weekend events can help you in your career or get a want-to-be writer off on a good start.

Bringing Out the Book In You
Presenter: Cydney Rax
Author, Brothers and Wives and
My Daughter's Boyfriend

Love and Adventure in the Middle East
Presenter: Luther Burch
Author, Black American in the Desert Kingdom

Marketing Your Book On a Limited Budget
Moderator
Oswald Scott, Author and Attorney
Panelists
Troy Johnson, Founder, AALBC.com
Dana Pittman, Nia Promotions

Faith Without Fear: Finding Purpose In Your Pain
Presenter: Renee Jean
Author, Verse in Motion: Moving God's Word in Your Life Personally and Eternally


The Black book festival in Houston is not just for people in the industry. It has seminars luncheons and workshops scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday that anyone can attend.

You'll benefit from attending this festival, whether you come with a group, family or solo. It'll be a weekend full of intresting events and topics of discussion with an array of talented professionals to connect with.

Books

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Houston Festivals

People travel from around the world to attend popular Houston festivals and other events in Houston. What they don't realize is that Texans will use any excuse to get together or throw a party. That's why this list is sooo long and the main reason local events like, Bayou City art show, Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo have been re-branded as week-long festivals.

H-town is a city with stellar reputation for being a fun and fantastic place to visit. If your family or group craves merry making and revelry take them to any of the community, ethnic or unique festivals in Houston.

City Of Houston Events

Some of the largest festivals are holiday celebrations sponsored by the City of Houston.
The Freedom Over Texas, held on the 4th of July,
Mayor's Holiday Celebration held during Christmas season. Some of the other cith functions include:

Veterans Day Parade.
Houston Children's Festival.
International Festival

Community Festivals

Local residents love to attend and hold festivals close to home in their neighborhood. It's an opportunity for neighbors to hang out together and participate in social events that can benefit local businesses, non-profits and popular causes. You'll enjoy yourself at any of the popular neighborhood festivals in Houston.

Westheimer Street Festival
HobbyFest
Historic Heights First Saturdays
Pasadena Strawberry Festival

Ethnic Festivals

Plenty of ethnic festivals are held in Houston. They're a natural by-product of the diverse cultural heritages that have helped to build Space City, Texas. These festivals are great places to learn and experience the food, histories and similarities of various cultures.

Here are a few of the ethnic festivals in Houston.


Juneteenth
Greek Festival
Cinco De Mayo
Houston's Polish Festival
Fiesta Italiana
Chinese New Year

Houston Art Fest

If you're an artist, art lover or patron of the arts, you'll find an ample selection of artistic events each year. They don't just bring out the local art crowd. Members of the art community from across the state show-up to show-off their talents and treasures at these annual festive occasions.

Westheimer Art Festival
Bayou City Art Fest.
Midtown Houston Art Festival
Art Crawl
Galveston Art Crawl

Music Festivals In Houston

Music influences everything. It can be heard everywhere you go in H-town. We have some big time celebrations that bring people together to jam, listen and dance to the music that they love. The summer season is packed full of music festivals.

Houston Jazz Festival
Houston Women's Music Festival
Texas Crawfish & Music Festival
Summer Fest 2010,
Houston Blues Festival
Juneteenth Zydeco & Crawfish Festival
Texas Crawfish & Music Festival
Annual Gospel Music Jubilee
How Sweet the Sound Gospel Choir Competition

Houston Book Events

Houston has a lots of Rodeos and barbecues, but books are part of our culcha too. The literary circles in the Bayou City love to throwdown and celebrate. Some of the literary festivals in Houston are:


Nuestra Palabra
Houston Indie Book Festival
National Black Book Festival

Cinema And Film

The number of film festivals in Houston are growing each year. They run the gambit from independent features and short films to foreign language film productions. Here's some of the celebrations where these cinematic treasures are showcased.

WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival
Houston Comedy Film Festival
Houston Palestinian Film Festival
Texas Black Film Festival
Cinema Arts Festival Houston

Unique Texas Festivals

There's more festivals than you can shake a stick at in Houston. Here are some really unique events that bear mentioning.

Houston Hot Sauce Festival
Via Colori® street painting festival
International Quilt Festival/ Houston
FotoFest
Texas FlyFishers Annual Fly Tying Festival

Local Food And Wine Events

If you're a connoisseur of fine foods, your taste buds will get excited at this list of Houston food festivals. It's a delight to tell you about this list of places to get your eat-on.

Bacon Takedown
French-American Wine and Food Festival
Houston Livestock Show Rodeo Chili Cook Off
Brenham Ice Cream Festival
Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

Just in case for some strange reason you didn't find a Houston festival that suits your fancy, remember this list gets updated periodically and so check back often.

You can also find the latest details about each of the festivals by following the links to pages that are dedicated to coverage of the individual events on our blog.

Related Links

Free Events In Houston
Events in Houston This week

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What's Happening This Weekend In and Around Midtown Houston

Lots of action is happening this weekend April 4 and 5,in and around Midtown Houston. Downtown the Houston Children’s Festival will be jumping with lots of special events and attractions you'll enjoy, the Big Family Adventure Areas

McDonald's Family Fitness Stage, McDonald's Alien Creation MD Anderson Tot Spot Games & Rides and Karaoke.

All Proceeds will benefit Child Advocates.

Water Gardens And Ponds-Fun Classes

Bog gardening is their most popular lecture. You can't get any greener or sustainable than this! Lean about simple designs that will make your pond work for you instead of you working for your pond.

This workshop is applicable to both pond owners and pond dreamers. If you happen to miss this workshop, it will come around again in May.

Mandell Park Annual Plant Sale Event


Saturday, April 4, 2009 9 am to 1 pm come out and support the Mandell Park community garden/. It's a great way to save, on all varieties of plants flowers, divided plants, cuttings, seedlings, tubers, and bulbs as well as potted trees and plants for your yard and garden this summer.

Other fun things happening during this weekend event include a raffle, refreshments, community garden tours, and a Children’s Corner with special activities for children in the garden.

Things To Do Outdoors



Here's yourchance to get out of Midtown Houston this weekend and get your pedal on with the Bayou City outdoor crew.

They'll bike across the Bolivar Ferry and take the ferry to Bolivar and tour an old historic fort, see some fishing spots. Then bike to lunch at The Original Mexican Cafe. The total distance will be around 24 miles at a leisure pace of 12 MPH.

WrestleMania 25

This weekend it's showtime for WrestleMania 25.

It's the second WrestleMania held in Houston. The last one was held at the Astrodome in 2001. The Reliant stadium show will accommodate an additional 10,000+ fans for wrestling.
This live events is ideal for young fans, their parents and even grandparents who can attend as a group. If you need more action you can catch more knock-down drag'em out at Monday Night Raw on April 6 at the Toyota Center.

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