Houston Events:Family-friendly Entertainment

If you prefer advice from a real person on real fun-loving Houston events rather than just a calendar full stuff, you’re in the right place. I’ll try to help you avoid 3 types of events:

• Those where you have to park miles away
• The ones where have to stand in line for hours
• Places where rowdy fans can spoil your day

Those where you have to park a mile away, The ones where have to stand in line for hours Places where rowdy fans can spoil your day

Once you throw out all those events, you pretty much eliminate the lackluster entertainment that ends up costing you way too much while providing very little value in return.

You are still left with plenty of opportunity for exciting, enjoyable and enriching times with friends and family. I put all of the events that happen in H-town into several categories:

• Annual shows
• Special events
• Cultural activities
• Houston Weekend: things to do

Houston Weekend: things to do

There is nothing weak about Houston’s weekly events. I’m not talking about the acts and shows that pass through. This is way cooler stuff to do in Houston that’s happening every weekend. If you are interested in stimulating a harmonious balance within your mind body and spirit, head over to Discovery Green, for a group activity.

Every week you can shape your booty and boost your chakras in the park by joining a fun-loving group of other participants for Yoga, Zumba and other stress eliminating exercises.

Sometimes if the weekends are the only free time n you have, then check out some of these other funtastic things to do in Houston.

• Farmers market
• Second Saturday Buffalo Bayou Boat Rides!
• Recycling Saturdays
• Hermann Park (hike-bike trails-Japanese garden-boat/train rides)
• Plant and Vegetable Gardening Classes

What makes me an expert on events in Houston? I’m glad you asked. It’s that I work here, live here and I've been there and done that, at just about every kind of event happening in the city and a few around the state as well.

Houston's Annual Celebrations

• The Houston Rodeo
• Home And Garden Show
• New Years Celebration
• New Years Celebration
• Chevron Marathon

Special Events in Houston

• Bayou City Art Festival
• Art Car
• Houston Mardi Gras
• Restaurant Week
• DockDogs: Discovery Green
• Buffalo Bayou Regatta
• Free Museum Day
• Tuesday Afternoons Free @ Houston Zoo

Houston Events:Cultural Activities

There is no culcha gap in this city nor a shortage of representation of the diverse ethnicity in H-town. Early Texas settlers were primarily of Irish, Scottish, German and African American descent. Today’s wave of people seeking a new beginning in the Lone Star State are from all over the world. Many of them love to show off the dance, dress and drama, as well as other exciting and entertaining aspects of their cultural heritage.

• ST Patrick's Day
• Juneteenth
• Greek Festival
• Chinese New Year
• Dragon Boat Festival
• Battle of San Jacinto-reenactment
• Black Book Festival
• More Houston Festivals

Thank you for letting me share my knowledge and experience with you about Houston events. You may have a different take on some of the events that’s cool too. Feel free to take time to leave a comment below and share your opinion.

B-T-W don’t leave this page without visiting the right sidebar. You can get our latest notice on meetups, discounts and hit the MidtownLIVE like button. Have you seen our Free Event Calendar page? Houston couples will be delighted to find it contains a whole year worth of family-friendly fairs, festivals and free events in and around Houston that they can attend.

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Houston Events April 2012

Photo courtsey WillBluffs Flickr stream

Have you ever attended a Houston event in a rental car and forgot what kind of car you were driving when you got there, or forgot where you parked your car in a big parking lot like Reliant Stadium or Katy Mills. Those are sure signs that you are having plenty of fun when that happens to you. This weekend get set to have that kind of funky good time at some of the great festivals in H-town.

There are too many to try and name them all but, here are some that you don’t want to miss.

April 13 - 15, 2012

Kemah Crawfish Festival 2012

It’s time again for the Kemah Crawfish Festival 2012, . The three-day Houston event takes place under the iconic Kemah Bridge with $2 A Pound Crawfish and music from some ofthe best bands in the area Bon Ton Mickey, Eugene Moody and The Blues Back Band, Brad Absher Band featuring Anthony Terry, and Texas Johnny Brown will be there.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Hot Block on Holman 2.0

The Artist Collective (1413 Holman at LaBranch) in the Midtown Art Center invites you to look through the lens of Jason Woods (Jack Yates), aka Flash Gordon Parks and discuss his dynamic body of works on display this month. The "2012 HOT BLOCK” features movies, all of which have sustainability themes,“Carmen Jones,” “Medicine for Melancholy” plus:
Drinks,
Popcorn
Music
Vegan Comfort food
Arts and craft vendors, original art and sidewalk tables and chairs and bike parking. Admission ranges from $5 to $15. Art viewing is free.



17th Annual Bayou City Cajun Fest

photo courstey: FLickr

" Cajun pies, jambalaya don't you spill it ...they're cooking up... big time fun... at Traders Village"


 Two days, Saturday and Sunday, April 14 & 15, during the 17th Annual Bayou City Cajun Fest.
Free live, toe-tapping Cajun music will be performed all weekend.

FREE CONCERTS:
11am - 2p Zydeco Dots



Fifth Annual Houston Indie Book Festival

Dozens of nationally-distributed literary journals, local booksellers, publishers, small presses, literary organizations, and writers will be hob-nobbing at the Menil Park on 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

• Children’s Area
• Binding Workshop
• Readings by Ana Maria Rodriguez and Andrea White.

13th Annual Midtown Visions Cultural Arts Tour

Come enjoy some of Midtown Houston's most creative visual and performing arts environments Noon to 5pm! You are invited to an open house at the artist's studios, galleries, complexes and collectives in Midtown .
It’s your chance to meet neighbors, greet artist and purchase artwork from the studios and see compelling installations, mixed media and performances.
Come and support your local artist!

Sunday April 15

The Women of Glenwood Cemetery Walking Tour

Be a part of a walking tour of an architecturally and/or historically significant Glenwood Cemetery sponsored by Preservation Houston.Hear the stories of some of the fascinating women who played important roles in the development of Houston and Texas, like ;
Gene Tierney
Charlotte Allen
Annette Finnigan
Florence Sterling
Alice Graham Baker
Tickets go on sale at 1:30 p.m. Tour begins at 2 p.m

Asia Society Texas Center Open House and First Look Festival

The Asia Sociarty officially opens its new headquarters in the heart of Houston’s Museum District with a four-day celebration April 12-15,
Music, dance, acrobatics, art exhibitions, storytelling, and tours of the building will be among the offerings during the two-day celebration.
Admission is free, and all are welcome.


Here are a few other Houston events that might strike your fancy. The Bat Fest, complete with Bat Chats, games and crafts for children, and an informative Bat Seminar at the Houston’s Zoo’s Brown Theater.

WorldFest-Houston - The state's oldest film festival competition. It spotlights film, video production & screenplays. All premieres will be shown at the AMC Studio 30 Theatre at 2949 Dunvale! If we missed your favorite festival or event charge it to our heads and not our hearts. Go ahead and leave the details about it in the comments section or like us on Facebook Fan page and you can post it in The Midtownlive Fanpage stream.

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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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What's Happening In Houston - Things For Couples and Groups

Welcome to our humble blog where we cover fun stuff for couples to do in Houston, what’s happening on weekends and things to do with a group. This is also where savvy people can find the latest info on Houston networking events, tours and What's Happening in and around Midtown and Houston.

We search through all of the top events eliminate the ones that are not family-friendly and sprinkle in a few little known things to do in Houston for little or no cash?

It would take all day and bore the heck out of you to wade through everything there is to do, just to get to what you are looking for. So we put together a convenient list that covers many of the activities in Houston that people love to do on weekends.

What’s Happening in Houston This Weekend

To use the list simply click on the Houston events that interest you and it will take to a page filled with information about that subject. Don’t limit your family to just one of the activities, make sure you come back here often to see what is available under the other topics.

To make it easier, why not right click and bookmark this page. Then you can always find something exciting to do in a few simple clicks. You can also sign up for our free newsletter that delivers fantastic things to do each month in Houston, alongwith special discounts available just for our subscribers.

Houston art and exhibits
Places to visit
Events at Houston parks
Houston attractions
What’s happening at museums
Weekend classes
Screenings of short indie films
Free concerts in Houston
Houston tours
Local festivals
Miller Outdoor Theater

Houston Event Parking and Transportation

Here are a few things that you should know about some of the parking for free concerts and other events in Houston before you head out the door. Parking at many places in and around Midtown Houston is limited and parking meters are enforced Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except where posted signs indicate otherwise. Parking meters are not enforced on official city holidays. See our list of Holidays in Houston.

Using the park and ride has become a big thing for people attending events. You will have to pay up to $10 to park and then a separate fee to ride the train or bus to the event. Parking at a local transit center which is usually free and hopping on the regular Metro bus may be a better option, if you can make the trip during the buses regular scheduled operating hours and without having to change buses.

Event Etiquette

We need to mention those infamous rules of the road. Important things that you need to know about when you visit different venues in the city.

A rule of thumb is that glass bottles are prohibited just about everywhere. They are not allowed in City of Houston and Harris County parks or just about anywhere. Another biggie is outside alcohol. It is not allowed in some places like Discovery Green and the local stadiums. It’s better to bring a few extra bucks and support the vendors at the event.

FYI

We know our list will give you ideas for plenty of fun stuff for couples to do in Houston and places to discover some exciting things happening this weekend to do with your group. You can visit our sister blogs for literary events and topics, Books about Houston and discover fabulous places to eat in the city at. Houston Restaurant and Entertainment Guide.

If by chance you did not find the information you are looking for, we invite you to let us know in the comment section so we can make sure that we are covering all of your favorite Houston events.

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Events In Houston

What a week for events in Houston. It's got to be a moviegoers paradise. I'm, talking all over town there are shows you can see many don't cost jack. So, maybe it's because of the heat, and everyone is trying to stay indoors and cool off.

I couldn't believe how many places are holding events with cinematic themes. They are showing them at social affairs, functions and other occasions in Houston. To see what I'm talking about just read on.

A Top Notch Inspirational Event In Houston

The Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival (BCIFF) founded by Shanda Davis, showcases diverse films and video projects that:

* Educate and enlighten us on political, social, psychological, economic, health, religious, and a variety of other issues,
* Offer hope and encouragement as well as inspire us to contribute towards the betterment of society and
* Display positive relationships, morals, individual, and family values.

This weekend is their annual Film Festival. To get in on the fun previewing this years submissions head over to their cyber-home @ www.bciff.com to find all of the details for this Houston event.

A Look At The Masked Man

Aurora Picture Show has teamed up with The Menil Collection for a summer series of events in Houston!
This week they've dug deep into the vault so that you can view, High Ho Silver: A Ride Through TV Westerns. It's a clip of highlights and short excerpts from some of your best-loved old-school western TV shows.

Bring the kids and it'll be just like a trip back in time, to the golden era of television when families gathered around the TV for new episodes of Bonanza, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, The Roy Rogers Show and many other six-shooter classics.

The Big Event Of The Week

Are you enthralled by the previews for the upcoming movie District 9? This hi-tech scifi-thriller about aliens landing in South Africa, where in an imitation of life, they become confined to a specific area and forced to work.

Reminds me of apartheid.

The coolest event in Houston has been getting a chance to screen the movie. I don't know how much you know, heard, or seen about this production from Peter Jackson, but he's a master of this genre.

One of driving force behind this much awaited movie event in Houston is 29-year-old Neill Blomkamp, best known for creating TV commercials for Nike and Honda as the director. It's amazing that the on screen talent in this indie production doesn't have any of the Hollywood heavyweights, but a cast of no-names.

As for the plot, it is sheer diabolical. Control, containment and communication with the aliens has been contracted out to a private company, Multi-National United (MNU). They are more interested in the the tremendous profits that can be had rather than the aliens' welfare. Pity the fools, can't make the aliens' awesome weaponry work. I could tell you more, Na..aah. Don't want to give up too much about itand spoil the movie. It'll open this weekend in Houston.

I'll just have to get back with you on the rest of the details real soon...Later

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Free Events In Houston This Week

How would you like to attend 2 cool, free events in Houston this week, a national trivia competition and a local inventors conference that everyone will enjoy? If you want something even more exciting, you can always laugh it up, with the city's funniest, wittiest, all around best comedians in the city.

These activities, are events in Houston where you'll meet other professionals to add to your network or just chill out with your family. You can always count on us to find plenty of exciting events in and around Midtown Houston.

National Trivia Challenge

At Firkin & Phoenix Pub you can relax and watch MLB, play a stimulating round of Buzztime trivia and toss a few darts. Remember, it's free all day on Monday's to shoot a game of pool. Firkin's is an official site in Houston for the Buzztime Final Round of "25 Years of Sports Challenge". An interactive trivia competition.

It's a game that lets you match wits against the best players from other cities in North America to play for a smorgasbord of prizes. In the end, the highest scorers from around the nation (plus two wild card winners each night) will win a spot in the Sports Legends Challenge activities at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Free Inventors Conference Houston

Houston inventors are a extremely active bunch of entrepreneurs, they are so productive and successful that the city ranks fifth in inventiveness! You don't have to be a design professional or engineer to come out and see some of these bright new inventions for yourself. The HIA, Houston Inventors Association rarely host free activities in Houston, so take advantage of this unique event to meet and talk with successful inventors, whose products have finally “made it” at the Bayland Park Center.

You will hear speakers from around the city that specialize in helping professional inventors with product development, design and production, intellectual property, project funding and much more.

Watch The Best Comedians In Houston

Come out and support your local comic. The Improv showcases the "Best of Houston's" comedians this week. Some of the greatest talent in comedy like Bill Hicks, Sam Kinneson, and Brett Butler all got their start here in Houston!

If your idea of a top notch laid back evening, is letting your hair down and being entertained then check out the activities in Houston at the Improv.

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Houston Events-August 09

Free Events in and around downtown Houston this week

This week is full of Houston events that are sure to have downtown Houston packed with lots of fun loving people coming out to enjoy the Jazz Fest and other fun stuff that's priced to fit inside everyone's budget.

I've got the 411 on a few of the great, low and no cost events happening in and around downtown this week. These events are ideal for professionals that want to escape the bar scene and still have fun in the big city, without having to search all over town for places where you won't be bored out of your skull.

Discovery Green

Every Tuesday in August, at 7-8pm you can bring your own mat and learn how to release stress using techniques designed to energize you. It's part of their second summer yoga class, you can expect to learn great poses from Jerry Randall, the fabulous and talented instructor.

Free Movies

Some of the places we recommend hanging-out in downtown Houston are places like Discovery Green, Dean's Credit Clothing Store or head to Westheimer and drop in on Domy Books where lots of hip people come to mingle, floss and chill.

Wednesday MOVIES
Wednesday @ Domy Books
From 830 - 1030pm, No Admission charge. Just be real and enjoy the reviews of classic films and movies at curated shows hosted by local reviewers.

Thursday's In August

Every first Thursday of the month Dean's Credit Clothing invites you to join them for free screenings of award-winning Texas-made short film entries from the Houston Film Commissions Texas Filmmakers Showcase or from other film festivals.
The hour or so screenings begin around 8:30PM.

THURSDAY MOVIE NIGHTS
curated by film monitor.
Also happening at Domy Books is this fun over the hump-day, pre-weekend get together.

Breaking Free In Houston

If you're looking to meet other cool laid-back Houstonians this blog will tell you where and when you can meet some of Houston's brightest minds. I'll help you stop filling your days and nights with work, work related friends and work related conversations.

If you're a professional seriously thinking about breaking free of the everyday working blues, corporate lifestyles and government trough. You need to hang-out at some of the Houston events and cool spots you'll learn about in Midtown Live, where you can meet like-minded people who share the same dream.

After all it's not just about enjoying life, it's about enjoying a better lifestyle.

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Downtown Houston Texas

Downtown Houston, Texas is located near the heart of the city's urban core. The eclectic blends of architectural styles and tree-lined streets, fuses culture and commerce to create a savvy looking place to hangout, work or visit.
photo from Flickr (Crossmage)

The best part is, there is always plenty of fun things to do downtown. Some people come to catch a few rays, or watch the Astros play baseball. Others enjoy its solace for reading, sightseeing or finding a cool places to dance.


Hook-up With A Downtown Houston Book Club

Some stuff you can do downtown this week and every 4th Tuesday of the month is discuss a broad selections of books, with members of the Fact or Fiction book Club. The group meets at the HPL-Central Library at high noon till about 1pm, for this brown bag friendly event.

One of the newest businesses in the downtown district is the creative roasters from Inversion Coffee. Their team artistically brews a first-class cup of java. The new shop inside the Central library will tempt you with their tasty array of snacks, artisan-baked pastries, and other sweets.

Hangout With Houston Texas Adventure Lovers

If you like the great Texas outdoors check out Bayou City Outdoors, it's a local group that organizes trips for outdoor enthusiast. Members get together and participate in all kinds of exciting outings and sporting activities.

The Bayou City Outdoors crew takes their fun inside to Lucky's on St Emanuel near Minute Maid Park. If you're looking for a few camping, hiking, biking, buddies? June 25th you'll get a chance to meet a few of the people who lead and participate in a variety of outdoor activities. This "BCO meet and greet" is a great time to ask any questions you have about joining an outdoor club.

Discover The City's Favorite Greenspace

The best addition to the downtown district in the past year is Discovery Green. It gaining a well deserved reputation as an Eco-park because of the attention that is given to sustainable design and green building throughout the construction and daily operation of the facility.

As you read this two arrays, 256 solar panels added to the Alkek Building and The Lake House buildings, are busy generating the electricity for the park office. The park's efficient irrigation system and how they recycle groundwater from the garage to fill Kinder Lake are some of the other sound green-living principles they employ daily.

Central City Co-op Green Market

The Downtown Green Market, sets-up its weekly co-op market in the park offering organic, locally-grown produce. You can also purchase a variety of other products and prepared foods made by local artists and craftsmen and women that participate in the co-op. Residents of the lofts and townhomes in and around downtown even use the park as a collection point for their recyclables.

If your travels take you near downtown Houston Texas stop in on any of these exciting Houston events and tell your friends, peeps and tweeps that you read about them here on Midtown Live

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