Alternative Media In Houston

If you're into alternative media you can find lots of things to do in Houston and other creative professionals to hangout with in this fantastic city. People who are serious about film, video and open access to the media can sharpen their craft and network with other professionals in Houston through SWAMP( Southwest Alternative Media Project) and the Houston Independent Media Center.

These two Houston area organizations are where the thought leaders and professionals that are on the cutting edge of new media come together. They're shaping the new roles for television, movies and how news is crafted, created and presented in America.

SWAMP

SWAMP promotes the creation and appreciation of film, video and new media by providing independent makers with opportunities for professional development education, screenings, Texas PBS television broadcast, and a variety of other programs.

They host workshops, seminars, short film showcases and participate in Houston's annual Cinema Arts Festival. If you your business is film in Texas you need to connect with SWAMP and take part in some of the program offerings they produce throughout the state.

One of the recent educational workshops was a 2 day course in After Effects. It was designed to give the first time user a basic understanding of the tools, workflow and capabilities of the program (as well an understanding of compositing and how it differs from the editing process.) It covered all of the techniques from keyframing, layering, nested compositions, rotoscoping, to color correction, chroma key (green and blue screen), animated text and 3D space.

Houston Independent Media

The collective known as the Houston Indymedia is an all volunteer group that's committed to using media production and distribution as tools for promoting social and economic justice. They provide a refreshing alternative to for-profit media. Their focus is broader than just local news coverage, and strives to give a balanced representation to news from around the world to emphasis our global connections.

Much of the news they report is focused on local social movements, and explores dissent, critiques corporate, government and military domination, and promotes art, culture and critical thinking. They encourgae everyone with varying viewpoints to contribute to their website and have input through their local radio show that airs on KPFT every Friday at 7:30pm.

Film and Arts In Houston

Houston is a hotbed for alternative media in Texas. Rice University and University of Houston have thriving programs that offer education and employment opportunities for professionals serious about shaping the ideas and roles of art, film, television and movies.

Throughout November Midtownlive will have more details about these groups and this month's Houston Cinema Arts Festival. It celebrates innovative cinema, mixed-media performances and new media. They are instrumental in enriching the film and arts environment, and fostering cross-cultural understanding and installations to promote Houston's economic development.

Books

Art/Theater

Attractions

Parks

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Houston Weekend: Boat Tours In Houston

Every Houston weekend from now until late winter is a good time for a fabulous getaway on a boat tour in Houston. Busy professionals need QT (quality time) to escape into the peaceful beauty of nature to contemplate, relax and enjoy life. If you could enrich, educate and entertain your family, friends or just yourself in the process, that would be a two'fer, right. Try this!

For a fun outdoor adventure on a weekend try one of the Boat Tours In Houston. There are some unforgettable local destinations that you, your family or group will enjoy during local boat tours, especially the one at the Armand Bayou Nature Center. It's open during the week, but Saturday and Sundays are my favorite days to visit this local ecological treasure.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

The natural beauty of the area is awesome and it's one of the few remaining places in the U.S. where you can experience wetlands, prairie and forest. These ecosystems are essential to preserving Houston's rich biodiversity. The ANC is the perfect setting for a fun interactive outdoor experience in nature on a weekend.

You can take your pick from guided canoe tours, pontoon boat tours, nighttime adventures and other exciting activities that are regularly scheduled things to do, at the Armand Nature Center.

Boat Cruises

The "Bayou Ranger" takes visitors on a boat tour in Houston, on a cruise down one of the tributaries of Armand Bayou. The pontoon boat offers unique opportunities to view local wildlife doing their thang. You could put together a private cruise for your friends, family or a group; Or come and meet some new folks on the cruises scheduled on most Saturdays.

There is a morning boat tour that provides a early view of whats happening down on the bayou before noon. A nocturnal tour in the nature center will yield a whole new crew of creatures, out and about in the woods.

Guided Canoe Adventures

The guided canoe trips at the center, travel the slow drifting backwaters of Armand Bayou Nature Center. It's a calm, leisurely way to spend a fall morning. The canoe tour provides ample time for wildlife watching, wetland education, relaxation and fun.

The watery tour is a pleasurable experience that gives you plenty of physical exercise paddling your canoe along, while enjoying the peace and beauty of nature.

Moonlight Cruise

When your daytime, things to do list, is full or the Houston sun keeps you inside until after sunset when it has completed it's westward trek, you can still find plenty to see, hear and do at the Armand Nature Center.

You'll hear the chorus of frog songs and owl calls. Your eyes will do quick scans and squint to see the workers on the night shift, raccoons, opossums, nutria, deer, owls, snakes, turtles and alligators, along the bayou. Their body color and slow quiet movements makes it easy for them to blend into the wooded background at night.

The tranquil ride on the pontoon boat at night, adds its own character that magnifies the beauty, ambiance and excitement of the forest after dark.

Planning Your Adventure

Take a look at the Armand Nature Center calendar to get a complete listing of the exact dates, times and phone numbers for any of these activities and lots more that deserve a place on that busy schedule of yours. The ANC makes it nice and easy for you plan your boat tour in Houston with reservations by phone or in person.

If you plan your Houston weekend ahead of time, you'll never run out of places to go or things to do that will educate, entertain and enrich the lives of you, your family and friends through fun outdoor excursions. You'll easily become known as the go to person anytime your family wants to have a great time on a fabulous getaway in Houston.

Books

Art/Theater

Attractions

Parks

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Things To Do This Week In Houston Texas

One of the neat things to do this month in Houston is to be on the lookout, because freeways will become the exhibit hall and billboards are the canvass for sensational pieces of art.

Houston artist C. Ellen Hart converted a portion of her collection of digital images from reflections of downtown Houston, in glass and water, to billboard sized works of art.
You can find one of the pieces, Downtown Reflections (Evening Light) on the southbound side of I-45 North at Cavalcade, between 610 Loop and I-10.

Free Things To Do This Week

Internet Entrepreneurs, Web Designers and Developers,Technology and Internet Enthusiasts, everyone that live on the internet,should attend this monthly lunchtime event with a focus on speakers and topics of interest to startups.

Free session like this are rare. Bring a lunch and enjoy complimentary cookies and drinks from the host, Houston Technology Center.


Fun Things To Do In Houston This Week

This is the last week of performances for the UH Theater And Dance School' play Buy One Get Five Free, by native Texan Amy Lanasa.


The play, directed by Steven. W. Wallace, revolves around the complexities in the life of a woman trying to cope with a sister who is a convict, a momma with a Bingo habit and her missing husband.

You can catch all the fun now thru April 19, 2009, Wednesdays - Saturdays at 8:00 pm.

University of Houston - Jose Quintero Lab Theatre
133 Wortham Houston, TX 77204

Things 4 Women To Do In Houston This Week

The Greater Houston Conference for Women
Wednesday, April 15
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Westin Galleria Hotel




This week Greater Houston's Women's Chamber Of Commerce has an incredible opportunity for business networking, professional development, and personal growth.

The conference for women brings together speakers sharing inspirational stories and leading seminars on the hot issues that matter most to today's women.


You'll get the latest scoop on health, personal finance, business and entrepreneurship.

Books

Art/Theater

Attractions

Parks/Gardens

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Events In And Around Midtown Houston

For those of us whose idea of a good weekend includes impromptu conversations with strangers rather than a cordial family Thanksgiving dinner, you'll find lots of exhilarating events to attend in Houston from now until you return to work on Monday.



Downtown Houston Events

The H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade is a good launching pad for the weekend. It doesn't really matter whether you brave the the cool crisp breeze swirling past the downtown monoliths or stay home and wrap-up in a thick warm comforter, everyone should take a peak at this annual event.

The parade began in 1949 to signal Santa's arrival at Foley's, and is now a Houston tradition. It's free to view the parade anywhere along the route, however the 21st Century version sports a name change "H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade" and a limited number of bleacher seats that are reserved for purchase.

Once those festivities are over, hitch a free ride on one of the red trolleys and head east, to Discovery Green for the first day of ice skating in the recently installed downtown ice rink.

What's Happening in Uptown Houston

Nighttime will usher in another local traditional event in Houston, the Uptown Holiday Lighting. The switch will be thrown to brighten the rooftops around the Galleria. They'll dazzle and shine from the half-a-million twinkling lights that illuminate the area during the yule tide season.

Sports Corner

Texas and football are synonymous and there is plenty happening on the gridirons around Houston. Crosstown rivals University of Houston and Rice University will vie for the Bayou Bucket trophy this weekend.

You can pretend you stepped into a wayback time machine and check-out some of the local high school football teams that are battling for a trip to the state championship.

Things To Do In Midtown Houston

On Sunday Wind down over at Domy's with this week's foodie flick event, a viewing of "Mostly Martha". It's part of the "My Table" series spotlighting wine/food themed movies.

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Things To Do In Houston On Veterans Day

Man's fascination with the sea goes back centuries as does the collection of models and artifacts at Houston's best kept secret, the Houston Maritime Museum.

Oil tankers, oar-powered galleys, fishing ships, and commercial ocean travel are just a few the models you will encounter in this Houston museum. A visit to this humble seafaring collection deserves a place on your list of things to do on Veterans Day.

Veterans Day Parade

An official holiday has to include a parade. This year is no exception. The Veterans Day Parade was rumored to be canceled prompting lots of callers to voice their complaints on local radio talk shows. However, there will be ceremony at City Hall followed by a parade that begins at Texas@Smith.

San Jacinto Monument

In honor of American veterans, active duty servicemen and their families will be given free admission to the San Jacinto Museum of History. The museum, located in the base of the San Jacinto Monument, honors the battle of San Jacinto. Displays include books, bayonets and swords. The museum documents Texas' life from the earliest days as a Spanish colony to the day the west was won.

Something else I recommend doing on Veterans' Day in Houston, is visiting Houston National Cemetery.

Veterans Cemetery

Houston's veteran cemetery is one of the many places that many Houstonians chose to visit on this holiday. You can search for relatives or other veterans that share your last name. The cemetery is located in North Houston on Veterans Memorial Drive.

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Things to Do in Houston -November 08

The winter colors may be changing the face of the area's landscape, but city-life remains vibrant year-round in Midtown Houston.

So, before you get all wrapped up into the plans for your holiday decor and entertaining at home, here are a few the things to do in Houston, this week, to get your November off to a proper start.

This Weeks List of Things For Adults To Do?

Get out and VOTE!

Here is a link to find out where to vote in Midtown Houston or any of the surrounding areas. Every eligible voter has a chance to take part in a democracy, here is your chance to put'em back up or shut up your elected officials in Washington.


Domy Books- Come out for the books and you'll end-up coming back to for their eclectic series, food flicks, at the world's most under rated bookstore.

Aurora Picture Show- The home for vanguard films that fall outside of conventional moviemaking.

Things To Do With A Group

If you and your group of friends crave pure excitement, try these events.

Houston Rockets- This week the Rockets play host to the 2008-World Champion Boston Celtics.

Laff Stop- Every Monday is open mic night.

All of these adult-rated events are easy to get to from anywhere in Midtown Houston and inside loop 610.

Things To Do With The Kids

If you're tired of promising the kids a night out here are some events they're sure to enjoy.

Art in The Park- Hosted by top-rated artist on Thursday in downtown Houston at Discovery Green.

Children's Museum of Houston- The CMH honors the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos as a celebration of life, November1- 5.

Free Events In Houston

By the way....

For those of us whose budgets are stressed, here are some free things you can do, this week in Houston.

Miller Outdoor Theater- KPFT-radio's concert series and more.

Discovery Green- Sunday's, Wednesday and Thursday you can head to the other park.

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Things To See In Houston Museums-Oct 08

I'm not truly convinced an old misnomer can be redefined, but the documentary project conceived by photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and former New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell have taken the word blacklist outside of its old box.

If you have seen the billboards and heard the advertisements and were too busy to come out to the free First Sunday's at the museum, this week is an ideal time to head to MFAH in Midtown Houston to see "Blacklist: Volume One" in the Caroline Wiess building before this multi-sensory, stimulating exhibit closes, October 26.

Blacklist-The Houston Museum Exhibit




It's comprised of rich revealing portraitures of high-profile African Americans sharing candid glimpses into their diverse experiences of being Black in today's modern society.

Each of the notable interviewees were photographed with Greenfield-Sanders' large format camera yielding dramatically vivid images captured during thought-provoking conversations that make-up "The Blacklist" montage that includes:

The exhibit
The book
The educational lesson
The film

The dialogue with Mitchell captures the voice and emotions of some of today's well known African American faces from sports, business, Hollywood and other arenas.

Create Your Own Blacklist


Another feature of the Blacklist montage is a viral contest "Who's On Your Blacklist" that gives everyone a chance to submit a video telling their story and win a chance for it to be a part of the Blacklist.

Kudos to MFAH for garnering the honor of being the launching pad for the U.S. museum tour of these remarkable living portraitures. This is a once in a lifetime "thing to see" in a Houston Museum. The exhibit will leave feeling that you have experienced up-close and in-person the taste of triumph, struggle and joy of these notable Blacks in America's melting pot.

You can see the stirring movie trailer, reviews and other details about the Blacklist experience on the web at Blacklist.com.

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Things To Do In Houston This Week Aug 18-23 2008

Racism and other key issues that keep us from connecting as a true community are the topics of disscussion as we strive towards creating a more perfect union. This weeK KPFT and the Center for the Healing of Racism invite you to to share in a dialogue on these issues, Tuesday, August 19 from 7-9 pm at Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Midtown Houston.

There will be a panel of representative members of our community to facilitate a discussion beginning on the pivotal divisive issue we face in our nation: racism. Everyone can submit questions, which will be compiled and presented in the second half of the program.

This program will be take place in the Fondren Hall at St. Paul’s,located in Midtown Houston, near the Museum of Fine Arts. Free parking is available across Fannin St from the church.

This event will be a great way to begin your week. Of course there are lots more things to do in Houston this week and you can count on Midtown Live to bring them to you. Sign up for the free RSS feed or bookmark this page for quick and easy access to What's Happeniing In Houston This Week.

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Free Events In and Around Midtown Houston

Due to the impending tropical storm, Tuesday night’s performance of “Julius Caesar” has been cancelled, shows will resume Wednesday.

A myriad of events are on tap for the final weeks of summer. Whether you favor the classics or crave the avant-garde, Houston’s theater and arts community will thrill you with all of the fun things you can see and do this week.

Politics, envy and ambition embroil the stage during The Houston Shakespeare Festival. You’ll want to catch both Cymbeline and Julius Caesar which appear on alternate nights during the week-long festival.


Be sure to add this event to your list of Things to do with a Group. The festival is not only free it’s kid friendly with stimulating sights, sounds and experiences that you’ll want to share with more of your family and friends.

Cymbeline, is a great fairy tale for adults where themes of jealousy, fidelity and sophistication are all played out with Shakespeare's customary genius.

Julius, Brutus and most of the cast of the Houston Shakespeare Festival are from the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance.

The free shows take place each night, just outside of Midtown, under the stars at Miller’s Outdoor Theater beginning at 8:30 pm. If you need tickets for the covered seating just visit the Miller Outdoor Theater box office for details.

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Jazz Greats At Houston’s International Jazz Festival

Man, if you’re into all that jazz stuff, then don’t miss the Houston International Jazz Festival. The line-up of stellar artist for the weekend event is set and you’ll want to be there too. More importantly the concert provides the Summer Jazz Workshop All-Stars, young, aspiring musicians from Jazz Education Inc’s summer jazz workshop with a chance to show their skills.


Their highly acclaimed program of master classes, lectures, small and large ensembles, video presentations have been attended by many of America's young musicians.

You can also expect to hear plenty of well-known international, national, regional, and local Jazz musicians perform during the weekend concert. This year’s Houston International Jazz Festival will feature Hiroshima, Ruben Stoddard of American Idol fame, The Texas Brass Band and a whole lot more.

The concert takes place at Discovery Green, formerly called the super block, it’s building a reputation as a hip place for r & r (rhythms and relaxation) with Houstonians.

Here is your chance to be a part of and proud of, the jazz education programs in this city. With your support they can continue to be a consistent force educating others about the world of jazz.

Want to know more about this weekends festival? Follow this link to The Houston International Jazz Festival website.

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Things To Do In Houston This Week: July 08

Michael Winslow is in town. Who?
His name is not as familiar as his face, but after hearing a couple of the weird noises he makes, you’ll remember how hard this human sound effects machine used to make you laugh.

Winslow brings his stand-up act to The Improv in Houston this week. You’ll get to laugh at more of his funny noisemaking abilities, from beatboxing, and kung fu sounds to Jimi Hendrix, where he impersonates the guitar.

Spaceballs and the Police Academy series are just a few of the shows he entertained us in. He was also the voices for the mogwai and gremlins in the Gremlins series. Recently, Winslow treated us to a fresh dose of his unique talent in a Geico commercial and a just released DVD. Tickets for any of the shows at the Improv or available online at improvhouston.com

[Where: The Improv, 7620 Katy Freeway]

Things to Do In Houston This Weekend With a Group of Kids.

Got Kids! I’ve got a great way to get them out of the house. Why not take them to see HITS Theater's presentation of Willy Wonka Jr.


HITS is a training facility for children ages 6-22. It’s also one of the leading performing arts education organizations for young people in the Houston area. They try to inspire and instruct school age students by providing the highest quality performing arts education around.

The positive themes in this musical are taken from the original book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

The Enigmatic candy manufacturer stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy.

The words and music for this local production are by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley and stage adaptation is by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald.

HITS is located in the Houston’s Historic Heights neighborhood, a couple of miles northwest of Midtown Houston.

You can find out more about the show times and dates by visiting hitstheatre.org or calling 713.861.7408

HITS Theater, 311 W. 18th Street Houston, Texas USA 77008

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The Circus Opens In Houston's Reliant Park

The circus has come to town just in time for kids of all ages to enjoy some real fun before the summer ends. "Bellobration" the 137th edition of the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus opens Friday, through July 27 2008, in Reliant Park. This year's show has a lot more death defying stunts that push the performers skills to the limit of possibility.

The Circus in Houston

The massive elephants, ferocious tigers and of course the high wire jinx will make your heart want to leave your body. It's a good thing they're bringing everyone's favorite clown, Bello and the rest of their world-class clowns, to tickle your fancy. When the circus comes to Houston it's always time for celebration, and this year's show "Bellobration" is no exception it'll have everyone hanging to the edge of their seats.

Dates For The Ringling Bros. in Houston

When you visit this year's circus you'll get to see not only the animals doing their thing in the show, but more human feats than ever, like the "Wheel of Steel" and the 7 -story sway pole. The dates for the Ringling Bros. show in Houston are:July 18-27th, for the times check Reliant Park.com.

Where to Get Tickets for the Circus

However, before you head out to Reliant Park, why not save time and get your ticket's online at Stubhub.com.

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What’s Happening This Weekend in Houston : July 08

It’s all about art this month in Houston not just the visual but the performing arts are kicking into high gear this summer with several great shows that you won’t want to miss.

Downtown may be the place to be for the fourth of July, but this weekend Tom Bass park will be packed with celebrants for Houston’s Caribfest.

This year the festivities get started early at 10am when the gates open for the 6th Annual CaribFest on July 6 at Tom Bass Park. It promises to be one heck of a Sunday show, to wrap up this busy three day weekend.

The lineup includes steel bands, live entertainment and extravagant floats and you can bet there will be “plenty of jerk for you mon” casting it’s lure all day long.

It’s not hard to get Tom Bass Park from Midtown or anywhere else in Houston. The 610 loop will take you to Highway 288 South and at the Beltway 8 exit there are signs to direct you right to the parks’ front gate.

More information can be found by accessing the official website of the concert, HoustonCaribfest.com.

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Fun Things to Do in Houston This Summer?

Have you ever fed a lion? If you haven’t been to a zoo and fed a big cat, you’re missing out on one of the best treats for young and old animal lovers like.
Your summer in Houston won’t be the same once you visit the zoo.

Cat training is a unique experience that is one of the most exciting things you can ever do. This incredible event takes place daily before the Houston Zoo opens and it's available for animal lovers over 12 years old. You’ll feel like an animal expert after you have offered milk or even some meat from a training stick to one of the zoo’s wild animals.

Houston Zoo Conservation Projects

You may even get to look eye to eye with a Siberian tiger or snow leopard? They’re part of the forty conservation projects in which the Houston zoo participates, that assist in the survival of threatened wildlife and habitats.

These up-close and personal visits are available by special reservations and only allow 5 or 6 participants a day to accompany a Houston Zoo Ranger on a cat training experience.

The zoological park is known for providing fun visits that offer an inspirational experience, and there is no better way to do that than allow you to share in this unique opportunity.

Getting to The Zoo

If you are not familiar with Houston or you’re not sure how to get to the zoo, just ask anyone in the city for directions to Herman Park, which is where the zoo is located. It sits a few steps outside the Texas Medical Center in Midtown Houston and only a couple of Metrorail stops from downtown.

To get started on this exotic adventure, you’ll need to make reservations three or more weeks in advance. More details on the “Cat Training Experience” are available at Houstonzoo.org

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Fun Things To Do In Houston During the Summer

If you haven’t been to see the friendly folks over at the Houston Zoo lately, you’re missing out on one of the things that excites animal lovers of all ages. Summer won’t be a fun Houston summer, unless you spend a day at the zoo.

If you are not familiar with Houston and aren’t sure where the zoo is located, you can ask anyone in town for directions to Herman Park. It sits just outside the Texas Medical Center in Midtown Houston and only a couple of Metrorail stops from downtown.

Exciting Things to Do

For those who are looking for something indoors or for a rainy day, check my past post of exciting things to see in Houston.

Things to See At The Houston Zoo?

This 55 acre paradise for wildlife is home to 4,500 animals that represent over 900 species. That should cover about of every kind of animal that you would ever want to see.

There’s ample room in all of the animal viewing areas, many are shaded and occasionally indoors and air conditioned.

Some of the fantastic animals that are native to the state and once roamed wild in early Texas are also on display at the zoological park, along with their exotic cousins, from all over the world.

Fun for Kids of all Ages

Don’t fret about kids that become hot and irritable, there’s a big water playground where they can cool off and beat the summer heat. Another fun thing to do, is to change gears with a slow relaxing walk pass the colorful tropical birds, the Wortham World of Primates, and a visit to the animals that everyone’s wild about, the big cats.

The zoo’s Carruth Natural Encounters is a haven for Koala bears. If you’re lucky during your visit you’ll get to meet the meerkats, maned wolves, and giraffes too. You should have been there in 2006, when Shanti, an Asian elephant gave birth to the "largest elephant calf ever delivered in a zoo".

There is still plenty to experience at the Houston zoo. Make sure you allow enough time for the children to the stop by the petting area where they can gain hands-on time and knowledge about sheep, goats and other domestic animals.


My Favorites Things to Visit

That’s right Houston’s zoo has lions, tigers and some of the biggest bears you have ever seen.

If you’re on a group outing and want to save some cash. Check out this link to ways to cut the cost on your visit houstonzoo.org

[Where:1513 N. MacGregor Houston, TX 77030]

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Fun Things To Do In Houston

Whether you are planning activities with a group of kids or just trying to have a little personal rest and relaxation in H-town there’s a host of places to get your fun on.

Just in time for this summer’s list of fun things to do in Houston is a new world-class outdoor skate park that’s become a hit with skaters. The HPARD's Lee and Joe Jamail Skate Park

is the latest place for skaters to work on things like their kick flip, ollie, fakie big spin... or beginners can simply practice staying balanced!

This skaters paradise is part of the City of Houston’s Parks and Recreation Departments growing collection of skate parks. It’s located near downtown Houston around the Sabine Street Bridge area.

Parking is available at Fonde Recreation Center which is another place with lots of fun things to do, but we’ll have to cover that some other time.

The new 330,000 square-foot outdoor park is open till 10 pm and capable of handling skaters looking to have fun on their blades, boards are skates. While the skaters are working their mojoe, Tinsley Park has some fun things for adults to do.




It doesn't matter if you prefer the cool of the evening or a trekking in the morning, the hike and bike trial that follows along the rising banks of Houston's Buffalo Bayou is filled with exciting things to view from the occasional alligator to public art. This urban green space is a spot everyone around town likes to hang out while enjoying downtown literally one step at a time.

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Things to Do Near Midtown Houston During The Summer

There are plenty of great places for people to visit in Houston and I’ve got a tip on one such place, that even a few local folks have yet to check out.

Anytime you are looking for something to do and you’re near Midtown Houston I recommend visiting the John C. Freeman Weather Museum, especially during the summer. Their weather research center is a lot more than nirvana for amateur weather sleuths.

Weather Research Center

University graduates from all over the country come to their research center vying for internships, since no where else can they receive the kind of hands on training that’s available at the Houston weather research center.

There just aren’t many places where people can learn first hand knowledge from the experts, crucial meteorological facts, about corporate, global marine and tropical weather forecasting. Their local educational and community outreach programs are unique too.

Weather Forecasters Wanted



Visitors are enlightened to the science, history and safety of the world of weather. You can even make your own weather forecast at the WRS weather studio and take home DVD’s to show off your debut to family and friends.

Weather camps, weather labs and summer internships are designed to inspire students, scouts and the curious from various organizations that partner with the center.

Houston's Weather Museum

This Houston treasure was founded by Dr. John C Freeman and his daughter Jill F. Hasling, both fellows of the American Meteorological Society. It’s been around since 1987 and deserves a spot on everyone’s list of things to do in Houston this summer.
You can plan your visit to the museum by checking out the weather museum website.

[Where: 5104 Caroline - Houston, Texas 77004]

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This Week Enjoy Art and The Astros in Houston

Round 28 : Otherwise Constricted & FotoFest: "Look What a Woman's Got"



The mission of Project Row Houses is to create community through the celebration of art and African American history and culture in Houston. This week they’re sponsoring an artist meet and greet event.

Thursday come out and engage in a dialogue with Rabe'a Ballin, Phillip M. Jones II. The two artists collaborated to bring Houstonians an installation entitled “Behind the Seen”.
May 22, is your chance to ask them about their work and tour the installation. The talk gets going at 6pm at Project Row House, 2521 Holman Street.


To find out more about this exciting event go to Projectrowhouse.org

[Where: 2521 Holman Street, Houston TX]


Another Great Idea For Family and Group Trips.








Midtown Houston residents prepare yourself for the deafening roar of excitement from the crowds at Minute Maid Park all week-long. The Houston Astros will be playing at home against the Chicago Cubs Monday thru Wednesday. Thursday the Philadelphia Phillies come to H-town.

The guys at the Minute Maid Park are cooking up plenty of delicious treats for the game. They’ve just introduced a great idea for your next families or group outing, All You Can Eat tickets for every Thursday Astros game!

For $35 you can get unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, nachos, soda and water plus the thrill of a Major League Baseball game.

Need details on this week’s games or the Astros schedule check out Houston.astros.mlb.com

[Where: 501 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002]

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Things to do In and Around Midtown Houston

(courtesy of Sloangallery.com)


The joy of experiencing new and exciting adventures will punctuate each day in May. Here are a few suggestions of fun events for those who are planning their list of things to do this week, to enjoy quality time with your family, a group or on a solo evening in Houston, Texas.

Cinco do Mayo events in downtown Houston, are a tradition in this city as it prepares for the entry of the summer months.

Midtown Houston residents can beat the hustle and bustle of the crowds of tourist by taking their family out for a long overdue Sunday day trip, to the museum or an intimate evening of star gazing?

These are just a few of the free events that are happening this week, during May in H-Town.

Houston is a city where every moment is a kodak moment, especially while attending the plethora of activities that will be happening, in Midtown Houston, downtown and the museum district.

Be sure to include a trip to Minute Maid Park, home for the Major League Baseball team, the Houston Astros, somewhere on your list of things to do this week.

Take a look at these listing for the details on the date and time for these fun activities.


Museum of Fine Arts, Houston




May 4 is a Target Free First Sunday at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
The MFAH, offers free admission all day, the first Sunday of each month, courtesy of Target.




Children's Museum of Houston





Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Children’s Museum of Houston will celebrate Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla during Cinco de Mayo Celebration.




Major League Baseball featuring the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.



Houston Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Houston Astros
May 2-May 4, 2008


Nights on Blue Bayou
May 9, 2008



Join the Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a night of stargazing, boat rides, storytelling and more along the Sabine Promenade. The Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Discovery Dome will be on hand as well as bayou boat rides for anyone over 4 years old.


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Fun Things To Do In Houston

The next time you want to have some nocturnal fun, try bat watching. Not far from Midtown Houston, is a colony of 250,000 Mexican Free-tailed bats, that live under the Waugh Street Bridge.

A pontoon boat tour on Buffalo Bayou provides an amazing view of the bats' emergence into the the night. Your heart will race from the excitement of viewing and learning about these magnificent flying mammals that call Houston home.

Here is where you can find out more information and make your reservations for this breathtaking tour. Waugh Bridge Bat Colony Pontoon Boat Tours.



NIGHTS ON BLUE BAYOU-STARGAZING



If you happen to live in Houston or plan to visit here, May 9 2008, you can enjoy free family fun, star gazing Texas style. This spectacular evening under the stars happens at Houston’s downtown waterfront park, the Sabine Promenade.

For the second year in a row, the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Discovery Dome planetarium and George Observatory volunteers bring out their telescopes, to look into the Houston skies.

The award-winning blue lights, highlight the bridges, trails and water of the park and changes in tandem with the phases of the moon. The park along the banks of Buffalo Bayou features jogging and biking trails, lush landscaping, canoe launch, public art and a new pedestrian bridge.

You’re welcome to B.Y.O. picnic lunch or purchase food and drinks on site. This outdoor affair is blanket and lawn chair friendly. You can even bring along the family canoe or kayak, they’re encouraged for optimal stargazing. Local balloon artist and storytellers will be there and boats rides are often available if you would like to get in some nautical sightseeing.

The place to find out more about this springtime adventure and other activities along Houston favorite waterfront is at BuffaloBayou.org website.


The Burke Baker Planetarium





Every visit to Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is an opportunity to experience the wonders of science and nature firsthand. Their spectacular exhibit halls and state-of-the-art venues offer remarkable insight into the world around us.

HMNS Burke Baker Planetarium will be a place you’ll want to visit often, because there is always something new to discover!

I recommend seeing “Black Holes” to all my friends in Midtown. It’s a fantastic space adventure, that features rich, expansive panoramas and incorporates the latest scientific theories about how black holes are formed and where they are hiding now.

You’ll witness the bending of light, the skewing of perception, and the dizzying descent into a black hole. All of the planetarium’s visually stunning shows feature the coolest three-dimensional effects ever created. Add to that a sound effects track and 5.1 surround sound mix by George Lucas’ Skywalker Sound Studios and you have an incredible sensory experience.

To view listings of all the shows go to HMNS.org

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