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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What's Happening This Week in Houston

What's happening in Houston this week that you should know about? The Wortham Theater has just the thing for you. Houston's talent will strut their stuff on the stage at Wortham for the judges from America's Got Talent. The hit television show will tape segments this week in Houston. The auditions were held this weekend and are now closed but their is another way to be a part of the event in Houston.

They are looking for audience members to cheer the contestants on. All of the contestants who passed the initial screening phase will perform on this week at the Wortham.

I've listed a few things you should know about this weeks show tapings.

The shows will be held two days Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12 and 13.

The minimum age to attend the taping is 14 years old.

There is a dress code for the show.

Cameras, cell phones and other devices are not allowed in the theater.

If you still want to get your hands on a couple of the free tickets, I've give you the details on those later!

Once the show leaves Houston it heads to Los Angeles for its West Coast auditions. I'm sure there is someone that had to work and really wanted to participate duing the event in Houston and couldn't make it to G.R.Brown this weekend to perform for the judges. If you really think you have the talent to get a spot on the show there is hope.

The video submission deadline has been extended to May 15th. You can submit a video audition! Anyone wanting to be a contestants can send a 2-3 minute tape performing a popular song or published song by mail or upload your video to Myspace site for the NBC Show.

To get more information on where to send in your audition tape or upload your video submission and let America know that you've got the talent visit the shows submissions page.

To get a ticket to this weeks show in Houston check out the site for free tickets to the Houston show.

With the abundance of local hopefulls and talent in the greater Houston area alone there's sure to be a $1,000,000 winner in the bunch.

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Parks/Gardens

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What's Happening This Week In Houston-Houston Theater

This weekend Houston Theater goers can catch the preview for the Ensemble's latest production "Livin' Fat". The show centers around a family experiencing more out-go than money income, in their budget. The plot thickens when a family member happens upon a windfall. I want give away the entire plot, but director Eileen J. Morris molded the talented cast and lively script into a Tyler Perryesque styled believable, witty dramedy. Need more info, visit Ensemble Theater webspace.

Food and Wine Event at Houston Arboretum

I hope you're not one of the people who will miss the excellent opportunity to enjoy wine and cheese while networking with other outdoor lovers at the Houston Arboretum's nighttime adventure. The southern sky provides a ready made backdrop this weekend to enjoy food and wine on the deck overlooking the Arboretum meadow and pond.

You'll get to sample of a variety of delicious cheeses, chocolates and maybe some Texas Chenin Blanc or Merlot from Whole Foods Market. There is an optional guided walk through the moon lit woods to enjoy the sounds of owls, flying squirrels and other creatures of the night forest.

It's too late to sign up for this wine event. But you can get a spot on the waiting list for the next scheduled dine and wine program.

Books

Art/Theater

Attractions

Parks/Gardens

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Events at Houston Museums- Lost Treasures of Afghanistan

Educators were recently invited to a special evening event that explores the culture and history of Afghanistan . The Houston museum exhibit features highlights from the National Museum in Kabul that many thought had been destroyed during recent conflicts.
Some of these magnificent artifacts on display at the MFAH trace the nation´s heritage from the Bronze Age epoch through the legendary Silk Road.

Houston Museum Of Fine Art-Eye On Third Ward
W
Jack Yates photography teacher, Ray C. Carrington III, classes created an exceptional body of intimate photographs that capture the personality of Third Ward, their community and the people who live there.

Through the eyes and camera lenses of high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, ages 15 to 17, you get to see truly revealing portraits of the area in this annual exhibition.

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What's Happening This Weekend In Houston

A smart way to improve your favorite dish is by using locally harvested ingredients. You'll love their taste because they excel in freshness and flavor. Saturday is your chance to purchase fresh produce, organic coffee, hand made chocolates, cut flowers and other genuine local products in Midtown Houston.


With the declining availability of fossil energy pushing food prices higher, sourcing as much food as possible from local growers has become a favorite choice for local chef's and restaurants. Come out and support Houston growers who are putting the home back in homegrown.

Everyone is hip to the twelve days of Christmas, but have you checked out The "Twelve Ways of Christmas." Romantic Christmas, Military Christmas, Family Christmas are just a few of them .


The Ensemble Theater has assembled a talented cast to present them in a delightful play that captures the music and spirit of the celebration.


I've heard it said that we all have a book in us, but if you're the kind of person who has a musical in you, that you would like to write, The Ensemble Theater has just the thing for you.

Carlton Leake, Playwright and Musical Director of The Twelve Ways of Christmas has a workshop coming up entitled How to Write a Musical and Audition It.

Reverend Carlton Leake is also a producer, composer, writer, director and musician He has written music and lyrics of several theatrical musicals including Black Men: Live Again, Corretta The Other Side of the Dream and the Vietnam soldier story, Two Wars.

Books

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What's Happening In and Around Midtown Houston This Weekend

An easy way to escape from the hustle and bustle of 9-5 city-life, is by boat. A boat tour that's easy on your pocket and arguably one of the best activities happening in and around Midtown Houston this weekend.

You'll be refreshed by the cool breeze as you glide gently on the surface of Buffalo Bayou. These awesome trips happen on the 2nd Saturday of each month in Houston.

I recommend bringing a pair of 8x-binoculars, to get closer views of the graceful herons, jumping fish, and sunning alligators that make their homes along the bayou's banks. The quick cruise winds-down with a picnic lunch, near downtown, on the Sabine Promenade.

Private Charters on Buffalo Bayou

Get a personal tour and a new view of Houston as you see the city from a different angle, by boat.

The Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s commercial pontoon boat, The Osprey, provides chartered tours of the murky waters of historic Buffalo Bayou.

Riding past Allen’s Landing, our city’s birthplace, Sesquicentennial Park and the rising downtown skyline will yield great pictures for sightseers and shutterbugs to add to their list of what's happening in and around Midtown Houston.

For complete details and to register for one of the tours, please call the Buffalo Bayou Partnership at 713.752.0314 ext. 4. or check-out their website buffalobayou.Org.

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What's Happening This Week in Houston

Not just for Black History Month, but anytime is good time to share stories about African American elders. That's one of the reasons Melisa Waddy-Thibodeaux is performing her one woman show, "The Resurrection of Harriet Tubman" at home, this weekend in Houston.

Melisa has inspired audiences around the nation with her reenactment of the iron-willed chief conductor on the Underground Railroad, for escaped slaves. The Friday night show features a 20-minute Q&A with the playwright. View more details about this event at llu.Com

TSU Tigers Homecoming Game

Steeped in tradition and worn with pride, the maroon and gray has been flying high around Midtown Houston all week, as Texas Southern University celebrates its homecoming. You can expect a sassy parade and a slew of all-day tailgate parties Saturday, as the Tiger football team gets prepared for their must win battle against Mississippi Valley, at Durley Field.

Headcoach Johnnie Cole's gameplan is to get his team out of the cellar and back on top of their division. Cole was selected SAIC coach of the year while at Lane College, where his most memorable player has to be Jacoby Jones, the explosive return man now playing for the Houston Texans.

Texans Vs Baltimore In Reliant Stadium

After losing their last game to the Viking and quarterback Matt Schaub to injuries, the Texans are hungry for a win. Don't be square, be there in Reliant Stadium to witness them kicking some Baltimore butt this weekend.

If you need to buy or sell tickets to the Texans games or any event in Houston, click on Midtown Live's Stubhub ticket center.

What's Happening In Midtown Houston's Museum District

Cinema Remixed & Reloaded explores the notable contributions of black women film and video artists to contemporary art in America. Sporting projections, installations, interactive CD-ROM projects and more the exhibition spans across generations of artist.

This collaborative effort between CAMH and Spellman College Museum of Fine Arts showcases works from more than 40 artists, such as Adrian Piper, Carroll Parrot and some of today's emerging stars. There are more details to be had by visiting the CAMH.Org webspace.

Unbelievable Dinosaur Mummy Found

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous this weekend, checkout "Dinosaur Mummy CSI" at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The 77-million year-old duck billed creature named Leonardo, is the best preserved, plant-eating dinosaur mummy fossil ever discovered.

During your visit this world tour premier, you may even unearth your own dinosaur mummy or win a cool paleontology prize.
To learn more about this event checkout HMNS.Org.

Free Concert

Miller's outdoor stage will be transformed into an elegant New York-style cabaret, for their annual Miller fundraiser. Take a friend and support a worthy cause, where you"ll get a chance to hear the great jazz and pop singer, Ann Hampton Callaway and partake of a delicious buffet!

On Sunday Hippie Hill becomes the setting for KPFT-FM radio's Pan-African Rhythm concert with Alonzo "Doc" Peters and Friends on the Miller Outdoor Theater plaza, featuring Funk Bank and other artist.

For show times and more details call (713) 533-3276 or follow the link to MillerOutdoorTheater.Com

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What's Happening This Week in Houston

Bridging the present to the past is the central theme of Radio Golf and a specialty of Eileen J. Morris, the Ensemble's Artistic Director who directs this work from August Wilson.

It's Happening all this week on through October 19th.

The Ensemble Theater will surely draw Houston's theater crowd to Midtown Houston to partake of this unforgettable show that everyone will be talking about for a long time.

The play mirrors scenes from the closing decades of the 20th Century when African Americans, Lee Brown, Harold Washington and Tom Bradley were elected to head some of the nation's largest cities.

Harold Wilks figured he was the ideal man to get Pittsburgh added to the unprecedented list. That's only a one of the many contemporary scenarios that Wilson molded into his final work.

The director and performers vividly portray the struggles of African Americans on the journey to success tweaking their moral compass.

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Houston Museum of Fine Arts

One of the current exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts is a comprehensive pictorial record of important sites where black troops fought. It's truly one of the best installation in town.
If you're a collector of African American Art or even a Civil War buff don't miss this Houston happening.
More than 180,000 African American soldiers—both freed slaves and free men from the North—fought in 175 regiments, accounting for a tenth of all Union troops. Yet few memorials or historical plaques mark their contributions. This exhibition of works by American photographer William Earle Williams celebrate these unsung heroes of the Civil War.These works are culled from from a larger series, which is published in a book available in the mfah´s Hirsh Library. Want to know more about this great exhibit on view through September 14, 2008 at the Caroline Wiess Law Building? Visit the MFAH website.

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What's Happening In Houston This Weekend

Houstonians are in for great entertainment and moving performance of some of the all time favorite operatic productions, as downtown gears up for the biggest open door community event of the year. This might be your chance to catch on of the city's best kept secrets.

Click here to see the latest things to do this weekend in Houston for 2011.

Get details on Free Concerts in Houston This weekend

Here's where to get details on exciting free Festivals in Houston?

Go here to see our list of Cool Things to do in Houston for couples.



Happening Downtown

The soloists and chorus of Houston Ebony Opera will present an eclectic concert from the worlds of opera, art song, musical theater, and the Great American Songbook. Selections chosen chronicle more than 100 years of American music and highlight many of the African American composers, poets, lyricists and performers who have contributed so much to the American musical landscape. Well-beloved songs such as Ellington’s "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Take the A-Train," along with familiar music from the productions of Showboat by Kern/ Hammerstein and Carmen Jones by Hammerstein/Bizet, will become rediscoveries when they are paired with songs from the Harlem Renaissance period with texts by Langston Hughes, excerpts from the operas Treemonisha by Scott Joplin and Highway One by William Grant Still. Also included will be music from Run Jimmy Run, a recent work by Houston composer John Cornelius. The plot of this timely and topical work, written in 1995, concerns the trials and tribulations of a fictional African American presidential candidate.
Ticket information: tickets are available at the Hobby Center box office.

More Free Events

It could happen. Maybe not that fast, but KPFT's The Prison Show is hosting the Prison Reform Film Festival "Rock The Lockup" in Houston, August 15 through 17th, 2008, in hopes of harnessing the power of cinema.

Which film interests you the most? CITIZEN PROVOCATEUR? THE ULTIMATE HUNT? See one.
See two. Heck, see them all. Take part in the discussions afterward. You might just get inspired to rally for change in a system that holds more people than ever before, with pitiful returns on our tax dollars. Check out complete details at the prison show's website.

The Holocaust Museum of Houston is displaying 'Darfur: Photojournalists Respond.' It features 30 photographs from eight photographers who participated in the book 'Darfur: Twenty Years of War and Genocide in Sudan,' created in partnership with Proof: Media for Social Justice, Amnesty International, and Holocaust Museum Houston, and edited by Leora Kahn. General admission is free. M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. 5401 Caroline St.

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WAT's (Word Around Town) at Project Row House

The crew from The “Word Around Town (WAT) tour” are hitting the streets again this week to enlighten and entertain Houston audiences. Every connoisseur of funky things, like poetry slams, spoken word and performance art should catch this ambitious group's week long poetry marathon.

Tuesday, July 22, you can see them near Midtown Houston, at Project Row House, where these gifted spoken word artist will captivate you with their consummate sampling of talent, diversity and poetic styles.

You’ll want to know more about WAT, the dynamic group of performers after you have heard them in action. To get more details for Tuesday's show contact Project Row House, 2521 Holman (between St. Charles and Live Oak Streets) 713.526.7662, for their performance time.

Here’s a few short notes on some of this year’s line-up:

Aria, Poet. School Teacher, brings her voice and style from the Crescent City to the Bayou City.

BGK, a slow world traveler from Washington, D.C

Binx, Activist. Artist. Mother. Originally from Houston, TX, packs houses, determined to put a face on the injustices of Latin America.

Joe B, a founding member of Rebel Crew, is a master beat maker, remix artist, A & R, producer (“I don’t sell tracks, I sell experiences”).

Kool B has already received a Houston Sammy Award for his eclectic style of performance poetry.

MissMillieFiori, Former host of Taft Street Coffee’s poetry open mic, her smooth delivery matches the intelligence and wit of her words.

Stephen Gros, is the co-founder of Panhandler Publishing, poet, painter, lover, fool.

Marlon Lizama, this 27 year old writes to social issues, love, and injustice; all while juggling his day the jobs.

Lupe Mendez, this man/poet/teacher delves into ideals of poetic imagery using real world issues dealing with children, cultural identity and poverty.

Marcell Murphy, raised in Houston Texas, he mixes the condensed energy of his performances with surreal written images.

Maria Palacios, is an empowered Latina, inspirational speaker, feminist poet, author, spoken word performer, polio survivor, activist, disability educator, workshop facilitator, professional presenter.

Zelene Pineda, one of the original think-tankers to the Word Around Town tour. She is an ambitious nineteen year old poet, who currently attends the Univ. of Texas at El Paso.

Jasminne Rosario, was blessed to learn both English and Spanish at a very early age and uses these skills to her advantage to perform, read and write poetry and plays in both languages.

Jerome Washington, emerging from Houston’s Fifth Ward, this artist and visionary is on the front line helping to define the emerging urban culture in the Bayou City.

If you haven’t put your face on the WAT MySpace, take a few minutes to at least put up a few encouraging words and let them know that Houston supports Word Around Town.

[Where:Project Row House, 2521 Holman]

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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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What’s Happening at Houston’s Museum of Natural Science This Summer?

What’s all the hoopalooza over Houston’s museum of natural science’s summer-long “Geopalooza Hard Rock Anthology” ? Maybe, you too have seen the billboards and other ads touting the show. The Midtown Houston attraction, has stocked the place with an amazing array of rock, gem and mineral specimens.

Some of the huge geodes on display are taller than the average person and come from all over the world, a few, out of this world. That’s right, some of them are part of NASA’s moon rock collection while others are meteorites that have traveled from the far regions of outer space to be a part in this amazing exhibit.

Interactive Exhibits

The exhibition features ancient fossils, including trilobites, crystallized slices of petrified wood and fluorescent rocks that glow in every color of the rainbow.

This isn’t your everyday hands off exhibit. The interactive “Geopalooza Hard Rock Anthology” allows you to participate first hand in a geological discovery. You can actually select the geode of your choice and witness it being opened for the very first time.

There is also a “Dig Pit” to keep the littlest paleontologist, children from ages 3 – 11, busy by digging for fossil replicas.

Geopalooza: Houston’s museum of natural science’s exhibit, pulls out all the stops to make sure everyone can enjoy this geological adventure. The museum has gold panning kits available, where you can try your luck at finding minerals or even gemstones. Don’t fret, no one will go home empty handed, each patron gets to take home a souvenir vial with a specimen.

Rare and Beautiful Treasures




If you’re partial to those refined rocks or gems, check out the museum’s spectacular display at Cullen Hall. It boasts more than 750 beautifully crystallized mineral specimens including, some are the world’s rarest and most beautiful gems.

You will marvel at these precious gems and how the fiber-optic lighting creates such a unique view of these dazzling treasures in their walk-around display cases.

If you are visiting the city and want to find the museum, just remember the Museum District is on the Southside of Midtown Houston, near Herman Park and the Texas Medical Center. Tickets, museum hours, reservations for groups and lots more information on some of the other exhibits can be found at the museum’s website hmns.org.

[Where: One Hermann Circle Drive, Houston, TX 77030]

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What’s Happening in Houston this Week

Midtown Houston will really be swinging when the Ensemble Theater Houston’s production of the classic Ain’t Misbehavin’ opens this week. The play directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris is sure to delight theater goers.

It's wall to wall music and non-stop entertainment captures the music and spirit of early 1900’s and the world renowned musician Thomas ‘Fats” Waller.

The legendary composer, known for living a carefree life in the fast lane, is credited with being one of the originators of swing music. The jazz influenced rhythms set the tone for every scene in this American theater classic.

This is one show you don’t want to miss, so if you can’t make it to the Ensemble opening night June 26, 2008, remember the production runs through Jul. 20, 2008.

The Ensemble Theater is one of the easiest places to find in town, it‘s a couple of trainstops from downtown. Metrorail trains put you off just a few feet from the front door of Midtown Houston’s most intimate theater.

[Where: 3535 Main St, Houston. TX 77002]

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What’s Happening in and around Midtown Houston

Lord of the Dance

Foot stomping music, the kind of music that makes you want to dance, takes center stage at Jones Hall this week. Two exciting shows are in Houston at the popular downtown performance hall. Tuesday April 22, 2008 the international dance phenomenon, “ Michael Flately’s Lord of the Dance” and crooner Johnny Mathis sings with the symphony Wednesday April 23, 2008.

Lord of the Dance is a spirit lifting magical adventure of sight and sound.
From the moment the lights go down to the last encore, you’ll be spellbound by a masterfully orchestrated combination of precision dancing, state of the art lighting and pyrotechnics.

Johnny Mathis



Mathis, one of America’s favorite singers, sits in with the Houston Symphony. Johnny’s smooth style has made him one of only five recording artists to have Top 40 Hits spanning each of the four decades since 1955.

He’s noted for a variety of accomplishments, including one noted in the Guinness Book of World Records. Johnny’s Greatest Hits is one of the most popular albums of all time, spending an unprecedented 490 continuous weeks (almost ten years) on the Billboard's Top Albums Chart.

Why drive when Jones Hall is conveniently located a couple of Metro train stops past Midtown Houston and tickets for both performances are available on-line at Joneshall.org

[Where: 615 Louisiana Street, Houston TX]

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