Looking for something to do this weekend? CultureMap has got you covered. We've rounded up seven can’t-miss events — from Rodeo barbecue to a Tony Award-winning musical. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Thursday, February 22-Saturday, February 24
Cue up for ’cue
Your ticket to the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at Rodeo Houston gets you access to several public venues including the carnival, Garden Stage with live music, and Rockin' Bar-B-Que Saloon where you can enjoy a free sliced brisket plate. (various times; tickets: $15 per person).
1 NRG Park
Thursday, February 22-Sunday, March 4
A night in Memphis
Theatre Under The Stars presents Tony Award-winning musical Memphis, a tale of fame and forbidden love inspired by actual events centered around the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee. The winner of four 2010 Tony Awards, it’s based on a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro and features a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. (various times; tickets: $30-$108 per person)
800 Bagby St.; 713-558-2600
Friday, February 23
Outdoor film fun
Catch a showing of Secret Life of Pets on the grass at Levy Park. Bring your own blanket, and get some surprising insight on what's going on when you leave your cats and dogs at home. (6:30 pm; tickets: admission is free).
3801 Eastside St.
Saturday, February 24
A blast with bowls
Help fight hunger by participating in annual fundraiser, Empty Bowls. Held at The John Cooper School, the cost of admission includes a meal of soup and water and a handmade bowl to take home. Bid on art and bowls in a silent auction. Empty Bowls has raised more than $85,000 for hunger relief in the Houston community over the past 12 years. (10:30 am; tickets: $10 per person).
One John Cooper Dr., The Woodlands; 281-367-0900
Art with a heart
Internationally exhibited, multidisciplinary Houston artist Patrick Medrano has battled life-threatening complications from the flu, and nearly a month of subsequent hospitalization. With Medrano facing a lengthy recovery and financial burden, his friends are hosting the “Patrick Medrano Relief Auction,” in which more than 50 artists have donated unique pieces of art for the event. Consider this a chance to add to your collection for a good cause. (5 pm to 8 pm; live auction begins at 6:30 pm.)
Mother Dog Studios, 720 Walnut St.; 713-229-9760
Let's dance!
The “Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Light Up the Night” tour makes a stop at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. Stars from the hit ABC show set to dance the night away include Jenna Johnson, Sasha Farber, Witney Carson, Keo Motsepe, Sharna Burgess, Artem Chigvintsev, Emma Slater, Gleb Savchenko, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Hayley Erbert, and Brandon Armstrong. (7:30 pm; tickets: $55-$75 per person)
18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land; 281-207-6278
Pasta party
Sunday, February 25
Don’t skip Riel restaurant's Red Sauce pop-up dinner, featuring the talents of guest chefs Richie Nakano (San Francisco’s IDK Concepts) and Jill Bartolome (Houston’s Aqui). The menu includes classics like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, pasta bolognese, lasagna, "Jill's bread stixxx," and desserts (panna cotta, tiramisu, and zeppole). Reservations highly recommended. (5 to 10 pm; dishes priced per item)
1927 Fairview St.; 832-831-9109
Riel restaurant hosts a special pop-up dinner.
