With a promise of good weather this weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outside activities around the city, including cook-offs, fun runs, and a park opening. But there's a lot to do inside, too, with concerts from legendary performers and the opening of an exciting museum exhibit.
This list of 12 of the top events happening this weekend are sure to be enjoyable. But you can always find more events on our CultureMap Events Calendar.
Thursday, February 23
The British folk-rock band America makes its way to the Stafford Centre with such classic hits as "Ventura Highway," Lonely People," and "Sister Golden Hair." This year marks the 47th anniversary of the band as founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell embark on their latest tour.
The legendary musician promotes his 12th solo studio album, 57th & 9th, at the Smart Finanical Centre, but expect a lot of classic hits as well. Sting will be joined by singer/songwriter Joe Sumner and San Antonio-based Tex Mex band The Last Bandoleros.
The Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of an American soldier and a mysterious French girl, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war in the indomitable European city, in a song-and-dance-filled show that continues at the Hobby Center through March 5.
Friday, February 24
Ben Jackson at La Colombe D'Or
Famed magician Ben Jackson brings his intimate show, Magic, Music, & Mayhem, to the historic La Colombe d'Or hotel. Jackson mixes comedy, international award-winning sleight-of-hand, and dazzling piano prowess in a 90-minute theatrical performance.
The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra presents People are People, led by Grammy nominated violinist Andrés Cárdenes in the orchestra's annual conductor-less concert. Cárdenes debuts a violin concerto that was commissioned by ROCO especially for him and written by Ricardo Lorenz. The concert also includes Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini’s Symphony No. 25 in A-Major, Aaron Copland’s Three Latin American Sketches and Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia No. 8 in D major.
Saturday, February 25
Grab a few of your friends, some comfortable running shoes, and a clean white T-shirt and head to the Color in Motion 5K run. At the start of the race, runners will be covered in color by the Mega Color Blaster and then will be blasted by four more color stations as music plays during the race. Fun, wacky mirrors make for perfect selfies and a DJ will keep the party going with sick beats, prizes and even more color.
Celebrate the two-year anniversary of Vintique Flea at the spring market at Silver Street Studios on Saturday and Sunday. Browse amid a curated collection of vintage, industrial, architectural salvage, and jewelry, and enjoy local food trucks, coffee, beer and wine, along with a dog adoption event.
The renowned comedian, known for Oscar-hosting performances, best-selling books, and starring roles in such hits as When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers, and Analyze This, promises lots of laughs in an appearance at the Smart Financial Centre.
The Levy Park Conservancy celebrates the re-opening of Levy Park in the Upper Kirby area with a ribbon cutting ceremony and activities for all the family to enjoy. Health and fitness, food and horticulture, performing arts, music, poetry and spoken word, literacy, natural science, and animal rescue are some of the programs that'll be highlighted at the opening as well as face painting, interactive displays, food trucks, dance, yoga, and much more. Grupo Fantasma will perform to cap off the celebration.
Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos presents Young Professionals Chili Cook-off
CultureMap's Marcy de Luna will be one of the judges for the 7th Annual Casa de Esperanza's Young Professionals Chili Cook-Off. This charitable cook-off and chili tasting benefits the children of Case de Esparanza and features raffle packages, free beer, and food trucks. Who's chili will reign supreme?
Sunday, February 26
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Ron Mueck
Thirteen amazing sculptures by Ron Mueck are featured at a new exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Mueck draws upon memories, reveries, and everyday experience as he portrays his subjects with extraordinary compassion. Frequently spending more than a year conceiving and making each figure, Mueck captures every feature with astonishing detail.
The naturalism of his work, however, is undercut by his calculated play with scale: Some figures fill a gallery, whereas others stand no more than three feet high. The sculptures assembled in this exhibition — about a third of Mueck’s entire production — encapsulate the arc of his career from 1999 to 2013. Often caught in moments of silent communication or slumber, these figures illustrate the artist’s ongoing investigation of the cycle of life, from the first moment of consciousness, to young love, to the various stages of maturity and aging, and ultimately to oblivion.
The 7th Annual Kosher Chili Cook-off is the largest kosher food event in Houston and celebrates the fellowship of the Jewish community with a day of food, live entertainment, and contests. A crowd of 3,500 is expected for live music, a moonwalk, climbing walls, balloon artists, a jalapeno eating contest, and a silent auction, along with some of Houston's best kosher chili. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations in the Houston Jewish Community.
Tell us in the comments section or on Facebook which of these events you enjoyed the most. And have a great weekend!
Comedian Billy Crystal takes over Smart Financial Centre.
