The weekend is near, so punch out, wind down and start planning. Read on for your guide to the best things to do in Houston. From an extra cheesy festival to some amazing concerts, your weekend starts here.
For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Spanish wine
Thursday, April 13: The “Dynamic Spain Wine Tasting” event at downtown’s Pappas Bros. Steakhouse (5:30 pm; tickets: $75 per person) showcases several unique vintages, including Godello, Rafael Palacios "As Sortes", Valdeorras 2014; Priorat Blanco, Celler Piñol “L’ Avi Arrifo" 2011; and Listán Blanco, Suertes del Marques "Vidonia", Canary Islands 2014. Seasonal hors d’oeuvres, the chef’s pick, will also be served. 1200 McKinney St.; 713-658-1995
Class is in session
Thursday, April 13: From the history of shochu to how it’s made, learn all about the Japanese liquor at Izakaya’s “Shochu for Dummies” class (6:30 pm; tickets: $45 per person). You'll also enjoy shochu tastings, both straight-up and in cocktails, along with food pairings by executive chef Jean Philippe Gaston. 318 Gray St.; 713-527-8988
Disney day
Friday, April 14-Sunday, April 16: Grab the kids and head to Memorial City Mall (various times; tickets: free but limited. Sign up here) for your fill of all things Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3: Road to the Races (scheduled to hit theaters June 16) related. Activities include a sneak peek of the film in a mobile movie theater, visits — and selfie opps - with life-size, character look-alikes, a movie-themed play area, and more. 303 Memorial City
Concert fun
Friday, April 14: Musical group the Isley Brothers hits the stage at Arena Theatre (7 pm; tickets: $49.50-$59.50 per person). The band, first formed in the early '50s, has enjoyed a long and influential career. Their hit singles include "This Old Heart of Mine," "It's Your Thing," "Love the One You're With," and "Who's That Lady." 7326 Southwest Fwy.; 713-772-5900
More concert fun
Friday, April 14: Although Morrissey, the former front man of The Smiths, canceled his San Antonio appearance Wednesday night due to health concerns, the Houston show is still on, according to a tour spokesperson, who adds that the concert has been moved from White Oak Music Hall to the Smart Financial Centre (8 pm; tickets: $49.50-$58 per person). Although the Smiths disbanded in 1987, Morrissey has gone on to have a successful solo career boasting 49 singles and 12 top 10 albums. Hits by the indie rock/Britpop singer include “Everyday is Like Sunday,” Suedehead,” and "The Last of the Famous International Playboys." 18111 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land; 281-207-6278
Airport fest
Saturday, April 15: Celebrating Hobby Airport, HobbyFest offers a lineup that’s fun for the whole family including vintage aircraft, a kiddie zone, and DJ (10 am; tickets: free). Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food as donation. Hobby Airport, east ramp at 8402 Nelms St.; 713-213-0908
Pedal away
Saturday, April 15: Midtown Houston and BikeHouston team up for a bike ride (10 am - 12 pm; tickets: free), that begins at Bagby Park and continues to downtown and to Montrose, with a stop for refreshments at Rico's Morning Noon Night. 415 Gray St.; 713-526-7577
Get cheesy
Saturday, April 15: Cheese it up at the Mac and Cheese Festival at Silver Street Studios (12-4 pm; tickets: $50-$80 per person), featuring bites from 36 restaurants (think Jonathan’s the Rub, Luby’s, Peli Peli, and Ritual), plus sips several breweries from City Acre Brewing to Karbach. 2000 Edwards St.
Catch a buzz
Saturday, April 15: Expect performances by a laundry list of bands, including Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin, P.O.D., Red Sun Rising, The Unlikely Candidates, and the Toadies, at 94.5 FM’s 2017 Buzzfest (1 pm; tickets: $43-$73 per person) at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands; 281-363-3300
Hop to it
Sunday, April 16: Houston's most festive Easter party continues with the 38th edition of Bunnies on the Bayou (1-6 pm; tickets: $50-$100 per person), at Fish Plaza in front of downtown’s Wortham Center. Join thousands of Houstonians at the massive outdoor cocktail party. All proceeds from the event benefit local charities in the LGBT community. 501 Texas Ave.
Grab the kids and head to Memorial City Mall for your fill of Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3: Road to the Races.
