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    Party on the Plaza

    Party on the Plaza returns to downtown Houston with free concerts in a new location

    Marcy de Luna
    Apr 25, 2017 | 2:22 pm

    Next week, Party on the Plaza returns for the second time around. The free concert series kicks off May 3 at Avenida Houston Plaza with a performance by Los Skarnales and will continue with different entertainment acts every Wednesday night in May and June. (UPDATE: The first Party on the Plaza has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 4, due to inclement weather.)

    During the late '80s until around 2005, the popular after-work affair was held at Jones Plaza in the Theater District, providing downtown office workers a place to let down their hair at the end of a long day. It is being revived to showcase the new Avenida Houston as a "true entertainment destination," Dawn Ullrich, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation, said in a press release.

    Houston First officials have been instrumental in the development of Avenida Houston near Discovery Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center, which now includes a number of new restaurants and bars, including Xochi and Biggio's at the Marriott Marquis hotel, and a new Grotto adjacent to the convention center, plus a pedestrian area with art installations and events.

    DJ spins (5:30 pm) will get the party started, with the highlight of the evening, performances by an eclectic lineup of local and regional artists (7-9 pm), sealing the dance party deal. Mark your calendars now for the headliners below.

    May 4: Los Skarnales with Muddy Belle
    Dance the night way to the sounds of 20-year Texas music scene veterans Los Skarnales, who present a unique fusion of ska, cumbia, and reggae with a twist of punk. Also hitting the stage is Houston rock n' soul band, Muddy Belle.

    May 10: Allen Oldies with Rudy and the Reckless
    Expect a hit parade of '50s and '60s songs from The Allen Oldies Band, who have been performing since 1996, followed by smooth, fiddle-driven rock tunes by Ruby and the Reckless.

    May 17: Mango Punch with Gio Chamba
    Gyrate to high-energy dance music, in both English and Spanish, by Latin pop band Mango Punch. Keep on grooving as tropical fusion duo Gio Chamba takes to the stage directly after, with songs from latin cumbia to hip-hop and electronica.

    May 24: SoulDig with Sherita Perez
    SoulDig’s deep soulful grooves meet music by Gulf Coast indie-folk singer/songwriter Sherita Perez when the two headline Party on the Plaza at the end of May.

    May 31: Nick Gaitan with Nico Diaz
    Nick Gaitan and the Umbrella Man band take center stage, presenting a mix of swamp-pop, Tex-Mex, soul, straight-up country, swing and rock 'n' roll, while follow-up act Nico Diaz promises jazzy Latin rock influenced by Latin folk and Nova Trova (Cuban music).

    June 7: Ishi with Romina Von Mohr
    Soul, funk and house beats by electronic band Ishi guarantee a fun night, especially with Romina Von Mohr and her rhythmic tunes, featuring catchy, wandering melodies, also on the bill.

    June 14: Say Girl Say with El Lago
    Multi-instrumental female duo Say Girl Say are known for intertwining, haunting harmonies that break your heart while leaving you wanting for more. They're joined on the roster by Galveston band El Lago, who add a dream-pop, post-punk, shoegaze, and '80s alternative spin to the evening.

    June 21: Brownout with Vodi
    Hardcore grooves and breakbeats by nine-piece psychedelic Latin-funk collective Brownout, along with effortless hooks and nostalgic sounds by six-piece indie rock band Vodi, are sure to get you into a groovy state of mind.

    June 28: Fat Tony with Young Mammals
    Nigerian-American rapper Fat Tony brings his laid-back, lyrical swagger to Party on the Plaza. The Young Mammals offer a distinct combination of blustery power-pop and hushed art punk with drawn-out guitar riffs.

    Party on the Plaza is a free event. For more details, click here.

    June 7, electronic band Ishi perfoms with Romina Von Mohr.

    Houston, Party on the Plaza, April 2017, Ishi
    Courtesy photo
    June 7, electronic band Ishi perfoms with Romina Von Mohr.
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    weekend event planner

    Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Mar 4, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    Lizzo
    Photo courtesy of RodeoHouston
    Houston native Lizzo plays RodeoHouston on Friday, March 13.

    We’re officially in rodeo mode, which means Ubers and METRORails will be filled with cowboy hat-wearing folk, heading over to NRG Park and indulging in all the western extravagance.

    But there are always other things going on in the city, including the grand opening of a new restaurant, a stage adaptation of a F. Scott Fitzgerald masterwork, the opening night of FotoFest, and the beginning of Jazzy Sundays in the Park.

    So, go outside and feel the power of love!

    Thursday, March 5

    The Green Room Grand Opening
    The Green Room, an intimate, 26-seat restaurant next to Heights & Co, will have its grand opening this weekend. This restaurant aims to offer Houstonians a more intimate, technique-driven and hospitality-forward dining experience. The dinner menu will change monthly, with an optional five-course Chef’s Dinner Party menu and a wine program featuring grower champagnes, certified organic producers, and premium wines by the glass. 4 pm.

    Mid Main Houston presents First Thursday Block Party
    The businesses of Mid Main Mid Main Lofts invite the community to celebrate another First Thursday, benefiting the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation and supporting Team Escalante Express in the upcoming Run for the Rose 5k. The block party will also celebrate the birthday of Jennifer Escalante, the Sig’s Lagoon co-founder who passed away in 2024. This First Thursday honors her lasting impact and legacy within the community. 6 pm.

    Akaash Singh: Generational Triumph Tour
    Akaash Singh is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His career took off with many television shows including MTV’s Wild’n Out, Netflix’s Brown Nation, and HBO’s The Leftovers. After finding success in TV, he pivoted his focus toward the podcast Flagrant, co-created with fellow comedian/pal Andrew Schulz. His two-day stop in Houston has him performing four shows, but the early shows are already sold out. Thankfully, the late shows still have tickets. 9 pm.

    Friday, March 6

    Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
    The annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo features a wide variety of events, including a livestock & horse show, music & concerts, attractions & activities, and daily rodeos. Headlining music performers this weekend include Lizzo, Dwight Yoakam, and Forrest Frank. Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 pm, with the main show happening at around 8:45 pm. Weekend rodeos start at 3:45 pm, with the entertainer taking the stage at approximately 5:45 pm. For a full schedule of events, go to the official website. Through Sunday, March 22. 8 am.

    Improv Houston presents Jordan Jensen
    Jordan Jensen started comedy in upstate New York before moving to Nashville, where she spent a year working for clubs and taking her comedy on the road in her pickup truck. Last year, she dropped her first Netflix special, Jordan Jensen: Take Me With You, as well as co-star in the Will Arnett-Laura Dern dramedy Is This Thing On? Catch her this weekend at Improv Houston, where she’ll hit audiences with tales of her bizarre upbringing, highly unconventional family, and filterless confessions of her time on this filthy planet. 7:30 & 9:45 pm (7 & 9:30 pm Saturday).

    Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents The Great Gatsby
    The Great Gatsby, based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage. The story of extravagance and longing features choreography by Dominique Kelley (So You Think You Can Dance), a book by Kait Kerrigan (The Mad Ones), and a jazz- and pop-influenced original score by Jason Howland (Little Women) and Nathan Tysen (Paradise Square). 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 & 7 pm Sunday).

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Moonlight Movies: Back to the Future
    The MFAH begins its annual, month-long, time “Moonlight Movies” series with a screening of a 1985 classic. In Back to the Future, 17-year-old Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is accidentally sent back 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his scientist pal Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). A headset is provided to each guest for premium sound quality. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably for weather and backless bench seating, and they are allowed to bring seats or cushions. 8 pm.

    Saturday, March 7

    The Blue Bird Circle presents Eggstravaganza
    The Blue Bird Circle will present Eggstravaganza, their annual Spring Event that will feature a day of shopping, creativity, and community impact. The women-led nonprofit is committed to advancing pediatric neurology research and improving the lives of children with neurological disorders. Entering its 103rd year of service as a staple in the Houston community, the organization has created a lasting legacy built on hope, compassion, and volunteer-driven impact. 10 am.

    Exwon.art presents "Blue Triumph: Art Against Colon Cancer" opening reception
    "Blue Triumph: Art Against Colon Cancer" is a multifaceted creative exhibition dedicated to celebrating the victories and inspiring the ongoing fight against colon cancer. Running for one month, aligning with Colon Cancer Awareness Month, it will combine visual art, storytelling, and interactive experiences to raise awareness, honor survivors, and fuel the conversation around prevention and research. The exhibition aims to educate, inspire action, and evoke deep emotional responses, reshaping the way art is used to promote health awareness. 4 pm.

    FotoFest Opening Night Party
    This weekend, celebrate the grand opening of the FotoFest Biennial 2026. Global Visions – FotoFest at 40 marks four decades of groundbreaking photographic arts and education programming in Houston. The central exhibition highlights significant works and themes from each of the 20 previous biennials, from 1986 to 2024, and features work by over 450 artists from 58 countries. Experience an energetic atmosphere filled with creativity, music, and delicious food. 8 pm.

    Prauper Studios present Prauper Radio: A Night of UK Soul and R&B
    If you dig the soul music that comes out of the U.K., whether it’s legends like Sade and Amy Winehouse or new kids like Olivia Dean and Kwn, Prauper Studios will have a night of DJs playing nothing but British R&B. Come sip, view art, and catch the vibe the selectors are providing for the night. Complimentary RSVPs are available now. $10 admission for guests who’ve missed the RSVP window, but still wish to attend. Limited capacity. Early arrival suggested. 9 pm.

    Sunday, March 8

    The DeLuxe Theater presents B*tch, You Doin’ a Good Job!
    In honor of the 30th anniversary of Spike Lee’s 1996 phone-sex dramedy Girl 6, The DeLuxe Theater will have a special screening and critical conversation centered on the commodification of voice, body, and identity. Following the screening, we will host a dynamic panel discussion examining the intersectionality of sex work, corporate America, and Black womanhood—and how these forces shape economic opportunity, agency, respectability politics, and community impact today. 1 pm.

    Jazzy Sundays in the Park
    Every Sunday this month at Discovery Green, Jazzy Sundays in the Park will celebrate the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz as well as the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and a pop-up market featuring locally crafted items, food, and wearables will be on site. First up to the stage will be James Francies Trio and Kinder HSPVA Jazz Ensemble. 5 pm.

    93’ Til and Swanky Maven present Vinyl & Vibes: A Culinary Spin
    93’ Til and Swanky Maven (the nom de plume of Houston creator Felice Sloan) will hit us with an intimate, music-driven dining experience, featuring a four-course dinner by chef Lung Ly with curated cocktail pairings. Each course is inspired by live ’80s R&B and hip-hop spun throughout the night. The experience also includes an optional vinyl exchange and on-site pop-ups by Blessings Plants & Music Houston, creating a seamless night of food, music and connection. 6:30 pm.

    Lizzo
    Photo courtesy of RodeoHouston
    Houston native Lizzo plays RodeoHouston on Friday, March 13.
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