The holiday weekend is upon us, which means sleeping in (hello, Sunday Funday without the Monday morning work alarm) and more free time for entertainment. From a champagne tasting and a summer concert series to Erykah Badu onstage and a couple's cooking class, here are the top 10 things to do in Houston this Memorial Day weekend.
For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Champagne wishes
Thursday, May 25
Get your fill of bubbly at Bosta Kitchen’s champagne tasting, featuring sips of five vintage sparklers by Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot, along with light bites and a group discussion led by an expert. (6-7:30 pm; tickets: $44 per person)
1801 Binz St #130; 713-533-9560
Meet and greet
Thursday, May 25
Creator of American city guide series, "Wildsam Field Guides," Taylor Bruce, and Joe Nick Patoski, who has written books about Stevie Ray Vaughan, Selena, and Willie Nelson, make an appearance at River Oaks boutique Sid Mashburn. Feast on tacos and imbibe brews by Buffalo Bayou while you mingle and shop. (6-8 pm; tickets: free)
2515 River Oaks Blvd; 713-936-9502
Familiar tunes
Friday, May 26-Monday, May 29
Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, ZZ Top, and Beach Boys cover bands each take to the stage, each on a different night, at CityCentre’s four-day Summer Tribute concert series. (Friday-Sunday from 7-9 pm; Monday from 4-7 pm; tickets: free)
800 Town & Country Blvd.; 713-629-5200
Cook up a storm
Friday, May 26
Get cooking tips at Brennan's Houston at this “The 70's”-themed cooking demo. Learn how to make dishes like oyster Rockefeller and Arevalo's Creole, a bouillabaisse seafood broth with roasted peppers, fennel). (6:30- 9 pm; tickets: $150 per couple)
3300 Smith St.; 713-522-9711
Dance the night away
Friday, May 26
Salsa your way over to the plaza at Downtown Aquarium and enjoy dance lessons taught by the Texas Salsa Congress’ professional dancers at the Latin Beats event. (7-11 pm; tickets: free)
410 Bagby St. at Memorial Dr.; 713-223-3474
Morning pastries
Saturday, May 27
Don’t miss Kolache Saturday at Revival Market, where you can score delicious pastry treats ($2.50 each) with fillings from peach-and-bourbon to brisket. (8 am until they run out; tickets: free entry).
550 Heights Blvd.; 713-880-8463
On and on
Saturday, May 27
Erykah Badu hits the stage at Arena Theatre as part of her Vs. Everything Tour. Hits by the R&B singer include “Bag Lady,” "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop),” and “Next Lifetime.” (8 pm; tickets: $69.50-$99.50 per person)
7326 Southwest Fwy.; 713-772-5900
Aloha
Sunday, May 28
Southern Goods restaurant in the Heights presents live music and a festive menu of luau grub, including two whole roasted pigs, Hawaiian cocktails, and poke. (12-8 pm; tickets: free entry)
632 W 19th St.; 346-980-8152
Block party
Sunday, May 28
Expect performances by Rakim, Frank D’Amato, and more at the Memorial Day music event at Alley Kat. (3 pm-2 am; tickets: free entry, but register before you go)
3718 Main St.
Wrestlemania
Sunday, May 28
The Midtown bar Mongoose versus Cobra celebrates its 5th anniversary with a face-off of Doomsday Wrestlers, live sword fighting, beer and cocktails, plus Indian street food prepared on the patio by Ara Malekian of Harlem Road BBQ. (2 pm-2 am; tickets: free entry, 100 percent of donations go to the Houston Zoo)
1011 McGowen St.
Erykah Badu hits the stage at Arena Theatre.
