Yes, folks, I can count. Though I vow to curate five don't miss Houston happenings every week, there's is too much going on this week to narrow my picks to only a mere handful.
On the agenda is a melange of concerts, a 1970s revival, outdoor family fun, a home tour, a zombie attack, a spooky film and a Broadway celeb who can do it all.
Be sure to click on each link below the suggestions. You'll find a helpful page with a feature that copies the intel onto your electronic calendar, as well as recommendations on where to eat, drink and shop around your final destination. So go ahead, get out and have fun.
Miller Outdoor Theatre presents "This Is The '70s"
I can't really say why I am so drawn to the music of the 1970s. Perhaps the fashion? The irresistible fun-loving spirit? Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive"? Disco balls?
Whether you're a child of the "Me Decade" or not, there's something about the hypnotic grooves that gets under your skin.
This Miller Outdoor Theatre show pledges to be a multimedia spectacle that travels back in time to relive '70s pop culture through music, dance, film, dramatic lighting and animation.
Seventh Annual KBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou
Let's hope Mother Nature holds it in over the weekend for this family-friendly outdoor gathering that lauds the importance of the Buffalo Bayou in Houston's history. The rolling berms of the Sabine to Bagby Promenade will host a number of activities, including nature-themed arts and crafts, face painters, balloon artists, kayak and skateboarding demonstrations, entertainment courtesy of local groups and pontoon boat rides.
The skinny: Saturday, 11a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sabine to Bagby Promenade; free event.
18th Annual Eastwood Historic Home Tour
As one of the oldest master-planned neighborhoods, Eastwood is home to a collection of charming dwellings that paint a picture of life in a Houston residential neighborhood at the beginning of the 20th century. Expect to be seduced by Craftsman, Arts and Crafts, Foursquare and Mission architecture in buildings that have safeguarded their original appeal — unlike the bigger-is-better approach to construction nowadays.
The skinny: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; various locations; $15.
Houston Zombie Walk hosts "The Rocking Dead"
The commanders of the Houston Zombie Walk may look frightening, but behind all that makeup and costumes you'll find a clique of amicable personalities who just want to have a good time. When a militia of superheroes, witches and who-knows-what-else stage an offensive at Jones Plaza, remember that it's for a good cause, one that raises funds for Houston Children's Charity, the Houston Humane Society and the Dove Key Ranch Wildlife Center.
The skinny: Saturday, 2 p.m.; Jones Plaza; entry starts at $15.
Two Star Symphony presents The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a 1920 cult classic film whose prowess hasn't diminished with age, its story of delusion and insanity spooking viewers who dare enter the mysterious world of inmates at an insane asylum. Two Star Symphony, Houston's own creepy chamber music group, will perform its own original score, affixing an extra layer of spine-chilling affect onto the German expressionist film.
Society for the Performing Arts presents Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald can do it all, from adorable musicals such as Annie to serious dramatic roles for the Houston Grand Opera to ABC's Private Practice. The Broadway queen is en route to the Wortham Theater Center for a Society for the Performing Arts engagement.
She'll enchant locals with a mixed bag of tunes, alongside Rice alum Andy Einhorn, a Renaissance man whose credits include a run as the music director of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella on Broadway.
The skinny: Saturday, 8 p.m.; Wortham Theater Center; tickets start at $25.
Staff writer and CultureMap's resident gastronomy savant Eric Sandler's pick: Truffle Wine Dinner at La Balance Cuisine
Eric says: "Most people stay home on Monday nights. I get it. You gotta know how the guy meets the mother or whatever. Maybe set the DVR and go out instead. Drive to Katy to La Balance Cuisine to check out former Philippe/Triniti chef Jose Hernandez's special truffle menu with wine pairings.
"The aromatic fungus will be featured in six of seven courses, and Houston's only master sommelier, Guy Stout, will be on hand to discuss the pairings. At $160 plus tax and gratuity, it's a definite splurge, but importing this much truffle from Italy would probably run over $200 inside the Loop."
The skinny: , 6:30 p.m. Monday; La Balance Cuisine; $160 plus tax and gratuity.
La Balance Cuisine chef owner José Hernández explores the allure of truffles with a seven-course dinner.
Lazy Lane will serve pastas, small plates, and steaks. Photo by Brian Kennedy