Ready to have some fun this weekend? We hear you. In between cheering on the Astros in the ALCS, make time for the can’t-miss happenings below. From a kickoff soiree for a charity shopping card to several hurricane relief fundraisers, here are the top eight things to do in Houston this weekend.
For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Shopping discount
Thursday, October 19
Kick-off the launch of the Holiday Shopping Card with holiday-costumed characters, Santa Claus and his reindeer, live music, the lighting of the holiday tree by Mayor Sylvester Turner, and a spectacular fireworks show at Highland Village. Make sure and purchase your Holiday Shopping Card, $75 each, and receive a 20 percent discount on merchandise at more than 500 Houston-area participating retailers, including Bike Barn, Kuhl-Linscomb, Atrium Ready to Wear, Q Clothier, and Sur La Table, from October 19-29. All proceeds from the card benefit the American Cancer Society. (4-8 pm; tickets: free entry)
4055 Westheimer Rd.; 713-850-3100
Feast for charity
Thursday, October 19
Dine out for a good cause at Japanese eatery Roka Akor, which boasts delicious items from a robata grill alongside with sushi offerings. The restaurant will donate all proceeds for the day, from open until close, to the Houston Food Bank to assist with Harvey relief efforts. (Lunch is from 11:30 am-2:30 pm, happy hour is from 4:30-6 pm, and dinner is from 5-11 pm; tickets: free entry)
2929 Weslayan St.; 713-622-1777
Sole wonder
Friday, October 20-Sunday, October 22 (and Thursday, October 26)
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents a screening of Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards. The documentary highlights shoe designer Manolo Blahnik and includes commentary from Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, André Leon Talley, Anna Wintour, and many others. (Various times; tickets: $7-9 per person)
1001 Bissonnet; 713-639-7300
If You're Gonna Play in Texas
Friday, October 20
Country and Southern rock band Alabama comes to Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. The group has released 23 albums in their career with hit songs including "Take Me Down," "Song of the South," “The Closer You Get,” and “Love in the First Degree.” (8 pm; tickets: $59.50-$125.00 per person)
18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land; 281-207-6278
Flyby
Saturday, October 21-Sunday, October 22
Vintage and modern planes from U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to an F-4 Phantom and to a U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet will buzz through the air at the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington Airport. Guests will also enjoy exhibits and activities on the ground. (Various times; tickets: $32.50-$72.50 per person)
510 Ellington Field; 214-378-7970
Home sweet home
Saturday, October 21-Sunday, October 22
The 22nd annual Texas Home and Garden Show at NRG Center showcases thousands of products and services, plus advice, money saving tips, and remodeling ideas from experts. (Various times; tickets: $8-10 per person)
8400 Kirby Dr.; 713-629-3700
Hurricane relief
Saturday, October 21
Former U.S. Presidents George Herbert Walker Bush, Barack Obama, George Walker Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter join together to support hurricane relief efforts at “Deep from the Heart: The One America Appeal” at Reed Arena in College Station. Artists scheduled to perform include Lee Greenwood, Alabama, The Gatlin Brothers, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, and Yolanda Adams. All ticket sales and other proceeds from the concert will go to the special hurricane recovery effort launched last month by the five living former U.S. presidents. (7-9 pm; tickets: $30-$600 per person)
730 Olsen Blvd., College Station
Tasty ‘cue
Sunday, October 22
Dig in to barbecue dishes prepared by more than a dozen chefs from Houston around the country including Chris Shepherd (Houston’s Underbelly), Aaron Franklin (Austin’s Franklin Barbecue), and David Chang (Momofuku) at Southern Smoke. The fun also includes live music, a silent auction, bourbon samples, and wine and beer. Proceeds go to Harvey relief. (4-8 pm; tickets: $200-$1,000 per person)
1018 and 1100 Westheimer Rd; 713-202-5685
Country and Southern rock band Alabama comes to Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land.
