Another week and the start of a new month offer a new set of fun events to check out around Houston. Whether you want to dance the night away with Sia, "Harvest the Block" in the historic Third Ward, or bid on original artwork from local Houston artists, there's something for everyone to do this weekend (Thursday through Sunday),
I've rounded up 13 fun happenings around the city, but our CultureMap Events Calendar is your full resource for Houston events.
Thursday, November 3
2016 International Quilt Festival
The International Quilt Festival features more than 1,700 spectacular quilts and dazzling pieces of fabric art on display; over 1,000 vendors from all over the world; and more than 425 classes on the timeless art of quilting and sewing. It's at the George R. Brown Convention Center November 3-6.
Houston's largest silent auction charity celebrates its 25th year of benefiting low-income Houston families and neighborhoods through the Avenue Community Development Corporation. This year, Jailyn Marcel of PaperCity magazine has helped to curate art-inspired bites from local chefs and restaurateurs like Javani King and Lee Ellis for partygoers to enjoy while browsing and bidding on original artwork and jewelry from over 300 local artists.
Houston artist Patrick Renner will also construct an original installation for the preview party on November 3. The main auction and party is on November 5.
Donna Karan & Russell James Host NTWF Inaugural Fundraiser
Fashion mogul Donna Karan and fashion photographer Russell James co-host the Nomadic Two Worlds Foundation Inaugural Fundraiser with Native American and Australian Aboriginal as honored guests and performers.
Friday, November 4
Houston Black Restaurant Week presents: Harvest the Block
Houston Black Restaurant Week (HBRW) kicks off its first annual fall series, Harvest The Block, this weekend. This inaugural affair aims to stimulate growth between Texas' black-owned farms and the local Houston economy. The weekend of events include "Kitchen Konversations: Cooking Experience" with Chef Shakti Baum, a fall street festival and farmers market with local vendors, as well as a community family-style dinner in the historic Third Ward.
Houstonians will also be able to use UberEats to have produce baskets delivered directly to their homes from the farmers market.
Murrays and Le Bonne Vie presents The Cheese Fest
The Cheese Festival gives guests the opportunity to meet cheese producers from around the world while sampling various types of cheese, sipping on craft brews and wine, and being entertained by live local music. This is the first time this event will be happening in Houston, and it's sure to be a haven for the most discerning turophile.
Sia in Concert with Miguel & AlunaGeorge
Sing along with Sia as she hits the stage at the Toyota Center. Her hit "Chandelier" still makes me sing at the top of my lungs each time it comes on. The crowd will also be treated to the smooth R&B vocals of Miguel as well as the fun dance tunes of electronic duo AlunaGeorge; a great lineup of musical talent!
Saturday, November 5
Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital benefits from a host of activities, including a kids walk, 2 mile walk, and a 5K run. As a bonus for joining in on the charity run, participants receive a ticket to a Rockets home game, T-shirt, and entry to the post-race party.
Sanrio presents Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
Hello Kitty lovers will be excited to know that the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is making its way back to Houston. Fans can purchase Hello Kitty treats such as a 3-piece Hello Kitty cookie set, a rainbow macaron box set, a 4-pack of mini cakes, and bow-shaped bottles of water while the truck is at The Woodlands Mall. Haven't decided who to vote for yet? Not to worry; you can vote "Hello Kitty for President" and purchase a limited edition frosted cookie. Shes's a part of the "Friendship Party," so cast your vote.
2016 Houston Margarita Festival
Taste over 27 different margarita flavors made from 100 percent agave tequila, sample food from local restaurants, and join in on a salsa and limbo competiton at the 2016 Margarita Festival. Chula's Diablo Loco, Lupe Tortilla, and Top Golf will compete to see who will take home the title of the "Best Margarita." Do you and your partner have the best dance moves? The duo that receives the loudest applause from the crowd will be determined the winners, a very Apollo-style way of choosing the best.
Dine, indulge, and dwell at the 3rd Annual Market on the Avenue taking place at West Ave. Shop an open-air marketplace with great local vendors and pop-ups from your favorite West Ave stores and services. Sample tasty bites from Armandos, Crú Wine Bar, Del Frisco's Grille, and The Pit Room.Vote for the Best Bite to win People's Choice! You'll have the opportunity to win door prizes every hour, kids can get their face painted (or adults too), and donations will benefit the Houston Food Bank.
Sunday, November 6
Downtown District presents Bayou Bikers
Explore the Houston bayous from a different point of view as you join other bikers on a 25-to-40 mile ride with the Bayou Bikers. This informal group aims to show Houstonians and visitors the beauty of Houston's waterways, all while getting in a bit of exercise and meeting new people.
The Pass & Provisions presents Marcus Samuelsson: Rooster, The Cookbook
Marcus Samuelsson debuts his newest Red Rooster Cookbook at The Pass & Provisions. Samuelsson will serve up dishes inspired by his Harlem restaurant at the three-course brunch, signature cocktails and kolaches from The Pass & Provisions will be on the menu, and guests receive a signed copy of his book.
For the second year of his barbecue-themed MS fundraiser, Underbelly chef-owner Chris Shepherd has stepped things up considerably. In addition to returning pitmasters Aaron Franklin and Rodney Scott, Shepherd has recruited four of his fellow James Beard Award winners to serve food at the party — Ashley Christensen (seven acclaimed restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina), Tandy Wilson (City House in Nashville), Ryan Prewitt (Peche in New Orleans), and Stephen Stryjewski (Cochon in New Orleans).
With Franklin, Shepherd, and Oxheart chef-owner Justin Yu, who appears as part of HOUBBQ Collective along with Terrence Gallivan and Seth Siegel-Gardner (The Pass & Provisions) and Ryan Pera (Coltivare, Revival Market, Eight Row Flint), the lineup includes seven James Beard Award winners. It’s certainly the most out-of-town culinary talent to grace a Houston food event in recent memory.
This is a fun-filled weekend with so many great events to choose from. Planning to check out any of the events above? Share your experience with us on social media!
Southern Smoke is drawing seven James Beard award winners.
