Calendar Closeup
Your guide to Houston: Five (plus) don't miss events on Art Car weekend
On the schedule this week is an annual show on wheels, a film festival that mirrors the city's diversity, an alluring home tour, a concert that assures guests a good time and a family-friendly gathering in an unlikely locale.
28th Annual Houston Art Car Parade
Very few things are emblematic of the free spirit of Houstonians like art cars, which say, "we can reinvent ourselves, we have a sense of humor and big oil is better with a little creativity thrown in for good measure." Let's not make any threats of rain ruin this parade — a little precipitation won't kill you.
The procession takes place on Saturday, with gatherings happening hours before the 2 p.m. parade rolls along Allen Parkway.
The deets: The 28th Annual Houston Art Car Parade is on Saturday, 2 p.m., along Allen Parkway, free event.
48th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival
Shall we continue with events that typify what's charming about the Bayou City? With Houston being the most diverse city in the country — I am sure you've heard this ad nauseam — it would be a shame if you missed part of the 48th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival.
From 4,500 entries, about 150 shorts, feature films and seminars comprise the final schedule. If you need suggestions on what to watch, hop on over to CultureMap contributor Tarra Gaines guide to "strange and powerful movies that will change your life."
The deets: Running through April 19; AMC Studio 30; tickets start at $7.50.
Houston Heights Association 2015 Spring Home and Garden Tour
Change happens and there's nothing you can do about it. Your choices: Pout and be a negative nelly or embrace the uncertainty. While Houston gets a bad reputation for not valuing architectural history, The Heights is one of those neighborhoods that has stayed relatively true to its original allure.
The tour promises to showcase homes that emphasize positive changes to this nabe.
River Oaks Chamber Orchestra presents "The Little Prince"
I could go on and on about this new commission for violist Matt Dane and flutist Christina Jennings written by Dan Kellogg based on Le Petit Prince. But really all you have to know is that this is a River Oaks Chamber Orchestra musicale. Meaning: Cool people will be in the audience and you're assured a good time.
The deets: Sunday, 5 p.m.; Studio 101 at Spring Street Studios; tickets start at $12.
Staff writer and resident gourmand Eric Sandler's pick: HobbyFest 2015
Eric says: "For more than 20-years, Hobby Airport has invited members of the community to this all-day festival that features family-friendly activities such as face painting and interactive science exhibits and the opportunity to get up-close and personal with lots of vintage aircraft. The price is right, too — free with a can of non-perishable food.
"I'll be out there judging a barbecue contest, so say hi if you see me. If I look a little dazed, don't be alarmed. That's just the meat coma setting in."
The deets: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Hobby Airport; free with can of non-perishable food.