If I had to describe Houston's vibe last week, I'd have to say zany and quirky.

If you can't remember the last time you were handed a candy bar at a social, then you weren't at "Caddyshack: Gophers on the Green." Raising $21,000 net for the Hermann Park Conservancy through Urban Green, the young professionals group, the party theme centered around the hilarious (now nostalgic) 1980s classic.

The Art Car Parade always brings out the indie in everyone — and anyone that appreciates the fusion of creativity and engineering. The art cars become the focus for a myriad of family activities and wild social events. The ball at the Orange Show was anything but conventional, the sneak peek event was lively and afterwards, a crowd gathered for a sneak peek at Art Car: The Movie at Discovery Green.

Mayor Annise Parker was spotted happily waving along the parade route, but not before Lynn Wyatt, who lounged comfortably on top of the shiny Slider Car as Grand Marshal of the parade. Though I pictured myself grooving inside one of those party art busses, I was much happier sipping on an adult beverage under a shady tree. Especially after I realized that parade participants are committed to non-stop dancing for two hours.

When is the last time you watched a movie down in the bayou? Probably never.

Well, about 200-plus CultureMap insiders enjoyed Tex Hex, an artist-made boat with an exterior movie screen designed to show art films. Guests enjoyed a screening of Visionary Transport, a sequence of shorts curated by Deborah Stratman, an artist interested in experimental film.

"Haute Town: Summer in the City" poolside fashion show rocked — we hear Mellssa Seuffert, Michael Coppens and Nic Phillips sashayed stylishly, owning the catwalk . Divergence Vocal Theater debuted its space in a musical bash, Houston Grand Opera premiered Your Name Means the Sea and Discovery Green kicked off its Thursday concert series.

But that was last week. Moving right along. Why live in the past?

Glassell School of Art Student Art Sale

The students at the prestigious Glassell School of Art will have their original, imaginative creations up for sale. So whether you are looking to add to your collection of artful objects or support the next generation of creatives, purchasing one of 1,000 pieces is a conscious way to beautify your pad.

Expect ceramics, jewelry, prints, drawings, paintings, photographs and sculpture.

The three-day affair begins with a preview party on Thursday night hosted by Art Crowd, MFAH's young professional supporters. For best selection, pay the $25 and shop early, and indulge in a cocktail (or two). Or, just visit the sale on Friday (5 -8 p.m.) or Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Houston Ballet's Raising the Barre Spring Mixed Repertory Program

A pas de deux, a touch of blues, love, conflict, humor and a trio of premieres mingle to make up this ballet mixed-bag performance. Houston's finest dance troupe takes on 21st century powerhouse works featuring a world premiere by Finnish choreographer Jorma Elo, a premiere by American choreographer Christopher Bruce and a company premiere by Christopher Bruce. Thursday through June 5.

Houston Symphony's Young Professionals Backstage (YPB) "A Salute to the South"

Leave your formal wear at home for this one y'all and grab your finest Southern wearables. This chic yet cultural night on the town begins with a little vino plus mixer followed by a concert featuring the music of Ray Charles.

Ever thought you'd hear “Let the Good Times Roll," “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and “Hit the Road Jack" at the symphony?

Then, head to the Breakfast Klub after dark for an all-inclusive bash featuring soul food and signature cocktails. Mint Julep? Why yes! Friday at 7 p.m.

Screening of David Schwimmer's Trust at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Is there life after Friends? David Schwimmer has kept himself quite busy, making appearances on Entourage, 30 Rock and Curb You Enthusiasm, and serving as the voice of hypochondriac giraffe Melman on Madagascar and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (another sequel is scheduled for 2012). In Trust, Schwimmer steps aside from the spotlight to try his hand at directing.

The film deals with Internet predators and sexual assault, a theme we do not expect from Ross. So, it's worth checking out. Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Edible Plants Class at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Pleasant or poison? The Texas landscape is filled with wild plants, some edibles, some not. This class teaches participants where and how to find and properly prepare them.

Wear comfy clothes and walking shoes. Bring some water, bug repellant, a camera and a sack lunch. Learn how to get more greens into your diet from local sources. Sunday at 1 p.m.

And what's on my colleague's agenda?

Arts contributor and Dancehunter Nancy Wozny's pick: Catastrophic Theatre's Crave

Nancy says: "The Catastrophic Theatre lives up to its name with Sarah Kane's Crave, fiercely performed by Matthew Carter, Greg Dean, Carolyn Houston Boone and Mikelle Johnson, directed by Jason Nodler. More of a tone poem that a straight play, Crave takes us inside love, loss, confusion and despair as four characters confess, listen and respond, in a literary form that borrows from choral music's structure.

"A feast for the ears and heart, it's powerful stuff and all going done in 40 intense minutes. It's not linear yet it's cohesion as a piece is profound.

"The performers never leave their chairs either. Kane is considered one of the most important and revolutionary voices in theater of the past two decades.This is a rare chance to see the British playwright's work and a stunning production with a bare but effective set by Greg Dean, ominous lighting by Kevin Taylor and eerie sound design by Chris Bakos.

Every show is pay what you can." Runs through June 4.

Managing editor Chris Baldwin's picks: Houston Aeros in the Calder Cup Finals

Chris says: "How often does a Houston sports team play for a championship? This is your chance to see that actually happen (in a non-dream sequence) as the Houston Aeros host the first two games of the Calder Cup Finals at the Toyota Center.

"Sure, it's minor league hockey, but it's the biggest minor league championship of all. The Binghamton Senators — an Ottawa Senators' affiliate — stand in the way and this is no small deal in Canada. In fact, the Canadian sportswriters in the press box figure to outnumber the Americans.

"What could be better than seeing Texas break Canada's heart in a sport we don't even really care about?" Friday and Saturday night at 7:35 p.m.

Houston Dynamo take on FC Dallas

Chris says: "What could be better than making Canada cry? How about making Dallas weep? Or at least, the small portion of people living in the Dallas metro area who care about soccer.

"After having fallen to Landon Donovan and the LA Galaxy Wednesday night, the Dynamo return home to face another of Major League Soccer's top teams." Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.