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Your weekly guide to Houston: Five (plus) don't-miss events with international flair

On the itinerary this week is a hilarious opera, a popular conference in which quilts rule, the beginning of a cultural and literary binge, a Día de los Muertos family gathering and a performance by one of the oldest orchestras in the world that's otherwise happy doing its thing across the pond.

And for Halloween fun, be sure to check out contributor Marcy de Luna's killer guide to trick-and-treating grownup style.

Houston Grand Opera presents Così fan tutte

Are women fickle? Some would say that this Mozart opera buffa is a tad sexist, its title, which has been translated as "all women are like that," depicting a couple of gullible housewives as unfaithful Valley girls who are duped into romance by exotic chaps who happen to be their hubbies in disguise — the nerve. Not surprisingly, the subject matter rendered the opera too lewd for 19th and 20th century audiences. Because god forbid that an opera represents what may be happening in real life?

And some think Mozart is lame.

The skinny: Friday through Nov. 14; Wortham Theater Center; tickets start at $43.

2014 International Quilt Festival

Dismiss any ideas of adorable, yet judgmental older dames sitting around a country cabin sewing while kvetching about how things used to be. The quilt show, one of the most popular yearly conferences in Houston, is an impressive gathering of colorful quilters plus 400 hands-on classes, lectures and a myriad shopping opportunities. You'll find anything between traditional quilts to wrap yourself with warmth and breathtaking art quilts meant to be displayed.

The people watching, which may possibly include an appearance of superheroes Quilt Man and Bobbin Boy? Priceless.

For more artsy shopping, meander over to Discovery Green to enjoy the Houston Fine Art Festival.

The skinny: Through Sunday; George R. Brown Convention Center; $12 adults, $9 students and seniors.

42nd Annual Jewish Book and Arts Fair

It's best to plan ahead when considering participating in this yearly two-week cultural and literary binge as there are multiple special events scheduled every day. While the authors or topics may nod to Jewish provenance, the themes are such that everyone, regardless of background or religious affiliation, will enjoy.

More than just readings and discussions, the fair includes performances, young professional events, family days and foodie fun.

The skinny: Saturday through Nov. 16; Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center; ticket prices vary by event, season passes are available for $80, $60 for JCC members.

Lawndale Art Center's 27th Annual Día de los Muertos: Family Day Fiesta

Following a killer opening party in which retablos were all the rage, Lawndale continues its Día de los Muertos series of events with a family-friendly gathering that includes activities suitable for children and adults alike. Alongside hands-on sugar skull decorating demos, mortals will be treated to performances by Houston Grand Opera, Mixteco Ballet Folklorico and Secret Admirer Puppets.

The skinny: Saturday, noon; Lawndale Art Center; free event.

Houston Symphony presents the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra

It's going to cost you a pretty penny if you ever want to hear this, one of the oldest orchestras in the world, again, led by a huge name whose mere mention engenders classical music fiends to salivate. In its debut performance in Houston, the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra under the baton of Riccardo Chailly performs an all Mendelssohn program that commemorates the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

What else is there to do on a Monday night? Sure beats staying at home and watching Dancing with the Stars, 2 Broke Girls or The Millers — yawn.

The skinny: Monday, 7:30 p.m.; Jones Hall; tickets start at $25.

Ravid Kahalani of Yemen Blues will perform at Miller Outdoor Theatre as part of the 42nd Annual Jewish Book and Arts Fair.

Courtesy photo

Ravid Kahalani of Yemen Blues will perform at Miller Outdoor Theatre as part of the 42nd Annual Jewish Book and Arts Fair.

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MFAH expands

Houston museum acquires historic Masonic lodge property for new greenspace

Holland Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M./Facebook

The building at 4911 will be torn down for the new greenspace.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has acquired a prime parcel to expand its campus in the Museum District. On Tuesday, December 23, the museum announced it has purchased a two-acre parcel of land at 4911 Montrose Blvd that will bring its total footprint to 16 acres.

Located just north of the Glassel School of Art, the property will be developed as a greenspace that will serve as a community lawn as well as be utilized for future museum events and parking. MFAH has retained landscape architects Nelson Byrd Woltz — the firm responsible for work at Memorial Park and the recently-opened Ismaili Center — to create the design for the new greenspace.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston greenspace rendering A rendering offers a bird's-eye preview of the new greenspace.Image by by Cong Nie/Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

At this time, the museum does not have plans to build anything on the property, according to a press release.

To make way for the greenspace, the property’s existing building, Holland Lodge No. 1, will be torn down. Built in 1954 as a home for the oldest Masonic lodge chapter in Texas, the building features a sandstone mural facade. It has been for sale since at least 2005, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle.

Demolition on the site is expected to begin in spring 2026 with the greenspace opening in approximately two years, according to press materials. In addition to the Glassell School, the museum’s campus includes the Audrey Jones Beck Building, the Caroline Wiess Law Building, the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden, and the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building.

“We are delighted to contribute to Houston’s greenspace access with this new initiative, which will expand the museum’s 14-acre campus to a thoroughly walkable 16 acres,” Gary Tinterow, director and Margaret Alkek Williams chair of the MFAH, said in a statement. “While the primary objective for the purchase of this property is to secure land for any potential future expansion of the museum, our priority now is to create a welcoming community lawn. Thoughtfully designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz, one of the leading firms in sustainable landscape practice, the site will serve as public greenspace and provide additional parking for museum visitors.”

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