As Memorial Day Weekend comes around, take the opportunity to think about the unimaginable number of brave men and women who sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy so many freedoms we often take for granted.
Make this a memorable week by spending time with those close to you and enjoying a handful of the city's happenings, which include a wedding-themed fete, a crawfish binge, a beachy party, a crime-solving PI and artful bras.
If you click on the link below each event suggestion, you'll be led to a page that has helpful intel, like where to eat, shop and drink nearby your final destination. No need to write these deets down. We have a function that downloads the skinny right to your electronic calendar.
"Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride" Party at Rienzi
I have a love affair with Rienzi because of its refined collection and graceful setting that together recount a slice of the city's history. What I love more is when this Museum of Fine Arts, Houston satellite venue decides to lighten things up by hosting kooky gatherings.
The "Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride" party is a spoof on the The Wedding Dress exhibition, currently on view through June 30. Thumb your nose at the iconic garment by showing up in your best — or worse — version of nuptial attire. Who knows? You may win a prize for your creativity.
First Annual City of Friendswood Crawfish Festival
There's no dearth of socials that focus on the consumption of countless pounds of crawfish as an excuse to either raise funds or bring people together for the heck of it. Crawfish season, which typically runs March through June, has inspired the City of Friendswood, with the help of Justin's Seafood, to start its own tradition — a day-long, family-friendly fest with food, live music and an artist market that enlivens the growing suburb.
Among the activities are a series of crawfish eating contests, a kid zone and tunes by the Zydeco Dots, LT & The Zydeco Mob and Dora & The Zydeco Bad Boys. Best of all, a portion of the piggy bank goes to support Sunshine Kids and the Friendswood Lions Club.
The skinny: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8p.m.; Centennial Park; tickets start at $5.
East Beach Grand Re-Opening
While much attention has gone to Galveston's makeover on the west side of the island, in time for Memorial Day Weekend is the re-opening of East Beach, what locals consider the biggest beach in Texas. The $1.6 million reconstruction venture means that beach lovers will enjoy a new pavilion, a boardwalk and an entertainment stage.
The Buzz 94.5 FM hosts a day of music with headlining bands The Last Place You Look, Who is BC and Lost, alongside other activities — some free, some paid — such as a big bonfire, an obstacle course, a rock-climbing wall and a fireworks spectacle at dusk.
The skinny: Saturday, 2 to 9 p.m.; East Beach; admission is free.
Alley Theatre presents Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club
Summertime at the Alley Theatre means some type of whodunit play. Everyone's favorite detective — as if he needs any kind of introduction — follows clues, ruses and red herrings as he takes on the case that has prominent men dropping like flies.
Having been cast in main roles for The Crucifer of Blood and Sherlock Holmes, resident leading man Todd Waite returns as the eminent sleuth in what Alley's officials are touting as a spectacular, lavish production.
The skinny: Saturday through June 23; Alley Theatre; tickets start at $26.
The Brazarre: An Artful Bras Event and Silent Auction benefiting the American Cancer Society
There's no reason why humor, philanthropy, art and one beloved undergarment can't mingle for a good cause. Now in its third year, Brazarre asks local smiths to create a brassiere in their own aesthetic vocabulary. The works are then sold in a silent auction with proceeds supporting more than just the female anatomy. That would be the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life Greater Heights.
Liberty Kitchen has stepped up to provide light bites for guests.
The skinny: Saturday, 6-9 p.m.; tickets are $5.
Arts smarty pants and in-the-loop happy gal Nancy Wozny's pick: Main Street Theater presents Close Up Space by Molly Smith Metzler
Nancy says: "I'm heading off to Molly Smith Metzler's Close Up Space at Main Street Theater for a couple of reasons. First, it's a father daughter story. A powerful literary editor fights a losing battle against the lowering of linguistic standards instead of helping his daughter with the death of her mother. She shows up with a cooler of snow speaking only Russian and hilarity ensues.
"The other reason is that Up Close Space was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. And the cast, which includes Rutherford Cravens and Carolyn Johnson, is a superb lineup of Houston talent. The play also closes MST's 38th season and there's no shortage of excitement around there with the plans to upgrade their cozy digs."
The skinny: Through June 16; Main Street Theater Rice Village; tickets start at $30.
Todd Waite as Sherlock Holmes in Alley Theatre’s 2003 production of Sherlock Holmes.
Gin Design Group designed the interior of Good God, Nadine's. Photo by Becca Wright 