Going Whole-Hog

Annise Parker goes Biker Mama: How big is the mayor's ride?

A press conference is a press conference is a press conference, but it's not every day we see Mayor Annise Parker don a black leather jacket and pose on a monster hog.

But nothing short would have done justice to the announcement of the first-ever South Texas Biker Jam & Expo, to take place in Houston at Reliant Arena on Oct. 8-9.

Set to be the largest motorcycle show in the Southeast U.S., the fest will feature demo rides, vintage motorcycle exhibits, freestyle stunt riders, unique bike customizations, a biker fashion show, tattoo design competition, live music by Mean Gene Kelton & The Die Hards and Krimson, kids games, a swap meet and a huge selection of the latest in bikes, accessories and apparel.

Reliant-area hotels Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn are offering special packages that include four expo tickets with a reservation.

“We feel that the South Texas Biker Jam and Expo creates a first class and thoroughly enjoyable family experience for Houston,” Greg Ortale, president of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, said. “This annual event will offer something for everyone from motorcycle enthusiasts wanting to see the newest and best in technology to those who will come out to enjoy the music and entertainment.

"We believe this event will be a huge success for many years to come and greatly anticipated by our visitors and customers.”

Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster: One-day passes start at $15 and two-day tickets are $22.

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This Week's Hot Headlines

Austin restaurant chain bowls over River Oaks and more popular stories

Photo by Becca Wright

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Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, including restaurant openings and a major acquisition for MFAH. Plus, where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Houston. Catch up on our most popular stories below, then visit this guide to the best Christmas weekend events.

1. Meet the men behind River Oaks' new destination for bowls and broth. On this episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Honest Mary’s founder Nelson Monteith and COO Andrew Wiseheart joined CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss the Austin-based restaurant that just opened its first Houston location in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

2. Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire. It didn’t take Sambrooks Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opened December 22.

3. 25 Houston restaurants celebrating New Year's Eve with caviar, bubbles, and more. Houston restaurants are ringing in the new year with indulgent menus featuring caviar, lobster, and steak, along with plenty of bubbly.

4. Houston museum acquires historic Masonic lodge property for new greenspace. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has acquired a prime parcel to expand its campus in the Museum District.

Holland Lodge masonic building The building at 4911 will be torn down for the new greenspace. Holland Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M./Facebook

5. Houston's richest residents, best suburbs, and more top city news in 2025. As 2025 comes to a close, we're looking back at the stories that defined Houston this year. These are the City Life stories that captured Houston's attention.