Mind over melt
Heat, what heat? Houston sneers at Mother Nature with a weekend of outdoorparties
Who doesn't want to help clean up the Bayou?
It's an outdoor party too — in August.
White Line Nights is one of those events that helps keep Houston a little quirkytoo.
Leaving Iowa is a moving play — get ready for the family flashbacks.
Looking for something to do this weekend? If it's happening in Houston, CultureMap Listings Editor Rachel Hanley knows about it. Here are Rachel's picks for the weekend, pulled from our extensive events calendar
This weekend is packed full of outdoor activities. Yes, it's Houston in August. Your point?
Don't let the sun or the swelter beat you down. Believe it or not, this is a great weekend to be out and about.
Saturday:
Eco Bash 9-12 p.m.: Yes it's a little early for a Saturday — but it's a good cause and you might get to meet Houston's First Lady Kathy Hubbard and the city's former First Lady Elyse Lanier. The morning begins with an hour and a half clean up of the Bayou, and concludes with music, food and a green--friendly fashion show.
Houston International Jazz Festival 4-10 p.m.: It's a fabulous idea — jazz in the park. It's a two day event so if you miss it one day, check it out the next. Overall, it looks like a fun time — the only sticking point is the $20 entrance fee.
How do you charge an entrance fee to music at Discovery Green? It's a free park, and even when you gate off sections, you can still hear a fine acoustic in the free zones. I don't completely get it — but I love jazz.
White Linen Night 6-9 p.m.: It's the best way to get to know the Heights. Shops, boutiques and restaurants in the artsy neighborhood open up for something like a community meet-and-greet. Shopping opps include vintage clothing, home goods and antiques. There'll be food, music and a free trolley to help you get around. Everyone dresses in white, which isn't a hard fast rule, just don't wear all black unless you enjoy feeling out of place (hey, for some people, it's a high).
Sunday:
Pick a play 2:30 p.m.: This could be the worst time of day to be outside. If you want to press through with the "outside weekend," Miller Outdoor Theatre is hosting a performance of Much Ado About Nothing as part of the Houston Shakespeare Festival. This is the last performance in the festival, so if you've been waiting to check it out, it's time to endure the heat.
If you want to stay air conditioned, I recommend Leaving Iowa at A.D. Players. I recently saw it and was thoroughly entertained. It's funny yet moving — two elements I love in a play. It captures family dynamics and I promise you, if you have siblings, you will have flashbacks to your own life.
Houston International Jazz Festival 4-10 p.m.: One more chance to get your jazz on and celebrate 20 years of a festival that's too often overlooked.
