CultureMap Video

Credit cards fly as shoppers party hearty at first-ever CultureMap Holiday Pop Up Shop

Show Goat Creamery's Jamie Glover had planned on a hefty interest in her triple cream brie at CultureMap's inaugural Holiday Pop Up Shop. But so overwhelmed was the cheese maker by enthusiastic samplers that she ran out of her supply a third of the way into the six-hour shopping extravaganza on Sunday at Silver Street Studio.

For many of the 600 shoppers that joined the holiday-themed event, it was a first-time exposure to a number of the merchants — all local.

With her section in the Phoenicia Specialty Foods display, Glover was among many of the two-dozen-plus proprietors who were pleasantly surprised at the turnout for the first annual event.

Likewise, Manready Mercantile in the Heights ran out of their spiffy Mason jar mugs wrapped in leather cuffs half-way through the shopping while their whiskey-soaked toothpicks flew off of the display.

For many of the 600 shoppers that joined the holiday-themed event, it was a first-time exposure to a number of the merchants, all local, including Zayver Jewels, April Lykos' Shop the Symphony and Carla Christoph's amazing caftans.

CultureMap's Houston marketing manager Emily Goetz pulled together a carefully curated collection of quality merchants not usually found at the typical shopping events. Maryam Afshari brought items from Baanou, her chic boutique on Shepherd. Suzanne Coppola proferred her luxe collection of international goods from her Laurier Blanc website.

Sponsored by Lexus, the event (with a few dreamy vehicles on display) drew guests such as bloggers Bethany Buchanan, Roz Pactor, Magen Pastor and Carrie Colbert, art collector Judy Nyquist and artist Betirri.

The event was not without a charitable component. Both the American Cancer Society's Victory and the Washington Avenue Arts District received a portion of proceeds from ticket sales.

Circulo tequila fueled the shopping enthusiasm with tastings and cocktails while a man cave at the end of the warehouse space featured the Texans game on view on a large flat screen TV, the perfect hangout for the gents not so much into shopping.

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Click here to see lots of fun photos from the CultureMap Holiday Pop Up Shop, including scenes from the man cave,"poptails' booth, tarot card readings and shoppers galore.

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo

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