We're still deep into Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo-related madness, as Tim McGraw, Zedd, and Zac Brown Band will be the latest artists set to perform at NRG Stadium in the next few days. But, if you don't feel like dealing with all the traffic that comes with seeing a show, there are myriad things happening around the city that are worth checking out.

Thursday, March 7

Mid Main Presents First Thursday
The music, art, and food block party known as Mid Main First Thursday starts up its seventh year, in the heart of Midtown Houston, benefitting and highlighting the vision of the Houston Parks Board. It also showcases the unique creative spirit of the Mid Main Neighborhood, home to a variety of locally owned bars, clubs, restaurants, boutiques, retailers, and Mid Main Lofts (which will have a reception for the First Annual HISD Visual Art Teachers Exhibition at 7 pm). 6-10 pm.

Stacks at Axelrad
If you're a fan of dance parties where the vinyl is flying every which-a-way, let us direct you to this monthly, musical shindig going on at Axelrad. Hosted by veteran DJ Squincy Jones, this open-format dance party welcomes visiting DJs (this month, it's Killem Collective's Joey Flaco and Ichikara IV Valdez) to play anything they want. There will also be a vinyl pop-up shop courtesy of Vinylism and food from Kin Concepts by Chef Evelyn. 8 pm to midnight.

Friday, March 8

Austin Eastciders Rose Launch at Cottonwood Bar
It looks like Austin Eastciders is getting all bougie on us with its newest flavor. This well-rounded cider uses hibiscus and real rose oil for a uniquely light, dry take on rosé. You can taste hints of crisp apple, rose petals, black currant, hibiscus, and tannic, with a lovely sweet cherry and floral aroma. Anyway, there will be a launch party at Cottonwood Bar, complete with live music from Jo Jones. 6 pm.

Wiesn in a Box at Super Happy Fun Land
Well, beer, and pretzels are coming to town, thanks to traveling food truck Wiesn in a Box. One of three food trucks crisscrossing from coast to coast, this decked-out, Bauhaus-style trailer (reimagined as a handcrafted mobile Hofbrau bar) is bringing a unique Oktoberfest vibe complete with cold beer, hot pretzels, and the latest Bavarian beats. It's gonna make a stop at Super Happy Fun Land, as part of the year-long Wunderbar Together: Year of German American Friendship campaign. 8-10 pm.

Saturday, March 9

Second Saturday Labyrinth Walk at Hines Center
Back in the day, we used to know Sarah Gish as the city manager for Landmark Theatres, hipping us media folk to all the independent cinema that was coming to town. These days, Gish runs her own creative firm, aptly named Gish Creative, and is involved with events like this special, meditative get-together. Held every second Saturday of the month, this will include an introduction to the history of labyrinths, an inspirational reading, a group walk and a reflective art project by Gish. 9 am.

On the Rise to Luck Tour at The Rustic
The Luck Reunion music festival (which is headquartered at Willie Nelson’s private property in Luck) is sending three artists to participate in the On the Rise to Luck Tour, which will be happening at three Rustic locations in Texas this weekend. The Houston location will be the final stop, as performers Cha Wa, Katie Pruitt, and Madison Cunningham are scheduled to wow the crowd before they wow the crowd at Luck next Thursday. 7:30-11:30 pm.

Sunday, March 10

Cat Video Fest 2019 at Alamo Drafthouse La Centerra and 14 Pews
We all love cat videos, don't we? Those cute, adorable, silly clips we watch on YouTube when we should be working is always a quick and easy way to perk up someone's day. Now, both Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra and 14 Pews will be holding film screenings filled with these feline vids. These screenings will also raise money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations and shelters to best serve cats in the area. 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm (Pews); 6 pm (Alamo).

Unplugged at Discovery Green
Unplugged at Discovery Green returns for the spring as local, musical acts get together for acoustic concerts on the park's main stage, challenging themselves to rethink and rearrange their songs using only acoustic instruments. The first batch of artists for this month's show include Matt Harlan, Oliver Penn, Little Outfit, Cactus Flowers, and Darwin's Finches. Admission is free, but small donations are encouraged to support the park's free, year-round programming. 5-9 pm.