If you're used to a hectic work week, the weekend is your time to squeeze in some fun. From a bake sale with mind-blowingly good pastries and kolaches to a luncheon with special guest, Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods, here are the top nine things to do in Houston this weekend.
For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.
Music at MATCH
Thursday, April 27-Saturday, April 29
Look no further than Da Camera’s latest concert series for an innovative mix of jazz, classical, and contemporary sounds. Artists, including the James Francies Trio, Bach in Brooklyn, and Red Baraat Dance Party, headline different nights of the event, held at Midtown venue, MATCH. (Various times; tickets: Start at $20 per person for a single concert and go up to $120 per person for an all access pass)
3400 Main St.; 713-521-4533
Latin nights
Thursday, April 27-Sunday, April 30
The 12th edition of Latin Wave: New Films from Latin America at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents 10 films reflecting the vibrant Latin America cinema scene. Special guests are Yanillys Pérez, director of Jeffrey, Iván Gaona, writer and director of Guilty Men, and Carlos Lechuga, writer and director of Santa & Andrés. (Various times; tickets: $8 per person for museum members, $10 per person for non-members)
1001 Bissonnet St.; 713-639-7300
Shop for a cause
Friday, April 28-Sunday, May 7
Purchase a Shop With Heart Card and score a 20 percent discount, good over a 10-day period, at 450 participating merchants including retailers like Kuhl-Linscomb and The Container Store. You also get a complimentary appetizer or dessert with purchase of an entrée at restaurants from upscale Greenway Plaza-area eatery Tony’s to casual hotspot Bowl & Barrel at CityCentre. All proceeds benefit the American Heart Association, an organization whose mission is to promote healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. (Cost: minimum $50 donation)
Bizarre Foods for charity luncheon
Friday, April 28
Nonprofit, The Council on Recovery welcomes keynote speaker Andrew Zimmern, award-winning chef and host of Travel Channel series Bizarre Foods, to its 34th annual spring luncheon at the Hilton Americas – Houston. Presented by the Wayne Duddlesten Foundation, the fundraiser traditionally showcases guest speakers who share their personal stories related to alcoholism, addiction, recovery, health, and wellness. (11:15 am-1:30 pm; tickets: $150-$500 per person. Tables start at $1,500)
1600 Lamar St.; 281-200-9336
Hook ‘em fun run
Saturday, April 29
Fun for the whole family, the Texas Exes Houston chapter hosts its 39th annual Lone Star stampede, featuring 10K and 5K runs for adults, and a 1K children’s fun run. Presented by University Co-op and Memorial City, the event benefits the Texas Exes Houston Scholarship Fund, which raises money to provide college scholarships to Houston area high school seniors. (8 am; tickets: $17-$40 per person)
303 Memorial City; 469-233-8681
It’s good to be king
Saturday, April 29
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers play at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion as part of their 40th Anniversary tour, touted by many as their last. The band was on the forefront of the heartland rock movement, alongside artists from Bruce Springsteen to Bob Seger, which arose in the late ‘70s and ‘80s. The rocker’s hit singles include, "American Girl," "Breakdown," "The Waiting," "Learning to Fly," "Refugee," and "Mary Jane's Last Dance." Singer-songwriter Joe Walsh of Eagles band fame will also perform. (7:30 pm; tickets: platinum seats remain, including in the pit area directly in front of the stage, priced at $750 per person)
2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands; 281-363-3300
Sunday sweets
Sunday, April 30
Don’t miss the "sweet liberty" brunch sale at Oxheart restaurant, where you can get delicious pastries and kolaches by baker Karen Man (Oxheart) and pastry chefs Jillian Bartolome (Common Bond) and Kelly Helgesen (Chicago’s Lula Cafe). All proceeds go to the Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees. (11 am-3 pm or until they run out; tickets: free to enter)
1302 Nance St.; 832-830-8592
Crawfish and beer
Sunday, April 30
Expect mudbug heaven and beer nirvana, and tunes by hip hop artist Mannie Fresh, psychedelic rock band The Bright Light Social Hour, and more, at 8th Wonder Brewery’s 4th annual crawfish and brews event. (12-6 pm; tickets: $15-$40 per person)
2202 Dallas St.; 713-229-0868
The block is hot
Sunday, April 30
As part of his Kloser 2 U tour, Lil Wayne takes to the stage at downtown’s Revention Music Center. Hit songs by the hip hop recording artist include "Go D.J.," "Fireman," "Stuntin' Like My Daddy,” and “Lollipop.” (8 pm; tickets: $65 per person)
520 Texas Ave.; 713-230-1600
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers play at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion as part of their 40th Anniversary tour.
