If the weather this week is any indicator, we're clearly headed into summer, which means there will be more flip-flops, more shorts, and more mad dashes from cool car to cooler indoors. Nevertheless, there is always fun stuff popping off in Houston as things warm up, so head outside and check out these fun events:
Thursday, May 17
Get your Greek on at the Houston Greek Fest
If all you know about Greece is that’s where the first Olympics were held — and you believe Zach Galifianakis is from there (he’s not), it would be a good time to attend the Houston Greek Fest. Now in its 23rd year, this four-day festival is a hotbed of Greek activity: authentic Greek foods, traditional Greek dancing and live music, and a chance to learn more about Greek Orthodox faith and culture. There will also be wines courtesy of Holy Archangels Monastery & Winery, as well as performances from living-history reenactment group the Warriors of Greece. It starts at 4 pm. (11 am on Friday and Saturday, and noon on Sunday)
Friday, May 18
This year’s Montrose Art Party is the “Neon MARTY Dance Party”
Every year, the Art League Houston presents what is known as the Montrose Art Party — or MARTY — a fundraiser that supports ALH’s Healing Art Party. Since it’s usually a themed event, this year’s theme is the '80s — since the party is called the “Neon MARTY Dance Party.” Flash Gordon Parks will be there for a live DJ set, and there will be delectable bites, a cash bar, and a silent auction. The event will also honor the National Council of Jewish Women – Greater Houston Section for their support of the Healing Art Program. It starts at 6 pm.
Dave Matthews Band gets rocking at the Woodlands
Is there a more divisive yet utterly non-controversial pop star out there than Dave Matthews? You either love the '90s jam-band icon, or you want to smack the hell out of him and everyone who sways to his music at festivals. Even Matthews himself has came to terms with his pop-star-you-love-to-hate status in a recent Vulture interview. As of late, movies like Lady Bird and Blockers have used the artist and his work for both good-natured ribbing and affectionate props. So, if you’re one of those fans who still jam out to the guy, hit his show this weekend. It starts at 7 pm.
Saturday, May 19
Lunch for a great cause at Empty Bowls Houston
Empty Bowls is an international project where the only motive is to feed those in need. Events are currently held in many areas across North America and, for the past 13 years, Empty Meals Houston has raised $801,550 for the Houston Food Bank. This weekend, they’re having a lunch fundraiser that will also feature the work of Houston-area ceramists, woodturners, and artists. For a minimum $25 donation, attendees will receive a soup-and-bread brunch and, then, select a bowl donated by the ceramists and craft artists. It starts at 11 am.
Go green with Houston Botanic Garden's tree farm event
It seems Houston is one of two major U.S. cites without a botanic garden. And, now, Houston Botanic Garden is looking to make sure H-Town has its own, on-and-popping greenspace, on a 120-acre site located a short distance from downtown Houston. This weekend, the non-profit organization, in partnership with Trees for Houston, will host its first public event on-site. The public is invited to help set up the first element of the garden, one of two tree farms on the property, to be located on the garden’s south side. It starts at 8 am.
Minefaire seeks to build a Houston Minecraft audience
Touted as the number-one Minecraft event in the U.S., Minefaire: The Ultimate Minecraft Experience is a two-day convention where people who are obsessed with this popular, world-building video game can get together and bond over all things Minecraft. This event has been touring all the country, already making sold-out stops in San Francisco, St. Paul, and LA, where it broke the Guinness World Record for largest convention for a single video game. This weekend, Houston is up — let’s show those Angelenos who’s got more Minecraft freaks. It starts at 10 am on both days.
Dog-gone fun at “Oodles of Doodles”
Doodles are some cute doggos, aren’t they? These scruffy little cuties are usually a cross between a poodle and another dog breed. There are a variety of Doodles out there: Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Snickerdoodles. (OK, that last one was a cookie, but Doodles are still just as sweet.) If you’re a proud Doodle owner, you and your road dog can attend a complimentary social called “Oodles of Doodles.” But even if you have a non-Doodle dog, you can still attend. Donations for this event will benefit Pup Squad Animal Rescue. It starts at 10 am.
The Great Texas BBQ Festival 2018 offers up meat and tunes
Sure, we can tell you that The Great Texas BBQ Festival 2018 will be two wonderful days of barbecuing and grilling, with 20 of the state’s best BBQ teams competing for a $20K cash prize. We can also mention that there will be live music from Old 97’s, Junior Brown, The Suffers, and Morris Day & The Time, among others. But you may want to attend to see if vegan protesters, who have been threatening on Instagram that they will be there to raise a naked ruckus, will indeed let it all hang out at the fest. Either way, there will be breasts and legs on display. It starts at noon (on both days).
Sunday, May 20
Get some “Help!” and “Satisfaction” with Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown
We know the great debates: which is better — Coke or Pepsi? Ginger or Mary Ann? Reading books or being a moron? And, of course, there’s the most disputed of them all: Beatles or Stones? We’re sure there have been shouting matches held throughout time over which of these iconic, British-invasion outfits is the superior band. Now, there’s a show called Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown, where Fab Four cover band Abbey Road square off with a Stones tribute band, which is of course named Satisfaction. It starts at 7 pm.
It's all Greek at this wildly popular annual festival.
