summer on the rooftop

Houston's Rooftop Cinema Club heats up with summer scorchers, romances, and scary fun

Summer is hot on the rooftop.

Photo by J. Thomas Ford

Three-digit temps are here, no doubt, but that’s not stopping locals from hitting the hottest rooftop in Uptown for seasonal hits. Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown ((1700 Post Oak Blvd. at BLVD Place) has released its new schedule that’s cool for summer.

As always, the club promises theme events centered on our oppressive heat, summer love and zodiac signs, and even bookish fun. Favorites returning are the dog-friendly Wooftop series, the Singalong shows, and more.

Features recent hits such as the Robert Pattinson-led Batman and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Potter fans can look forward to weekly Harry Potter screenings every Sunday in July and every Saturday in August to toast Harry Potter’s July 31 birthday. Anniversary screenings include a 25th anniversary screening of Con Air and the 40th anniversary of the beloved Lone Star State classic, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Here’s a look at some of the summer fun:

Crazy for Swayze
Houston’s beloved hometown star gets in a showcase of films in honor of what would’ve been his 70th birthday.

The Heat is On
In a witty nod to our soaring temperatures, the club is bringing the heat with summer classics such as Bad Boys, Mamma Mia!, and Dirty Dancing, and Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee’s seminal look at America on the hottest day of the year.

Rooftop Romance
August offers a lot to love with Romeo + Juliet, the Hollywood classic Casablanca, modern tales such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Love Jones, Bridesmaids, and more.

Leo Season
Kicking off a new tradition, Rooftop celebrates signs of the Zodiac, starting with Leo on . July 23. Movies will star the club’s favorite cinematic Leos — including namesake Leo DiCaprio.

Virgo Season
Following Leo Season, Rooftop celebrates their favorite Virgos from August 23 through September 22.

Summerween
The club scares up some spooky fun with zany flicks such as Practical Magic, Death Becomes Her, and Hocus Pocus. More fun comes via Tales From the Hood, Friday the 13th, and Scream.

National Book Lovers Day
Bookish film fans can celebrate National Book Lover’s Day (August 9) with two iconic adaptations: Baz Luhrmann’s version of The Great Gatsby and Jonathan Demme’s unforgettable The Silence of the Lambs.

Tickets range from $17.50 to $25.25 depending on the day of the week and choice of the venue’s new double Adirondack Love Seat, a single Adirondack, or Lounge Seat with or without popcorn.

Fans can enjoy favorite concessions and snacks, an extensive menu of beer, wine, and canned cocktails to purchase on-site. Notably fans can bring outside food; no outside drinks are permitted.

Find tickets, showtimes, and the full schedule of Rooftop summer films online.

uptown movies

pat saddles up

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo makes history with election of first female chairman of the board

Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Pat Mann Phillips saddles up in 2024.

In 2022, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo made history by making local rap icon Bun B the first Black headliner from Houston. Now, the venerable institution has made history again with the appointment of its first female chairman of the board.

Pat Mann Phillips, a rodeo life member since 2001, will begin her three-year tenure as chairman of the board starting with the 2024 Rodeo, according to an announcement. She takes over for departing chairman Brady Carruth.

“As the newly elected Chairman of the Board, I am humbled and honored to lead the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and our amazing team of dedicated volunteers,” Phillips tells CultureMap. "Together, we embark on a transformative endeavor to propel our organization to its fullest potential. By breaking new ground and pushing boundaries, we will elevate the rodeo experience to unprecedented heights, capturing the essence of our vibrant community and its unwavering spirit.”

Her first objective, according to the rodeo, will be to collaborate with the executive committee to lead the Rodeo, focusing on its core mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth and education.

Heralded by peers and staff for her high-energy, positive, genuine, compassionate, and humble nature, Phillips has served on myriad rodeo committees, various committees, including the Corral Club – Suites, Directions & Assistance, Jr. Rodeo, and Special Children's committees.

She was elected to the board of directors in 2012 and rodeo vice president from 2016 to 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw the Transportation, Magazine, Special Children's, Agricultural Education (formerly Ladies' Go Texan), Souvenir Program, and Communications & Special Services committees. She joined the rodeos executive committee in 2018.

Consummately Houston and rodeo, Phillips holds a BBA in Petroleum Land Management and a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University and boasts more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry. She is currently the executive director of Energy Services for Revenade, a global management consulting firm.

Rodeo is a family affair: She and her husband, Tim Phillips have contributed financially through auction buying groups, season tickets, and donations to the Rodeo's Educational Fund. Tim Phillips, a former chair of the Jr. Rodeo Committee, continues to serve on the Special Children's Committee, per the rodeo.

Pat and Tim Phillips also walk the walk: they own Trinity Spirit Ranch in Field Store, Texas and manage their family ranch in Johnson County, Texas. Pat is also a charter member of Texas Women Venture Fund and a member and former director of Ladies of Texas Tradition, per her bio. She is a mentor and board member in organizations including Amigas Para Niños and the American Association of Professional Landmen.

“Our rich traditions serve as the cornerstone of our mission, and it is my hope that through our collective efforts, we not only preserve these traditions but also ignite a flame of inspiration within others,” Par Phillips says. “I am thrilled to saddle up for this exhilarating journey ahead. Together, we will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to come and making a profound difference in the lives of those we touch.”