Friday is National Rum Day, and we're sure a lot of places in Houston will be celebrating in the most over-the-top way they can. El Big Bad will have an event that includes specials on rums, a classic rum-inspired cocktail menu, drinks in fresh whole coconuts, patio games, rum samplings, leis, and music. The margarita bar has also partnered with The New Black for a speed-dating-with-rum spectacle called Sugar and Spice is the New Black.

If a rum party isn't your speed, here are some other fun options for your weekend.

Thursday, August 15

Understory Grand Opening
Get ready for a brand-new experience in downtown Houston. Understory is a new dynamic, experience-based destination that brings the community together through culture, commerce, and cuisine. It features 35,000 square feet of engaging public space, including a 9,000-square-foot culinary market with seven chef-driven concepts and a cocktail bar. The grand opening will feature food and drink specials, live entertainment, games, and more. 7 am (8 am Saturday and Sunday).

All About the Bubbly at Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is making people tipsy once again. For those who always enjoy when the zoo brings in some alcoholic beverages for people to partake in while animal browsing, get ready for an evening full of lovely, sparkling wine time. Guests will enjoy their favorite champagne or Prosecco while relaxing at the Houston Zoo's beautiful Reflection Pool. Activities include a live ice carving show, photo booth fun, and opportunities to see animals up close. 6 pm.

Friday, August 16

Halo: Outpost Discovery at George R. Brown Convention Center
People still play Halo, right? (Full disclosure: CultureMap isn't swarming with gamers.) For those of you who still do, 343 Industries & Herschend Live present this innovative, new touring fan experience for all ages, which brings the Halo video game universe to life like never before. This weekend-long event lets people step into Halo’s vast and epic world, with enthralling themed attractions, interactive in-universe encounters, the latest playable game releases, and more. 1 pm (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

D.L. Hughley at Improv Houston
D.L. Hughley really, really, really isn't afraid to tell it like it is. One of the Original Kings of Comedy (alongside Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and the late Bernie Mac), the Def Comedy Jam vet and former sitcom star is mostly known these days as an outspoken satirist, making fun of anything and anybody in the news. He does it on the regular over on his radio show (which can be seen nightly on TV One), and you can see him do it this weekend at the Improv. 7:30 pm and 9:45 pm (7 pm and 9:30 pm Saturday; 7:30 pm Sunday).

Saturday, August 17

Saint Arnold Hawaiian Heights Pub Crawl
The Saint Arnold Brewing Company's "world-famous" pub crawl is heading back to the Heights — and the theme is Hawaiian. Cedar Creek Bar & Grill, The Boot, Bungalow Heights, and Shady Acres Saloon are just a few spots that'll be part of this evening crawl. (You're welcome to start at any of the first seven stops.) At 9 pm, everybody will gather at the final stop, and the prize for making all the stops will be a special, Saint Arnold Hawaiian Heights pint glass. 5-9 pm.

The Iron Giant Movie Party at Alamo Drafthouse LaCenterra
This year marks the 20th anniversary of one of the best animated films you've probably never seen. Before he went over to Pixar and wowed audiences with Ratatouille and The Incredibles movies, Brad Bird made this sci-fi charmer, which Warner Bros. unfortunately threw out there without a lot of fanfare. Based on Ted Hughes' children's story, this film is about a kid who befriends a giant alien robot (voiced by Vin Diesel), who crash-lands in 1950s America. 6 pm.

Sunday, August 18

Artists for Artists Canvas Grab at Spring Street Studios
Spring Street Studios is hosting a canvas grab, sponsored by Jerry's Artarama. All canvases available are Gallery Wrap Paramount Canvas, with sizes ranging from 20x20 inches to 72x60 inches — and various sizes in between. There's a suggested donation of 10 percent of retail value (a $100 canvas would be $10 donation) of each canvas. The donations will help Artists for Artists continue to help artists in and around Houston during times of crisis. Noon to 5 pm.

Punk Rock Garage Sale at Deep End Records
We know you punk rockers are still around, secretly listening to The Misfits or X on your way to work. And we know you miss those punk-rock garage sales that used to happen over at the now-defunct Walter's on Washington. That's why Deep End Records is still keeping the tradition alive. About 20 individual vendors will be offering up music equipment, toys, zines, DVDs and VHS tapes, albums and cassettes, clothing, art, and all kinds of weird stuff. 1-5 pm.