weekend event planner

Here are the top 8 things to do in Houston this weekend

Houston Ballet presents never-before-seen footage of Just by Stanton Welch.

Photo by Noor Eemaan

This weekend offers up some drive-in laughs, dog-friendly fun for National Fetch Day, and some totally stroll-worthy local markets. Meanwhile, the ballet spins to a virtual performance, while a local theater company pays homage to the legendary Stevie Wonder.

Here are your best bets for the weekend.

Thursday, October 15

Houston Ballet presents A Night at Jacob’s Pillow
This weekend is the last time you can check out this virtual ballet, which made its world premiere in August 2018 at the historic Ted Shawn Theater. This ballet will also feature never-before-seen footage of Just by Stanton Welch. Commissioned by Jacob's Pillow for the company's return to its famous summer festival after 40 years, Welch's edgy choreography showcases the dancer's raw emotion while exploring the heartbreak of lost love. 10 am.

A.D. Players presents Signed, Sealed, Delivered: John-Mark McGaha Sings Stevie Wonder
Now that the real Stevie Wonder has recently decided to part ways with longtime Motown, perhaps now would be a good time to have somebody take you back to those classic songs the Grammy-winning legend did for the label. Singer and multi-instrumentalist John-Mark McGaha (The Ray Charles Legacy, Smokey Joe's Cafe) will pay tribute to Wonder and his music with this show, which will run through Sunday, October 31. 7:30 pm (3 and 8 pm Saturday; 2:30 pm Sunday).

Friday, October 16

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
Like so many things that have been popping off during these pandemic times, the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is going virtual. A celebration that is designed to bring the joy of fine art and fine crafts into the homes of art lovers in the community and beyond, the festival will also have a VIP Art Dash Party on Friday. It will be transformed into an intimate, virtual experience with an online “happy hour” and raffle for art by featured artist and naturalist Christina Smith. 10 am.

Bert Kreischer at Moonstruck Drive-In
Bert Kreischer has been making some cool moves lately. Earlier this week, his new show The Cabin with Bert Kreischer debuted on Netflix, where he and fellow comic buddies rough it in the woods. But you can still see him in his element: onstage, with his shirt off, telling embarrassing but usually funny stories. The thing is, you’re gonna have to be in your car to take that in. He’s just one of several comics as of late who’ve been hitting the road and playing drive-ins across the country. 10:30 pm.

Saturday, October 17

Canines and Croissants at CityPlace
Saturday is National Fetch Day, and CityPlace has an event where you can spend some quality time with your beloved pet. This complimentary, pet-friendly event will feature professional dog portraits, pet adoptions from Special Pals, vet consultations from Banfield Pet Hospital, and live music from musician Lloyd Hughes. Vendors such as Furrever Doggies, MexiPaws Boutique, and Natural Pawz will be on site offering delicious treats and handmade accessories for dogs of every breed and size. 10 am.

Jack Rabbit Gallery presents "Nostalgia!" opening reception
Jack Rabbit Gallery, the Heights-located spot which prides itself on being “not your typical art gallery,” has an exhibition debuting this weekend that, judging from the title, may have some spectators affectionately reminiscing about certain points in time. This group show features new paintings and photo composite works by Elisabeth Ladwig, Matthew Paoletti, Tom Jean Webb, and more. It will be on view through Tuesday, December 1. 6 pm.

Sunday, October 18

Wanderlust Market HTX
Well, this looks like a fun, bohemian time had by all. Head over to East Downtown (that’s EaDo, for people in the know) every Sunday and take in four hours of outdoor shopping, live music, games, food trucks, a full bar, and oh-so-much more. No flights are needed to discover international foods, textiles, artisan products, games ,and performances representing countries from all over the world. 11am.

Art Hop at Sawyer Yards
Have you ever visited a bunch of art studios and said to yourself, “Do you know what would make this better? Beer!” Holler Brewing Co. will be making your dreams come true with this ale-saturated tour throughout Sawyer Yards. Each participant will pick up his or her map at Holler, grab some beer to-go and visit multiple stops to chat with artists and view artwork on display. There will also be prizes given out by the artists, as well as a prize from Holler if you visit five stops. 3 pm.

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One More for the Road

ZZ Top honors late drummer Frank Beard with Austin tribute concert

ZZ Top/Facebook

ZZ Top will celebrate their late drummer, Frank Beard (middle, after a show in Canada), at one of his favorite venues.

Texas rock trio ZZ Top will play a tribute to their late drummer, Frank Beard, at their scheduled Austin tour stops at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on August 22 and 23. Beard died Monday, August 17, at 77.

The band announced Beard's death in a social media statement.

Lead vocalist and songwriter Billy Gibbons wrote, "Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top."

ZZ Top canceled performances in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs following Beard's death. The Austin shows will be the band's first onstage again, offering a fitting time to celebrate the Texas great. A statement on the band's website calls the Austin City Limits stage "one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him."

Beard was born near Tyler in Frankston, Texas, in 1949. He was raised in Irving, outside Dallas, and the band formed in Houston in 1969. The Austin Chronicle reported in 2013 that Beard was then splitting time between a house on Lake Travis, in Austin, and Houston. He died on his ranch in the Houston suburb of Richmond.

ZZ Top was known for its large performances and elaborate setup, none more so than the Worldwide Texas Tour, which included a Texas-shaped stage and a collection of live Texas animals.

In 1974, the band left its mark on Austin — for better or worse — at "ZZ Top’s First Annual Texas Sized Rompin’ Stompin’ Barndance & Bar B.Q." at the University of Texas. It was the first, but also the last, since around 80,000 of the band's "friends" trashed the venue, earned the disapproval of the famous Coach Royal, and were ostensibly responsible for the venue not hosting another rock show until 1995. ZZ Top's two encores had 20 years to ring out after the legendary, if infamous show.

ZZ Top will make their upcoming Austin appearances as part of The Big One! Tour on Saturday, August 22, at 8 pm and Sunday, August 23, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are still available for both shows at acllive.com.

live music music history celebrities obituary acl live concerts