Comedy shows, holiday markets, and concerts are just some of the fun events that will be going on around Houston this weekend. Plus, there's the opportunity to get the first glimpse of the new $84 million Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land and enjoy a holiday show at the same time.
This weekend roundup highlights events for everyone in the family to enjoy and offers a great look at the city's creative culture.
We've put together a curated list of nine of the best happenings in the city, but you can check out more events on the CultureMap Events Calendar.
Thursday, December 15
Slow Food Houston presents A Glean Taste
Prepare to "Eat & Drink to Reduce Food Waste" with Slow Food Houston, a group that celebrates and champions the foods and food traditions that are important to our region. This unique dining experience will feature such local chefs as Chandler Rothbard, Soren Pedersen, Pat Greer, Gina Lopez, Ara Malekian, and Jill Bartholome creating six dishes and drinks from items that would typically be considered throw-away food.
Chris D'Elia at Houston Improv
Fans of Chris D'Elia may be familiar with his role on the NBC sitcom Undateable and his other previous standup work. The comedian will bring his standup show to the Houston Improv for three shows this weekend, likely featuring work from his latest Netflix special Incorrigable.
If you've ever had the desire to be a playwright, now's your opportunity. Rec Room is providing the platform for aspiring writers to submit plays (either a 10 minute or one-act) for a $10 fee; selected plays will then be read aloud at various times Thursday through Saturday.
Friday, December 16
Travis Scott, Bjork, Odesza, and many other amazing musical acts are headlining the second annual Day for Night Festival. In addition to great music, mind-blowing art installations create an immersive and interactive experience for festival goers.
EaDo Playhouse presents A New Brain
Houston's newest arts venue and theater company debuts with the Off Broadway brainchild of theater masterminds William Finn and James Lapine, A New Brain. Examining an artist in crisis, the deeply moving, yet hilarious musical reminds us of the healing powers of art and the importance of appreciating every breath. The company's first production continues through Sunday.
Saturday, December 17
Holiday Market at The Four Seasons
Sip on Mexican hot chocolate and mulled wine while the kids build a gingerbread house at the Four Seasons Hotel Holiday Market. You'll likely be delighted by the build-your-own crepe station and the festive holiday decor that adorns the hotel. Since this is the "Season of Giving," guests can bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Casa de Esperanza in exchange for a surprise gift from the Four Seasons.
Grammy-nominated blues singer Ruthie Foster has a soulful voice that has been known to emotionally move audiences, and is definitely a voice you'll remember. Also appearing at the concert at the newly renovated Heights Theater is Charlie Belle, an up-and-coming American indie pop duo from Austin.
Sunday, December 18
Taste of the NFL Brunch-Off Preview Party
It's a battle royale as Cafe Annie owner and chef Robert del Grande takes on chef Michael McKinney from Restaurant Orsay in Jacksonville in the Taste of the NFL-Brunch Off. It's a preview of the 26th annual Taste of the NFL party during Super Bowl week at the University of Houston on Feb. 4, 2017, when chefs from all 32 NFL cities will compete. Guests at the preview party are encouraged to wear their favorite team's jersey — we're betting there will be a lot of Texans fans — as they watch TVs showing the Texans-Jacksonville face-off at NRG Stadium.
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular at Smart Financial Centre
This family-friendly happening will be the first event held at the new Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land in what officials are calling a "soft opening" of the new $84 million arena. The Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular features high flying acrobatics, breathtaking visuals, and holiday songs performed by the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra.
With so many amazing events going on this weekend, we're sure that you'll have a great time checking them out. Be sure to share your experience with us on social media.
Soulful singer Ruthie Davis brings her music to the Heights Theater.
