We’re approaching spring, which means that 1) the weather might start acting right, and 2) lots of people will be at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's World Championship BBQ Cook-off for three nights of partying.
We have a few rodeo-related events lined up in this week’s planner. We also have dragons, live musical performances, watercolor art, a chance to hang out with some adorable, adoptable pets, and one event certain to leave audiences shaken, not stirred.
Thursday, February 27
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts presents Dragons and Mythical Beasts
Dragons and Mythical Beasts is a live show that unveils a myriad of dark secrets, letting the audience come face to face with some of the most magnificent creatures and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Creatures include the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you'd think), an adorable Unicorn, and a majestic Griffin. 6:30 pm.
Houston Ballet presents In the Night
Three expressive ballets on this program offer a fusion of classical and contemporary artistry. Among them is Stanton Welch’s powerful Maninyas, a work that delves into the gradual and sometimes daunting process of revealing oneself in a relationship. Jerome Robbins’ In the Night is a poignant one-act ballet for three couples, set to four piano nocturnes by composer Frédéric Chopin. And Lila York pays homage to her Irish heritage with Celts, a fusion of Irish folk dance and ballet. Through Sunday, March 9. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).
Mo Gilligan: In The Moment World Tour
Stand-up comedian Mo Gilligan comes to Houston as part of his In The Moment World Tour. As one of the UK’s biggest comedy stars (we first got to know him as the sidekick from The Big Narstie Show), he’s performed at London’s O2 Arena, released three stand-up specials, and has numerous TV credits to his name, including The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan, That’s My Jam, The Brit Awards, and The Masked Singer. 7:30 pm.
Friday, February 28
Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast versus Luncheon
The versus Luncheon is Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast’s largest annual fundraiser, celebrating the nonprofit’s work on the fight for reproductive freedom. Funds support PPGC’s continued provision of affordable health care, sexual health education, and advocacy across southeast Texas and Louisiana. The dynamic program will feature drag performances by Adriana LaRue, a special guest video appearance, and a keynote conversation between abortion rights advocate Amanda Zurawski and PPGC Medical Director Dr. Anitra Beasley. Noon.
Houston Symphony presents "007: James Bond Forever"
Last week, James Bond fans were hit with the news that Amazon MGM Studios now owns the superspy franchise, which means we’ll most likely get spinoff movies and TV shows for the rest of time. Nevertheless, the Houston Symphony celebrates 60 years of 007 as Tony-winning Broadway star Lena Hall joins the orchestra for unforgettable Bond themes spanning Connery to Craig, including favorites such as Goldfinger, Skyfall, Diamonds are Forever, and Live and Let Die. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).
4th Wall Theatre Company presents Topdog / Underdog
Celebrate the last day of Black History Month by checking out this acclaimed play. Suzan-Lori Parks’ darkly comic fable of brotherly love and family identity tells the story of Lincoln and Booth, two brothers whose names were given to them as a joke, foretelling a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Haunted by the past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of their future. The play won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Through Saturday, March 15. 7:30 pm (3 pm Sunday).
Tony’s presents Disco Cowboy Weekend
On Friday and Saturday, the Wild West collides with Saturday Night Fever for a high-energy, whiskey-fueled weekend at Tony’s. Guests will enjoy Ghostwood Whiskey cocktails and a special menu of disco-inspired bites, as DJ YO$H spins in the San Remo Room dance club. At 8:30 pm, there will be a best-dressed table contest where the winner will receive a bottle of Ghostwood Whiskey, a crystal bucket of Lone Star Beer, and a butter pecan baked Alaska. 7:30 pm.
Saturday, March 1
The San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association presents the San Jacinto Texas Independence Fun Run
This 14th annual run invites fitness enthusiasts, history buffs, and families with children of all ages to "Run the Battlefield!" and experience the historic grounds where Texas won its independence. Participants can choose from a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk, or a 1K Kids Run, and the certified course will be chip-timed for the 10K and 5K run events. The top three male and female finishers in each running category will be recognized. Proceeds from the event will go toward historical preservation and educational programs. 7 am.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo presents Downtown Houston Parade
It’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo time again, which means Downtown Houston will be swarming with decorative floats, wagons, trail riders and horses for the annual Downtown Rodeo Parade. The parade route begins at Bagby and Walker, travels from Travis to Bell, and from Bell to Louisiana, before turning on Lamar and ends at Lamar and Bagby. Before that, runners, walkers and athletes in wheelchairs will get to steppin’ for the 2025 Houston Rodeo Run 5K/10K at 9:10 am. 10 am.
Boo's Burgers presents The Burger Tour at Ninfa's
As part of the preparations for the opening of its brick and mortar location, Boo’s Burgers is hosting a collaborative burger pop-up at the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Customers will have the opportunity to enjoy the Boo’s OG x The Original Ninfa’s Fiesta Burger for a limited time. Made with fresh ground beef and Chihuahua cheese nestled in a buttery challah bun, the burger is served alongside a refreshing ensalada de nopales and savory esquites with a kick of salsa macha. 2 pm.
Garden & Gun presents Rodeo Smoke Show
In partnership with Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Garden & Gun will host a celebration to kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at Houston’s award-winning Truth BBQ. There will be live music, craft cocktails, and a makers market featuring artisan wares by some of the top names in Western goods. Throughout the evening, chef Leonard Botello and his team will serve Texas-inspired bites, includng a crawfish boil, smoked meats, sides, and desserts. 6 pm.
Moody Center for the Arts presents Spring Fling: Madison McFerrin
Celebrate the spring season with the genre-bending sounds of singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin at Spring Fling, the Moody's annual outdoor concert. Coming from a family of well-known musical voices (this is her daddy!) McFerrin’s distinct vocal and meticulously layered stylings of a capella and self-harmonizing culminate in work that blends the genres of R&B, pop, soul, and jazz, all with a sense of softness. Houston’s own DJ DOUBLEDUTCH will open. There will be complimentary drinks and after-hours access to the galleries. 7 pm.
Sunday, March 2
Bar-A-BBQ presents two-year Anniversary Party
Make the drive to Montgomery to celebrate two years of the permanent location of the restaurant named to Texas Monthly’s list of the state’s best new and improved barbecue joints. Truth BBQ will be on hand serving whole hog, along with bites from Decatur’s North Texas Smoke BBQ and pitmaker M&M BBQ Company. Expect a lively atmosphere and, best of all, free beer for those old enough to consume it. 10:45 am.
Houston Arboretum presents Pup Crawl & Pet Expo
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center presents their annual Pup Crawl and Pet Expo. After four special beer stops along the Arboretum trails, guests can interact with local pet vendors at the Pet Expo and walk away with a commemorative Pup Crawl glass. Guests can participate in a doggy scavenger hunt where they can meet adoptable dogs from BARC foster care along the way. Proceeds support the conservation and education programs of the Houston Arboretum and BARC, the City of Houston’s animal shelter and adoption center. 3 pm.
Watercolor Art Society - Houston presents 48th Annual International Watermedia Exhibition opening reception
The Watercolor Art Society - Houston presents the 48th Annual International Watermedia Exhibition, showcasing the finest contemporary watermedia art from around the world. The works on display represent some of the world’s most recognizable current watermedia artists and visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase original artwork. Esteemed artist and design professor Stephen Zhang will be recognized for his large-scale, expressive watermedia paintings. Through Saturday, March 29. 3:30 pm.
Indo American Association presents Parampara... Shinjini Kulkarani
Shinjini Kulkarni, a renowned Kathak dancer from the esteemed ninth generation of the Kalka Bindadin lineage, is the granddaughter of the legendary Kathak Maestro, Pt. Birju Maharaj. By the time she was eight years old, Shinjini began performing, showcasing her talent and dedication to the art form. Since then, through her captivating performances, Shinjini Kulkarni consistently mesmerizes audiences, earning accolades and recognition for her exceptional artistry and commitment to the classical dance form of Kathak. 6 pm.
