Football season is here, and a hot Heights-area patio bar is celebrating with a big tailgate party series kicking off with this week's UT/Alabama matchup.

Meanwhile, this weekend has some folks in a pickle — or a pickle festival — as local charity event devoted to the former cucumber returns.

A Houston Mediterranean Festival celebrates culture, music, and food (yum ) from countries like Lebanon, Greece, and Syria. On Sunday, a massive Car Culture show at La Centerra revs up gearheads and luxury car fans with fun for all.

Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

Thursday, September 7

GreenStreet presents Live Music on the Lawn

GreenStreet will host Live Music on the Lawn, a weekly concert series, every Thursday starting this weekend. Great drinks and even better music will flow as Houston’s best and brightest upcoming artists (like Michael Flores, who’ll be the inaugural headliner this weekend) take the GreenStreet stage. During the concerts, guests can sit back and relax on the McCormick & Schmick’s patio or grab dinner to-go from Guadalajara del Centro, The Palm, or House of Blues Restaurant and take it out to the lawn. 5:30 pm.

Mid Main Houston presents First Thursday

The businesses of Mid Main, together with Mid Main Lofts, will kick off another First Thursday block party series this weekend, benefiting Houston Pets Alive. Make a $10 donation to this non-profit for an all-access wristband to the biggest block party in Houston. Shop local artisans, enjoy libations by Saint Arnold Brewing Company, as well as live music, three art shows, and specials all over the block. You’ll also get a complimentary pet portrait by Honest Art for those who adopt a fur baby that evening from Houston Pets Alive. 6 pm.

Montopolis presents Man with a Movie Camera

Revered as a visual masterpiece and one of the greatest documentary films ever made, 1929’s Man with a Movie Camera gives historical context to the current Russian invasion and lays bare the costs of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The joyful original score by Montopolis celebrates the beauty and resilience of Ukraine’s people and aims to inspire American audiences to support the country in its time of need. They will also be performing their live score to Buster Keaton's silent 18-minute film The Scarecrow as an opener. 8 pm.

Friday, September 8

Houston PetSet presents Fierce & Fabulous Soirée

Houston PetSet, a nonprofit organization working to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis, will present this fantabulous soiree. The evening’s honoree will be the Leslie L. Alexander Foundation, being recognized for their stalwart support of the animal welfare community in Houston. Great Day Houston’s Deborah Duncan will return as emcee, with another luxury timepiece from de Boulle Diamond and Jewelry serving as the raffle prize. 7 pm.

14 Pews presents Q

Q is a compelling exploration of the delicate balance between love and devotion, offering an intimate and haunting portrayal of a quest for love and acceptance at any cost. Filmmaker Jude Chehab takes viewers on a masterful journey through the unspoken ties and consequences of loyalty that have bound her family to a mysterious organization. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Chehab, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the film's themes and production. 8 pm.

The Heights Theater presents Bayou City Funk and Nik Parr & the Selfless Lovers

Bayou City Funk is a group of veteran musicians from the Texas Gulf Coast, on a mission to bring nitty-gritty roots funk, soul, blues and jazz fusion music to the forefront of music lovers' minds of all ages. For this show, they’ll be joined by Nik Parr & the Selfless Lovers They have opened for and toured with acts like The Black Pumas, The Suffers, Tank and The Bangas, Soul Rebels, Rebirth Brass Band, Turkuaz, Ripe, Black Joe Lewis and more. 8 pm.

Sam Smith in concert with Jessie Reyez

While many miss the sharp-dressed Sam Smith who came with chart-topping heartbreakers like “Stay with Me” and “Too Good at Goodbyes,” we understand that the British singer is out here living their truth these days as a flamboyant, uninhibited pop star, churning out club-bangers like “Unholy,” from their new album Gloria. They will be joined by special guest Jessie Reyez. 8 pm.

Saturday, September 9

Tailgate Party at Patterson Park: Texas vs Alabama

Patterson Park, the dog-friendly, Heights-area patio bar boasting a 5,000-square-foot outdoor deck and treehouse vibes, is kicking off college football season with their Tailgate Party series. Catch the highly anticipated matchup between the Texas Longhorns and Alabama Crimson Tide on 40 TVs and pregame with drink specials and outdoor games. Enjoy $5 Bloody Marys and mimosas until 5 pm, $8 High Noons, $25 domestic beer buckets, and $25 prosecco bottles all day. Terry Black's BBQ will be on hand at 5 pm for gameday grub. 10 am to 10 pm

In A Pickle Festival

This 4th annual festival helps to bring awareness to the nonprofit Hunter Syndrome, a very rare genetic disease. There will be around 85 unique crafters and food vendors carrying at least one unique, pickle-themed item. Entertainment includes adult/kids pickle eating and drinking competition, a pickle-canning contest judged by professional chefs, entertainment for kids, a pickled pet parade, bull riding, a pickle beer garden, music from The Bluebonnet Basterds, and more. 11 am.

St. George Orthodox Christian Church presents Houston Mediterranean Festival

The St. George Mediterranean Festival is a celebration of Mediterranean culture and cuisine, featuring food and music from countries like Lebanon, Greece, and Syria. At this fest, you will experience the flavors of traditional Mediterranean dishes such as hummus, baklava, kebabs, and falafel. This festival is a family-friendly event, and there will be plenty of activities for family members of all ages. Noon.

American Cancer Society presents Cattle Baron’s Ball

The American Cancer Society’s iconic Cattle Baron’s Ball, a western-themed gala founded 50 years ago in Dallas, thrives in 27 different cities across America, collectively raising over $17 million this year towards the ongoing pursuit of a cure for cancer. For the last 36 years, Houstonians and beyond have gathered for their own Texas-sized ball to enjoy entertainment from top country artists. 7 pm.

Ingenious Brewing Co. presents Beats & Brews

In collaboration with last year’s Hopchella co-creators, The Weekend Pop-Up Gallery and Ingenious Brewing presents an evening of music, dance, arts, light, and love – and, of course, beer. This interactive music and arts event focuses on creating an immersive experience through sound, color, and light. Expect to hear house music, dubstep, drum & bass, etc. Expect to see stunning installations, light displays, flow dancing, and more. The taproom will stay open an extra hour just for this special occasion. 7 pm.

Sunday, September 10

The Car Culture Shifted at LaCenterra

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is gearing up to welcome car enthusiasts from all across Houston at its Car Culture show. Come explore over 100 exotic, classic and luxury cars. Family and friends are invited to explore the area’s coolest vehicles, meet their owners and enjoy a DJ spinning tunes. First come/first served spots will be available for cars that are not signed up for VIP or do not want to be locked in during the event. Guests are welcome to stick around after the show to explore the center’s shops, restaurants and more. 9 am.

The Diaspora Film Festival-Houston

Come on, come all to experience African-influenced cuisine at this food festival, which will be held over at Karbach Brewing. This fest will be pulling out all the stops with a day full of overflowing delicious food, merchants, live music & entertainment, drinks, and more. Feast until your heart's content with a specially crafted list of food vendors and sip on some refreshing drinks. 11 am.

Fantastic Fest Presents My Animal

Director Jacqueline Castel brings new depth to a classic mythos with her energetic, luscious, romantic, 2003 werewolf story, starring Bobbi Salvör Menuez (Adam) and Amandla Sternberg (The Hate U Give). Beneath the surface of a harrowing family drama, a steamy teen romance, and a classic monster tale, Castel bolsters this genre gem with a tactile and emotional excavation of otherness. Ultimately a triumphant testament to self-acceptance, My Animal is a shackle-breaking watch. 7 pm.