weekend event planner

Top things to do in Houston this weekend: Queens of the Stone Age, Michael Bublé, and more

Houston rocks out this weekend with some big concerts: A.J. Croce, Akon, and Queens of the Stone Age all take the stage. Speaking of big shows, Jurassic Quest features more than 50 massive, animatronic dinosaurs at equally big NRG Center.

In a nod to our city's nation-leading diversity, the Islamic Arts Festival celebrates 10 years, while an astronaut-hosted screening of The Right Stuff pays homage to our Space City status. And for Sunday Funday, America's Got Talent fans can spend an evening with Howie Mandel.

Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

Thursday, December 7

Michael Bublé hosts “Easy, Now” pop-up lounge at Spec's

$Michael Bubl\u00e9 Fraser & Thompson tux lawn chair$ Superstar and “sentient tuxedo of a man” Bublé will pass out whiskey here in Houston. Photo courtesy of Fraser & Thompson

Charming singer/actor/pitchman Michael Bublé will host a fan meet-and-greet and tasting event for his Fraser & Thompson Whiskey from 4 pm to 5 pm Thursday, December 7 at Spec’s - Fountain View (2020 Fountain View Dr.). Plan for a long line, arrive early, and be ready to sip the Canadian showman’s celebrity spirit at what’s dubbed the “Easy, Now” pop-up lounge within the store. Bublé is expected to pass out sips only — officially, he’s not slated to sign bottles or pose for photos. 4pm to 5 pm.

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston presents THIS WAY: A Houston Group Show opening reception

THIS WAY: A Houston Group Show showcases new work from 12 visionary, Houston-based Black artists, including Imhotep Blot by way of Amaechina Blot and Studio KER led by Michael Bennett, Colby Deal, Nahtan (Nate Edwards), Dom Elam, Amarie Gipson, Gem Hale, Charonda Johnson, Berlin Nicholas, Irene Antonia Diane Reece, and Jason Woods (Flash Gordon Parks). They all were invited to examine innovative ways of participating in the storytelling of Black legacy and heritage in Houston Freedmen’s Town. Through Sunday, March 24. 7 pm.

AKON in concert

Senegalese-American singer/producer/entrepreneur Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam – that’s AKON, to you and me – will be in Houston this weekend. He’ll be performing as part of The Superfan Tour, in support of his 2022 album, TT Freak. Watch him perform such hits as “Locked Up” and try to forget that he has a Wakanda-inspired city in Senegal that he hasn’t finished building yet. 7:30 pm.

Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life

Brett Goldstein is a breakthrough British creative force on and offscreen who has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after multi-hyphenates. He is the co-executive producer, writer, and star of Ted Lasso, playing the brash yet lovable Roy Kent. He is also the host of podcast, Films To Be Buried With, which finds him in candid conversation with special guests as they discuss the films that have shaped them. Now, he’s going around the country giving you some stand-up goodness. 8 pm.

Friday, December 8

The Ultimate Watch Event at Zadok Jewelers

If you’re a person who still prefers to check the time by looking at your wrist, join Zadok Jewelers for an extraordinary showcase of the world's rarest and most remarkable timepieces. Shop among many brands such as Bulgari, Cartier, Chopard, Grand Seiko, Hublot and IWC. And there will also be booze! On Friday only, guests can join in for a whiskey tasting from 4 to 6 pm with The Macklowe Whiskey. 10 am.

Jurassic Quest

Jurassic Quest Triceratops Meet a kind Triceratops. at Jurassic Quest. Photo courtesy of Jurassic Quest

Jurassic Quest is a dinosaur adventure for the whole family. The main dinosaur exhibit features over 50 ultra-realistic, life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Visitors can interact with these huge creatures, learn about them, and even ride a few. There are also huge T-Rex and Triceratops fossil digs where young paleontologists can uncover long, hidden dinosaur bones, the “Dino Bounce” area with several dinosaur-themed inflatable mazes, face painting, dino crafts, and more. Noon (9 am Saturday and Sunday).

Midtown Cultural Arts presents Mistletoe Market

The Midtown Mistletoe Market, with the theme of "Holiday Twinkle in Midtown," will feature artisans and specialty crafters showcasing their unique creations. 29 artists and makers will be participating, including Miriam O’Brien, Anna Naumenko, Charles Washington, and Samantha Peterson. There will be picture-twinkling lights, Santa Claus, holiday music, craft classes for both adults and children, holiday-themed public art installations, food options, and more. 5 pm (10 am Saturday).

The Music Box Theater presents A Beatles Holiday Cabaret

The Music Box Theater will celebrate Christmas and The Beatles in one memorable, festive holiday concert, A Beatles Holiday Cabaret. Song selections include some of the group’s original Christmas/Beatles mash-ups, such as “O Darlin”/”Please Come Home for Christmas,” “The First Noel”/”Here Comes the Sun,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”/”Marshmallow World” and “Help”/”O Come Emmanuel.” There will also be lots of other holiday and The Beatles musical surprises. Through Sunday, December 23. 7;30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 9

Islamic Arts Society presents Islamic Arts Festival

This year, the Islamic Arts Society will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Islamic Arts Festival, the oldest festival of Islamic arts in the country. During the two-day festival, visitors will have the opportunity to see the work of renowned artists who will be available in person. They will be able to browse through the festival hall and purchase magnificent pieces of art for their homes. We’re talking hundreds of pieces of art under one roof, live paintings, Ebru, henna, bazaar, food, and more. 10:30 am.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The Right Stuff

Based on the bestseller by Tom Wolfe, this Oscar-winning, 1983 epic is about the race to put the first man on the moon. Four U.S. Air Force test pilots (Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Sam Shepard) are chosen as the bravest, the best, and the most daring—the men with “the right stuff.” Retired Astronaut Colonel Terry Virts, who will introduce this “Movies Houstonians Love” presentation, says this film inspired him to become an astronaut. 5 pm.

Sawyer Yards presents Debbie Gibbs: "Hands Talk" opening reception

Sawyer Yards presents "Hands Talk," a solo exhibition of new works by Houston artist Debbie Gibbs. The mixed media artworks in this exhibit, composed of paper and acrylic on stretched canvas, highlight the role of hands in communicating and connecting. From the most literal interpretation, sign language, to symbolic gestures, hands can say a lot. The racially diverse hands visible in the works represent the beauty that diversity brings to the world as well as the complexity it brings to communication and connection. Through Friday, December 29. 5 pm.

Queens of the Stone Age in concert

When we heard Queens of the Stone Age is coming to Houston this weekend (in support of their new album In Times New Roman…), we immediately thought of the time Will Ferrell pulled out his trusty cowbell and performed with the band of Saturday Night Live. (If you’ve never seen it, here you go.) While it would be a dream to see them team up for a live performance here in H-Town, we’re still looking forward to Josh Homme and his crew performing the hard-driving numbers that make them one of the best rock bands working today. 7 pm.

Sunday, December 10

Cigna Sunday in the Park

Cigna Sunday in the Park does its final outdoor get-together of the year this weekend. Of course, Sunday in the Park spotlights Houston’s most unique neighborhoods around the city with a focus on promoting healthy living, supporting neighborhood economies and a sense of community. Since it’s December, we have a holiday-themed celebration at Tuffly Park. The free, family-friendly event will include activities for the entire family including bounce houses, live music, dancing, free food, games and photos with Santa. Noon.

Performing Arts Houston presents An Evening with Howie Mandel

Spend Sunday Funday with Howie Mandel. Photo courtesy of Howie Mandel

Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years. He can currently be seen on NBC’s flagship series America’s Got Talent, where he has served as a judge for 11 seasons. He recently finished production on his new documentary, Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me. But let’s keep it real here: Bobby’s World was the greatest thing dude has ever done. If you have kids and haven’t introduced them to one of the best cartoons of the ‘90s, go on YouTube and watch the little ones fall in love with Lil’ Bobby. 7:30 pm.

Bayou Music Center presents Croce Plays Croce

Queens of the Stone Age/Facebook

Queens of the Stone Age reign this weekend.

After more than 25 years making his own musical mark, A.J. Croce began performing some of the songs of his dad, Jim Croce, live and forming a special show out of it. This concert will celebrate two of his father's legendary albums, 1973’s Life and Times and his final release I Got A Name, in addition to songs from You Don’t Mess Around With Jim. You know he’ll be doing such classics as “Time in a Bottle” and “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels).” But let’s hope he also hits us with a rendition of our favorite Croce song, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” 8 pm.

Movie Review

Timothée Chalamet cements star status in new movie Marty Supreme

Courtesy

Timothée Chalamet

In a time when true movie stars seem to be going extinct, Timothée Chalamet has emerged as an exception to the rule. Since 2021 he has headlined blockbusters like the two Dune movies and Wonka, and also earned an Oscar nomination for playing Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown (his second nomination following 2018’s Call Me By Your Name). Now, he’s almost assured to get his third nomination for the stellar new film, Marty Supreme.

Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, a world-class table tennis player living in New York. But reducing Marty to his best skill doesn’t do him justice, as he’s also a motormouth schemer who will do almost anything to achieve his dreams. He doesn’t have any qualms about wooing married women like neighbor Rachel (Odessa A’zion) or actress Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow), or hiding his true ping pong skills to win money in scams with friends like Wally (Tyler the Creator).

Marty is seemingly on the go the entire movie, whether it’s trying to convince Kay’s millionaire husband Milton Rockwell (Kevin O’Leary) to fund his table tennis ambitions; or trying to track down the dog of Ezra (Abel Ferrara), a man he accidentally injures; or trying to avoid the ire of the boss at the shoe store where he works. Just when you think he might slow down, he’s off to the races on another plan or adventure.

Directed by Josh Safdie and written by Safdie and frequent co-writer Ronald Bronstein, the film is an almost continuous blast of pure energy for 2 ½ hours. So many different things happen over the course of the film that the story defies conventional narratives, and yet the throughline of Marty keeps everything tightly connected. His particular type of brash behavior turns much of the film into a comedy as he does and says things that are both shocking and thrilling.

Another thing that makes the movie sing is the fantastic characterization by Safdie and Bronstein. Almost every person who is given a speaking line in the film has a moment where they pop, which speaks to airtight dialogue that the writers have created. Characters will be introduced and then disappear for long stretches of time, and yet because they make such an impression the first time they’re on screen, it’s easy to pick up their thread right away.

Safdie, as he’s done previously with brother Bennie (Uncut Gems), calls on a host of well-known non-actors or people with interesting faces/vibes to inhabit supporting roles, and to a person they are crucial to the film’s success. O’Leary (of Shark Tank fame), rapper Tyler the Creator, director Ferrara, magician Penn Jillette, and fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi each deliver knockout performances. The relative unknowns who play smaller roles are just as impressive, making each beat of the film feel naturalistic.

Leading the way is the powerhouse performance by Chalamet. For one person to believably play both the famously reserved Dylan and also a firecracker like Marty is astonishing, and this role cements Chalamet’s status as his generation’s movie star. A’zion is a rising star who gets great moments as Marty’s on-again/off-again love interest. Paltrow pops in and out of the film, lighting up the screen every time she appears. Fran Drescher as Marty’s mom and Sandra Bernhard as a neighbor also pay dividends in small roles.

Josh Safdie’s first solo directorial effort is unlike any other movie this year, or maybe even this century. Thanks to its breakneck storytelling, a magnificent performance by Chalamet, and countless intangibles that Safdie employs expertly, the film smacks viewers in the face repeatedly and demands that they come back for more.

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Marty Supreme opens in theaters on December 25.

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