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.

RIP, Chuck

Actor Chuck Norris, star of 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' dies at 86

Courtesy photo

Chuck Norris, star of "Walker, Texas Ranger," has died at 86.

Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy — sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents — has died at 86.

Norris died Thursday, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.”

“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the family said in a statement posted to social media.

Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. He was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate, known sometimes as Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris in its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, the highest possible honor.

Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, he grew up poor. At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California, and joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.

“I went out for gymnastics and football at North Torrance high,” he told The Associated Press in 1982. “I played some football, but I also spent a lot of time on the bench. I was never really athletic until I was in the service in Korea.”

After he was honorably discharged in 1962, he worked as a file clerk for Northrop Aircraft and applied to be a police officer, but was put on a waitlist. Meanwhile, he opened a martial arts studio, which expanded to a chain, with students including such stars as Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donnie and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, whom he later credited with encouraging him to get into acting.

From one studio to another
Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie “The Wrecking Crew,” which included a fight with Dean Martin. He had also crossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship — sometimes, as sparring partners — led to an iconic faceoff in the 1972 movie “Return of the Dragon,” in which Lee fights and kills Norris' character in Rome's Colosseum.

He went on to act in more than 20 movies, such as “Missing in Action,” “The Delta Force” and “Sidekicks.”

“I wanted to project a certain image on the screen of a hero. I had seen a lot of anti-hero movies in which the lead was neither good nor bad. There was no one to root for,” Norris said in 1982.

In 1993, he took on his most famed role, as a crime-fighting lawman in TV's “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The show ran for nine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.

“It’s not violence for violence’s sake, with no moral structure,” Norris told the AP in 1996, speaking about the show. “You try to portray the proper meaning of what it’s about — fighting injustice with justice, good vs. bad. … It’s entertaining for the whole family.”

Norris also made a surprise comedic appearance as a decisive judge in the final match of the 2004 movie “Dodgeball.” He only on occasion has taken acting roles in recent years, including 2012's “The Expendables 2” and the 2024 sci-fi action movie “Agent Recon.” He's due to appear in “Zombie Plane,” an upcoming film starring Vanilla Ice.

Chuck Norris: the man, the meme, the legend
It was around the time of “Dodgeball” that his toughman image became the stuff of legend, literally: “Chuck Norris Facts” went viral online with such wildly hyperbolic statements as, “Chuck Norris had a staring contest with the sun -- and won,” and, “They wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mt. Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t tough enough for his beard.”

Norris ultimately embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” which combined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.

“To some who know little of my martial arts or film careers but perhaps grew up with 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' it seems that I have become a somewhat mythical superhero icon,” Norris wrote in the forward to the fact book. “I am flattered and humbled.”

That book raised money for a nonprofit he founded with President George H.W. Bush that promoted martial arts instruction for kids.

The intentionally outlandish statements featured in the 2008 Republican presidential primary, when Norris endorsed Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and shot an ad playing on the “Chuck Norris facts.”

President Donald Trump's supporters later promoted Trump Facts in the same vein, and political pundits tried it as well, describing the commander-in-chief's decision to seize Venezuela's sitting president, Nicolas Maduro, as a “Chuck Norris Moment,” and its initial effect on oil prices a “Chuck Norris Premium.”

Norris was outspoken about his Christian beliefs and his support for gun rights, and backed political candidates for years — he even went skydiving with Bush for the former president's 80th birthday. As for Trump, Norris endorsed him in the 2016 general election and wrote guest columns praising him without explicitly endorsing him the in the days before the 2020 and 2024 elections.

Norris has five surviving children: stunt performers Mike and Eric with his late ex-wife Dianne Holechek, twins Dakota and Danilee with his wife Gena Norris, and Dina, the result of an early 1960s “one-night stand” revealed in his autobiography.

Norris celebrated his birthday just over a week before his death, posting a sparring video on Instagram.

“I don't age. I level up,” he wrote.

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