weekend event planner

Here are the top 16 things to do in Houston this weekend

This weekend will have several events celebrating Pride Month, as well as one more event celebrating Juneteenth – cookout style! Since it’s also Black Music Month, you can catch a rising new artist over at 93 Til.

For the budding young geeks out there, there’s a kid expo and a double shot of Jurassic Park/World goodness. Boomers and Gen X’ers can get a little nostalgia by seeing performances of “Come Sail Away” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Shrimp, quilts, comedy, tech-driven art – these next four days will have it all.

Oh yeah, and the circus is in town! Read on for all of this weekend’s best bets.

Thursday, June 20

Autry Park presents Picnic in the Park
Savor summer nights at Autry Park with Picnic in the Park, a new live music series in Autry Park's charming central park. Bring a blanket and some friends (dogs included!) and enjoy an evening filled with good vibes, great food, and cool tunes. Picnic in the Park will feature live music from Aaron Stephens and bites and beverages by Citizens. After the picnic, head to Annabelle Brasserie, Auden, Lick Honest Ice Cream, or MF Lobster & Ceviche for dinner, drinks, or a sweet treat with your crew. 6 pm.

UniverSoul Circus
UniverSoul Circus will celebrate 30 years as its show-stopping cultural extravaganza returns to Houston. The interactive “Family Reunion Tour” will bring together big names from five continents all backed by the infectious beat of world music, including sounds and dance styles spanning the African diaspora. The circus features a combination of circus arts, theater, and music that spans genres, including pop, classic R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz and gospel. Through Sunday, July 7. 7 pm (7 pm Friday; Noon, 3:30 & 7:30 pm Saturday; Noon, 3 & 6:30 pm Sunday).

Empire State Jazz Cafe presents SpeakEasy Comedy Lounge
This weekend, Empire State Jazz Cafe will launch an exclusive live comedy series, the SpeakEasy Comedy Lounge, hosted by All D Freeman. Every Thursday night throughout June and July, this new comedy series will bring riotous belly laughs from some of Houston's best stand-up comedians and comic talents from across the country. You can also have authentic Cajun/Creole cuisine, distinctive cocktails, and an intimate ambiance for an immersive experience. 8:30 pm.

Friday, June 21

Texas Tower presents "Generations of Strength"
In honor of Pride Month, Hines’ "Generations of Strength" exhibit will be on display at Texas Tower in downtown Houston. The installation features photographs of 22 LGBTQIA+ icons, including Barbara Jordan, Sally Ride, Audre Lorde, and more. The installation includes details on their contributions to society across generations, from 1854 through today. The exhibition originated as a grassroots effort within Hines to recognize Pride Month and celebrate achievements by key members of the diverse community. Through Friday, June 28. 7 am.

ARTECHOUSE Houston
At 26,000 square feet, ARTECHOUSE Houston provides a home for tech-driven art and artists. The destination includes multiple galleries designed to showcase groundbreaking works of art by leading and emerging creative talent across the globe. The inaugural programming features three distinctive exhibitions, showcasing over 18 unique installation pieces connecting visitors to LIGHT + SPACE, ranging from cinematic experiences and laser performances to robotic installations and interactive artworks. Through Wednesday, December 31, 2026. 10 am.

Woodlands Area Quilt Guild presents Bloomin' Crazy for Quilts
Woodlands Area Quilt Guild presents the two-day Bloomin' Crazy for Quilts, featuring 255 quilts, a boutique with handcrafted quilts and items, a silent auction, mini quilts for charity, schoolhouse, scholarship quilt, 31 vendors of quilting items and non-quilting items, and "30 Something" challenge. Special guest Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Montgomery County Chapter will share their mission of providing beds to kids without a bed to sleep in. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Sleep in Heavenly Peace. 10 am.

The Secret Group presents The Sklar Brothers
Randy and Jason Sklar, aka The Sklar Brothers, are a post-modern take on a stand-up comedy duo. They have released six comedy albums, have had two Comedy Central half-hour specials, and currently have a stand-up special on Netflix, What Are We Talking About, and another special that premiered on Starz, Hipster Ghosts. Randy and Jason are also writers, directors, and actors who have appeared on such shows as Entourage, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Better Call Saul. 8 pm (8 pm and 10 pm on Saturday).

Saturday, June 22

Houston’s New Faces of Pride Festival and Parade
The Houston’s New Faces of Pride Festival and Parade will feature artist performances, 350 festival vendors, indoor/outdoor performances, a parade, and festival booths. This year's theme, Rainbow Revolution, is all about celebrating progress, embracing change, igniting the spirit of unity and reflecting our mission as an organization to raise as many funds as possible for our community non-profits. Funds raised supporting Grace Place and Tony’s Place, nonprofits that serve LGBTQ+ youth and adolescents. Noon.

Mo’ Better Brews Juneteenth and 3rd Anniversary Celebration
Mo’ Better Brews was supposed to hold its 3rd anniversary celebration on Juneteenth. But things got a bit rainy. So, they’ll be having it this weekend. Barbecue plates will be available, and Flash Gordon Parks will be behind the turntables spinning essential cookout music throughout the afternoon. You can also pick up a limited edition commemorative T-shirt that will be available in store for purchase, and available for pickup to those who pre-ordered online. Noon.

Houston Symphony presents Jurassic Park
This weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to get Jurassic. Jurassic World: The Exhibition is still going on in Katy, but the Hobby Center will play the 1993 blockbuster that started it all. Featuring imagery and special effects, the action-packed adventure of Jurassic Park pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. The classic film will be projected in HD on a giant screen, with the full Houston Symphony performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. 2:30 & 7:30 pm Saturday (2:30 pm Sunday).

The Rose presents 35th Annual Shrimp Boil
The Rose’s 35th Annual Shrimp Boil will feature an evening with food, live music, auctions, games, a cash bar, raffles, a "Thriller" dance-off, and an '80s costume contest. Guests can enjoy live auctions, participate in various games, and purchase commemorative t-shirts. This year’s boil aims to raise $150,000 to support The Rose's life-saving work, providing breast health-care screenings and diagnostics to all, regardless of their ability to pay. 4 pm.

Poppy Tart Productions presents Meadow of Pleasure: An Enchanted Burlesque Show
Make a summertime escape to the Meadow of Pleasure. Hosted by Belle BeDamned and starring Gaea Lady, the evening promises to be an entertaining and enchanted burlesque performance. The cast also includes Nikki Knockout, Gia Vaughna, Bambi LaBimba, and Poppy Tart. 6:30 and 9:30 pm.

Styx and Foreigner in concert
Two of classic rocks most legendary acts come to The Woodlands as part of their Renegades & Juke Box Heroes tour. Styx has racked up 20 million album sales and eight top 10 singles, including “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” and “Blue Collar Man.” Foreigner is one of the best selling bands of all time with over 80 million albums sold (“I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold As Ice”), receiving a nod to the 2024 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. John Waite opens. 6:45 pm.

Sunday, June 23

ImagineNation Productions LLC presents ImagineNation Kid Expo
ImagineNation Expo will feature LEGO, superheroes, princesses, comics, Funko Pops, gourmet-themed foods, and more. This event is for those who want to pose with their favorite characters, show off their brick-building skills, or just have fun. There will be activities such as pickleball, laser tag, mining for gems, meet and greet with comic artists, brick building, and more. 10 am (10 am Saturday).

The Montrose Center presents Pride Brunch and Fundraiser
The 6th Annual Pride Brunch and Montrose Center Fundraiser will feature a wide selection of craft cocktails and mocktails, brunch by chef Cameron Caine, music by DJ Chad Guidry, and drag performances on the hour by Sinema LaRue and Lucy Paradisco. There’s no better way to celebrate Pride and give back to the LGBTQ+ community than with friends and Sunday brunch. Last year's event hosted over 400 attendees and raised more than $58,000 for the Montrose Center. 11 am.

L.O.U.D. Muzik and 93 Til presents Presents Beats & Bourbon: Skyrah Biiss SIngle Release Party
Get ready for an electrifying night at 93 Til as they celebrate the official, single release party for Skyrah Bliss and her new single “Make It Out Alive.” Skyrah will mesmerize you with her soulful blend of hip-hop and R&B, promising an experience like no other. Immerse yourself in her captivating music and feel the passion behind every lyric. Through intimate conversations, Skyrah will share the inspiration behind her music and the journey that led to her latest single. Enjoy a night filled with incredible music, inspiration, and the finest bourbon. 6 pm.

Styx Facebook

Styx and Foreigner take the stage on Saturday.

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Movie Review

New Superman movie forges into the future while honoring the past

Photo by Jessica Miglio

David Corenswet in Superman.

When the character of Superman was invented in 1938, it was perhaps easier to see the world in good and bad terms. Fascism was already on the rise in Germany under Adolf Hitler, and the idea of an all-powerful superhero who stood up for people in need was a welcome one. In the nearly 90 years since, though, the world and the character have undergone multiple evolutions, and the thought of someone who is purely good is often met with cynicism or worse.

The new Superman, written and directed by James Gunn, puts the superhero (or metahuman, as the film calls him and similar creatures) squarely in the midst of the modern world, with geopolitical conflicts, mega-corporations, and social media all combining to make the altruism of Superman/Clark Kent (David Corenswet) questionable. That skepticism even extends to his coworker/girlfriend Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), whose knowledge of his exploits puts her in a tricky position personally and professionally.

Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) is out to dominate the world and take down Superman, with his eponymous corporation and vast group of underlings dedicated to doing both. Superman is generally a one-man fighting crew, but he’s occasionally aided by a group calling themselves the Justice Gang, comprised of heroes many have never heard of like Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), a version of Green Lantern; Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), a flying metahuman; and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), who knows all kinds of technology.

One of the best things about this new version of Superman is that it mostly dispenses with introductions, putting the audience in a world where Superman is already a well-known quantity who’s adored by many and hated by some. Gunn has used his new position as co-CEO of DC Studios to honor the past of the hero and take him into the future. With the 1978 John Williams theme song echoing throughout and Corenswet giving off Christopher Reeve vibes, it’s clear Gunn wants audiences to feel nostalgia while still getting something new.

He also appears to want viewers to fight against the negativity that the modern world can bring. The plot involves manipulation of the public, usually at the hands of Luthor, through bombastic talk shows, political theater, and social media, the latter of which — in a great joke — comes to involve hundreds of typing monkeys. The film could be read as a rebuttal of many real-world ills as, despite Luthor’s machinations, many choose to continue to believe in the goodness of Superman.

There is a lot going on in the film, but somehow it never comes off as overly complicated. Superman’s relationship with Lois Lane and Luthor’s attempts at taking him down are given the most prominence, with everything else supporting those two main things. The Justice Gang is a fun addition, with Mr. Terrific becoming the breakout hero of the group. The addition of the (CGI) dog Krypto provides levity, poignant moments, and unexpectedly great action scenes. The only part that gets somewhat short shrift is the crew of The Daily Planet, with everyone besides Lois and Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) getting little more than face time.

Being the new Superman is a lot to live up to, but Corenswet is completely up to the job. He, like Reeve, plays the character as someone who is earnest but not naive, a quality that comes through even when he’s in the middle of fight scenes. Brosnahan is also fantastic, providing a nice balance to the relationship while also proving the character’s own worth. Hoult makes for a great new version of Luthor, and Gathegi nearly makes the case that Mr. Terrific should get a starring film of his own.

Just as he did with the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Gunn has shown that success can be found through making characters people want to see. Not everyone in this Superman will be familiar to viewers, but in the end a group of people working together toward a goal that serves the common good is one worth watching and cheering for.

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Superman is now playing in theaters.

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