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    weekend event planner

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

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jun 19, 2024 | 6:30 pm

    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 band
    Styx Facebook

    Styx and Foreigner take the stage on Saturday.

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    Movie Review

    Star TV producer James L. Brooks stumbles with meandering movie Ella McCay

    Alex Bentley
    Dec 12, 2025 | 2:30 pm
    Emma Mackey in Ella McCay
    Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios
    Emma Mackey in Ella McCay.

    The impact that writer/director/producer James L. Brooks has made on Hollywood cannot be understated. The 85-year-old created The Mary Tyler Moore Show, personally won three Oscars for Terms of Endearment, and was one of the driving forces behind The Simpsons, among many other credits. Now, 15 years after his last movie, he’s back in the directing chair with Ella McCay.

    The similarly-named Emma Mackey plays Ella, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor of an unnamed state in 2008 who’s on the verge of becoming governor when Governor Bill (Albert Brooks) gets picked to be a member of the president’s Cabinet. What should be a happy time is sullied by her needy husband, Ryan (Jack Lowden), her agoraphobic brother, Casey (Spike Fearn), and her perpetually-cheating father, Eddie (Woody Harrelson).

    Despite the trio of men competing to bring her down, Ella remains an unapologetic optimist, an attitude bolstered by her aunt Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), her assistant Estelle (Julie Kavner), and her police escort, Trooper Nash (Kumail Nanjiani). The film follows her over a few days as she navigates the perils of governing, the distractions her family brings, and the expectations being thrust upon her by many different people.

    Brooks, who wrote and directed the film, is all over the place with his storytelling. What at first seems to be a straightforward story about Ella and her various issues soon starts meandering into areas that, while related to Ella, don’t make the film better. Prime among them are her brother and father, who are given a relatively small amount of screentime in comparison to the importance they have in her life. This is compounded by a confounding subplot in which Casey tries to win back his girlfriend, Susan (Ayo Edebiri).

    Then there’s the whole political side of the story, which never finds its focus and is stuck in the past. Though it’s never stated explicitly, Ella and Governor Bill appear to be Democrats, especially given a signature program Ella pushes to help mothers in need. But if Brooks was trying to provide an antidote to the current real world politics, he doesn’t succeed, as Ella’s full goals are never clear. He also inexplicably shows her boring her fellow lawmakers to tears, a strange trait to give the person for whom the audience is supposed to be rooting.

    What saves the movie from being an all-out train wreck is the performances of Mackey and Curtis. Mackey, best known for the Netflix show Sex Education, has an assured confidence to her that keeps the character interesting and likable even when the story goes downhill. Curtis, who has tended to go over-the-top with her roles in recent years, tones it down, offering a warm place of comfort for Ella to turn to when she needs it. The two complement each other very well and are the best parts of the movie by far.

    Brooks puts much more effort into his female actors, including Kavner, who, even though she serves as an unnecessary narrator, gets most of the best laugh lines in the film. Harrelson is capable of playing a great cad, but his character here isn’t fleshed out enough. Fearn is super annoying in his role, and Lowden isn’t much better, although that could be mostly due to what his character is called to do. Were it not for the always-great Brooks and Nanjiani, the movie might be devoid of good male performances.

    Brooks has made many great TV shows and movies in his 60+ year career, but Ella McCay is a far cry from his best. The only positive that comes out of it is the boosting of Mackey, who proves herself capable of not only leading a film, but also elevating one that would otherwise be a slog to get through.

    ---

    Ella McCay opens in theaters on December 12.

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