Let's face it. Memorial Day Weekend couldn't come at a better time. After the week we've had, every Houstonian deserves a little rest.
We wouldn't blame anyone who wants to spend that time at home in the air conditioning. Frankly, anyone who went a day or more without power deserves to do as little as possible.
Those in the mood to venture out will find a lot of options. Comicpalooza leads the list with its celebrity panels, cosplayers, shopping, and more taking over the George R. Brown Convention Center Friday through Sunday. Who knows, maybe John Cena will stick around after his appearance and grab a burger at Nancy's Hustle or some enchiladas at Xochi.
Other options include a wine tasting in the Heights, the Houston Ballet's latest production, and a pop-up market that showcases vendors from the Third Ward.
Here are this weekend's best bets.
Thursday, May 23
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents 38 at the Garden
The MFAH will present a special community screening of 38 at the Garden, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This documentary tells the inspiring journey of Jeremy Lin and his triumphs in basketball, while also shedding light on the impact of stereotypes and the consequences of challenging them on a global stage. It also explores the harmful effects of weaponized stereotypes and anti-Asian violence. Director Frank Chi will participate in a discussion following the screening. 3 pm.
Moody Center for the Arts presents Sip + Stroll: Guided Tour of Rice Public Art
Executive director Alison Weaver will lead a tour of select public artwork found at Rice University. The evening will start with complimentary drinks at the Moody Center for the Arts and conclude at the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace where guests can view the sunset light sequence. The evening stroll includes indoor and outdoor stops that highlight the exceptional permanent and temporary artworks found throughout campus. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and plan on being outdoors for the majority of the event. 7 pm.
Houston Ballet presents Mayerling
Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Mayerling comes to the Wortham Theater stage for the first time after its Houston Ballet debut in 2018. This titillating three-act ballet tells the dark tale of Crown Prince Rudolf, the sole heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 1880s. The work weaves a story of scandal and political intrigue through an unhappy marriage, sensuous dalliances, and morbid obsessions – all leading to the tragic murder-suicide of the Prince and his young mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera. Through Sunday, June 2. 8 pm (2 pm Sunday).
Friday, May 24
Comicpalooza
At Comicpalooza, creators, panelists, cosplayers, stars, and spectators will come together for a weekend celebrating anime, comics, gaming, literature, cosplay, and more. Among the celebrities who will be on hand include wrestler/actor John Cena; Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and James Tolkan from Back to the Future; Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez from Napoleon Dynamite; Shannen Doherty and Rose McGowan from Charmed; Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street); Rebecca Romijn (X-Men); and more. 2 pm (10 am Saturday and Sunday).
Sawyer Yards presents "Dry Place" opening reception
Curated and organized by artist and MFAH Core Fellow Saúl Hernández-Vargas, “Dry Place” delves into the silos as an empty and dry space, where the promise of the future has changed. A collective show that brings together Marina Azahua, Tanya Brodsky, Saúl Hernández-Vargas and others explores the silos of the city of Houston, slowing down, paying attention to the specters, and, of course, the silent absence of local workers and the ghostly clattering of grains against metal structures permeating the atmosphere. Through Saturday, July 6. 6 pm.
Charlotte Day Wilson in concert
Charlotte Day Wilson will be in town to perform and promote her latest album, Cyan Blue. With comparisons to Anita Baker, Yebba, and Cleo Sol, she's a mainstay in the Toronto scene and is a noted producer (her own album and others) as well as instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. "Forever," the album’s first single, features Snoh Aalegra, and the second single "I Don't Love You" highlights her immaculate production skills. Cyan’s songs beautifully centralize her queerness. She’s also a hockey player. 7 pm.
Playhouse 1960 presents Hello Dolly!
Hello Dolly! is a musical that bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance, and some of the greatest songs in musical theater history. It follows the romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and "woman who arranges things." The production features a book by Michael Stewart, music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, and is based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder. 8 pm (3 pm Sunday).
Saturday, May 25
Rado Market Pop-Up Market
The Rado Market, located right inside the Historic Eldorado Ballroom, will host a special Saturday pop-up market, highlighting vendors around the Third Ward community. The market will focus on showing love to local businesses and will have a DJ, beer, and mimosas available. Vendors include Slate Skin, The Lady Painting, I Love 3rd Ward, Bodine Clean, Ambrosia & Nectar Candles and more. Noon.
Baby Shark's Big Broadwave Tour
If you got little ones, Baby Shark will be in town this Memorial Day weekend, ready to put smiles on their faces. Baby Shark and his fincredible fishy friends will go on an undersea adventure filled with oceans of fun and finship. To save their beloved Party Puddle Theatre, Baby and the squiddos must dive into action to create a Broadwave swimsation. Expect to see children (and maybe a few adults) in the aisles doing the famed Baby Shark dance. 2 pm.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents A Brighter Summer Day
Set in early 1960s Taiwan, A Brighter Summer Day is based on the true story of a crime that rocked the nation. Edward Yang’s patiently observed 1991 epic centers on the gradual, inexorable fall of a young teenager (Chang Chen, in his first role) from innocence to juvenile delinquency, and is set against a simmering backdrop of restless youth, rock ’n’ roll, and political turmoil. This singular masterpiece of Taiwanese cinema is both sprawling in scope and filled with tender intimacy. 2 pm.
Mutiny Wine Room presents Spring Winemaker Series No. 2
Mutiny Wine Room's Spring Winemaker Series No. 2 is happening this weekend, featuring Oregon and Washington. Led by Mutiny co-owner & award-winning Kagan Cellars winemaker Mark Ellenberger, this educational journey promises elegant and approachable wine pairings complemented by delectable bites. From delicate pinot noirs from Willamette Valley in Oregon to hearty, full-bodied GSMs from the Colombia River Valley in Washington, these two regions continue to attract attention for their quality and dynamic viticulture practices. 2:30 pm.
Houston Symphony presents "Adams’s El Niño: The Nativity Story, Reimagined"
The vibrant and eclectic style of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams is paired with biblical verse, modern Spanish-language poetry, and more in this contemporary take on the Christmas story, uniquely told from a mother’s point of view. The concert will include the Houston Symphony Chorus, featuring soprano Susanna Phillips, mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor, and baritone Davóne Tines, countertenor Daniel Bubeck, countertenor Brian Cummings, and countertenor Nathan Medley. 8 pm (2:30 pm Saturday).
Sunday, May 26
Lagoonfest Texas presents Memorial Day Music Fest
For Memorial Day weekend, Lagoonfest Texas is hosting a jam-packed, two-day Memorial Day Music Fest. All you have is pay the daily admission and take in all the music and good times the Texas City aqua park has to offer. With fun activities for the whole family, including live concerts from talented artists such as Texas Ice House, Chips on the Trail, Allie RaeandChip Oliphant plus delicious food and drinks, Memorial Day at Lagoonfest Texas is sure to be a memorable one. 10 am.
The Madaraka Festival will include performances by Nyashinski, Eddy Kenzo, Naomi Achu, Savara, Dynamq, and Simon Javan Okelo, and other surprise special guests. Nyashinski, the festival’s headliner, is one of the most celebrated artists in East Africa and a co-founding member of the hip-hop trio Kleptomaniax before successfully launching his solo career during the 2010s. 7 pm.
Comicpalooza takes over the George R. Brown.
