back in the mix

Hot Houston crowd gets back in the mix as MFAH's late-night dance party returns after 3-year break

An electric crowd of art, music, and party-loving Houstonians packed the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston this past weekend for the big return of the museum's late-night party, Mixed Media.

As CultureMap reported, this summer's event marked this first Mixed Media since 2019; the MFAH stopped the party in response to the pandemic. More than 900 hit the MFAH's Audrey Jones Beck Building to catch an all-Houston musical lineup starring headline act The Suffers, rising star opener Lenora, and DJ/producer Tay Powers.

Fusing hot music, a dance club vibe, and cutting-edge art, the party rocked with tunes, hundreds on the dance floor, and an exclusive peek at the MFAH's current exhibit, “William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows,” an eye-catching showcase for the noted South African artist.

When not hitting the the dance floor and checking out the artwork, visitors sipped cocktails and noshed on pizza and light bites from Cafe Leonelli, the MFAH's Italian cafe and bakery.

Getting the crowd going with her self-described "rhythm and groove," Lenora opened the show with a groove-filled set. Before the show and between set, Tay Powers spun tunes and kept the beats flowing. Later, The Suffers and charismatic lead singer Kam Franklin took the stage for their sticky-sweet soul, funk, and R&B sounds from latest release It Starts With Love and other faves.

Judging by the nearly 1,000 in the building, the MFAH will have no problem drawing a crowd for its mixed-media, late-night dance party.

$Mixed Media MFAH July 2023 The Suffers Christian Mares, Olivia Trevi\u00f1o, Sophia Arevalo, Adrian Burciaga$

Photo by Marco Torres/@MarcoFromHouston

Christian Mares, Olivia Treviño, Sophia Arevalo, and Adrian Burciaga.

Party Watch

Bayou a Drink? Cocktails in Bloom draws a colorful crowd of Houstonians

Buffalo Bayou Partnership Cocktails in Bloom 2025

Courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Laura Massad, Cynthia Dehlavi, and Meredith Kruz.

What: 2025 Cocktails in Bloom benefiting Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Laura Massad, Cynthia Dehlavi, and Meredith Kruz.

Where: Lost Lake in Buffalo Bayou Park

The Scoop: A vibrant swirl of color, cocktails, and community took over Lost Lake as nearly 200 supporters gathered for the fourth annual Cocktails in Bloom. This breezy outdoor affair — one of Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s signature spring events — celebrated the organization’s work to transform Houston’s historic waterway into a destination of trails, parks, and unforgettable spaces.

As golden hour lit up the lush landscape, guests dressed in garden-party glam strolled the lakeside scene, drink in hand. Flora and Giant Texas Distillers kept spirits high with fresh, seasonal pours, while Chef Christian Hernandez and a who’s-who of local food favorites — Barbacana, Burger Bodega, Kin Dee, and more — offered bites that felt picnic-perfect but plated with flair.

A lively soundtrack from Lou Alejandre and Houston Groove Society gave the evening a cool, jazzy edge, and the Quick Draw Photobooth had attendees lining up for playful sketches and snaps. Nature met nightlife in the most Houston way possible. Under the stars, with a cocktail in hand and a cause in mind.

Who: Judy Nyquist, Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen, Josep Prats, Sarah Newbery, Bryce Hairston Kennard, Stacy and Scott Humphries, Matt Assiff, Zion Escobar, Mark Conely, Maggie Tsang and Isaac Stein, and Sallie and Bob Wright.

buffalo bayou partnership parks fundraisers