Plenty going on in the next week. The Texas Contemporary Art Fair is happening through Sunday and it’s beautiful. I’m looking forward to seeing Jesse Lott’s art, my Overlap event on Sunday, the launch of Tailored Wednesdays, and the return of Convos & Cocktails happy hour! And check out my top ten event list on I Don’t Do Clubs! Thanks to all of my friends who came out to my SoulCycle class and the Birth of A Nation screening with me! Oh, and I’ll be watching the new Luke Cage series on Netflix this weekend too.

Friday, September 30

Artist in Action: Jesse Lott at Art League Houston at 6pm with an artist talk at 7pm. Influential black artist Jesse Lott is showing 30 works in this exhibit. Josephine Baker: A Personal Portrait at the Wortham Theater Center at 8pm. This is where I’ll be. The Platformit Show S02E05 at Aloft Houston Galleria at 7:30pm. Taking on the topic of “Passion” while discussing entrepreneurship. It’s a solid event series. Mind Shrine at House of Blues Foundation Room at 8pm. This group is all over Houston right now and you can see them for free.

Saturday, October 1

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Open Studio at 2pm. Free hands-on workshops where this time you’ll make screen-printed tote bags! Jesse Lott at Mystic Lyon at 5pm. For his second opening of the weekend you’ll see more of his “Urban Frontier Art.” Opulence Casino Night at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum at 8pm. This is the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals’ signature annual event and fundraiser. You get food, open bar, and chips for $65 along with supporting a good cause. Tory Lanez “I Told You Tour” at The Ballroom at Warehouse Live. He puts on a lively show and it’s even worth putting up with the Warehouse Live Ballroom for $29. Lilo & Stitch is showing at 7:45pm at Discovery Green. If you want a free family movie outdoors this is the place to be.

Sunday, October 2

Free Yoga at Raven Tower with Black Swan Yoga at 10am. Get there early for a good spot and don’t forget your yoga mat and water. Raven Tower is also a beautiful bar with a great view! Thrills: October Writing Workshop Series at East End Studio Gallery at 2pm. This free writing workshop is open to all levels and this week’s workshop will focus on flash fiction. Overlap: Black Professionals Meetup at Station Museum of Contemporary Art at 3pm. This is my event! Free guided tour of the current amazing exhibition before heading across the street to Axelrad for the jerk chicken popup.

Monday, October 3

Why WGSS Matters: A Conversation with Community and Academic Leaders at the University of Houston at 11:30. A luncheon and discussion about the importance of women’s, gender, and sexuality studies featuring a panel including former mayor Annise Parker.

Tuesday, October 4

#Fundown Tuesdays with Ezo Coaching at Heights High School at 6:30pm.  It’s a weekly Tuesday bootcamp for $10 and you just need your yoga mat and water. I’ve done it before and it’s a solid workout!

Wednesday, October 5

Houston Startup Happy Hour at Love Buzz at 6pm. Perfect gathering for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, tech, and startups. Tailored Wednesdays Launch at Leon’s Lounge at 8pm. Video DJ Sly Foxx will be playing your favorite neo soul hits old and new in Houston’s oldest bar. ScHoolboy Q and Joey Bada$$ at Revention Music Center  at 8pm. These are two rap powerhouses. Tickets start at $37.50. Check them out if you’re unfamiliar.

Thursday, October 6

Convos & Cocktails returns at the Foundation Room at the House of Blues at 5:30pm. One of my favorite black professional happy hours is finally returning! They’ll also be taking donations for a local mentoring nonprofit Suits for Sons. Cuban political activist and artist Tania Bruguera is speaking at the University of Houston’s Moores Opera House with a public reception at 6pm and lecture at 7pm as part of a lecture series. Two Door Cinema Club and Jack Garratt at Revention Music Center at 8pm. If you’re unfamiliar with Jack Garratt his voice should speak for itself. First Thursdays monthly short film screening at Café Brasil returns at 8pm. As always a wonderful intro to the Houston film scene. Screenings start at 8:30pm and Brasil’s food is delicious.

As always, check out the MerlexPicks.com calendar for more good stuff. And subscribe to my newsletter to get these in your inbox!