I went on a quick vacation but I’m back just in time for Houston Restaurant Weeks! If you’re extra thankful for the early list feel free to take me out for lunch or dinner…

NEXT UP | FEMALE FOUNDERS PITCH EVENT
Saturday, July 29, 2017, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Startups and food and adult drinks and entrepreneurship. Learn more here. 

FIRE DANCE CEREMONY AT THE DIVINE BLACK QUEENS GARDEN
Saturday, July 29, 2017, 4:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
All the incense, discussion, meditation and dancing you could want. Learn more here. 

PYT AT GRAND PRIZE BAR
Saturday, July 29, 2017, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Great music. Learn more here. 

DUB CAR SHOW AT NRG
Sunday, July 30, 2017, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cars and performances by Gucci Mane, Lecrae, Slim Thug, and more. $30 at the door. Learn more here. 

CAFEZA PRESENTS – MADELINE EDWARDS
Sunday, July 30, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Good food and live soul music at Cafeza. Learn more here. 

LIVE MUSIC: KRISTAL CHERELLE
Sunday, July 30, 2017, 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Good drinks and live soul music at Dean’s on Main street. Learn more here. 

CITYWIDE AFRICAN AMERICAN ART EXHIBITION AT TSU UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
Saturday, July 29, 2017 – Saturday, August 5, 2017
Showing for an extra week! Monday to Saturday from 10-8pm. Learn more here. 

1. HOUSTON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Monday, July 30, 2017 – Sunday, August 6, 2017
HSF is a chance for Houstonians to be immersed in great stories told by great performers. Twelfth Night is a romp of mistaken identity, love lost and found, and role reversals. Richard III is all ambition and manipulation, with the future of a country at stake. Tickets are free for the nightly performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Learn more here. 

2. HOUSTON RESTAURANT WEEKS 2017
Tuesday, August 1, 2017 – Monday, September 4, 2017
Starting on August 1 you can enjoy delicious lunches, brunches and dinners at greater Houston’s finest restaurants, from The Woodlands on the northside, and Galveston to the south. And it all benefits the Houston Food Bank. Make your reservations! Learn more here. 

FOURTH ANNUAL BAYOU STARTUP SHOWCASE
Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Bayou Startup Showcase is a celebration of entrepreneurship, the Houston startup community, and the university accelerator programs that support them. Jointly hosted by Rice University’s OwlSpark and University of Houston’s RED Labs, the event showcases startups from Class 5. Learn more here. 

TACO TUESDAY AFROLATIN EXPERIENCE
Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Free Tacos | Free Entry | Live Music | Tons of Dancing. DJ EricFX on the 1s and 2s with Salsa, Bachata, AfroBeats, Kizomba, and live music by Quimbara Latin Band. 8pm dance lessons available for $10. Must RSVP for free ConFusion tacos. Learn more here. 

THE COUNTDOWN: SHADY RECORDS TRIBUTE
Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Your mid-week retreat is here. You won’t find a better happy hour in Houston! Come to Saint Dane’s Bar and Grille for The Countdown. Food and drink specials all night! Video DJ Sly Foxx has live music video mixing with a Shady Records tribute set from 10pm-11pm. Learn more here. 

3. CAMH’S YOUNG PATRONS LAWN PARTY
Thursday, August 3, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston’s Young Patrons group creates opportunities for young art enthusiasts to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene and connect with other art-minded people. Mingle with Young Patrons members, enjoy tunes by DJ RAMALAMA and games on the lawn, and sip a cold beer from Buffalo Bayou. It’s free and you get to see JooYoung Choi’s work! Learn more here. 

4. TEXAS GREEK PICNIC WEEKEND
Thursday, August 3, 2017 – Sunday, August 6, 2017
The 10th annual event kicks off with a Thursday opening party on Thursday and closes with a Hip Hop brunch at Bar 5015 on Sunday. On Saturday there is a community service event before the picnic kicks off at 3pm. Tickets to the picnic are $15 unless you bought yours early. Learn more here. 

THE BIG SHOW AT LAWNDALE ART CENTER
Thursday, August 3, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join Lawndale and the exhibiting artists of the 2017 iteration of the The Big Show for short, informal presentations about their work. Be sure to check out the show before the talks and learn more about the local artists and their practice. The show starts at 6pm but get there early for your seat. Learn more here. 

FIRST THURSDAYS SHORT FILMS
Thursday, August 3, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The “first Thursdays” short film evening is always a great networking opportunity or simply a chance to get together with or meet new Houston filmmakers and creative people. Screening begins promptly at 8:30pm-ish. Learn more here. 

BLACKLIGHT: 2017 SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL STUDIO ART INTENSIVE EXHIBITION
Friday, August 4, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
High school students receive six hours of coursework each day in various mediums, with an emphasis on drawing and painting. The program concludes with a final exhibition and celebration of the work produced for friends, family, and instructors. Learn more here. 

5. HMAAC GET LIT AUTHOR SERIES: WOMAN 2 WOMAN
Friday, August 4, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The aim of this platform is to return Houston’s love for literature by providing a space where local authors can gather along-side visual artist and poets. These extraordinary authors will be accompanied by the spoken-word of Kayenne Nebula and music courtesy of Lady BG. The Houston Museum of African American Culture also has an exhibit on view by renowned artist Faith Ringgold! Learn more here. 

6. VIBE & RIDE TO 90’S R&B
Friday, August 4, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
If you decide to pass on the 2 Chainz concert check out this event! Ride at a reasonable pace with a full 90’s R&B playlist. The music will be played on a loud speaker as everyone can enjoy the sights and sounds. Hear classic hits from artists such as SWV, Lauryn Hill, New Edition, and more! Learn more here. 

BEY-ASANA: GREATEST HITS YOGA CLASS
Friday, August 4, 2017, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Beyoncé inspired yoga class, Bey-Asana is back! Join Nosa and Susie Edebor of Nosie Yogi, for an evening of yoga set to Beyonce’s greatest hits! Bring a mat and water and get ready to slay to the one and only Queen B! $15 in advance.
Learn more here. 

7. B.A.C. IN THE DAY PARTY
Saturday, August 5, 2017, 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join Donnie Houston and special guests for this weekly day party at the Brooklyn Athletic Club. All month they have several DJs featured with food, drinks, games, and complimentary valet for attendees. Learn more here. 

8. RUNWAY TO AN AFRICAN BALL
Saturday, August 5, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
S.H.A.P.E. Community Center is celebrating 48 years with an African fashion show and hair extravaganza. The nonprofit provides youth and adult programming, space for community organizers and activists, and healthy food each day for the historic Black community of Third Ward. Celebrate with the center or donate if you decide to attend White Linen Night in the Heights instead! Learn more here. 

9. WHITE LINEN NIGHT IN THE HEIGHTS
Saturday, August 5, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The annual celebration of art, local business and community. Put on your white linen finest (or not) and get ready to meet local artists from around Houston, shop fantastic locally owned stores, eat great food and hear live music. Admission is free and all are welcome. I recommend checking out the Stella Jones Gallery at 5pm and The Tontons at Southern Goods at 7pm. Learn more here. 

HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 5, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Texas vs Louisiana: The Hot 8 Brass Band, Bayou City Brass Band, To Be Continued Brass Band. $30 standing, $45 seated. Learn more here. 

BLACK SWAN SUNDAYS AT RAVEN TOWER
Sunday, August 6, 2017, 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Start your Sunday Funday right with a free and fun all-levels yoga class under the open sky! Class is always accompanied with awesome music and Raven Tower’s beautiful scenery. Bring a mat, towel, water, and friends! Get there early to secure a space. Last month we swag surfed with the Trap Yoga and Tacos instructor. Learn more here. 

10. MIGOS X MIMOSAS IX
Sunday, August 6, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
A unique brunch/Sunday Funday experience full of mimosas, laughter and great music with Houston’s finest young professionals. Kick back on the shaded patio and enjoy a specialty cocktail or converse at the bar while enjoying your favorite Hip Hop and R&B music from the 90’s, 2000s, and today. Parking is terrible so arrive early or Uber. Learn more here. 

RSVP now:

FRESHDARK FEST: September 23 at Last Concert Cafe. Get your blind presale tickets. It will be well worth the $20. Check out the promo video if you need more convincing. Learn more here.