If you’re going to the Seun Kuti concert join us at Jenni’s Noodle House Post Oak for BYOB Kung Fu Movie Night beforehand! Make sure to see more events at MerlexPicks.com and subscribe to my newsletter!

1. CONCERT: SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 AT ROCKEFELLERS
Tuesday, September 26, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Seun Kuti is the youngest son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He performed with his father and the band until his father’s ultimately death in 1997. Seun, then only 14 years old, assumed the role as lead singer of Egypt 80. Ever since, Seun has followed in the steps of his father. Learn more here.

2. HOUSTON STARTUP DEMO DAY
Wednesday, September 27, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Top tier mentors, local investors, and personalized pitch feedback for participating startups — nothing has changed but the address. Whether you’re a serial entrepreneur or just looking to get involved in the community, this event is for you. Enjoy the free pizza and beer! Learn more here.

THE IMPACT OF INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL NETWORKS
Wednesday, September 27, 2017, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Ever gotten an email from a Nigerian prince or a Russian oligarch promising easy money? We all laugh when it pops up in our inbox. Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Todd Moss will survey the truly global impact of international criminal networks from preventing good governance to human trafficking to cybercrimes to funding terrorism around the world. Learn more here.

3. CONCERT: MS. LAURYN HILL & NAS
Wednesday, September 27, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
GRAMMY® Award-winning powerhouse Ms. Lauryn Hill and anthemic rap superstar Nas are ready to rule the world on their co-headlining tour, stopping at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land on September 27. Multi-platinum artist Ms. Lauryn Hill rose to prominence as the lone female member of The Fugees, one of the biggest selling R&B acts around the world. Nas has become a global phenomenon in his own right with eight platinum and multi-platinum albums under his belt. Learn more here.

BLANKET BINGO AT MARKET SQUARE PARK
Thursday, September 28, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The final Blanket Bingo of the year! Bring your blanket, lawn chairs or snag one of the tables at the park for a night of fun, music and great prizes! $10 admission (cash only) includes one bingo packet (approx. 9 games). Packets will go on sale at 6 pm and Bingo will begin at 7 pm.  Learn more here.

CHALLENGE CUP HOUSTON
Thursday, September 28, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Challenge Cup is a worldwide tournament for the most promising, innovative startups to win prizes, make connections, and share their vision on a global stage. This year, 1776 is partnering with 75 cities to host Challenge Cup Local events, and Station Houston is excited to host the competition for Houston’s top startups!  Learn more here.

4. EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION: MICKALENE THOMAS – WAITING ON A PRIME-TIME STAR
Thursday, September 28, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Check out this opening reception which features paintings, photographs, collages, prints, and mixed-media works that explore the artist’s complex vision of female sexuality, identity, and power. Perfect for sipping some free wine before you go misbehave at Diablo’s or Alley Kat later that night. Also a great lead-in for Trenton Doyle Hancock’s opening also at Rice on Friday night. Learn more here.

EXHIBITION OPENING: TEXAS: 1997 – 2017 BY TRENTON DOYLE HANCOCK
Friday, September 29, 2017, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Trenton Doyle Hancock is one of Texas’ most celebrated and influential contemporary artists. The exhibition focuses on work made by the artist during the past two decades in which he has lived and worked in Texas and features more than fifty works in a diverse range of media, including mixed-media, painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking.  Learn more here.

WRITERS OF COLOR WORKSHOP READING SHOWCASE
Friday, September 29, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Join the Writers of Color Workshop participants as we celebrate and showcase their work! Hosted by Writespace and the “WOC” Workshop Guru, Adrienne Perry. Light refreshments and amiable chit chat to follow.  Learn more here.

5. LOVE YO’SELF: A SHOWCASE!
Friday, September 29, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
This showcase is bringing the city of Houston together in an intimate space to celebrate self-love! Houston’s dopest performers, livest DJs, and coolest vendors will be in the place. And it’s #WorldHeartDay! Proceeds from this event will contribute to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. What’s love without giving back?! Learn more here.

6. TRAP X ART HOUSTON
Friday, September 29, 2017, 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
This traveling event will feature art, vendors, hip hop music, and good vibes at the Ayva Center. Online tickets are all night entry discounted tickets & are available online until 8pm the night of the event or until they are sold out. Enter promo code “kjeterart” for $5 off. Learn more here.

ANNUAL NIGERIA CULTURAL DAY PARADE
Saturday, September 30, 2017, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Houston is home to the largest Nigerian American community outside of Nigeria. Celebrating Nigeria’s 57th Independence will serve to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of Nigerians. Attendees will witness a rich cultural experience through a street-wide celebration.  Learn more here.

THE MORNING AFTER, A HOUSTON PRESS BRUNCH EVENT
Saturday, September 30, 2017, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy bottomless brunch bites from over 30 of Houston’s hottest brunch spots, alongside 8 brunch cocktails, champagne or beer samples! Restaurants include Bagel Dots, Beer Market Co., Boheme, Brio Tuscan Grille, Broken Barrel, Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen, Grazia, Max’s Wine Dive, North Italia, Nourish, Rio Ranch, Rising Sun Sushi, Snooze an A.M. Eatery plus many more. $35.  Learn more here.

7. THE HIVE SOCIETY’S 3RD ANNUAL #HOUSTONCARES SERVICE PROJECT
Saturday, September 30, 2017, 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
September is Hunger Action Month. However, this September also marks a period of resilience in the face of recovery. Join The Hive Society for the 3rd annual #HoustonCares service project as they partner with Houston Food Bank to host the largest, single-shift service project. Keeping with the tradition of The Hive Society’s service projects, volunteers will have the chance to win prizes! Learn more here.

8. HOUSTON BLACK HERITAGE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 30, 2017, 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Featured performers are Tamia, Eric Benet, Elle Varner, and many others to be announced! The festival is a celebration of art, music, and culture and their mission is to develop and execute events that support direct services and programs related to health and wellness, financial empowerment, and education. They aim to create opportunities for self expression in the creative arts: music, poetry, dance, and theatre by producing the annual Houston Black Heritage Festival. Learn more here.

HOUSTON ROLLER DERBY 2017 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday, September 30, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Join Houston Roller Derby at Revention Music Center for their FINAL double header event of the season! Doors open at 6 pm, First game whistle at 7 pm. Dress comfortably and get there early to ensure best seating!  $15. Learn more here.

9. DON’T WINE, JUST DRINK IT: FALL 2017
Saturday, September 30, 2017, 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
The fall 2017 installment of Don’t Wine Just Drink It! For those that aren’t familiar, here is how you gain admission to this event: you bring a bottle of the specific varietal, vineyard, and region that is selected by the hosts. (That’s it! Super simple, right?) This season’s event will feature the following varietal for entry: pinots! Once inside, you will be able to freely pour from any bottle of wine in the building! Learn more here.

#BLACKSWANSUNDAYS AT RAVEN TOWER
Sunday, October 1, 2017, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Join Black Swan Yoga every 1st Sunday a free yoga class rain or shine! Bring a mat, towel, water, and friends! Start your Sunday Funday right with a fun all-levels yoga class under the open sky. Class is always accompanied with awesome music, and Raven Tower offers pretty delish drinks after if you’re craving more patio time. Learn more here.

10. NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Sunday, October 1, 2017, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Houston is home to the largest Nigerian American community outside of Nigeria. Celebrating Nigeria’s 57th Independence will serve to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of Nigerians. You can also attend the Nigerian Cultural Parade on Saturday morning! This picnic is in Sugarland but that just means you’ll have a huge Nigerian turnout for this free event! Learn more here.