Here’s my curated list of Houston events for the entire month of April! I hope to see you out in the city! I’ll be updating it as the month goes on but for now you’ll find tips on how to get Hamilton tickets!

Did you see my latest post on creative date ideas? How about the one on upcoming concerts for the quarter? Get your tickets now before they sell out! As always, see local events and more at MerlexPicks.com and subscribe to my newsletter!

Urban Reads: Bill Fulton in conversation with Lisa Gray of the Houston Chronicle
Tuesday, April 3
Bill Fulton, Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, will discuss his book, Talk City: A Chronicle of Political Life in An All-American Town, with Lisa Gray of the Houston Chronicle. The book chronicles Fulton’s time as mayor of Ventura, California.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/urban-reads-bill-fulton-in-conversation-with-lisa-gray-of-the-houston-chronicle-tickets-41529363444

Author Event: Junot Díaz, Islandborn
Tuesday, April 3
Description:We’re thrilled to welcome Junot Díaz to Houston. He will discuss and sign his new picture book, ISLANDBORN. (Please note, this event will take place at Christ Church Cathedral downtown — not the shop!)
http://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/event/junot-diaz-christ-church-cathedral

Station Houston’s 2nd Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday, April 4
We’re celebrating Station’s second year serving Houston’s startup ecosystem! Mark your calendars and come out to celebrate our milestone with us! We want to showcase our progress through our members’ progress – expect to hear from Station Startups on what they’ve been up to and milestones they’ve hit over the last year.
https://www.facebook.com/events/495637294164479/

Conversation with Rev. William A. Lawson
Wednesday, April 4
UH College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences and the African American Studies Program invite you to a conversation with Rev. William A. Lawson.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdURE46v2fq33kQbnOIMqf2qYNWU5qWvopIG8FdFtNurC8z4w/viewform

CultureMap Houston Tastemaker Awards 2018
Wednesday, April 4
CultureMap is proud to bring back the Tastemaker Awards, our annual celebration of the talent in Houston’s food and drink community, as selected by their peers.
http://bit.ly/2H2IV2k

Kulture Grand Opening
Wednesday, April 4
Join us as we host a celebration to inaugurate Kulture to the Avenue. Enjoy live music and hors d’ouevres as you experience the stunning artwork and learn the story behind the restaurant.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kulture-grand-opening-tickets-44341141548

Literary Event: Sujatha Gidla, author of Ants Among Elephants
Wednesday, April 4
FotoFest has partnered with Brazos Bookstore to bring to you a riveting reading and discussion of Sujatha Gidla’s first book, Ants Among Elephants, published last year to wide critical acclaim.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1830104120623016/

Tank & The Bangas
Thursday, April 5
Originating in New Orleans, Tank and The Bangas have all the qualities that relates them, to the city that birth them but a flair that separates them as well. Their performances range from being “One of the most energetic shows you’ll ever see” to “A gospel tent in Mississippi”.
https://www.stubwire.com/event/tankandthebangasmaggiekoerner/whiteoakmusichall/houston/16751/

First Thursdays 4/5 – Short Films!
Thursday, April 5
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. This $FREE evening is not to be missed because you won’t get to experience films like this anywhere else. Please arrive early, screening begins promptly at 8:30PMish.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1711432102251646/

National Black Film Festival Day
Thursday, April 5
Come out and network with filmmakers of all ages. Will celebrate these legends on this special day. Food, drinks and live music. Don’t miss this year’s festival which takes place May 2-5, 2018.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-black-film-festival-day-tickets-41677025104

BeVisible Pride Wall Unveiling
Thursday, April 5
Jenni’s Noodle House in the Heights, has partnered with Eric Edward Schell, photographer and founder of Pride Portraits and artist, designer Hugo Perez to create the #BeVISIBLE LGBTQIA+ community Pride Art Wall for Houston, TX.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2040086216317173/

Story Hole: Let’s Fight!
Thursday, April 5
The critically acclaimed LGBTQ story time returns for its third installment: “Let’s Fight!” After two SOLD OUT performances, the third time is a charm for this celebration of Queer storytelling.
https://www.facebook.com/events/567880970224692/

Fundraiser: Houston Run-Off Candidates
Thursday, April 5
Fundraiser + Meet & Greet with the Houston area Runoff Election candidates and The Black Women’s PAC empowering black women as donors supporting black women to win public office elections. All support is welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1321617287937986/

Vibrations and Libations: Transformative Technology
Thursday, April 5
Following the lecture jump into an evening of creative curated by our creative partners Kaleidoscope Houston from 7-10 PM and featuring an evening themed around the creative elements of mediation and technology.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1588667111228517/

Message KPIs: How do entrepreneurs measure the success of their marketing message?
Thursday, April 5
If you’ve developed marketing campaigns over the past 3 months without clear conversion metrics, this lesson will teach you how to achieve your path to victory by building out actionable KPIs that you can implement in 5 days.
https://houtx.co/LeanStartupHOU_201804_SD_MessageKPIs

MFAH Mixed Media
Friday, April 6
MFAH Mixed Media is a late-night party series that transforms the Museum into a multi-sensory experience.
https://www.mfah.org/a/mixed-media/

BLCK MARKET HOUSTON
Friday, April 6
You are invited to BLCK Market Houston – taking emerging, innovative, ground breaking artist and merging them with progressive “out of the box” companies to create a platform for discovery, pleasure, and entertainment.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blck-market-houston-tickets-41288783864

Set It Off – Live On Stage
Friday, April 6 – April 8
Writer/Director/Producer Je’Caryous Johnson who brought you the sold out hit play, “Married But Single” and the hilarious romantic comedy, “Two Can Play That Game” is back with another one – Je’Caryous Johnson presents SET IT OFF based on the hit iconic movie by the same name.
http://www.thehobbycenter.org/?q=node/2200

Over There Some Place: Artists Talk
Saturday, April 7
Houston artists Vernon Akili, Blake Bean, Mack Bishop, Lee Carrier, Lakita Costner, Christie Leday, Romeo Clay Robinson and Farrah Smith comes together to discuss their most recent works in the Houston Museum of African American Culture’s current exhibition.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2131587050403932/

Houston Mac & Cheese Festival 2018
Saturday, April 7
With a successful inaugural year in 2017, we are excited to keep the cheeses flowing into 2018 and beyond. 40 of Houston’s best restaurants will serve samples of their creative take on your favorite creamy snack, paired with libations, live music, local vendors, art and engaging activities.
www.macandcheesehouston.com

Robert Glasper
Saturday, April 7
Join the Emancipation Park Conservancy for the Bayou City Music Series featuring Grammy Award Winner and Houston Native Robert Glasper. Y’all know who he is and what he does. It’s going to be a great night of world-class music and entertainment all for you.
https://www.facebook.com/events/604713686536533/

Easin’ In 6th Year Anniversary
Saturday, April 7
Saturday, April 7th!!! | Easin’ In (Doing Our Thang) celebrates 6 Years of “No Parking On The Dance Floor” with Special Guest DJ Red Soda(Front Room Fridays) Come One Come All to help us celebrate this milestone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhEhVWChZJz/

Afrobeat Festival 2.0
Saturday, April 7
Djs and artists will be under one roof to share a common platform in showcasing African culture through our rich musical repertoire from Ghana to Nigeria, Congo to Kenya, Zimbabwe to Burkina Faso, Cameroon to Angola, etc.
https://www.facebook.com/events/153776205340653/

Market Noir at Post HTX
Saturday, April 7
Join us at Post HTX for a FREE night market featuring the best in shopping, art, food and more. Grab your drinks from the Cirque Noir bar and get the night started early! Food from local food vendors and food trucks.
https://www.facebook.com/events/434944326958450/

Cecile Richards, Hosted by Brazos Bookstore
Sunday, April 8
From the legendary Cecile Richards –– president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund for more than a decade, daughter of the late Governor Ann Richards, featured speaker at the Women’s March on Washington, and a “heroine of the resistance” (Vogue) –– comes a story about learning to lead and make change, based on a lifetime of fighting for women’s rights and social justice.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1813457195354616/

Educators Unite – Houston, TX
Sunday, April 8
Educators Unite is a complimentary mixer for education professionals in the Houston area. Come chat, share, sip, snack, and laugh with your peers outside our schools, among friends. Let’s connect, support one another, and celebrate our common drive and goals.
https://educatorsunitehtx.eventbrite.com/

Tintero Projects Monthly Reading ft. Daniel Peña
Monday, April 9
This Reading Series happens every 2nd Monday of the month and we are looking for the fire with all the bold readings and inspirations! It’s an open mic, featured reading, and a Q&A.
https://tinteroprojects.wordpress.com/2018/04/05/all-the-words-be-raining-on-the-hou/

Houston Press: Menu of Menus
Tuesday, April 10
One of Houston’s largest food & wine events featuring over 40 area restaurants alongside wine, beer and spirit sampling.
https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1604716

CounterCurrent18
Tuesday, April 10 – 15, 2018
A free festival of performance, installation, and ideas. Presented by the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, CounterCurrent includes audio and visual installations, live performances, talks, and participatory events by artists from around the world.
http://www.countercurrentfestival.org/project/

The Kaepernick Effect – A Discussion on Protest in Sport
Wednesday, April 11
There will be a wide spectrum of panelists: Nate Boyer (US Army Green Beret and Seattle Seahawks player), Sean Jones (Super Bowl Champion), David Brown (former Dallas Police Chief) and Jerome Solomon (Houston Chronicle Sports Columnist).
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-kaepernick-effect-a-discussion-on-protest-in-sport-tickets-44599581549

Big KRIT // Houston at Warehouse Live // 4.12[SOLD OUT]
Thursday, April 12
Joined by Cyhi The Prince and Childish Major. Tickets start at $28.
https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1598393

Celebrate Japan!
Thursday, April 12
Join us at Miller Outdoor Theatre to mark 25 years of JAPAN FESTIVAL and 50 years of Japan-America friendship in Houston with an exhilarating performance by Japanese taiko troupe ASKA-GUMI! Taiko are a broad range of Japanese percussion instruments.
https://www.facebook.com/events/209484553148670/

Bronx Gothic Screening
Friday, April 13
Rooted in memories of her childhood, Okpokwasili – who has worked with artists like Ralph Lemon and Julie Taymor – fuses dance, song, drama, and comedy to create an intimate look at what it means to be a black girl coming of age in the 1980s.
https://www.facebook.com/events/217302692151667/

Houston Young Women’s Political Leadership Summit
Saturday, April 14
Elected leaders and politically ambitious young women, like you, will share how to best position yourselves as public leaders. You will leave inspired, activated, and ready to run!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1749299108425145/

Trill Queen Release Party
Saturday, April 14
Celebrate her new release with Alycia Miles and special guests live in concert!
https://www.facebook.com/events/863929803809383/

Know Your LGBT Rights
Saturday, April 14
This forum is not only for those in relationships but everyone. Learn how to avoid intestate distribution of your bank accounts, securities, real estate, and other assets you own. We need to know how to protect ourselves and the deserving people who love us.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1543261722461901/

The Black Vitamin: A Men’s Health & Wellness Summit
Saturday, April 14
Attendees will rotate through four separate sessions and there will be four separate tracks, one for middle school-age boys, high school-age boys, young adult and college-age men, and another for older adult men. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided for summit attendees.
https://www.facebook.com/events/166134937331644/

Black Girl Mixtape Houston
Sunday, April 15
Black Girl Mixtape Houston is a Live Lecture series amplifying and celebrating the voices of black women as authority on issues pertaining to blackness and womanhood. Houston’s live lecture series event is featuring Artist, Writer, and Sociologist, Andonnia Maiben and Creative, Shawn Flowers Wyatt.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-girl-mixtape-houston-tickets-43060882258

Women Love Brunch and Hip Hop
Sunday, April 15
This brunch hits the spot for anyone who has a thirst for great food, classic R&B and Hip Hop anthems while taking part in the ultimate Brunch Karaoke.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1848872428737884/

LeadershipISD Harris County April Mix & Mingle
Monday, April 16
Prospective Fellows for Leadership ISD’s Harris County Class of 2019 are invited to mix and mingle with Class of 2018 Fellows and Leadership ISD staff and board members to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-isd-harris-county-april-mix-and-mingle-tickets-44652348376

Aroma Culinary Panel Discussion
Tuesday, April 17
Attend the Aroma Culinary Panel Discussion to learn best tips and practices from leading women in the culinary field. Hosted by the Greater Houston Black Chamber and Black Restaurant Week, industry experts will offer advice and answer questions while dining.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aroma-culinary-panel-discussion-tickets-44731248368

Transparency – Community Discussion Dinner
Wednesday, April 18
Transparency is a trans resource fair covering vital information ranging from housing to health care specifically for individuals of trans-experience. Dinner will be served during this event.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1519051518204427/

Axelrad’s Birthday Party w/ Neon Indian
Wednesday, April 18 – April 22
a huge weekend party starting on 4/18 – 4/22! Neon Indian (DJ set) will be headlining the celebration along with your Houston favorites. Always Free! Join us for this yearly party at Axelrad – In collaboration with Wonky Power and Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company.
https://www.facebook.com/events/175914256392894/

Celebrating Prince: 7-Course Wine Dinner & DJ
Wednesday, April 18
With the two-year anniversary of Prince’s death on Saturday, April 21st, Executive Chef/Owner, Chris Williams, is hosting his two annual events to pay tribute to his favorite musician and an all-time legend.
https://www.facebook.com/events/224520491624277/

Unstable Ground: Climate Change, Conflict, and Genocide
Thursday, April 19
This talk examines some of the risk factors for violent conflict brought by climate-induced stress, especially around resources, population displacement, and borders.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1167826990020107/

An Evening of Entrepreneurship
Thursday, April 19
Luis Martins, Director for the Herb Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship, Growth and Renewal, will provide an exciting update about the center and how the University of Texas at Austin is leading and innovating.We will also host a panel discussion with Longhorn alums who have grown their businesses and can provide insight on overcoming some of the challenges and resources that helped as they grew their business.
http://www.tmc.edu/news/event/an-evening-of-entrepreneurship/

Nosh: Houston Culinary Showcase
Thursday, April 19
Black Restaurant Week cordially invites you to NOSH, our third annual culinary showcase featuring Houston’s premiere Black chefs, caterers and bartenders! Dive into the African diaspora and tantalize your taste buds with flavors of African, African-American, and Caribbean cuisine.
https://www.facebook.com/events/355049991666138/

Blanket Bingo
Thursday, April 19
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). This event has been known to sell out, so be sure to get to the park early to secure your chances.
https://www.facebook.com/events/498065617257790/

Catwalks & Classrooms 2018
Thursday, April 19
Grab your tickets now for a night filled of fashion, art, bites, beats by Flash Gordon Parks, sips, curated marketplace, luxury raffle and capsule exhibit of our zero waste collection Re:ne(w) By Rene Garza For Magpies & Peacocks.
http://bit.ly/2tapQJscatwalksandclassrooms

West Side Story
Friday, April 20
Experience the passion, drama, and the heart-stopping dancing that raised the bar and set new expectations for other musicals and stage productions forever.
http://www.houstongrandopera.org/scheduletickets/2017-18-season/performances/west-side-story/

Ruth J. Simmons’ Presidential Inauguration
Friday, April 20
Save the date for the Presidential Inauguration of Ruth J. Simmons as the eighth President of Prairie View A&M University.
https://www.facebook.com/events/529457754104213/

H-Town 90’s Block Party
Saturday, April 21
Keith Sweat, Guy feat Teddy Riley, Jagged Edge & 112. Do not miss the concert party that will have you dancing all night long! Doors at 6:30pm.
https://www.facebook.com/events/129282654452019/

Free Market Square
Saturday, April 21
A community marketplace in the heart of 3rd Ward. Every 3rd Saturday of the month.
www.freemarketsquare.com

Rice KTRU’s 27th Annual Outdoor Show
Saturday, April 21
We’re excited to announce KTRU’s 27th Annual Outdoor Show, this April 21 from 3-11pm! This year’s show will feature 8 performances, several art installations, food trucks, and more! Headliners include Kodie Shane and Homeshake.
https://www.facebook.com/events/452959511839227/

Flour, Water, Salt, Time: An Introduction to Sourdough Baking
Saturday, April 21
Learn the centuries old technique of cultivating wild yeasts and bacteria to create stunning, healthy, natural, artisanal breads. Using only flour, water, salt and time, participants will learn how to create and maintain their own sourdough starters and leave ready to bake their first loaves of the world’s greatest bread in their own home kitchens.
https://www.facebook.com/events/316371465537174/

2018 Taiwan Festival in Houston
Saturday, April 21
https://www.facebook.com/events/2103177329905604/

Free Time Flow Festival at MacGregor Park
Sunday, April 22
A fun, intergenerational celebration of creative energy and improvisational flow
on Sunday April 22, 2018, 2-6pm! We will celebrate the richness in athletic performance and creative expression that is native to the Park and we will also bring new sounds, music, arts and activities to share and expand our Southside palette and soundscape.
https://www.facebook.com/events/367285453747023/

MIGO’s x Mimosas XI
Sunday, April 22
Create great memories with Houston’s finest young professionals. A delicious brunch menu is available along with Pool tables, Ping Pong, Big Jenga and Corn Hole. Enjoy a soundtrack of your favorite Hip Hop and R&B music from the 90’s, 2000’s and today played by DJ Debanair.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/migos-x-mimosas-tickets-36597708732

Hamilton (Touring)
Thursday, April 24 – May 20, 2018
With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical direction and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. Ticket tips.
http://www.thehobbycenter.org/?q=node/1926

Eric B. & Rakim – The Technique Tour
Tuesday, April 24
https://www.facebook.com/events/315636612294036/

SABA at Warehouse Live’s Studio
Tuesday, April 24
Chicago rapper Saba on his Care for Me tour.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2074761219422426/

Breaking Silence on Sexual Violence
Tuesday, April 24
Attend a screening of Breaking Silence, a documentary that explores sexual assault and violence in the South Asian and Muslim community. The film gives a voice to survivors of sexual assault in our community through the stories of three brave women. The screening will be followed by an interactive discussion and an opportunity to share thoughts, words, or poetry.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1926087110734873/

OutSmart’s 25th Anniversary Party
Tuesday, April 24
Join OutSmart, Houston’s LGBTQ Magazine and website, as we celebrate our 25th year of publishing. There will be food, spirits, entertainment and prizes.
https://www.facebook.com/events/557391581301392/

The Mahogany Project Inc – Networking & Website Launch Party
Tuesday, April 24
Come out and meet community leaders, grassroots nonprofits and those making an impact in our communities. Bring those business cards as well! First anniversary party!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1983551708550701/

Impact Hub & Sketch City – Open Project Night (Fourth Edition)
Tuesday, April 24
Connect and collaborate with real, passionate people doing the work and innovating around regional problems. At our last Open Project Night we had 10+ projects presented with over 40 attendees. We are excited to see what comes out of our April edition!
https://www.facebook.com/events/196829141093133/

Art of Flavor: Pop Up Dinner Featuring Chef Mark Holley
Tuesday, April 24
Join Black Restaurant Week for a exclusive dinner featuring Chef Mark Holley and South African Award winning Winemaker Ntsiki Biyela. Guests will enjoy four courses paired with wine and a special art collection presented by the Gite Gallery.
https://www.facebook.com/events/175338796359484/

20th Anniv of Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say
Wednesday, April 25
Join us to celebrate 20 years of liberating the voices of our community. Nuestra Palabra will be Celebrating NP Familia Publishing Books and Earning Masters Degrees Y como siempre, nuevas voces tambien.
https://www.facebook.com/events/155648625099392/

HMNS Catalysts Event: Death by Natural Causes
Thursday, April 26
Discover a range of “animal, vegetable and mineral” dangers that lurk in our everyday lives. Members will see what can cause a death, eitherdirectly orr indirectly, through a collection of specimens. Complimentary drinks, light bites, crafts and more. $25 for nonmembers.
https://tickets.hmns.org/Selection.aspx?sch=992372

Public lecture: Digital Culture and Cultural Hybridity by Dr. Élika Ortega
Thursday, April 26
In this talk, Élika Ortega explores notions of cultural hybridity as paths to understand the current (digital) media ecology. Ortega examines the phenomenon of “print digital” literature: works published simultaneously as print books and as digital applications. MD Anderson Library at UH 266-C.
https://www.facebook.com/events/969704869844009/

Workshop: Twitter Bots for Social Justice
Friday, April 27
You will need to download and install a Text Editor (NOT a Word processor). This workshop will introduce participants to the world of activist and literary Twitter bots. Participants will learn about the history of bots and twitter bots; study and survey various types of bots; and finally create a Twitter bot.
https://www.facebook.com/events/173738043436279/

Fourth Friday Night Market
Friday, April 27
A monthly outdoor small business event featuring the works of dozens of visual artists and craft vendors. The market showcases paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and handcrafted items. The entire family is welcome to come enjoy the great outdoors, live music and delicious fare from some of the area’s best gourmet food vendors.
https://www.facebook.com/events/178771596218965/

The Art of Spiritual Cleansing
Saturday, April 28 – April 29
Join us for an informative 2 day session with Doc as he guides you through the practice of Spiritual Cleansing in the forms of smudging, asperging, baths & teas. $80.
https://www.facebook.com/events/529700707406850/

Soundbites Food Truck Park – Houston 2018
Saturday, April 28
Come experience the second annual Black Owned Food truck park. Featuring Fun, Food trucks and Live Music by some of Houston’s hottest DJs.Over 10 Different food trucks will be present serving everything from Juicy Wings to Delicious Burgers.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soundbites-food-truck-park-houston-2018-tickets-43984940140

House Party Comedy #12
Saturday, April 28
This will be the 12th House Party Comedy. Complimentary refreshments by 8th Wonder Brewery and free pizza. Pay what you want. $8 minimum. Proceeds go into the making of Vanishing Heartbeats. BYOB is welcomed. It’s a House Party!
https://www.facebook.com/events/171380936852933/

Nick Hakim
Saturday, April 28
“We wanted to imagine what it would have sounded like if RZA had produced a Portishead album.” Free!
http://www.stubwire.com/t/lgiuxwxh

Writing Our World: 10 minute plays by Women of Color
Sunday, April 29
WRITING OUR WORLD is a staged reading series of 10-minute plays by women of color, from both Houston and worldwide. This series is a commitment to amplifying the underrepresented female-identifying voices in theater. The mission is to create a truly intersectional space for race, national origin, ethnicity and culture, sexuality, class, and language to exist in life-affirming and self-defined ways. $10
https://www.facebook.com/events/2137992436487855/

Jack White
Monday, April 30 – May 1
Jack White of the White Stripes who also collaborated with Beyonce for Don’t Hurt Yourself. $80+
https://concerts1.livenation.com/jack-white-houston-texas-04-30-2018/event/3A00542CBB53505B