Free Events Thursday

It’s that time again…Free Events Thursday!!!

Wine Wednesdays and Ladies Night Thursdays

Every Wednesday, Thursday (All day Wednesday and 5:30- 10:00 Thursday)

Latin Bites Cafe

5709 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77057

Wind down in the middle of the week and enjoy 50% off wine bottles all day Wednesday at Latin Bites. Pair any wine from Latin Bites’ extensive cellar to compliment a lunch or dinner dish to enjoy a well rounded Peruvian meal. From 11 to close, Latin Bites Peruvian inspired dishes such as their Quinoa Salad or Arroz Con Pato, a Latin take on duck confit, would pair nicely with any white or red wine of a diner’s choosing. In celebration of the highly anticipated weekend, Ladies Night will be every Thursday at Latin Bites. From 5:30pm until 10:00pm, women of Houston can enjoy 50% off all cocktails and 15% off appetizers. Mingle with friends while sipping on a Mangotini, a sweet mango martini made with Pisco, Peru’s native spirit, and snack on appetizers perfect for sharing. Choose from Latin Bites famous empanadas or award-winning causitas; with so many options it would be near impossible to choose only one!

Price: FREE!!!

#womenfordance

April 11, 2014 – April 12, 2014 at 8 pm

Wortham Theater Center

500 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002

Join MET Dance at #womenfordance as they celebrate the female dance maker. Two nights only, this program will premiere works by Kiki Lucas and Andrea Dawn Shelley as well as recent repertory additions by Sidra Bell, Lauren Edson and Kate Skarpetowska. The introspective program connects the strength, emotion and humanity of the feminine manifest. Embark on the emotional journey to validation and mark-making. Guest artists from Island Moving Company join MET Dance in a high-octane, thunderous evening that is not to be missed!

Price: $15-$45

Boy Scout Fair

April 12, 2014

Reliant Park Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Scouts from 16 countries will unite in one place to showcase their Scouting skills. Meet leaders and Scouts from your neighborhood. Sample the amazing dutch oven creations and delicacies in the outdoor cooking area. Visit the midway with over 60 experts representing merit badges. Watch demonstrations, interact with participating booths from our community partners…pick up free offers.

Price: FREE!!!

Book Signing: Lisa Scottoline’s Keep Quiet

April 14, 2014 at 6:30 PM

Murder By the Book

2342 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005

Description: Lisa Scottoline is a 20 time New York Times best-selling and an Edgar award-winning author with over 20 novels (in 20 years) under her belt, including her latest novel KEEP QUIET. Her stories have been translated into 25 different languages and her wildly popular, non-fiction column, “Chick Wit,” appears in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Lisa delivers once again with Keep Quiet, an emotionally gripping and morally complex story about one father’s decision to protect his son — and the devastating consequences that follow. Powerful and dramatic, Keep Quiet will have readers and book clubs debating what it means to be a parent and how far you can, and should, go to protect those you love.

Price: FREE!!!

Asia Society Presents: Melody, Harmony, and Melharmony

April 12, 2014 at 6:00pm

Asia Society Texas Center

Melharmony is an award-winning concept pioneered by Chitravina N. Ravikiran during his collaboration with artists of the BBC Philharmonic. As the name suggests, Melharmony aims to create a synergy between diverse melodic concepts not common in the west and vertical harmonic dimensions that are unusual in many systems in the east, such as Indian classical music. As part of Classical Arts Society of Houston’s 2014 Spring Festival, this vibrant and cultural musical presentation explores western classical music and music from north and south India. Spotlight instruments include chitravina (fretless Indian lute), modified western mandolin, and percussion (mridangam and tabla). Jugalbandhi Concert: 6:00 pm Chitravina N. Ravikiran, Snehasish Mozumder, Rohan Krishnamurthy, and Gouri Shankar Karmakar The concert is a ticketed event.

Price: $10 Members, $15 Nonmembers.

Bubblegum Yum Video Jukebox Love Party

April 11, 2014 Doors at 6, Show is 7

Orange Show Monument
2402 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023

Local artist and DJ Stephanie Saint Sanchez will present a salute to 60’s bubblegum music and the lovey dovey groovy feelings they inspire. This is a curated short film showcase with assorted local filmmakers doing their own take on love in the style of this genre. Each film will last from 3-8 minutes, and during the evening there will be bubblegum blowing contests, crowning of the bubblegum King or Queen, music and dancing plus a special live performance by The Janets. Come ready to groove all night long and see some incredible short films by a variety of local artists Sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

Price: $15 pre sale and $20 door

Eat Well Wednesday: Cake Balls

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

With yet another holiday right around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate to add a little sweet fun into the recipe mix. I made this for our church small group and they were such a hit!

I am warning you, they are not “healthy”. They most definitely fall under the 20% rule. Eat healthy 80% of the time and leave room for the 20% to be the occasional treat. This mindful approach to eating, allows you to ditch the dieting, eat with pleasure, and without guilt.

So here is what you need for these tasty treats:

1 Package of Chocolate Oreos
6 oz of Cream cheese
8 oz of Bittersweet chocolate
Seasonal sprinkles (Optional)

Here is what you do:

In a food processor, combine the chocolate Oreos and cream cheese. Process until smooth. You might need to scrap down the sides a couple of times, you want it to be a pretty smooth cookie paste.
Form into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
Place in the freeze for 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate in the microwave or use a double broiler.
Remove cookie balls from the freeze and drop into melted chocolate. Coat well.
Roll into sprinkles. Place back onto cookie sheet.
Freeze for another hour or until firm.
Store in an air tight container for up to two weeks.

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Jill Tarpey is leading us Wednesday by Wednesday into making better food choices and being more healthful. Tune in every Wednesday to get some great recipes and advice from someone who really knows health. In an effort to fuel her passion to serve as well has enhance the lives of others through their nutritional choices, she started Eat Well SA(San Antonio). Her vision is to educate you on how to incorporate a healthy array of foods into your life. Eat Well is not a diet, nor does it embrace any one specific dietary agenda. She also offers customized programs that are educational and teach you the tools you need to maintain healthy, well balanced eating for your busy lives.

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Enjoy nature trail, bird watching, wildlife and forests at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Calm your senses with a leisurely stroll through our 155-acre nature sanctuary with 5 miles of beautiful hiking. Located just 4 miles west of Downtown Houston.

Spring Native Plant Sale (Saturday, March 15 – March 16 and Saturday March 22 – March 23 at 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

How I See It: Houston Architecture

March 13, 2014-April 18 at 5:30 pm

Architecture Center Houston, 315 Capital,

Discover Houston architecture through the eyes of high school students in this Opening Reception of “How I See It: Houston Architecture.” This juried exhibition of local high school photography is for FotoFest 2014.

Price: FREE!!!

Relax With Yoga

Every Saturday, 9 am

Discovery Green

1500 McKinney on the Grace Event Lawn behind The Grove Restaurant.

This yoga class brings together elements of tai chi, kung fu, balance techniques and energy building poses. No pre-registration required.

Price: FREE!!!

Gaze At The Stars

Reservations begin February 26

Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center

Humble at 20634 Kenswick Drive

Learn about the planets, stars and other celestial bodies at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center’s Stargazing event.

Price: FREE!!!

“These Birds Walk” Houston Film Screening

March 13, 2014

River Oaks Theatre
2009 W. Gray St, Houston, TX 77019

Sundance Nominated film “These Birds Walk” by Omar Mullick and Bassam Tariq may be FINALLY coming to Houston. The film follows the life of runaway street children in Pakistan and the samaritans like Abdul Sattar Edhi who seek to care for them while living amongst them.

For those of you haven’t heard of Abdul Sattar Edhi, he is a guy who has been working for and living amongst the poor of Pakistan since 1947 to create rescue programs for over 20,000 abandoned infants, rehabilitation programs for over 50,000 orphans, training programs for over 40,000 nurses, and hundreds of food kitchens, shelters, and clinics for the mentally handicapped.

Price: $11

Architects of Air

March 15, 2014 – March 23, 2014

Discovery Green
1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010

Back by popular demand, Britain’s Architects of Air returns to Discovery Green with Miracoco, a one-of-a-kind stunning new luminarium! Inspired by the Lotus Temple in India, the monumental, inflatable structure is a dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes designed to generate a sense of wonder at the beauty of light and color. Rising almost 30 feet in the air and occupying half a football field, Miracoco can be appreciated by people of all ages, cultures and abilities.

The line will close when the number of people already in line exceeds the number that will go into the structure by 6:30 pm. Admission is limited to 80 people in the luminarium at one time.

Price: $10

Battleship Texas Centennial Celebration

March 15, 2014 at 12:00 p.m.

3527 Independence Parkway South
La Porte TX 77571

This event is a celebration to honor the Battleship TEXAS, her legendary history and the men who served on her. The festival will be held on the grounds surrounding the Battleship TEXAS and will feature educational exhibits, a World War I and World War II historical zone, ship tours, a children’s activity zone, concessions, shops and live entertainment throughout the day including Robert Earl Keen, Reckless Kelly, Charlie Robison, and Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis. The day will end in a celebratory fireworks display.

Price: $20

6th Annual Festival “Russian Spring Celebration”

March 16, 2014 at 3:00 – 6:00p.m

2349 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005

It becomes our tradition to invite Houston public and visitors of the city to celebrate the end of winter in style of Russian folk holiday. We offer delicious home-made bliny or Russian pancakes, which symbolize the sun. Also on sale will be another traditional Russian food – savory piroshky. The guests will have a chance to purchase original hand-made Russian souvenirs.

“Flying Balalaika Brothers”, the popular group from Austin, will provide the entertainment. The group plays various music: from Russian folk to bluegrass, country and rock. Their lively performance would leave no one unmoved. This year we will introduce to our guests a folk choir “Sudarushka”. Vadim Angerov, the well-known Houston musician will accompany them on the button accordion. There also will be special activities for children.

Price: $10

Come Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at The Flying Saucer

March 17, 2014

15929 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Flying Saucer Sugar Land will be selling pints for $3 all day.

Price: FREE!!!

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Cultured Cocktails with the Framers!

Every Thursday from 5-7pm.

Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar

307 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006

So if you want to see what we are all about then come join us and meet the Framers of Houston,TX!

Price: Free!!!

Party with the French

Friday, March 07 at 6 PM

Discovery Green

1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010

This Friday, kick off a month of events sponsored by the French Consulate in Houston. The free outdoor event features music from French musicians plus Houston natives Wild Moccasins from 7 pm – 10 pm. Authentic French food and wine will be available or purchase.

Price: Free!!!

Azalea Trail

March 07- March 09

River Oaks Garden Club

2503 Westheimer • Houston, TX 77098

One of the surest signs of spring in Houston is the annual Azalea Trail. Houstonians and visitors view the spectacular gardens at Bayou Bend and Rienzi and visit River Oaks’ exquisite private homes and admire their breathtaking gardens.

Price: $5.00

Listen to classical music

Friday, March 7th at 8 pm

Houston Baptist University’s Dunham Theater

7502 Fondren

The Houston Civic Symphony, our local community orchestra, presents a free concert. The evening features Young Artist Concerto Winners plus Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 in B minor.

Price: Free!!!

Clear Lake Jewelry, Gem, & Mineral Show

March 8, 2014 – March 9, 2014 (Recurring daily) at Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5

7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77507

The show is oriented for the whole family. Come out to see and learn about rocks, gems, fossils and Geology. Special demonstrations of lapidary work are included for the entertainment of all show patrons. Approximately 30 quality dealers have been handpicked to bring a balanced variety of merchandise to appeal to as many people as possible and at reasonable prices. There will be tools, raw materials, and books for the hobbyist, many mineral and fossil specimens for the collector, and jewelry ranging from fun-to wear to the finest opals, diamonds and emeralds. An excellent special program for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts hat provides hands-on experience will help with Geology related merit badges.

Price: $7 (Admission is cash only)

ROCO Chamber Series: Postcards from Paris and New Orleans

March 9 at 4:00 PM

Gremillion & Co. Fine Art

2501 Sunset Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005

Join us for Postcards from Paris and New Orleans featuring an oboe, clarinet, violin and viola quintet performance with music by Sergei Prokofiev and Dave Anderson, who was inspired by Prokofiev to write a jazz composition with the same instrumentation.

Price: $25; Student admission: $10

Free Events Thursday!

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Championship BBQ Contest

Friday and Saturday, February 28th- March 1st from Noon- 11 pm

Reliant Stadium

All you can eat BBQ!

Price: $15

Downtown Rodeo Parade

Saturday, March 1st at 10:00 am

Price: Free!

Conoco 10K Run and 5K Run/ Walk

Saturday, March 1st at 9:20 am

Saturday, March 1st at 9:45 am

Find out more at http://www.conocophillipsrodeorun.com/events/10k/Pages/logistics.aspx

Price: $35

Sam Houston Race Park

Friday-Sunday, February 28th- March 9th at 7:00 pm

Watch thoroughbred live racing this weekend and next weekend!

Find out more at http://shrp.com/

Price: $7

Macbeth

Main Street Theater

Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard

February 27th- March 9th (Schedule daily)

Even though Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s shortest plays, Main Street Theater will be putting on an 80-minute version with no intermission courtesy of visiting director and actor Guy Roberts in a co-production with the Prague Shakespeare Company.

Price: $20-39

Last Tip of My Hat

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every Sat. from March 1 until March 31
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. every Sun. from March 2 until March 31
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. every Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri. from March 3 until March 31

National Museum of Funeral History

501 Crawford St., Houston, TX 77002

Every rodeo season the National Museum of Funeral History does its part in the spirit of the Wild West with its “Last Tip of My Hat” exhibit, which celebrates death in the time of the cowboy. The usually modest event has been ramped up considerably this year. As always, there will be a traditional pine box coffin on loan from Cowboy’s Last Ride casket company in Early, Texas. These simple containers were a common method of burial in the West, since pine was plentiful and easy to work with. “A cowboy is a simple man, hard-working, and finds a pine box to be a fine representation of who he was in life,” Edward Castillo, owner of Cowboy’s Last Ride, said via email.

Also on display will be memorial folders from the funerals of the one and only Roy Rogers and his wife, Dale “The Queen of the West” Evans. The duo was featured in more than 100 different cowboy movies and television shows. You can see plenty of other funeral folders from Hollywood cowboys in the “Thanks for the Memories” section of the exhibit, including those belonging to Michael Landon, John Wayne, Gene Autry and Tom Mix. Also represented are Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels (whom you may know as The Lone Ranger and Tonto, the ones from before the Johnny Depp movie).

Price: $7 to $10

Free Events Thursday!

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Howdy Framers!

Here’s what’s going on in Houston this weekend!

Cultured Cocktails with the Framers!

Every Thursday from 5-7pm.

Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar

307 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006

10% of all proceeds go to Frame Dance. So if you want to see what we are all about then come join us and meet the Framers of Houston,TX!

Price: Free!!!

Magna Carta

February 14, 2014 – August 17, 2014 (Recurring daily)

Houston Museum of Natural Science

5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030

An original edition of the “Magna Carta,” and the only known example of the King’s Writ – a letter from King John to the Sheriff of Gloucester announcing the signing of the Magna Carta – is headed to Houston from its home in Hereford Cathedral.

The Magna Carta is considered to be Great Britain’s most valuable export to the world and is a model upon which the United States Constitution was based. The Magna Carta continues to serve as the definitive document modeling basic civil liberties, and is the source of many of the most fundamental concepts of law. In more than 100 decisions, the United States Supreme Court has traced dependence on the Magna Carta for an understanding of due process, trial by jury, the importance of a speedy and unbiased trial, and protection against excessive bail or fines or cruel and unusual punishment.

Price: $25

40z Rock Annual Red Tea Party

February 23, 2014 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm

5415 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056

You’re invited to come out and join 40z Rock for a fun-filled afternoon of teas, desserts, and h’orderves . Not to mention, meet some fabulous women who ROCK spiritually, mentally and physically.

Price: $10

A Stroll Down Abbey Road

February 15, 2014 – February 23, 2014 (Every Sunday, Friday, Saturday)

17170 Mill Forest Road, Webster, TX 77598

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ U.S. debut with the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre. A variety of dance styles will be performed to Beatles classics. Some of the featured songs include Here Comes the Sun, Because, Eleanor Rigby, Black Bird, Yellow Submarine and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

Price: $20

Found out more at their website at www.BAHBT.org

Electric Mardi Gras

February 21, 2014 – March 01, 2014 at 5:00p.m. – 1:00a.m., 12:00p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

(Recurring every 2 weeks Friday, Saturday)

21st and Strand, Galveston, TX 77550

At Mardi Gras! Galveston, the extravagance found in Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration starts with the beads! More than 3 million beads will be thrown at Mardi Gras! Galveston and that’s just the beginning of the elaborate parades, headliner performances, family events, feasting and other festivities that come with hosting Mardi Gras island style.

Price: $15

Find out more at http://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/electric/

Happy Hour Thursdays at MFAH

Every Thursday from 6-8pm

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The Museum of Fine Arts hosts Happy Hour Thursdays each week. MFAH admission is always free on Thursdays thanks to Shell and from 6 to 8 pm you’ll enjoy happy hour with tunes from a local DJ, light bites from Ladybird Food Truck and a cash bar. The museum is open til 9 every Thursday.

Price: Free!!!

ABCs of Organic Gardening

Saturday, February 22 at 10:15 am.

This is offered at both Cornelius locations: 1200 N. Dairy Ashford and 2233 S. Voss.

Free Clinic, held at all Calloway’s andCornelius locations. Organic gardening focuses first on the soil, as a critical component of a living ecosystem. The soil is filled with all sorts of living creatures that are often beneficial to garden plants. Thus, you might say that when an organic gardener fertilizes the garden, she “feeds the soil” rather than feeds her plants. Healthy lively soil provides the perfect home for healthy lively plants. This terrific clinic will cover how you can create that kind of healthy soil, right here in suburban Texas. Also, we’ll cover the Top Ten Garden Pests and offer some organic solutions.

Price: Free!!!

Exploring Houston’s Green History: Sam Houston Park, 1899−2014

The Heritage Society Museum Gallery

Founded in 1899, Sam Houston Park is the first and oldest municipal park in the city of Houston. This beloved historic green space was originally part of the land granted by Stephen F. Austin to John Austin in 1824. For the past 115 years, the park has served Houstonians as a center for outdoor recreation and social activities. This exhibit will showcase Sam Houston Park’s history as well The Heritage Society’s 60 year history of caring for this beloved city park.

Heritage Family Day
1−4 p.m.
Find out how Houstonians lived after they began to build a city and create homes of their own. Enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, a mock-excavation and refreshments. Take a tour of 1823 Old Place. Co-sponsored by Archaeological Institute of America Houston Society.

Price: Free!!!

Free Events Thursdays

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Cupid’s Corner at Woodforest

February 7, 2014 at 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Woodforest Homefinder Lodge

101 Elk Trace Parkway, Montgomery, TX 77316

With sweethearts in mind, Woodforest is planning Cupid’s Corner 10 am-8 pm Feb. 7 at the Woodforest Homefinder Lodge, 101 Elk Trace Parkway. Vendors will have an array of gifts — jewelry, wine, truffles, children’s clothing and home décor items. Enjoy Valentine’s Day treats and wine while browsing and kids can enjoy crafts while parents shop. Staff will put finishing touches to gifts at the wrapping station. Visitors also can buy Papa John’s pizza 4-8 pm at special Valentine’s Day prices.

Price: Free!!!

Dark Light: The Micaeous Ceramics of Christine Nofchissey McHorse

February 7, 2014 – May 11, 2014 (Recurring daily)

Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

The opening will also feature Spectra: Work by Adrian Esparza in the Front Gallery. Open studios by current resident artists to follow talks. In “Dark Light: The Micaceous Ceramics of Christine Nofchissey McHorse,” Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) presents works by one of the most innovative contemporary forces in Native American pottery. Working from traditional materials and techniques, Christine Nofchissey McHorse’s vessel-based art blends the boundaries of pottery and sculpture, erasing the line between function and form.

As the Navajo artist’s first traveling exhibition, the show exhibits the unadorned sophistication of the sultry curves, black satiny surfaces, and modern forms of her Dark Light series, created from 1997 to present. An amalgam of Puebloan, Navajo, and contemporary influences, each sculpture possesses a cultural splendor that is as fertile as the Northern New Mexico riverbeds where McHorse harvests her clay. Through the unadulterated beauty of micaceous clay and with Puebloan construction techniques learned from her Taos mother-in-law, McHorse transforms her sketches into voluminous shapes that swell upwards like a natural spring. Dismissing the rudimentary forms that define Native American ethnic identity in craft, she returns to primordial shapes, akin to the modern aesthetic of Henri Moore. Experimenting with shape, mass, volume, and line, she creates organic vessels in the vein of her ancestors, who recognized the spiritual power of water, air, and earth.

Price: Free!!!

The Peking Acrobats

February 7, 2014 at 7:30pm

Jones Hall

This troupe of China’s most gifted performers, complemented by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments, returns to Houston for one night only! The Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. For more than 50 years they have held audiences of all ages spellbound with vibrant presentations of their ancient folk art. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs; they are experts at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics. They defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. They push the envelope of human possibility with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats, showcasing tremendous skill and ability.

Price: $8-$10

Homestead Heritage Day

February 8, 2014 at 10 am – 4 pm

Jesse H. Jones Park, Humble, TX 77338

Bring the family for a “living history” look at 19th century Texas settler life. Enjoy the sights and sounds of folk music, blacksmithing, black powder weaponry, open fire cooking, and more as the skills of times past are demonstrated by scores of authentically outfitted reenactors.

Fun for the whole family!

Price: Free!!!

Made for Magazines: Iconic 20th-Century Photographs

Feb 9, 2014 – May 4, 2014

Drawn entirely from the MFAH collection, Made for Magazines: Iconic 20th-Century Photographs surveys this richly historic era through some 80 images published by magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Life, Texas Monthly, and Vogue. Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, first published in newspapers and later in magazines, are also included. Among the artists represented are Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Gordon Parks, Irving Penn, Edward Steichen, and William Wegman.

Price: $14

ReelAbilities: Houston Disabilities Film Festival

February 9, 2014 – February 13, 2014 (Recurring daily)

The ReelAbilities Houston Film Festival is a festival aimed at promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. The festival presents award winning films by and about people with disabilities in multiple locations. Post-screening discussions and other engaging programs bring together the community to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience. Click on the link for this year’s schedule. http://houston.reelabilities.org/films

Price: Free!!!

Russian Spring Bazaar

February 3, 2014 – May 30, 2014 (Recurring every week day)

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00p.m., Saturday: 11:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.

Discover unique ethnic souvenirs and gifts that are hard to find anywhere else. – Wooden figures of Father Frost; – Beautiful icons; – Lovely lacquer jewelry boxes; – Famous blue-and –white china – Gzhel; – Golden wooden tableware “Khokhloma”; – Famous Russian Matreshkas or nesting dolls.

Price: Free!!!

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Cultured Cocktails Fundraiser For Frame Dance!

Thursday, January 16th at 5- 7 pm

Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar

307 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006

Price: Free!!!

12 Minutes Max at the Barn

January 17, 2014

The Barn (formerly Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex)

2201 Preston St., Houston, TX

12 Minutes Max! pops into The Barn with an exciting line up of choreographers showcasing all new work. Curated and produced by Dance Source Houston from participants of Fieldwork, 12 Minutes Max! features work by Rebekah Chappell, Sara Draper, Laura Gutierrez, Cori Miller and John R. Stronks. Performances will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 17 and 18, 2014 at 7:30pm at The Barn – Dance Source Performing Arts Space. Ticket Information: Dance Source Houston presents 12 Minutes Max! on January 17 and 18, 2014 at 7:30pm at The Barn, 2201 Preston St, Houston, TX 77003. Tickets are $10/pre sale general admission, $15/at the door and $5/Dance Source Members. To purchase tickets visit dancesourcehouston.secure.force.com/ticket/.

Price: $10/pre sale general admission, $15/at the door

2014 Opening Day at Sam Houston Race Park

January 17, 2014

Gates open at 6. Live racing starts at 7.

Sam Houston Race Park

7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W, Houston, TX 77064

Live Thoroughbred Racing Returns with bigger purses than ever! Be at The Park Opening Weekend for our special TWO-DAY kickoff highlighting the best of Texas Thoroughbred racing at Texas Champions Weekend. Friday is 50 Cent Beer Night with more than $255,000 in purses! Opening Day is also Military Appreciation Day, with free entry for all Military with ID. Also don’t miss Master Sergeant Promise Harris performing the National Anthem, and the presentation of the colors by the Cypress Ridge HS AFJROTC Color Guard.

Price:

General admission starts at $7 per person
Children ages 3 and under get in FREE
Counter seats are available for an additional $4 per person
Box seats are available for an additional $6 per person
Luxury Suites are also available by calling 281-807-8750
Winner’s Circle buffet available starting at $22.95

13th Annual MLK battle Of The Bands Competition

January 18, 2014, 4 pm – 9 pm

Joe Kelly Butler Stadium

13755 S.Main Street, Houston, TX 77035

The MLK Battle Of The Bands Competition is one of the largest high school show band competitions in the U.S. Its purpose ist o promote racial harmony through music appreciation while providing scholarship opportunities to high school students.

The 2014 Activity will feature sixteen nationally acclaimed and award-winning high school show bands from across the nation as they compete for national honors.

Price: $10. Get your tickets at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/13th-annual-battle-of-the-bands-competition-tickets-6993221915?ref=ebtnebtckt

5th Annual Yaga’s Chili Quest and Beer Fest

January 18, 2014, 11am-6pm

Saengerfest Park
2300 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550

Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest will return to Galveston’s Historic Strand District on Saturday, January 18, 2014, featuring 100 varieties of craft and imported beer selections and over 60 chili cook-off teams. The fifth annual Chili Quest officially opens to the public at 11 a.m. when the cook teams begin serving their chili concoctions on the Strand. Other Chili Quest events occurring throughout the day include a washer tournament, margarita making contest, jalapeno eating contest, 5k fun-run and a Strand merchant walk-about. An awards ceremony will conclude the event with the announcement of the best chili on Galveston Island. Beer Fest will open at 12:00pm for those with a VIP Early Bird Ticket. There are a limited number of VIP Early Bird Tickets available to allow for shorter lines and more one on one time with the brewers and representatives. Beer Fest opens to the public at 1:00pm with an estimated 100 craft and imported brews from around the world available for sampling.

Price: $8-35

America’s Got Talent – Open Auditions

From: January 18, 2014 – January 19, 2014 (Recurring daily), 8 AM-7PM

Reliant Park

The next stop for auditions are Houston (Jan. 18-19), Indianapolis (Jan. 25-26) and Los Angeles (Feb. 8-9). Additional audition cities will be announced shortly. For updates, registration forms, audition tips, venue information and to submit an online audition, visit www.AGTAuditions.com. “America’s Got Talent”is the only talent competition show open to any age and any talent. The auditions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for performers across the country to showcase their talent in 90 seconds to the series’ producers, in the hopes of being able to take the stage in front of the “AGT” judges. Every type of performer is welcome: Last season’s competitors included musicians, dancers, magicians, contortionists, comedians, singers, jugglers, animal acts and everything in between.

Got what it takes? Register here: http://www.agtauditions.com/

Good luck!

Price: FREE!!!

A Celebration of the New Year of the Trees

January 19, 2014, 11-3pm

Urban Harvest Farmers Market

3000 Richmond
Houston TX 77098

Escape the winter doldrums! Enjoy a fun Tu B’shevat activity for the whole family with Big Tent Judaism, and check out the Urban Harvest Farmers Market! Learn about the “new year for the trees,” decorate a mini planter, and take home seeds to plant and grow! Enjoy a wide range of seasonal, sustainably produced goods from local farmers and vendors at this Farmers market.

Price: FREE!!!

Into the Woods

January 19, 2014 – February 09, 2014

Main Street Theater

2540 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005

Main Street Theater once again teams up with Guy Roberts and Prague Shakespeare Company to create a new, intimate production of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s now-classic take on everyone’s favorite storybook characters.

The story follows a Baker and his wife’s wish to have a child, Cinderella’s wish to attend the King’s Festival, and Jack’s wish that his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s spell, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

In 1988, Into the Woods won Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical.

Price: $20

Free Events Thursday!

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Besides finishing up your Christmas shopping, here are some fun things to do this weekend!

Handel’s Messiah 10th Anniversary Performances

8 pm December 19, 20 & 21.

As our tenth season unfolds, we anticipate yet another wonderful experience for the Christmas season. The CEPC choir and orchestra along with special guest soloists will once again delight you with this special masterwork. Handel’s Messiah has become a wonderful tradition here at Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Tickets: Free general admission tickets will be available at 7 pm each evening for that evening’s performance. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so please arrive early.

Friday Night Flicks At The ICE (Discovery Green)

Friday, Dec 20, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Skate and watch or just enjoy the movie. Free Movie, Skating Fees Apply. A Christmas Story.

Movies will be oriented towards the ICE rink. Feel free to bring blankets and chairs to view from the White Promenade and Lake House Deck. Movies will be oriented towards the ICE rink. You are welcome to bring blankets,and chairs to view from the White Promenade and The Lake House Deck. Food, beer and wine are available at the Lake House. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages, please.

Free!

Prestonwood Forest

December 7 – December 29 (dusk to 10 pm weekdays and till 11 pm weekends).

This is considered the “granddaddy” of Houston neighborhoods with entire streets participating in elaborate light displays since the 1970s. The neighborhood is off Tomball Parkway (SH249).

Free!

Dickinson Festival of Lights (Dickinson)

Nightly through January 1, 6 pm – 9 pm.

Free walk-through lights display at Paul Hopkins Park. All parking and shuttle buses are free. Parking on weekends is courtesy the Dickinson Plaza Shopping Center, exit 19, I-45 N feeder.

Free!

Theatre Under The Stars presents Elf – The Musical

December 19th-December 22nd

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
800 Bagby St.
Houston, TX 77002

Tickets: $24 – $127

A.D. Players presents The Pass-It-On Christmas

Friday-Saturday, December 20th-December 21st at 10:30 AM

A. D. Players
2710 W. Alabama St.
Houston, TX 77098

Follow a zany troupe of actors as they recount the adventures of a shepherd boy and his lamb crossing the countryside, passing on the news that Jesus is born.

Ticket: $10

Houston Children’s Chorus presents “A Concert of Sacred Christmas Music”

Saturday, December 21st at 3 PM & 6 PM.

Villa de Matel
6510 Lawndale Street
Houston, TX 77023

Set in the chapel on the campus of the Villa de Matel Convent, “A Concert of Sacred Christmas Music” features the voices of the Houston Children’s Chorus. Enjoy the spirit of the season as the children express the gentleness of Christmas through classic sacred selections. Website: houstonchildren.org

Tickets: $15

Free Events Thursday!

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Merry Christmas Framers!

It’s that time again…Free Events Thursday!!!

A Christmas Carol

Tuesday- Sunday until December 26

Alley Theatre

Price: $26-$80

Tomball German Christmas Market

Friday through Sunday

Hours are 6 pm – 10 pm Friday.

Explore the German culture! Featuring 4 stages, 175 vendors, street performers, ethnic food, arts and crafts and more. Located in Old Town Tomball near the train depot.

Free admission and free parking!

Catch a movie under the moon

Friday, December 13: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is showing at Discovery Green, 6:30 pm

Friday, December 13: Edward Scissorhands at Whole Foods Market Montrose, at twilight.

Free!

Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival

The fun is Saturday, December 14, 10 am – 5 pm

Located in Old Town Katy between 2nd and Avenue B.

With snow play kicking off at 11 am. Families will enjoy arts and crafts, carolers, entertainment, food, produce and snow!

Free!

Lights in the Heights

Saturday, December 14 in the Woodland Heights neighborhood

Hours are 6 pm – 9 pm.

Streets are blocked off to best view the lighted homes and musical performances right from the porch! vent planners are scaling back this year with a shorter route (beginning at Watson and end at Florence). Plus no activities or vendors on Norhill Esplanade.

Free!

Caroling on the Square

December 14 features Girl Friday from 6 pm – 8 pm.

Waterway Square in The Woodlands Saturdays in December. Each week features a variety of entertainers. Appropriate for all ages, and picnics, chairs, blankets and coolers welcome!

Free!

Bizzare Holiday Market

Sunday, December 15, noon – 5 pm.

The event features local craftsmen, food, live music, and more. Located in the 3400-3700 block of Main Street.

…Free!!!

A.D. Players Presents: Gold, Frankincense and…Myrrh!

November 20 – December 31, 2013

Witty retelling of the nativity story and the boyhood of Christ follows a fourth wiseman who completely misses the point. When a star as bright as the sun appears in the sky, the wiseman and his servant boy set out to find the king whose birth has been foretold. Planning along the way how best to capitalize on the momentous occasion, they arrive in Bethlehem, but will the wiseman find what he is looking for?

The Mainstage Theater is located at 2710 W. Alabama, near the intersection with Kirby. Parking is available free of charge in the lot just west of the building. Parking is also available on side streets. (YAY!)

Tickets: Visit www.tickets.adplayers.org or Call 713-526-2721.

Not Free!