Plan Your Weekend: February 8 to 11, 2024

ALL WEEKEND

• Houston Symphony presents Perlman Conducts Tchaikovsky 5 at Jones Hall | Thursday, Saturday & Sunday – World-renowned violinist Itzak Perlman leads the symphony in Tchaikovsky’s beloved work. The concert also features music from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and George Walker’s deeply moving Lyric for Strings. $34 and up. Thursday and Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2:30pm.
• Stomp at Smart Financial Centre | Friday & Saturday – For back-to-back nights, Stomp brings its international sensation to Sugar Land, letting audiences feel the pulse of rhythmic percussion across a stage full of everyday objects. $30 and up. Times vary.
• The Riot Comedy Club presents J.C. Currias at Rudyard’s Pub | Friday & Saturday – A Miami native, Currais boasts a unique brand of humor mixing his larger-than-life stage persona with a high energy performance style. He’s performed on Last Call with Carson Daly, FOX’s Laughs, Conan, and more. $20 and up. Times vary.
• Comedian Shawn Wayans at Houston Improv | Friday & Saturday – A member of the legendary comedic brothers, Shawn Wayans take the Spring Branch stage for back-to-back nights of hilarity building on his storied film and comedy career. $110 for 2, and up. Times vary.
• AnimeVerse Fest at NRG Center | Friday to Sunday – Join fellow fanatics for a weekend of anime-fueled fun. Meet voice actors from beloved animes, shop one-of-a-kind goods from local vendors, plus take in panels, cosplay contests and more at this inaugural show. $20 and up. Times vary.
• HTX Mardi Gras Bash at Urban South HTX | Friday to Sunday | No Cover – This three-day celebration of Mardi Gras at the Arts District brewery features a limited amount of pairings with Pint & Slice and Dong Phuong King Cake, plus frozen hurricanes, live music, trivia, kid-friendly activities and more. Times vary.
• The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green | Friday to Sunday | Ongoing – Rolling through Sunday, March 31, Discovery Green’s Kinder Lake transforms into an outdoor roller rink. Lace up and roller skate under the Houston skyline, with features including a rubber subfloor for increased comfort and bright colors perfect for family photos. $12, including skate rental. Times vary.
• 113th Annual Mardi Gras! Galveston in Downtown Galveston | Friday to Sunday – The Island wraps up the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country with parades, live entertainment, street food vendors and much more. Stay for the entire weekend and collect your beads for bragging rights with all the partygoers while enjoying the party atmosphere. $14 and up; free for ages 12 and under. Multi-day packages and VIP Balcony Party options available. Times vary.
• Galentine’s Waffle Stack Brunch Special at State Fare Kitchen & Bar in Memorial City, Sugar Land & The Woodlands | Saturday & Sunday – Treat yourself to a delicious treat strawberry shortcake waffles stacked and served with fresh strawberries, vanilla infused whipped cream and puréed strawberry drizzle for $17 on the weekends. 10am to 4pm.
• Otaku Lunar New Year Food & Anime Festival at Karbach Brewing Co. | Saturday & Sunday | FREE – More than 100 vendors will set up for two days at the Spring Branch brewery, offering up all manner of goods and gourmet foods, along with lion dances, anime cosplay and artists, a sumo tournament, and more. Saturday noon to 10pm; Sunday noon to 4pm.
• I Went to the Dance Movie Screening at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston | Saturday & Sunday – Explore the world of Cajun culture and Zydeco in this Les Blank documentary from 1989 that recounts the history of the toe-tapping music and includes appearances from legends like Michael Doucet and BeauSoleil, Clifton Chenier, and many others. $9. Saturday 7pm; Sunday 5pm.
• Catastrophic Theatre presents It Is Magic at MATCH | Saturday & Sunday | Ongoing – Deb and Sandy are auditioning Tim for the role of the Wolf in a production of The Three Little Pigs. But there’s a mysterious haze in the basement of the Mortier Civic Playhouse that, in addition to interruptions from the director of ‘the Scottish play’ that’s having its opening night upstairs, is making things difficult. Then, the mysterious Liz shows up throwing the room into utter chaos, revealing the deep, ancient evil at the heart of the community theater audition process. Tickets are pay-what-you-can; suggested price of $35. 8pm.

Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year & Other Destinations

• Mardi Gras Events in Houston & Galveston – Make your party plans with our guide to some of the best Mardi Gras celebrations and other events taking place in Greater Houston and Galveston through Fat Tuesday, February 13.
• Lunar New Year Celebrations in Greater Houston – Throughout the month of February, you’ll find plenty of Year of the Dragon action taking place at community centers, parks, restaurants and more.
• Black History Month in Greater Houston – Celebrate the lives, legacies and contributions of African Americans with our guide to 35+ events in Houston, including concerts, performing arts, food and drink, and much more.
• Valentine’s Day Events in Houston – Leading up to V-Day and on the day itself, we’ve got 30 fun date night ideas to celebrate love on this year’s Valentine’s Day.
• Best Date Night Ideas in Greater Houston – Check out 10 unique date night ideas in Houston, plus nearby places where you can explore the local food and drink scene for a complete night out.
• Flower Shops in Houston Neighborhoods – We’ve picked a dozen local shops in Houston neighborhoods where you can get your orders in now for the upcoming Valentine’s Day.
• Rodeo Houston Concerts on the Way – Tickets are on sale now for Houston’s biggest event of the year, and you can grab a seat to one of the star-studded shows happening during three weeks of Rodeo fun.
• Best Bars near Rice University – From a hidden spot on campus to stiff drinks in the Museum District, we’ve got you covered for the new semester with our favorite picks near Rice University.
• Happy Hours in East End – Close out your workdays with some of the best food and drink specials to be found in the East End neighborhood.
• The Best Things to Do This Month – Zoom out and make your plans for February at our picks for the best things to do all month long.

• Shadow Puppet Theatre presents Dinosaur Mardi Gras at the Woodlands Children’s Museum – Explore the story of some very hip dinosaurs who join in the celebration during carnival time in New Orleans. This event for children and their caregivers will shine a light on this beloved tradition, and show that even dinosaurs can be part of the fun. $9. 11am.
• Here & Now: Cultural Expressions at Community Artists’ Collective | FREE – Catch the opening of this exhibit, featuring works from the Collective’s permanent collection and other enduring Houston contemporary artists Ann Johnson, Gail P. Mallory, Shani Crowe, Earlie Hudnall, Delita P. Martin, Aesha Lee, Mark Francis, Dominic Clay, Ricardo Francis, Latonia Allen, Jo El Mercer, Ibraim Nascimento and Bert Long. Noon to 5pm.
• On Set/Off Set Opening Reception at Sawyer Yards | FREE – Meet Nathan Lindstrom, the artist behind this photographic exhibition that explores the juxtaposition between art created for commercial endeavors and his personal fine art exploration. 5pm to 8pm.
• Cookies & Cocktails at the Wildcatter Saloon – This beginner-friendly, hands-on Valentine’s Day cookie-decorating class lets you put your personal spin on six different cookies to give to your sweetheart. All you need, including frosting, piping bag, sprinkles and more, is provided. You’ll also get a box and gift bag for your creations. $40. 6:30pm.
• Author Jenny Hollander at Murder by the Book | FREE – The author discusses her debut novel, Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead, with Crime by the Book’s Abby Endler. The story of a magazine editor who was once described as a “witness” to a horrific crime, who now finds herself back in the crosshairs, Town & Country called the book “A twisty, thrilling story you won’t be able to put down.” Free to attend; books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 6pm.
• Brovia Wine Dinner at Ostia – Ostia will host its first-ever Wine Dinner, featuring legendary producer Brovia Winery. The evening will begin with light bites and bubbles in Ostia’s dining room, followed by a four-course family-style menu curated by Chef Travis McShane. A representative from Brovia will expertly guide guests through each wine pairing. $180 per person. 6:30pm.
• Rom Com Movie Trivia at Houston Toy Museum – Think you know your Four Weddings & A Funeral from When Harry Met Sally? Grab your friends, form a team and head to the Heights to square off against other rom com movie buffs. BYOB and snacks welcome. $10; includes museum admission. 7pm.
• Adam Hood in Concert at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar – Southern singer-songwriter Adam Hood heads to the Heights stage, showcasing his personal brand of blues, folk, country and rock. Heather Rayleen and Susan Hickman open the show. $25 and up. 7:30pm.
• The Movement in Concert at White Oak Music Hall – The alt-reggae band, fresh off the release of their new album, Always With Me, comes to Houston to perform live. $28 and up. 8pm.
• Rolling Stones Tribute at Post Houston – The Downtown gathering spot’s rooftop becomes the stage for Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Show, a global act that keeps the Rolling Stones music alive. You can’t always get what you want, but this concert will help make sure you get what you need. $20 and up. 8pm to 10pm.
• Lydia Loveless in Concert at the Continental Club – The singer-songwriter comes to the Midtown club, offering selections from their newly released Nothing’s Gonna Stand in My Way Again. With a style that blends pop music, classic country, honky tonk and punk rock, Loveless calls their music “singing about emotions.” Jason Hawk Harris opens. $25 and up. 9pm.