Plan Your Weekend: February 22 to 25, 2024

• The Wilder Blue in Concert at Main Street Crossing | Thursday & Friday – The Texas band, known for songs like “Palomino Gold” and “Dixie Darlin’” comes to Tomball to perform live. Described as a cross between The Eagles and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, their sound is pure Americana. $32 and up. 8pm.
• World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park | Thursday to Saturday – More than 250 teams of barbecue enthusiasts will compete for the title, and while most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can join in on the fun at several public venues, including the carnival, The Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuckwagon. Admission includes a sliced brisket plate with chips and beans. $25; $10 for ages 12 and under. Times vary. 
• DiverseWorks presents In Tarps I Trust at MATCH | Thursday to Saturday – This new series of works by Laura Gutierrez focus on the blue-collar work she saw during her father’s career as a billboard painter, highlighting the materials that were ever present growing up in her household, such as tarps, ladders, and ratchet straps. Pay-what-you-can. 7pm.
• Houston Ballet presents Cinderella at Wortham Center | Thursday, Saturday & Sunday | Ongoing – Stanton Welch’s take on the classic Prokofiev ballet finds a tomboy Cinderella fighting the will of her evil stepmother with everything she’s got. This is no damsel in distress, and when she finds love, she’s ready to grab it with both hands and hold on tight. This production runs through Sunday, March 3. $25 and up. Showtimes vary.
• 16th Indian Film Festival of Houston at Asia Society Texas Center | Friday & Saturday – Check out this lineup of feature films, documentaries and shorts from filmmakers of India and the Diaspora. Each night features three screenings, plus a reception and live entertainment. $20 and up. Times vary.
• Manual Cinema presents Leonardo! at Hobby Center | Friday & Saturday – Inspired by the books Leonardo, The Terrible Monster and Sam, The Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World by Mo Willems, Manual Cinema brings this kid-friendly puppet show to Zilkha Hall. The story of Leonardo comes alive via furry monster puppets and illustrated paper puppets, two-dimensional props, book pages, and song. Runtime is 45 minutes. $19 and up. Friday 7pm; Saturday 2pm and 5pm (late performances are a softer, sensory-friendly production).
• Dive into the Gulf: An Exposition at Moody Gardens | Friday to Sunday – Immerse yourself in various facets of marine life, education, and conservation in this exposition that unites scuba diving enthusiasts, science aficionados, conservationists, artists and educators. $25 and up. Times vary.
• Everybody’s Favorite Barbecue & Hot Sauce Festival at Discovery Green | Friday to Sunday – This three-day event highlights the aroma of America’s best barbecue vendors while bringing together a multicultural atmosphere against the backdrop of Downtown. Look for live music, games and more. $10 and up. Times vary.
• Bread & Puppet Theatre at 14 Pews | Friday to Sunday – The world-renowned, Vermont-based Bread & Puppet Theater comes to the cozy theater in the Heights for three performances of The Palestine Emergency Mass, which draws from Catholic funeral mass traditions and imbues them with hymns, scripture readings and puppets large and small in a spectacle of protest and celebration. $20. 3pm to 5pm.
• Radiant Nature Closing Weekend at Houston Botanic Garden | Friday to Sunday – It’s your last chance to catch the more than 50 larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations decorating the Houston Botanic Garden, bringing to life stunning displays that showcase the beauty of nature and celebrate the promise of the Lunar New Year. $28.50. 6pm to 10pm.
• Black History Culture Fest at Avenida Houston | Saturday & Sunday | FREE – Close out Black History Month with a weekend celebration in Downtown Houston, featuring a local marketplace from BLCK Market, exciting live performances and delicious food. 2pm to 6pm.
• Excision in Concert at 713 Music Hall | Saturday & Sunday – The DJ, producer and dubstep extraordinaire is bringing his signature heavy and aggressive sound to the 713 for back-to-back nights. This two-show experience is a chance to see why Premier EDM called him “the undisputed king of mainstream bass music.” $159 and up for 2-day passes. 9pm.

Pre-Rodeo Fun, Museum Happy Hours & Other Destinations

• Get Rodeo Ready in Houston – With the Rodeo moseying into town soon, we’ve gathered more than a dozen ways for you to get Rodeo ready with parades, markets, food events and more.
• Happy Hour in the Museum District – Take advantage of tasty happy hour specials at some of our favorite spots in the Museum District.
• Must Do in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest – This sleepy neighborhood north of the Heights has perked up in recent years with a bevy of breweries, brunch spots, and plenty more excitement showcased in our 5 Must Dos.
• 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.
• 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.
• Brunch Spots near Buffalo Bayou Park – Before or after you hit up the miles of running and biking trails at Buffalo Bayou Park, check out our picks for the best nearby brunch spots.
• 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.

• 25-cent Martini Lunch at Brennan’s of Houston – Head to the Midtown Creole-inspired restaurant for lunch, and enjoy a 25-cent Classic, Cosmopolitan, Commander’s Palace or Melon martini with the purchase of any lunch entree. Menu prices vary. 11am to 2pm.
• Children’s Bingo at Levy Park | FREE – Kiddos will love this 30-minute program that helps them learn and practice letters and numbers, plus win prizes. Bingo cards and markers provided. Ages 4 to 12. 4:30pm.
• Author A.J. Finn at Murder by the Book | FREE – The New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window discusses his latest novel, End of Story. The new book explores what happens when a reclusive novelist writes to his longtime correspondent, “I’ll be dead in three months. Come tell my story.” Free to attend; books for signing must be purchased from the bookstore. 6:30pm.
• Space News & Brews at True Anomaly Brewing Company – Space Center Houston debuts their new offsite beer and space expert talk series at the brewery in EaDo founded by four guys from NASA—and just awarded best brewery in Texas at the Texas Craft Brewers Festival in Austin last weekend. Retired NASA astronaut Dominic “Tony” A. Antonelli will lead a group discussing about the experiences of space exploration while attendees enjoy beers named Rocket Park, Skylab, Jupiter Drops, Go Flight, and Scout. $10 includes a complementary drink. 6:30pm to 9:30pm.
• Small Black at White Oak Music Hall – The chillwave indie rock band brings their album, Limits of Desire, back to the stage to celebrate its 10th anniversary. $20 and up. 7pm.
• Cocktails & Connections at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum | FREE – Spend an evening networking, celebrating Black History Month and getting a legal education. Multiple law firms come together for an opportunity to meet others and gain connections in a fun environment with giveaways, light bites and more. Registration requested. 7pm to 9pm.
• Comedian Chad Daniels at Houston Improv – Get ready for an evening of laughs as the comedian with more than a billion streams across his six albums comes to the Spring Branch comedy club with his unique perspective on life and people. $100 for 4, and up. 7:30pm.
• The Formosa Quartet in Concert at POST Houston – The ensemble performs works by Mozart and Dvorak, along with a special set that offers folk, pop, jazz and poetry arrangements. The group is among the world’s most-acclaimed quartets, winning both First Prize and the Amadeus Prize at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition in 2006. Free for standing room only; $15 for reserved seating. 7:30pm.
• Donavon Frankenreiter in Concert at the Heights Theater  – The singer-songwriter and surfer brings his laid-back grooves to the Bayou City. Known for tunes that blend blues themes with rock and roll sound, he’s been praised for “gritty vocals” by Americana Highways and an “easy, sunny kind of energy” by the Mountain Express. $24 and up. 8pm.
• Eden House at Eden Plant Co. | FREE – This immersive experience is highlighted by mesmerizing flora and fauna, helping guests connect with the natural world. This celebration of life, love and beauty includes live performances and creating an environment where guests can make new friends, share stories and strengthen connections. 9pm.
• The Working Hours in Concert at the Continental Club – The Houston-based band takes the stage at the Mid-Main club, bringing with them pop hooks, rock energy and high-octane rhythms. Songs like “4AM” and “Hello, My Darling” will show guests why fans have praised the group’s style and songwriting. $10. 9pm.