To-do list: 14 events to check out around the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose in August 2019

The Black Iris Project, a ballet company made up mostly of people of color, performs at Miller Outdoor Theater on Aug. 16.

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By Emma Whalen | 1:00 PM Aug 7, 2019 CDT

August 8: Learn from women in small business
The Governor’s Small Business Forum for Women-Gulf Coast, organized by the Texas Economic Development department, hosts a networking and career development event for women who are small-business owners or who are looking to become small-business owners. 8 a.m.-noon. $20. 5011 Westheimer Road, Houston. 512-936-0100. www.gov.texas.gov/business

August 10: Celebrate the new school year
MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital hosts a back-to-school bash at The Galleria between Nordstrom and Macy’s with face painting, a puppet show, balloon artists and a fashion show featuring pediatric cancer patients. Noon-2:30 p.m. Free, donations accepted. 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston. 866-434-7084, ext. 3. www.mdanderson.org

August 10: Attend an art gallery exhibit party
The Archway Gallery in Montrose hosts an opening reception for Susan Spjut’s “Inherently Eclectic” exhibit of colorful paintings featuring everything from animals to portraits and cityscapes. Spjut will be on hand to answer questions and speak about her work. 5 p.m. Free. 2305-A Dunlavy St., Houston. 713-522-2409. www.archwaygallery.com

August 11, 18 and 25: Shop an outdoor market
The Heights Morning Market takes over a stretch of White Oak Drive and showcases local vendors selling home goods, arts and crafts, jewelry and clothing. 10 a.m. Free. 3106 White Oak Drive, Houston. 832-827-4447. www.heightsmorningmarket.com

August 11: Watch an Italian movie with pizza
The Italian Cultural and Community Center in Montrose hosts a movie night with pizza and a screening of the Italian film “Come un gatto in gangenziale,” a movie about two sets of parents disapproving of their teens’ romance. 5 p.m. $15-$20. 1101 Milford St., Houston. 713-524-4222. www.iccchouston.com

August 13: Practice drawing near Buffalo Bayou
The Bayou Bend Collection and Garden, a division of The Houston Museum of Fine Arts, maintains 14 acres of gardens and green space adjacent to Buffalo Bayou. Experienced and novice artists are invited to practice sketching using the property as inspiration. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $5-$7.50 (children under age 9 are free). 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org

August 16: See a ballet company of people of color

The Black Iris Project, a ballet company made up mostly of people of color, performs at Miller Outdoor Theater. The company mixes classic and contemporary dance styles for a unique ballet experience. 8:30 p.m. Free. 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 832-487-7102. www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

August 17: Have a hands-on art museum experience
Guests can weave fabric strips into a collaborative piece at the Contemporary Art Museum Houston. The museum invites guests to try out the medium used by one of its featured artists, Nari Ward. 1-4 p.m. Free. 5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston.
713-284-8250. www.camh.org

August 22: Catch a late night comic live
Writer Jen Kirkman has written for “Chelsea Lately,” “@Midnight”, Conan O’Brien, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” She also has two Netflix comedy specials and a best-selling book, among other accomplishments. Catch her perform at The Heights Theater. 8 p.m. $22-$272. 339 W. 19th St., Houston. 214-272-8346. www.theheightstheater.com

August 23: Get a free sweet treat
Anyone with a sweet tooth is invited to stop by the Garden Oaks location of Frost Bank and cool off with free Dippin’ Dots, the dot-shaped ice cream treat. 2-4 p.m. Free. 4606 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston. 210-569-6906. www.frostbank.com

August 23: Learn about Argentinian film
Argentine actresses Paula Grinszpan and Lucía Maciel discuss the latest trends in films coming out of Argentina. The Institute of Hispanic Culture hosts the event in Spanish in collaboration with Casa de Argentina de Houston. 1 p.m. $40-$135. 3315 Sul Ross St., Houston. 713-528-1492. www.ihch.org

August 24: Walk through an art exhibit in a maze
Elena Lopez-Poirot hosts an opening reception with refreshments from Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. for her art exhibit “Pockets” —a maze-like installation that visitors can walk through at the Tank Project Space in Sawyer Yards. The exhibit, which explores themes of childhood memories through sounds, smells, visuals and other experiences, is on display through Sept. 21. 6-8 p.m. Free. 1824 Spring St., Houston. www.sawyeryards.com

August 25: Check out at Texas native at White Oak Music Hall
Shakey Graves performs at White Oak Music Hall accompanied by Dr. Dog and an opening performance by Caroline Rose. The Austin native is known for his unique blues-influenced indie rock. 6:30 p.m. $32-$200. 2915 N. Main Street, Houston. 713-237-0370. www.whiteoakmusichall.com

August 29-September 1: Watch salsa dancing
The annual BIG Salsa Festival celebrates notable names in salsa dancing with performances, competitions and classes for dancers of all skill levels. Hosted at The Westin Galleria Houston, the festival lasts all weekend and ends each night with a Latin dance party. 7 p.m.-4 a.m. $50-$360. 5060 W. Alabama St., Houston.
www.facebook.com/bigsalsafestivahouston

By Emma Whalen

Emma is Community Impact Newspaper's Houston City Hall reporter. Previously, she covered public health, education and features for several Austin-area publications. A Boston native, she is a former student athlete and alumna of The University of Texas at Austin.

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