DECEMBER
07 Shop and support pet adoptionsHouston Pets Alive Thrift hosts its monthly, pet-friendly Sip Shop Adopt! event. Guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages and snacks, meet pets up for adoption and shop with special discounts. HPA is a nonprofit animal rescue dedicated to saving pets at risk of euthanasia. Noon-4 p.m. Free. 2532 Nottingham St., Houston. 713-497-5650. www.houstonpetsalive.org
12 Weave tree branches into art
The Bellaire Nature Discovery Center will host a bring-your-own-beverage workshop, where students will take tree branches and other sustainable supplies to create a piece of art. The event is for adults only, and registration is required in advance. 7-9 p.m. $25. 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire. 713-667-6550. www.naturediscoverycenter.org
12 Attend a talk about social justice movements in Houston
Project Curate, a local collaborative bringing attention to social justice issues in Houston, hosts the last of its speaker series called “A People’s History of Houston,” with a talk at the Jung Center. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $30. 5200 Montrose Blvd., Houston. 713-528-0527. www.projectcurate.org
14 Listen to young opera talent audition for a chance to make it to New York
The Houston Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions will have its ninth annual competition at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. Some 40 young artists will compete for $7,500 in prizes and a chance to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera. Houston District winners will proceed to a regional competition Jan. 5, 2020 in New Orleans, followed by the grand finals on March 1, 2020 in New York. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 6100 Main St., Houston. 832-723-8983.
15 Catch the Norman Rockwell ‘Four Freedoms’ exhibition at MFAH
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston opens a new exhibition,”Norman Rockwell: American Freedom,” showcases the artist’s iconic paintings from 1943—“Freedom of Speech,” “Freedom of Worship,” “Freedom from Fear” and “Freedom from Want.” The exhibit also includes historical documents, photos, videos and other pieces of the time. The exhibit will be on display through March 22, 2020. Exhibit is included with general admission: Free (members and children under 12); $18 (seniors, military, students); $23 (adults). 5601 Main St., Houston. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org
17 View photos of a changing city
The Moody Center for the Arts will hold an opening night reception for “Changing Houston,” an exhibit by Geoff Winningham, a photographer and Rice University professor of visual arts, at The BioScience Research Collaborative. The exhibit will remain on view until March 17. 5 p.m. Free. 6566 Main St., Houston. 713-348-2787. http://moody.rice.edu
21 Take steps to be more health conscious
The Hermann Park Conservancy hosts “Walk with a Doc,” where participants can join a practicing physician for a walk through the park as they ask questions and learn more about health and wellness. The walks are held the third Saturday of every month and start at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. 9-10 a.m. Free. 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-524-5876. www.hermannpark.org
31 Wrap up Harvey home repairs
Homeowners have until Dec. 31 to complete home repairs for reimbursement under the federal Harvey Homeowner Assistance Program. Homeowners can apply for funds after the deadline as long as repairs are completed and documented by then. Grant levels vary by income status, with maximums ranging from $20,000 to $80,000. 832-393-0550. http://recovery.houstontx.gov
Every Saturday-Sunday
Launched in August, the Braeswood Farmers Market brings locally sourced produce, vendors and food trucks to the former H-E-B parking lot. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. 5401 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston. 713-320-5588. www.facebook.com/braeswoodfarmersmarket
