Sept. 16: Grab a brew at the zoo
Guests can try over 30 different types of beer at the Brew at the Zoo event, which also features live music, animals, games and a pool where attendees can relax with their drinks. 6-10 pm. $35. Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6500. www.houstonzoo.org
Sept. 16: Stop by an artist reception
Guests are welcomed to the opening of “Urban Impressions: Experiencing the Global Contemporary Metropolis.” Art from painter Rick Lowe, sculptor Rana Begum and contemporary visual artist Julie Mehretu focus on the overarching aspects of urban life. 6-8 p.m. Free. Moody Center for the Arts, 6100 Main St., Houston. 713-348-2787. www.moody.rice.edu
Sept. 16: Hike with nightlife
Attendees age 4 and older can learn about animals that thrive at night at the Park After Dark Night Hike. Adults are welcome to participate, but space is limited. Registration is required, and a flashlight and bug spray are recommended. 8-9 p.m. $10. Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle Drive, Bellaire. 713-667-6550. www.naturediscoverycenter.org
Sept. 17: Jam out to jazz music
The Houston Jazz Festival comes to Miller Outdoor Theatre with performances from The Cookers and Nellie McKay. The works of artist Jack Whitten will also be on display. 8 p.m. Free. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 281-373-3386. www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
Sept. 17 through Oct. 09: Watch regional premiere of Tony-nominated play
Set in 1957, “Trouble in Mind” follows Black actress Willeta Mayer, who can be the lead role in a Broadway play if she gives up her principles. 7:30 p.m. (Thu.-Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sun.). $10+. Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston. 713-524-6706. www.mainstreettheater.com
Sept. 17: Learn about bats at the Houston Arboretum
The first-ever “Bat Fest” features educational booths, crafts for children and live animals, all in celebration of bats. The event also features a blood drive with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston. 713-681-8433. www.houstonarboretum.org
Sept. 23: Support local orchestra’s new season
Guests can enjoy the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra led by Mei-Ann Chen, which will play music honoring Houston’s cultural diversity, including works by Juan Pablo Contreras, Beethoven and a Vietnamese folk ballad. 8 p.m. Free. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-665-2700. www.roco.org
Sept. 24: Enjoy DJs, running and parties
The Night Nation Fun Run mixes music and running in the city’s first running music festival. Participants can run both in and out of Minute Maid Park and experience an after-party with DJs, lights and bubble zones. Registration comes with gear, access to concerts and free giveaways. 5 p.m. $34.99+. Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford St., Houston. www.nightnationrun.com/houston
Sept. 24: Listen to World-class Choir
Watch the Houston Chamber Choir perform its first concert of the 2022-23 season. “Let All The World in Every Corner Sing” is a tribute to English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ 150th birthday. 7:30 p.m. $33.50. South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main St., Houston. 713-224-5566. www.houstonchamberchoir.org
Sept. 25: Represent schools in university race
Runners compete with Rice University or the University of Houston in the Karbach Brewing Bayou Bucket in 5K or 10K races. The event includes a Kids K race for families. Registration includes a ticket to the Rice football game. 7:30 a.m. (5K and 10K), 9:30 a.m. (Kids K). $20+. Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston. www.houstonrunningco.com
Oct. 2: Try dishes from Houston’s top chefs
Chefs For Farmers, a Texas-based food and wine festival, will be held in Houston for the first time, featuring an all-star lineup of chefs. Over 20 chefs will cook with ingredients produced by local farmers in the Houston area, and brewers will also serve alcoholic beverages. General admission covers freshly made food and beverages. VIP access is $150 per ticket and includes early entry at 1 p.m., during which time guests can try exclusive dishes and explore the offerings of each chef, winemaker and farmer up close. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Houston Food Bank. 2-5 p.m. $115. Autry Park, 3737 Cogdell St., Houston. www.chefsforfarmers.com
