Houston is kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a variety of events that range from pool parties and brunch to cooking classes and owl sightings. Check out these eight events happening in and around the Inner Loop this weekend, May 24-27.

Party on the Plaza

This recurring series for May will conclude this weekend with performances by "Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience" and "Aaron McCoy Jazz Trio." The concert series includes live music, entertainment, food and family-friendly activities.Comicpalooza

Comicpalooza kicks off in Houston this weekend at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The three-day event draws in pop culture fans across the nation with celebrity appearances, live entertainment, panel discussions, unique attractions, and a variety of exhibitions and showcases.
  • May 24-26, times vary
  • $74-$150 per ticket
  • George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston
  • www.comicpalooza.com
Burmese Home Cooking

Urban Harvest is a nonprofit organization that focuses on enriching the Houston community through community garden programming, farmers markets, gardening classes and youth education. This summer the organization will host a series of classes, including the upcoming Burmese Home Cooking class that will explore Burmese food, ingredients and cooking with Master Chef runner-up Suu Khin.
  • May 25, 10-11:30 a.m.
  • $30 per ticket
  • Houston Bauer Education Center, 1911 West 34th St., Houston
  • www.urbanharvest.org
If Today Were Tomorrow


The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston will present Olivia Erlanger's exhibition "If Today Were Tomorrow" with a special drop-in experience. The museum's drop-in experiences feature hands-on activities and provide creative opportunities for visitors to experience current exhibitions in a meaningful way.
  • May 25, 1-4 p.m.
  • Free
  • Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston
  • www.camh.org
45th Annual Pan African Cultural Festival

Join the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center in Third Ward for the 35th Annual Pan African Cultural Festival that will feature vibrant performances, food and art from across Africa.
  • May 25, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Free
  • S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, 3815 Live Oak St., Houston
  • www.shape.org
Owl Prowl

Guests can learn about adult owls and meet live owl ambassadors at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center while enjoying light snacks, hot chocolate, coffee or Saint Arnold's beer before going on a nighttime hike.
  • May 24, 7-9 p.m.
  • $35-$50 per ticket
  • Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston
  • www.houstonarboretum.org
Supa Soca

The Encore is hosting a Memorial Day pool party. The event will feature nostalgic sounds of the Carribbean with DJs planning a variety of Soca music, Afrobeat, hip hop and R&B.Heights & Co. Memorial Day brunch


The popular Heights & Co. patio bar will be celebrating Memorial Day with a special brunch offering including menu items such as steak and eggs, a brunch burger and morning cocktails. The bar is also launching the new Summer Sunroom Dining experience to book Memorial Day weekend. The experience includes a welcome drink, appetizer, entree and a special summer cocktail menu.