May
06: Night Rooms
Brazos Bookstore will host a virtual author conversation with Gina Nutt, author of “Night Rooms,” a collection of personal essays that draw on horror films and cultural tropes to meditate on anxiety, depression, suicide, grief and other traumas across a mix of subgenres. 7 p.m. Free. 713-523-0701. www.brazosbookstore.com
06, 13, 20, and 27: Children’s Bingo
Levy Park hosts these socially distanced bingo events for kids ages 4-12, a fun way for children to practice their letters and numbers while earning prizes. The Levy Park team provides all the materials needed, including bingo cards, markers and prizes. Participants should bring their own blankets. 4:30 p.m. Free. 3801 Eastside St., Houston. 713-522-7275. www.levyparkhouston.org
08: Puppies for Breakfast
The 10th annual event by Neue Creative invites dog owners to bring their pet to an outdoor party featuring dozens of local vendors, food trucks, a costume contest and a 2,500-square-foot dog play area. This year’s event is hosted at Midway’s 150-acre East River. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is requested to support the Freedom Fence Project, which provides dog fencing and enclosures for low-income households. 100 Clinton Drive, Houston. www.puppiesforbreakfast.com
12 through 14: ‘Crescendo’
The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center hosts one of its virtual programs with the film “Crescendo,” directed by Dror Zahavi. The film tells the story of the trials and tribulations of a world-famous conductor as he tries to create an Israeli-Palestinian orchestra, get them to play in harmony and soothe any rising tensions. Check the website for prices. 713-729-3200. www.erjcchouston.org
14 through 16: Art Car Experience
In lieu of the Art Car Parade, The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art will host three days and two nights of activities at its 5-acre campus. Day events offer family-friendly fare with 80 art cars on display, walking tours and children’s craft stations. At night, the venue offers live music, including The Suffers and Bayou City Funk; costumes, illuminated art cars; and food and drinks. Day: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 (adults), $5 (children). Night: 7-11 p.m. $40. 2334 Gulf Terminal Drive, Houston. www.artcarexperience.com
14 through 16: Classical overtures
The Houston Symphony’s Andrés Orozco-Estrada conducts overtures by Mozart, Beethoven, Weber and others. The symphony offers both livestream and Jones Hall ticket options. Purchasing a single in-hall ticket or for a group of three or more must be done by phone. 8 p.m. (May 14), 8 p.m. (May 15), 2:30 p.m. (May 16). $20 (livestream), $34-$76 (in person). 615 Louisiana St., Houston. 713-224-7575. www.houstonsymphony.org
16: Rain barrel sale
Houston Public Works and the city’s Green Building Resource Center are accepting orders until May 16 for its semiannual sale on rain barrels. The first-come, first-served $52 barrels have sold out, but barrels priced at $72 can still be ordered, and residents can join a waitlist for future sale opportunities. The 50-gallon barrel’s retail price is $129. All rain barrels must be picked up in person May 22 at Houston Botanical Garden, 8210 Park Place Blvd., Houston. www.codegreenhouston.org
Through May 16: Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston hosts an exhibition titled “Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting,” which celebrates lighting devices—innovative, practical, delightful, and fun. The exhibition examines lighting as a transforming force in daily life and in major design movements, from the first electric light in the early 1800s to energy-efficient bulbs in the 21st century. Included with general admission: $19 for adults, $16 for seniors, $12 for children ages 13-18, Free for children 12 and younger. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org
Through May 21: ‘Abraham: Out of One, Many’
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston hosts a virtual exhibition surrounding Abraham’s story about living together more harmoniously. For this exhibit, three celebrated Middle Eastern contemporary visual artists from the faith traditions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism created five paintings that interpret Abraham’s journey. Free. 713-533-4900. www.imgh.org
22: Bellaire Fit Fest
At least seven fitness-focused businesses from the Bellaire and West University Place area are partnering together with area food and smoothie businesses for a community event that includes health-focused outdoor fitness classes, like rowing, stretching, yoga, boot camp, and more. The goal is to get people moving and commit to healthy habits as they begin to recover from a long year of stress and isolation. Bellaire’s Row House leads the event. 10 a.m-2 p.m. Free. 6700-6708 Ferris St., Bellaire. 281-971-3242. www.therowhouse.com
29: ‘The Philadelphia Soul Sound’
Produced by the Community Music Center of Houston, the Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts “The Philadelphia Soul Sound,” a concert featuring tunes accompanied by string and rhythm section arrangements. This music was shaped by groups such as the O’Jays, The Spinners, The Delphonics, and soloists, including Dionne Warwick and Teddy Pendergrass. 8 p.m. Free. 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-523-9710. www.cmchouston.org
30: ‘Bark and Open Air Market’
Evelyn’s Park will host the “Bark and Open Air Market,” a chance for dog-related vendors and dog enthusiasts to come together in an open-air market. Regulations that would normally have prevented dogs on the park grounds have been temporarily suspended by Bellaire City Council. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 281-946-9372. www.evelynspark.org
June
Through June 05: 2021 World Transplant Games
Through a sponsorship with the Texas Medical Center, the Harris County Houston Sports Authority will hold the 2021 World Transplant Games 5K AnyWay Virtual Race, benefiting the World Transplant Games Federation. This virtual global event raises awareness and unites transplant survivors, donors, their families and supporters from around the world. Participants can complete a 5K any way they prefer, including running, walking, swimming, biking or any other activity, from May 28 through June 4. $25 plus $2.50 sign-up fee. www.wtg2021.com
