April 21-30: 50th annual WorldFest-Houston Independent Film Festival
The festival features 200 independent films from 76 countries over 10 days. Times vary. $7.50 (matinee shows), $12.50 (evening shows), VIP packages available. AMC Studio 30, 2949 Dunvale Road, Houston. www.worldfest.org
April 22: Shipley Do-Nuts Dash at 8th Wonder Brewery
The third annual event benefits Kids’ Meals, a Meals-on-Wheels organization that feeds preschool-age children living in poverty locally. The two-mile course has doughnut-themed obstacles, and an after party has free doughnuts, milk and beverages from the brewery. 9 a.m.-noon. $30. 8th Wonder Brewery, 2202 Dallas St., Houston. www.eventbrite.com/e/shipley-do-nuts-dash-tickets-31265490925
April 22: ‘Garbage Island’ children’s show
Rec Room Arts presents its children’s theater show, a live interactive sketch performance. Characters solve mysteries using creative and critical thinking skills. Tickets include a juice box for children and a mimosa or coffee for adults. 10:30 a.m. $10 (ages 2 and older), free (children under age 2). Rec Room, 100 Jackson St., Houston. www.facebook.com/recroomhtx
April 22: Mud Bug Ball 2017
The Houston Parrot Head Club hosts the 16th annual charity event to benefit the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event includes silent auctions, raffles, food, drinks, live music, dancing and T-shirts. 2-7 p.m. $30 (includes food ticket, event badge and koozie), $45 (includes food ticket, event badge, koozie and T-shirt). The Pub 529, 15444 FM 529, Houston. www.mudbugball.com
April 22: Wine Fair Cy-Fair
Attendees are able to sample 250 wines, craft beer selections and food offerings from local restaurants while enjoying live music, local artists and vendors. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $25-$75. Cypress Village Station, 25222 Hwy. 290, Cypress. 832-250-8917. www.winecyfair.com
April 22: Houston Zoo Ball
Attendees have cocktails among zoo animals, dinner and dancing at this black tie event. 6:30 p.m. $125. Houston Zoo, 200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. www.houstonzoo.org/zoo-ball
April 23: 5th annual West Houston Food Truck Festival
Food trucks, live music, wine and beer will be on site along with bounce houses, face painting and balloon art for children. Noon-4 p.m. Free. Temple Sinai, 13875 Brimhurst Drive, Houston. www.facebook.com/West-Houston-Food-Truck-Festival-147861875373070
April 23: Damian’s Meatball Brawl
Benefiting the Texas Italian-American Sports Foundation, the event hosts Houston chefs in a competition of original meatball creations. Guests can sample food and wine while listening to live music and voting for the People’s Choice winner. Judges give awards for the Best Italian Meatball and Most Creative. 1-4 p.m. $55. Damian’s Cucina Italiana, 3011 Smith St., Houston. 713-524-2800. www.meatballbrawl.eventbrite.com
