April 7: Friday Night Bites
Lakeland Village Center hosts the monthly event with local food trucks, a scavenger hunt and live music from School of Rock. Food trucks include Go Crawdaddy, Carolyn’s Kitchen, Whatcha Cravin, D’Lish, Rip Cuisine, Cuban Spot, Skye Cafe, Refill Station and Greek Squad. 5-9 p.m. Free (admission). Lakeland Village Center, 10539 Fry Road, Cypress. www.bridgeland.com
April 7-8: VFW Post 8905 BBQ cookoff
Trophies are given for the best brisket, chicken, ribs and beans at the VFW Post 8905’s annual cookoff event. Barbecue sandwiches, and sausage on a stick can be purchased for $5. A silent and live auction, dancing, raffle giveaways and more are also scheduled on Saturday. 11 a.m. Free (admission). VFW Post 8905, 21901 Hwy. 290, Cypress. 281-469-6632
April 7-8: Playhouse 1960 presents ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’
The play by Brian Friel tells the story of a family living in a fictional Irish town in 1936. 8 p.m. $15 (seniors and students), $18 (adults). Playhouse 1960, 6814 Gant Road, Houston. 281-587-8243. www.playhouse1960.com
April 8: Colors of Spring Art Show
The Purple Elephant Art Community hosts a free and catered family-friendly event. Work from local artists within the community is on display in a variety of mediums. The event also includes live demos throughout the evening—including in sculpting, pastel on suede board and paint blowing—as well as a children's art exhibition, jewelry, raffle and food. 5-9 pm. Free. Purple Elephant Art Community, 12802 McSwain Road, Cypress. www.facebook.
April 8: Care Net Pregnancy Center’s Walk for Life
Before and after the walk at Matzke Park, children’s activities include face painting, balloon dart throw and a beanbag toss. After the walk, winners and fundraising totals will be announced. 8-10 a.m. The MET Baptist Church, 13000 Jones Road, Houston. www.care-net.org
April 8: Youth Garage Sale at Messiah Lutheran Church
Proceeds from a church-wide garage sale will benefit the youth’s summer mission trip to Navajo Nation, Arizona. Items for sale include furniture, tools, games, kitchen gadgets and more. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. Messiah Lutheran Church, 1152 Telge Road, Cypress. 281-890-3013. www.messiahlc.org
April 8: Reach Unlimited Springfest
The annual event includes a walk-athon and family-friendly entertainment, such as face painting, games and balloon art. Local nonprofit Reach Unlimited serves clients who are intellectually or developmentally disabled. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Learning Activity Center, 11832 Mueller Cemetery Road, Cypress. 281-469-8058. www.reachunlimited.org
April 9: 2017 Vintage Park Half Marathon
The inaugural event is the third of three races in the 2017 Bayou City Half Marathon Series. The race includes distances for athletes of all ages and skill levels, including a half marathon, half marathon relay, 5K and kids 1K. Registration includes free high-resolution race photos, a T-shirt, a choice of hat or visor and a B-tag for accurate timing. All finishers receive a custom medal. 5-11 a.m. $30 (kids 1K), $50 (5K), $105 (half marathon). Vintage Park, 110 Vintage Park Blvd., Houston. www.vintageparkhalf.com
