Whether you are a fried chicken enthusiast, a Rod Stewart fan or take sides in the Star Trek versus Star Wars rivalry, the Greater Houston area has a number of events to participate in this weekend, Aug. 11-13.

1. Ice Cream Social and Pop Up Market
Aug. 11
This event hosted by Chocolate Wasted Ice Cream Co. will feature food, live music, local artisan vendors and ice cream, while benefitting East End teachers and their classrooms. Participants are encouraged to bring a school supplies item in exchange for free ice cream. 6-10 p.m. Free. East End Street Market, 2800 Navigation Blvd., Houston. 713-928-9916. www.facebook.com/chocolatewastedicecream

2. Mixers and Elixirs
Aug. 11
The Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts a night full of music, dancing, cocktails, food trucks, a cash bar and the chance to mingle with dinosaurs. Participants must be at least 21 years old to attend. 7-10 p.m. $15-$25 Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-639-4629. www.hmns.org

3. Texas Black Women’s Expo
Aug. 12
This annual conference, presented by founder Leola Anifowoshe, features more than 20 seminars and workshops, exhibits by local vendors, a fashion show, beauty pageant, award ceremony and live entertainment. This year’s goal is for the organization to reach 100,000 SISTERS Outreach—Success In Sisters Through Entrepreneurial Revitalization Strategies. 10 a.m.-7: 30p.m. $20. NRG Center, 1 NRG Park, Houston. 832-667-1400. www.texasblackwomensexpo.com

4. Trekkies vs. Star Wars
Aug. 12
The Children’s Museum of Houston invites Star Trek and Star Wars fans to dress up as their favorite characters and take part in special space-themed activities, including an LED Galactic fidget spinner workshop, a Star Trek and Star Wars illustration workshop and a robot lab. The event will also feature special appearances by Princess Leia, Chewbacca and Star Trek inhabitants. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $12. Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, Houston. 713-522-1138. www.cmhouston.org

5. Southern Fried Chicken Fest
Aug. 12
Foodies celebrate this Southern staple with a chicken wing eating contest, a hot sauce competition, live music and arts and crafts. Chefs from local restaurants and food trucks will showcase their fried chicken favorites for festivalgoers to enjoy. A portion of festival proceeds will benefit the Kiel Colon Cancer Foundation and The Houston Food Bank. 4-10 p.m. $10-$100. Levy Park, 3801 Eastside Street, Houston. www.southernfriedchickenfest.com

6. Rod Stewart with special guest Cyndi Lauper
Aug. 12
Rock and roll legend Rod Stewart is joined by special guest Cyndi Lauper during this 18-city tour with a performance at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. Prepaid parking for the event is available online for an additional $15 per vehicle. 6 p.m. (doors open), 7:30 p.m. (concert begins). $94.50-$154.50. Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land. 800-854-2196. www.smartfinancialcentre.net

7. Boats, Bats and Brews
Aug. 12
Participants can enjoy their favorite brew while kayaking or canoeing near the Waugh Drive Bridge to watch the spectacle of the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony emerge between 8-8:15 p.m. Participants and welcome to bring their own kayak or canoe or can rent one from Bayou City Outdoors or Austin Canoe and Kayak for additional cost. Bayou City Outdoors encourages participants to bring a headlamp, water shoes, mosquito spray and quick dry clothes. Life vests are required. 7:30-10 p.m. Free. Fonde Community Center Parking Lot, 110 Sabine Street, Houston. 713-524-3567. www.bayoucityoutdoors.com

8. Pakistan Independence Day Festival
Aug. 12
The Pakistan Association of Greater Houston celebrates Pakistan Independence Day with a free event live music by Aima Baig and Ali Haider, traditional Pakistani food and raffles. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Pakistan Center, 12638 Bissonett, Houston. 281-741-8642. www.paagh.com