calendar of events

october
november
december
january
february

march
april
may
june
july

ongoing

Historic Walking Tours(Fourth Sunday of Every Month)

on the fourth Sunday of every month, the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance conducts guided walking tours of historically and/or architecturally key landmarks. Call (713) 216-5000 for more information.

October

Ghost Walks (All month long)
starting at the Franklin Street Coffee House throughout October, Ghost Walks provide opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit on a leisurely two-mile MetroRail ride and stroll featuring urban legends and true tales of deceased Houstonians. spooky stories include the gory tale of the former Alley Theatre manager's murder. call (713) 222-9255 for more information.

The Original Greek Festival (Oct 4-6)
celebrate the 41st annual Houston Greek Festival on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. authentic Greek food, wine, dancing and artifacts are fun for the entire family. (713) 526-5377
www.greekfestival.org

28th annual Festival Chicano (Oct 4-6)
annual Festival Chicano has been going for 25+ years. the festival brings music, dance, and more to HermannPark's Miller Outdoor Theatre. some of Tejano's biggest stars will be on hand to commemorate Latin culture for three days. from conjunto to big band and mariachi to Tejano, this annual celebration showcases outstanding Chicano artists. Cultural and informational exhibits, ethnic foods and an artist autograph area will also be available at the festival. (713) 284-8350

TexasRenaissance Festival (Oct 6-Nov 25)
starting in October and continuing for eight themed weekends in plantersville, the Texas Renaissance Festival recreates an English village of the 16th century. each weekend offers ye old entertainment, games and rides, refreshments, artisan wares, and 200 performances daily, including magicians, jugglers, minstrels, troubadours and comedians perform on six stages. (281) 356-2178

23nd Annual Wings Over Houston Air Show (Oct 6-7)
the sky's the stage at Ellington Field for awesome demonstrations of precision flying, aerobatics and air-attack re-enactments. the food court and kiddie carnival add to the daylong exhibition. (713) 266-4492

17th Annual Komen Houston Race for the Cure (Oct 6)
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Houston Affiliate is celebrating the national organization's 25th anniversary. Houston Race for the Cure®, houston's largest footrace. this year's event is anticipated to be even more successful raising valuable funds which will be granted to local organizations that are helping breast cancer survivors and their families. (713) 783-9188

Feast with the Beasts 2007 (Oct 12)
Houston Zoo, Inc.
this fall, the Houston Zoo brings back its most anticipated culinary event. join the Houston Zoo October 12th for the second-annual Feast with the Beasts! enjoy an evening of exotic culinary fare from houston's hottest independent restaurants and live performances on three entertainment stages, all set against the Zoo's naturally wild backdrop, this is an evening you won't want to miss! (713) 533-6552

Fiesta Italiana (Oct 13-14)
Houston Farm and Ranch Club
do you want to visit Italy but you do not have a villa to visit? there will be two days of live entertainment including the popular grape stomp, pasta eating contest, delicious home made Italian food, vintage Italian cars (on Saturday), and plenty of children activities including petting zoos, pony rides, rock wall, face painters, and puppet shows.
(713) 524-0516

BayouCityArt Festival (Oct 13-14)
after juried selection, more than 300 artists move into Houston's Memorial Park for this 30-plus-year-old annual event. 10-6pm (713) 521-0133.

15th Turkish Festival (Oct 13)
Houston's Jones Plaza comes alive with sights, sounds and aromas of Turkey in a grand bazaar atmosphere. (713) 826-9783

Make Mine Music Fest (Oct 20)
benefiting the Texas Music Project and Houston area non-profits, the Make Mine Texas Music Fest staged at the HumbleRodeoArena & ExpoCenter covers cumbias to honky-tonk, with crafts, food, and plenty for kids. (713) 692-1935

Asian American Festival (Oct 20-21)
Miller Outdoor Theatre in HermannPark is the venue for performances of Asian music, dance and other arts. cultural exhibits and children's activities make this noon-to-dusk event fun for the whole family.
(713) 845-1000

Kingwood Fine Arts Festival XI (Oct 20-21)
located on the northeast side of houston, Texas, the Kingwood area is a master planned community surrounded by woods and natural beauty. its 60,000 residents are educated and enthusiastic patrons of the arts. The Kingwood Fine Arts Festival is held in TownCenterPark which is located in one of the busiest shopping centers in town providing an excellent setting for the artists and visitors. (281) 358.1710

The Athena Art Project- Houston Women's Festival (Oct 20)
The Festival is a celebration of music, art, culture and community. JonesPlaza, Downtown Houston Noon - 10:00 p.m. festival devoted to female artists, performers, musicians. (281) 338-7430

SouthShoreDockside Food & Wine Festival (Oct 20)
cuisine, wine, culinary demonstrations, boats and cars and more are on display. (281) 334-1000.

4th AnnualGulfCoast International Dragon Boat Regatta (Oct 20-21)
join the Texas Dragon Boat Association (TDBA) as it presents its 4th Annual Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta at ClearLakePark. spectators and participants of this free public event celebrate Asian culture as they enjoy diverse food, music and cultural performances. (832) 687-7208

12th Annual Fall Texas Home & Garden Show (Oct 26-28)
HoustonTexans
thousands of ideas, products and services all under one roof! plenty of home decor, gardening and landscaping, outdoor living, pools and spas, and don't miss your chance to see gourmet cooking shows as well as meet "The Antique Man," Paul Wishnow.
(832) 667-2000

Day of the Dead Festival (Oct 27-28)
presented by MECA, a multicultural arts organization, houston's Dia de los Muertos is a traditional holiday honoring and celebrating lives of family and friends who have died.
(713) 802-9370

AugustaPines Charity Classic (Early Oct)
this 54-hole individual stroke-play event has competitive rounds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and programs on weekdays. (832) 381-1000

November

International Quilt Festival(Nov 1-4)
more than 900 antique and contemporary quilts are on display at the George R.Brown Convention Center in special exhibits during this celebration of the textile arts. hundreds of booths sell items such as quilting supplies, notions and finished quilts. demonstrations and mini-classes available. (713) 781-6864

TexasRenaissance Festival (Oct 6-Nov 25)
starting in October and continuing for eight themed weekends in Plantersville, the Texas Renaissance Festival recreates an English village of the 16th century. each weekend offers ye old entertainment, games and rides, refreshments, artisan wares, and 200 performances daily, including magicians, jugglers, minstrels, troubadours and comedians perform on six stages. (281) 356-2178

Ballunar Liftoff (Nov 2-4)
SpaceCenter Houston and the ClearLake community present this whimsical summer tradition involving a platoon of more than 100 hot air balloons. airborne competitions, sky diving, hang gliding and air rescue demonstrations add to the entertainment.
(281) 488-7676

Cycle World International Motorcycle Show (Nov 2-4)
bigger and better than ever! Powersports enthusiasts from across the country can see the latest and greatest innovations, products and services, after market products, as well as the hottest new motorcycles, custom bikes, ATVs, scooters and more. (832) 667-2000

18th Annual Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow (Nov 10-11)
TradersVillage - Houston
more than 100 Native Americans from across the United States compete in two days of traditional singing and dancing. also included are Native American food, teepee village, demonstrations, storytelling and educational booths. plus, there are arts and crafts in more than 125 booths. (281) 890-5500.

13th Annual Children's Festival (Nov 10-11)
The 13th Annual Children's Festival at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. (281) 363-3300

Festival of Lights (Nov 17- Jan 5)
MoodyGardens
with more than a million twinkling lights, Moody Gardens is transformed into a magical winter wonderland for the Sixth Annual Festival of Lights! this whimsical celebration will kick off the holiday season on November 17, with Santa Claus parachuting in to switch on the lights. (409) 744-4673

The Twelve Ways of Christmas (Nov 17-Dec 30)
Ensemble Theatre, The
in the world of countless experiences comes The Twelve Ways of Christmas, using the sounds of jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel to give an excellent musical depiction of the varying perspectives of one's holiday. the audience is sure to find its own meaning of Christmas in this captivating soulful production. (713) 520-0055

Foundation for Modern Music (Mid November through April)
The Foundation for Modern Music presents a series of annual concerts featuring works of living American composers, often with the composers in attendance. (713) 529-3928

Thanksgiving Day Parade (Thanksgiving day)
a lavish downtown parade where sensational floats, marching bands and costumed characters escort Santa Claus on an early visit to the Houston area.
(713) 654-8808.

The Nutcracker (Nov 23- Dec 29)
HoustonBallet
a wonderful ballet for the entire family, "The Nutcracker" is the perfect way to introduce young children to the power and beauty of classical dance. Tchaikovsky's magical score, Desmond Heeley's fairy-tale scenery, and Ben Stevenson's vibrantly theatrical staging combine to create one of the most visually stunning productions of "The Nutcracker" in the world today. join Clara on her unforgettable journey as she travels to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, and marvel as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince dance a pas de deux of crystalline beauty. it's a perfect holiday treat!
(713) 523-6300

Uptown Tree Lighting Ceremony.(Nov 22)
when half a million holiday lights simultaneously illuminate 80 Christmas trees lining Post Oak Boulevard, it signals the start of the season. choirs, bands and a huge fireworks show help stir up holiday spirit on Thanksgiving evening. the abundant decorations and lights on area skyscrapers add to the dazzling display all season.
(713) 621-2011.

Mayor's Official Downtown Holiday Celebration (Nov 30)
with City Hall as the backdrop, Hermann Square hosts an upbeat outdoor show culminating in the lighting of the enormous Christmas tree and a huge fireworks display.
(713) 845-1267.

December

Foundation for Modern Music (Mid-November through April)
The Foundation for Modern Music presents a series of annual concerts featuring works of living American composers, often with the composers in attendance. (713) 529-3928

Dickens on the Strand(Dec 1-2)
you'll step into a merry old England village when you visit the Galveston Island 31st annual Dickens on the Strand Festival. taking their cue from the characters of 'A Christmas Carol', hundreds of performers dressed in authentic Victorian attire mingle with the holiday crowd. even Scrooge would be happy with six stages providing continuous entertainment and wandering minstrels singing on every corner. three parades wind their way through the 10-block festival while vendors hawk wares from their street stalls and rolling carts offering savory British fare. kids will be enthralled with the Royal Menagerie petting zoo and pony rides. (409)763-5326 or (409) 765-7834

Festival of Lights (Through Jan 5)
MoodyGardens
with more than a million twinkling lights, Moody Gardens is transformed into a magical winter wonderland for the Sixth Annual Festival of Lights! this whimsical celebration will kick off the holiday season on November 17, with Santa Claus parachuting in to switch on the lights. (409) 744-4673

The Twelve Ways of Christmas (Through Dec 30)
Ensemble Theatre, The
in the world of countless experiences comes The Twelve Ways of Christmas, using the sounds of jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel to give an excellent musical depiction of the varying perspectives of one's holiday. the audience is sure to find its own meaning of Christmas in this captivating soulful production. (713) 520-0055

45th Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour (Dec 7-8)
Heritage Society, The
stroll down memory lane at The Heritage Society's 45th Annual Candlelight Tour. come tour houston's most historic homes decorated for the season. enjoy food, entertainment and more. (713) 655-1912

46th Annual Christmas Boat Parade on ClearLake (Dec 8)
the 46th Annual Christmas Boat Parade features more than 100 beautifully lit and extravagantly decorated boats travel leisurely through the Lake and up Clear Creek Channel to GalvestonBay, beginning at 6:00 p.m. the parade can be viewed along the shoreline in Seabrook and from the Kemah Boardwalk. (281) 338-0333

A Wonderful Life ( Dec 11-23)
Theatre Under The Stars
the musical adaptation of Frank Capra's 1946 classic film, starring Jimmy Stewart, will come to life on stage when TUTS produces "A Wonderful Life" for the holidays. having recently celebrated 60 years as one of America's favorite holiday traditions when it topped the American Film Institute's list of Most Inspiring Films of All Time. (713) 558-8887

Fiesta Guadalupana (Dec 12)
MECA's annual celebration for the Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe is based on a tradition that dates back to 16th century Mexico. millions of Hispanics throughout the nation and the Americas gather on this day to honor La Virgen de Guadalupe. MECA's Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Concert Series presents Fiesta Guadalupana at 8 p.m., with exhibit contributions from Houston artists. (713) 802-9370

FireworksOverClearLake(Dec 31)
enjoy the midnight fireworks from the area's waterfront restaurants. (281) 705-7733 or (281) 474-4860

January

Foundation for Modern Music ( Through April)
The Foundation for Modern Music presents a series of annual concerts featuring works of living American composers, often with the composers in attendance. (713) 529-3928

2006 Chevron HoustonMarathon(Mid Jan)
be a part of houston's largest single-day sporting event. Combined with the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and the HoustonPress / Smart Financial 5K, more than 18,000 participants, 200,000 spectators and 5,000 volunteers will take to the streets of houston on Sunday, January 15, 2006. from race organization, to course entertainment, to state-of-the-art technology, the Houston Marathon is truly a Texas-sized experience… be part of it!

Mardi Gras Galveston! (End Jan- early Feb)
the real definition of Mardi Gras is 'Fat Tuesday', so every year, for 11 nights and 12 days, people give into their indulgences. each year, more than a half-million people come out for this festive event on Galveston Island for parties and celebrations. the parades run just about all day long, though you shouldn't miss the annual Fat Tuesday parade the night before Lent. as is every year, there will be bands and music a plenty, with such greats as Seven Mary Three, Chubby Checker, Survivor, Cowboy Mouth and many, many others. Galveston Island. (888) 425-4753.

February

Foundation for Modern Music (Through April)
The Foundation for Modern Music presents a series of annual concerts featuring works of living American composers, often with the composers in attendance. (713) 529-3928

HoustonLivestock Show & Rodeo (Late Feb through Mar)
for nearly three weeks every year, the Houston Livestock Show™ fills Reliant Center and Reliant Arena with world-class livestock exhibitors bringing their best stock for evaluation by professional judges. aside from the exhibitors, more than 1 million show visitors are expected to view livestock ranging from cattle and sheep to horses and rabbits. more than 33,000 entries were part of the last year's competition, all vying for top titles, ribbons, trophies and premiums in the show ring. (832) 667-1000

March

Foundation for Modern Music (Through April)
the Foundation for Modern Music presents a series of annual concerts featuring works of living American composers, often with the composers in attendance. (713) 529-3928

BayouCityArt Festival (Fourth weekend of March)
after juried selection, more than 300 artists move into Houston's Memorial Park for this 30-plus-year-old annual event. (713) 521-0133.

Brain Night at the Museum (Late March)
presented annually in conjunction with the University of Texas Health Science Center, the free evening showcases how the brain works, with dissection of a sheep's brain, a video and more. call (713) 521-1515 for more information.

35th Annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta and Outdoor Expo (Mar 24)
test your endurance in Texas' largest kayak and canoe race! whether you paddle competitively or just for fun, the Buffalo Bayou Regatta is a great way to see Houston from a whole new angle. join in the fun at the 34th annual 15-mile canoe and kayak race through the heart of our city. (713) 752-0314

April

Children's Festival (Early April)
designed to bring out the child in everyone, this festival's popularity always increases. more than 100,000 Texans attend the yearly festivities, and for that reason, the Houston Children's Festival is billed as the largest children's outdoor event in the country. the festival is spread out downtown through Sam Houston Park, Tranquility Park and City Hall, with the usual compliment of games, rides, music and entertainment. (713) 529-1396

River Oaks International Tennis Tournament (Early April)
few tournaments in the world of tennis have endured the test of time like River Oaks. in 70 tournaments, beginning with Ellsworth Vines in 1931, the red clay courts of River Oaks have seen almost every notable player in the game. the tournament has focused on displaying the talents of the new, young players who are on their way to stardom like Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Andre Agassi and Michael Chang.

BayouCityCajun Fest (Early April)
tons of crawfish and all sorts of other food and beverage accompany live popular acts at TradersVillage. call (281) 890-5500.

JapanFestival (Early April)
The Houston Japan Festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Japan with activities that represent traditional entertainment, sport, food and art. this festival takes place in Hermann Park's Japanese Garden and showcases folk and traditional Japanese dance and music, plus demonstrations of martial arts, Ikeban flower design and origami. Call (713) 963-0121.

Shell Houston Open (Mid April)
one of golf's biggest events. Redstone Golf Club. (281) 454-7000

Easter Weekend at Kemah Boardwalk (Easter Weekend)
east activities for the kids include a giant egg pi? bust, an easter egg hunt, egg decorating, and other fun. Call (281) 334-9880 for more information.

HoustonInternational Festival (Late April)
11:00AM - 8:00PM
Downtown Houston
The Houston International Festival, also known as iFest, is the city's premier arts festival. the event celebrates Houston's role as an international city and helps children grow to become global citizens while the city celebrates the region's own rich arts and culture. the first festival was held on Main Street in 1971 and was two blocks long. the festival celebrates its 35th year in 2006 on over 16 acres in downtown Houston parks and plazas. a new and different country is selected each year and the art and culture of the honored country are spotlighted. (713) 654-8808

WorldFest: Houston International Film Festival (Late April)
WorldFest was founded 45 years ago as Cinema Arts. WorldFest became the third competitive international film festival in North America, following San Francisco and New York. cinema buffs get a chance to view films fresh from production when the world's largest international film and video competition comes to town. (713) 965-9955

Asian Pacific Heritage Festival (Late April)
this annual parade and festival is at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in southwest Houston. Call (713) 784-1112 for more information.

May

Houston's Buffalo Bayou Regatta (Early May)
the waterway that weaves through downtown, beckons visitors and locals alike to join in the fun at the annual canoe and kayak regattas, and Dragon Boat Festival. the serious racing is complemented by a hilarious 'Anything That Floats' race, a relaxing picnic in Sesquicentennial Park, educational environment and nature demonstrations, and a trash pick-up with prizes. Sesquicentennial Park on houston's waterfront; date: Dragon Boat Festival: May 2006

Annual Blessing of the Fleet (Early May)
decorated shrimp boats and pleasure craft receive blessings from the officiating priest and minister.
(281) 334-9880

Art Car Festival Weekend (Mid May)
more than 250 vehicles and other rolling entries -- lawnmowers, art-cycles, and hard to classify contraptions -- from dozens of states plus Canada will participate in the 2006 celebration. The Art Cars have been a signature houston phenomenon since the first Art Car Parade in 1988. (713) 926-6368

Cinco de Mayo Celebration.(May 5)
Mexico defeated invading French forces on this date, but it has become a day for Mexicans to celebrate their heritage. festivities include a downtown parade and a festival with Mariachi bands, dancers and food at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.
(713) 284-8352

Clear LakeGreek Festival (Mother's Day Weekend)
each year on Mother's Day weekend, participants savor a weekend in Greece without leaving Texas, thanks to festivities always at the town park. (281) 326-6539

TexasTruck & SUV Show (Late May)
showcasing trucks, SUVs and accessories and geared toward everyone from avid hunters to families. (214) 221-1493

June

U.S.Open Sporting Clays Championship (Late May to Early June)
rifle and pistol, sporting clays, trap and skeet competitions are for individuals or groups. Call (281) 556-8199 for more information.

Juneteenth (Mid June)
blues, gospel and jazz performances unfold at Hermann Park marking the day Texas learned of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves. (713) 284-8350 or (713) 558-2600

TradersVillageSummer Concert Series
TradersVillage - Houston
the annual Cricket Wireless Summer Concert Series at houston's Traders Village begins on Saturday, June 2 with 13 weekends of live music from Honky Tonk and Tejano, to Funk, Cajun and Bluegrass. (281) 890-5500

Verizon Wireless Concert Series at SamHoustonRacePark
SamHouston Race Park
in addition to the fast-paced excitement of American Quarter Horse racing at Sam Houston Race Park, the northwest houston racetrack is kicking its annual summer concert series into high gear with the help of some of the top Country Western artists in the country. (281) 807-8760

July

BP Power of Freedom Festival (Fourth of July)
this annual downtown Fourth of July celebration takes place in Sam Houston Park and Bayou Park. (713) 522-9723

Fourth of July at Miller Outdoor Theatre (Fourth of July)
The Houston Symphony performs its annual extravaganza at Hermann Park including Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture accompanied by a 16 cannon salute and fireworks. (713) 284-8350

Origami Festival at Tansu (Early July)
Tansu in the HoustonHeights stages an Origami Festival with exhibits, hands-on workshops, and free demonstrations. festival events include a cocktail reception with the artists. (713) 880-5100

The Big Show (Mid July to Mid Aug)
Lawndale Art Center
The Big Show is LawndaleArtCenter's annual open-call, juried exhibition. it has been an important venue through which emerging and under-represented houston area artists gain exposure since the show's conception in 1984. The Big Show was formerly the East End Show, sponsored by the East End Progress Association, at Lawndale's original location. The Big Show 2006 drew in 889 artwork submissions from 375 Houston area artists. (713) 528-5858

HoustonShakespeare Festival (Mid July to Mid Aug)
Miller Outdoor Theatre
a tribute to the famous playwright with free performances throughout the month at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. (281) 373-3386

ArtHouston (Early July)
more than 30 galleries participate at this evening art walk event put on by the Houston Art Dealers Assoc.

leisure/activities