With the damp, humid air and murky bayou crawling through the ancient city, Houston always feels a little ghostly. But things get most creepy around Halloween, when ghost tours and spirits glimpses into the city's unearthly history are in full swing. There are also incredibly cute doggie costume contests and somewhat less adorable human costume contests. This year's Halloweekend bashes will feature live music, flowing boo-ze, pumpkin smashing, and moon-howlin' dance parties that will last far beyond your customary bedtime. Here's all you need to do in Houston this #SpookySzn.

House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée
Choose dates 8th – 31st of October
Casa Vega, Missouri City's haunted home, has officially opened its doors for the season. The immersive theatrical cocktail experience spooks you with roving specters, secret games, scary stories, tarot readings, and small handmade drinks to keep you thoroughly boo-zed.
Ticket prices start at $66 and go up from there.

The Halloween Bar Crawl
Saturday, October 22; Saturday, October 29; and Monday, October 31
Midtown Pub Crawl's official Halloween Bar Crawl will travel through prominent Midtown haunts on numerous evenings (including Halloween night), giving you three chances to put on your best costume and join the festivities. Your ticket entitles you to discounts on beverages (and food) at participating establishments, which will have Halloween-themed cocktails, bands and DJs, and picture chances throughout the crawl.
Cost: Tickets vary from $9.99 to $24.99 for three-day tickets.

Thursday, October 27th, Vampire Ball
Doris Metropolitan Modern Israeli steakhouse Doris Metropolitan will deck out the sultry venue for its annual Vampire Ball. Costumes are welcomed, with doors opening at 5 p.m., happy hour until 7 p.m., and DJ beats into the night.
There is no cover charge, but reservations must be made via Resy.

Brunch on Day of the Dead
Saturday, October 29 B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Do Halloweekend justice with a Dia de los Muertos themed brunch at one of Houston's best steakhouses. B&B Butchers will be serving Mexico City-inspired brunch meals and Código 1530 Tequila specialty drinks, as well as DJ sounds, face painting, swag, and an appearance by mariachis.
A la carte, reserve a table via OpenTable from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Halloween Costume Contest & Adoption Event Saturday, October 29 Heights Bier Garten
Kids trick-or-treating in costume are charming, but you know what's even cuter? Costumed dogs And this pet adoption event will have plenty of it. From 2 to 5 p.m., check out the doggy Halloween Costume Contest for prizes, sip beers and munchies, and purchase raffle tickets and rescue stuff.
Cost: Free to attend; $10 to submit your dog in the dog costume contest.

Boos & Brews on 19th Thursday, October 29th 19th Street in the Heights
From 5 to 9 p.m., stroll the shops along historic 19th Street and fill your Halloween pilsner cup with complimentary drinks from local brewers as the kids trick or treat. It's a no-brainer.
Cost: Purchase pint glasses for $20 each to have access to the complimentary beers.

The post 7 Halloween Events Happening In Houston 2022 appeared first on East End Lofts Blog.

Although it might be difficult to keep secrets hidden in a city with millions of residents, a big city like Houston is sure to have some secrets. Exploring is one of the best things to do in Houston. Here are a few of Houston's best-kept secrets for those who appreciate finding strange, obscure, or hidden treasures.

The Bayou's Burp Button

Visit the nearby Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern to find the secret button that causes a bubble to "burp" in Buffalo Bayou. The inconspicuous red button is located on the outskirts of downtown, close to Sesquicentennial Park, but I won't say exactly where it is. Both adults and kids will enjoy the button's explosion of a sizable bubble from the bayou. Consider timing the bubble to catch any bayou kayakers off surprise, even if it might not be appreciated.

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Built in 1926, the 15 million gallon reservoir in downtown Houston was deactivated in the 1970s and mostly forgotten. Then, in 2012, while working on park repairs, workers unlocked a hatch to get access to the space and discovered a magnificent cistern with endless rows of columns ascending to the ceiling. After renovation, the area is now open to the public for visits. For $5, guests may enjoy a 30-minute tour of the site where they can discover its history and even experience the 17-second echo produced by the enclosed cistern. From December 2016 until June 2017, a video art piece called "Rain: Magdalena Fernandez" occupied the space, projecting light throughout the cistern.

The Dungeon Room of the Hotel ZaZa

Locals usually pick the upscale Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District when they wish to spend the afternoon by a nice pool. But if you want to spend a staycation in one of the strangest hotel rooms in the city, ZaZa could be the place for you. The area known as the "Dungeon Room" is located on the third floor of the hotel. Although the hotel has "Hard Times" as one of its themed rooms and even has the word "Hard Times" in its official name, it is not marketed nor immediately obvious when trying to make a reservation. This room, which is around one-third the size of a conventional hotel room, contains a strange bed that is chained to the walls, a brick wall façade, and other odd artwork. The "Hard Times" room itself is odd, but guests who stay there get to use one of the hotel's largest balconies.

Lucky Land 

Lucky Land is tucked between I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road in north Houston, south of Aldine. Over two acres, Lucky Land is a serene area devoted to Asian history and culture. At a moderate adult admission price of $10, Lucky Land provides a massive Terracotta Army model that fills many trenches and is identical to the army discovered in the Chinese province of Shaanxi. The Panda Village, various kung fu sculptures, tiny Chinese cities, smiling Buddha statues, and a big koi pond are further attractions of Lucky Land.

Shri Swaminarayan Temple of BAPS

This magnificent Hindu temple was built in Houston utilizing more than 33,000 distinct pieces of Turkish limestone and Italian marble that were carved in India. It is situated in Stafford on the southwest side of the city. A place of worship and devotion for practicing Hindus, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is open to the general public and features an exhibition to aid in understanding Hinduism. The 22-acre mandir offers visitors gorgeous grounds, a charming building, and the opportunity to interact with and learn about Hinduism.

What secrets about Houston have you uncovered? Comment below and let us know!

The post 5 of Houston’s Best-Kept Secrets to Explore the City appeared first on East End Lofts Blog.

You've found the best location to look for fireworks for the Fourth of July in Houston.
Given that the Houston region is one of the largest metroplexes in the US, it is not surprising that many locations will light up the night skies with fireworks on July 4. You have a great chance of discovering something nearby!

Each fireworks display in the Greater Houston area has been listed for your convenience. To make it simple for you to find things to do close by, the events are organized by Houston neighborhoods including Downtown Houston, West Houston, South Houston, and East Houston.
We wish you and your loved ones a happy Fourth of July!

Houston, Texas, downtown Fourth of July fireworks, 2022

FIREWORKS IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON: SHELL FREEDOM OVER TEXAS

This festival has developed into Houston's yearly distinctive July 4th celebration with an average attendance of 50,000 people and live Houston television coverage. This year, Freedom Over Texas will feature live broadcasts of events, rituals, and music venues along Allen Parkway for six hours. It will feature performances by local, regional, and national musicians, and it will be completed by a musically themed fireworks finale that will be "Texas-sized."

When: July 4, 2022  |  4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Where: 18-3600 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019

Cost: $10

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK FIREWORKS

Sam Houston Race Park will serve as the second location for this year's Shell Freedom Over Texas Fireworks spectacular.

When: July 4, 2022  |  4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Where: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002

Cost: $10

Fourth of July Fireworks in West Houston, Texas, 2022

FIREWORKS FOR LIBERTY FEST AT PLAZAMERICAS MALL

Liberty Fest is being organized by the Sharpstown Civic Association and Southwest Management District. A stunning fireworks display will begin at nine o'clock. In the interim, there will be food stands, games, a Kids Zone with kid-friendly activities, live music, and other entertainers.
Alcohol will not be allowed at this event, which is family-friendly and provides free parking.
In the Southwest District of the PlazAmericas Mall, the third event is now taking place. Residents of the Sharpstown region for a long time have pleasant recollections of celebrating the Fourth of July and viewing fireworks at the former Sharpstown Mall.

When: July 3, 2022 | 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Where: PlazAmericas, 7500 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036

Cost: Free

FIREWORKS BY KATY MILLS

In connection with Typhoon Texas' "Red White & Boom" celebration, the City of Katy will hold the yearly Freedom Celebration fireworks display. Please do not move the barricades securing the traffic closure or park in the roadway medians or shoulders when parking for the fireworks display. This promotes public safety and aids with the management of traffic during and after the event.

When: July 4, 2022 |  All Day

Where: Near Katy Mills Mall/Typhoon Texas

Cost: $10

CITY CENTER FIREWORKS

You won't want to miss the evening of spectacular music and fireworks that kicks off Independence Day! A 10-minute fireworks display and an after party are scheduled on Monday, July 4 from 7 to 11 PM (country and pop). Outside food and beverages are not permitted out of regard for others. Delectable menu selections are offered at our restaurants and can be easily taken to go. Starting at 4 p.m., all CITYCENTRE garages will charge $10 for parking. Due to the large number of attendees, please allow extra time for parking before and after the event. Carpooling and ride-sharing services like Uber are highly recommended.

When: July 4, 2022  |  7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Where: 800 Town & Country Blvd Houston, TX 77024

Cost: $10 parking

ROYAL OAKS COUNTRY CLUB FIREWORKS

Get ready to see a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky! The Fourth of July celebrations, parade, and fireworks at Royal Oaks Country Club are not to be missed! To RSVP for the event, you must do so using the club calendar.

When: July 4, 2022 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm; Fireworks show starts at 9:15 pm

Where: 2910 Royal Oaks Club Dr, Houston, TX 77082

Cost: Adults – $60; Kids – $30

Fourth of July Fireworks in South Houston, Houston, Texas, 2022

RED WHITE AND BOOM IN SUGAR LAND

The Crown Festival Park is hosting patriotic family events and celebrations for people of all ages to mark Independence Day. Lots of delicious food, entertainment, photo ops, vendor booths, live music, and, of course, a spectacular fireworks show will round up the celebration.
Doors start to open at 5:00. From 6 to 8:45 p.m., there will be entertainment, food, and games. The fireworks show will start about nine o'clock.

When: July 4, 2022 |  6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Where: Crown Festival Park, 18355 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77479

Cost: Free

Fourth of July Fireworks in East and South East Houston, 2022

WEBSTER TX FIREWORKS

Texas Avenue Park will serve as the setting for this fun-filled holiday on July 4. The greatest fireworks show in the region will be on display along with a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and veteran recognition.

When: July 4, 2022 |  5:00 pm

Where: 17100 N Texas Ave, Webster, TX 77598

Cost: Free

STAR SPANGLED SKY FIREWORKS AT KEMAH BOARDWALK, CLEAR LAKE, TX, FIREWORKS

On July 4, get early to the Kemah Boardwalk to see the sky-lit fireworks display! Purchase some lunch, then spend the day taking advantage of the rides, live performances, and Uncle Sam on stilts before the fireworks display at night.

When: July 4, 2022 |  9:30 pm

Where: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565

Cost: Event Parking – $25

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA AT LEAGUE CITY

There will be fireworks, live music, inflatables, and food trucks at this public, no-cost event for family. Spend the Fourth of July evening with loved ones while relaxing on your lawn chairs or a blanket. The fireworks will start at dusk. At Hometown Heroes Park, there will be more parking and shuttle service.

When: July 3, 2021 |  4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Where: Chester L Davis Sportsplex, 1251 League City Parkway, League City, TX 77573

Cost: Free

Do you know of any further fireworks shows for July 4 in Houston? Have you made plans for this year's Independence Day celebrations? Post your comments here.

The post The Best Places to Watch Fireworks in Houston Fourth of July 2022 appeared first on East End Lofts Blog.

Come see your Houston Astros kick off their season at Minute Maid Park on Astros Opening Day vs the Los Angeles Angels on April 18th!

Find Ticket

Astros Opening Day Festivities

2021 American League Championship Pennant Unveiling

Join us for a special pregame ceremony to recognize the 2021 American League champions as we unveil our league championship pennant.

American League Champions Ring Ceremony

The ceremony continues as the players receive their championship rings.

Player Introductions

Roll out the Orange Carpet and cheer for your Astros as the team is announced in front of the home crowd for the first time in 2022.

National Anthem

Local singer/songwriter and winner of season 4 of NBC’s The Voice Danielle Bradbery kicks off the season with a special performance of the National Anthem.

Orange Out

Come early. Get loud. Wear orange. Show your Astros pride and help us Orange Out Minute Maid Park!

First Pitch Opportunity and Other Prizes

Need even more of a reason to join us for Astros Opening Day? Buying your ticket to the game enters you into the Level Up Sweepstakes, giving you a chance to win amazing prizes, including the chance to throw out the first pitch at Astros Opening Day! Learn more.

Opening Day Street Fest

Join us early at Astros Opening Day Street Fest, presented by Budweiser, from 4:00pm – 6:30pm. As gates open, all fans will also receive a 2022 Astros Schedule Magnet presented by United Airlines, and 10,000 fans will receive a Yordan Alvarez with ALCS Trophy Bobblehead presented by Coca-Cola.

Opening Day Street Fest includes:

• Live Music

• Face Painters and Caricature Artists

• Photo Booths

• Inflatables

• Balloon Displays

• Giveaways

• Food Trucks

• Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, and Giant Connect 4

A 4/18 game ticket is required for entry into the Opening Day Street Fest.

The post Houston Baseball and Opening Day Events appeared first on East End Lofts Blog.

Easter egg hunt

For those who observe, Easter is a holy and vibrant celebration of renewal. And for those who don't, but still look forward to the holiday, Easter means brunches and for kids, Easter egg hunts, usually starring a certain bunny.

This year offers plenty of fun for kids ready to search for eggs — and adults ready to search for Easter kegs (read on), or get their Easter yoga on. From Kemah to Simonton to downtown, here are your best bets for Easter weekend.

Friday

Blessington Farms in Simonton will have a two-day "Easter EGG-stravaganza." Enjoy picking your own strawberries and fun in Farm Funland, with hayrides, barrel trains, giant slides, animal encounters and much more. There will also be an Easter egg hunt where children will hunt for eggs with candy and treats. 10 am.

The Woodlands Children's Museum will invite kids to indulge in two-day "EggTivites." Children will delight in egg dyeing, creating a bunny mask, and embellishing egg carton baskets or a bunny box to carry eggs. Plus, there will be photos with the Easter Bunny. 10 am.

Kemah Boardwalk in Kemah will host a three-day Easter Weekend complete with an egg hunt, an Easter egg/cookie-decorating workshop, performers, and the Easter Bunny. On Sunday morning, there will be a special sunrise service at 7:30 am. Noon.

Saturday

Downtown Aquarium Houston will be open for kids and toddlers to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and, then, get a picture taken with the Easter Bunny. On Easter Sunday, there will be a buffet, an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet and crafts. Reservations are required. 9 am. 

George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond will have a colossal egg hunt and relaxing family picnic. Bring a blanket and your own lunch to picnic under a 150-year-old oak or stake your claim at a picnic table near the Line Camp or Ranch House. There will be eggs galore and historical fun all around. 9 am.

Lone Star Flight Museum will open its doors for little aviators to join their age group and hunt for Easter eggs around the aircraft. There will be golden eggs filled with special prizes, like a museum membership or a surprise gift from the gift shop. 9 am.

7 Acre Wood is looking for people to have an egg-cellent Saturday with some barnyard pals. Go on an egg hunt, play in a Western town, zoom down the zip-line, putt away at mini-golf, snap pictures with the Easter Bunny, and more. 10 am.

Children's Museum Houston will have a meet-and-greet with the bunny of the hour — the famous Easter Bunny (or whoever will be in that suit). Kids and adults can make some colorful bunny ears to wear at the Junktion table too. 10 am.

P-G Farms in Montgomery will throw two days of of outdoor Easter fun, including an egg hunt and meet-and-greet with, yes, the Easter Bunny himself. The farm also offers activities including vintage amusement rides, farm fun attractions, duck races, games, and more. 10 am.

SpindleTap Brewery will hold an Easter Festival x Artisan Market. This free event will have 40+ local artisan vendors, delicious craft beer, free photos with the Easter Bunny, a giant Easter egg hunt, live music and food trucks. Kids and dogs are welcome. 11 am.

Eureka Heights Brew Co. will have its first-ever, Buckle Bunny Bar Hop. Head over there the day before Easter for an adult version of an Easter egg hunt, which will consist of swapping the eggs for kegs and finding as many EH brews at various bars along the 19th and 20th streets. 1 pm.

The Food Court Food Truck Park will be doubling up with two Easter egg hunts, happening around the food trucks. Enjoy face painting, a bounce house, photo opportunities with the Easter bunny, food, drinks, a dj and shopping from the multiple food trucks and vendors. 1 pm.

ROSE Therapeutic Farm & Goat Yoga in Brookshire will have a two-day, Easter egg hunt with some guest animals on hand. Meet goats, chicken, pigs, rabbits, mini horses, and Daryl the Cow, then feed and groom them while you learn about what makes each one unique. 1:30 pm.

Sunday

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium celebrates Easter with its seventh-annual, Easter Keg Scavenger Hunt. A family-friendly tradition, teams with the highest scores win prizes from local businesses. All scavenger locations are located within 1.5 miles and most within four blocks of the Flying Saucer. 1 pm.

The post Texas Easter Events and Traditions appeared first on East End Lofts Blog.

Join the Luckiest Bar Crawl in History!

2 Drinks or Shots on the House! Drink Specials You Can't Get Anywhere Else! $1,000 Grand Prize Costume Contest* Drink Specials You Can't Get Anywhere Else!
Local cuisine is excellent!
At All Venues, Cover Is Waived! Personalized Lucky Badge & Lanyard!
Outstanding After-Party! Photographer with years of experience!

Our Crawl Map Has Arrived! For more information on the costume contest, go to www.crawlwith.us/costumecontest. * Green Voucher = Free Drink Or Shot * CHECK AHEAD OF TIME 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. DESTINATIONS FOR PUB CRAWLING ON THE FRONT PORCH 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
77 DEGREES SPECIALS DOGWOOD ELECTRIC FEEL GOOD (TBD) $5 Deep Eddy Vodka | $3 Miller or Coors
$3 Miller or Coors Light | $5 Deep Eddy Vodka
TBD PLAYGROUND (FORMERLY CAPITOL BAR) SOCIAL BEER GARDEN Specials at FRONT PORCH PUB Specials at TBD PLAYGROUND (FORMERLY CAPITOL BAR) SOCIAL BEER GARDEN (TO BE DETERMINED)
Green Tea Shots will set you back $5, Jameson will set you back $7, and Car Bombs will set you back $8.
SPECIALS AT THE WONDER BAR TO BE DETERMINED

AFTER PARTY TIME 10PM – 12AM, ELECTRIC FEEL GOOD
PLAYGROUND (FORMERLY CAPITOL BAR) * Red Voucher = Free Drink Or Shot *
We'll announce all of the venues and specials in March!
TICKETS ARE COMPLETELY FREE.
You can earn two free tickets by inviting your Facebook friends to the event. Send us a message at https://www.messenger.com/t/CrawlWithUs for further details. For more information about the event, go to https://www.crawlwith.us/.DON'T DRIVE AFTER DRINKING.
We strongly advise using Uber or Lyft to get to and from the bar crawl!
There is a possibility that all locations have a capacity limit. Please follow all demands, rules, and regulations issued by the venue, city, and state.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS https://www.crawlwith.us/questions

The post St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl and Things to Do Around Houston appeared first on East End Lofts Blog.

Experience the art of Frida Kahlo brought to life! Journey through her life – from pain to triumph – like never before.

MAKING ITS MARK IN LIGHTHOUSE ARTSPACE HOUSTON

Located at 1314 Brittmoore Road, this amazing building features a 25,000 square foot exhibit space where the art of Frida Kahlo will come to life around you!

From the team renowned for transforming venues into unforgettable art experiences. Immersive Frida Kahlo will be sharing the unforgettable space used for Immersive Van Gogh. Get ready to be transported the second you step inside.

ABOUT IMMERSIVE FRIDA KAHLO

Explore the world through the eyes of the legendary Frida Kahlo – a brilliant, uncompromising painter who created some of the history’s most iconic artwork. The groundbreaking team behind the smash hit Immersive Van Gogh now turn their eye for innovation towards the work of a woman who boldly told the story of her life in brushstrokes.  

As you stroll through the Lighthouse Immersive gallery, you will see the Mexico-born artist’s work come to life on a grand scale and discover the people, events, and obstacles that made her the extraordinary woman she was.  The mesmerizing, large-scale projections, accompanied by a ravishing musical score, will sweep you up as you encounter Frida as never before.

Frida Kahlo’s art is not only beautiful on an aesthetic level; it has also become a universal symbol of resilience and perseverance.

Brave and brutally honest, Kahlo transferred her fears and pain onto canvas in a way that resonates even more powerfully with us today. Kahlo used art to empower herself and, in so doing, has become one of the most beloved and popular artists of all time.

Kahlo’s art has been described as magic realism – blending realistic depictions of her life with fantastical elements to reflect her inner thoughts and struggles. Using state-of-the-art technology, the 360-degree experience invites you to step inside the colorful and vibrant world of Frida Kahlo as never before with Immersive Frida Kahlo.

Tickets

The post Immersive Frida Kahlo in Houston:See Her Art Like Never Before appeared first on East End Lofts Blog.

Whether you’re entertaining your entire brood, hosting a friends-giving, or relaxing with a solo Turkey Day, you’ll find plenty to entertain you.

So pick your pleasure. No matter whether your group thrives on adrenaline, tradition, or spectacle, Houston’s got a pretty fantastic option for you this Thanksgiving Day.

And if you’re looking to skip the cooking this year, make your way to one of our favorite restaurants with our guide to the best dining and to-go options around Houston this Thanksgiving.

2021 Thanksgiving Events Around Houston

Pre-Thanksgiving Events Around Houston

• The Great Houston Pie Run 5K & 10K at King’s BierHaus in the Heights | Saturday, November 20 | Virtual Option – Rise and shine (or sleep in and go virtual) for the Great Houston Pie Run, which sends runners down 5K and 10K courses—or Kids K for the little ones—and enjoy a delicious slice of pie and beer in the post-race party to go with your finisher’s medal. Registration (in-person and virtual) is $40 for the 5K or 10K; $20 for the Kids K. 7:30am.

• 2021 Friendsgiving Toy Drive & Raffle at The Union HTX | Saturday, November 20 – Just off Washington Ave, this exhibition and event space hosts a toy drive, featuring raffle prizes, live music, a local vendor market, and art exhibition. Urban South and Saint Arnold will be providing beer, while you can grub on Baby Burgers, Monkey Cones & Back Porch Pastries. Funds will go to Kids’ Meals, an organization which works to provide food to children who live in food insecure homes. $5 per person, or free with a toy donation; $10 for raffle tickets. 1pm to 7pm. 

• Memorial City Thanksgiving Fest & Market on Gessner Road | Sunday, November 21 | FREE – Memorial City hosts the free Memorial City Thanksgiving Fest & Market at the corner of Gessner Road and Mathewson Lane, featuring food trucks, kids treats, live music, and more. Memorial City will also be collecting donations for a Thanksgiving Food Drive benefiting Kids’ Meals. Everyone who donates will be entered into a drawing for a take-home Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings from State Fare, and tickets to The Elf on a Shelf – The Christmas Musical at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land on Thursday, December 9, 2021. 10am to 2pm. 

• Make & Take: Thanksgiving Desserts at Central Market Cooking School | Sunday, November 21 – Create a traditional flaky pie dough and a cream cheese dough, produce an apple filling tailored to your taste, and make a bite-sized sweet that features pecans at Central Market Cooking School. Tickets are $65 per person. Noon.

• Thanksgiving Farmers Market & A Celebration of Bakers at Braeswood Farmers Market | Wednesday, November 24 | No Cover – The weekly farmers market in Braeswood returns with its popular Celebration of Bakers and special Thanksgiving market. Grab some last-minute produce and provisions for the big feast, as well as some fresh-baked goodies from more than 50 amateur and professional bakers. 10am to 3pm.

• Tribute to the Woodlands Music Festival at Town Green Park | Wednesday, November 24 – Jam out to some of music’s greatest hits when the Woodlands welcomes tribute bands performing songs from Selena, David Bowie, Guns N Roses, The Eagles, Pearl Jam and more at this music festival on Thanksgiving Eve. Bring the family and enjoy a full day of great food, games, local vendors and more. Admission is $10; $65 for VIP; free for ages 12 and under, military, first responders and teachers with ID. Noon to 10pm. 

• Drinksgiving at Little Woodrow’s Midtown | Wednesday, November 24 | No Cover – Have a drink with friends before Thanksgiving and enjoy a Turkey Bowling Competition, DJs, and a steak night at Little Woodrow’s in Midtown. 8pm. 

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, 2021

• Turkey Dash at Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 – Back for a 19th year, the Cinco Ranch-area YMCA will again host the Turkey Dash 5K, 10K and 1-mile walk/run. Pound the pavement and stick around for a post-race bash that also includes a Kids Zone. Registration is $50 for the 10K; $45 for the 5K; $25 for the 1-mile Run/Walk; $30 for the 1-mile Kids Run. 7am.

• BakerRipley Houston Turkey Trot in the Galleria Area | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 – The annual Thanksgiving tradition returns to an in-person event in the Galleria area this year, sending hundreds of runners from the Waterwall, through Uptown and Tanglewood, and ending just north of Westheimer Road. Registration is $30 for an untimed 5K, $35 for an untimed 10K, $15 for the Kid’s Run. 7:30am.

• YMCA Run Thru the Woods at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 – The 32nd annual tradition in the Woodlands will see thousands of runners take to the woods around the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion to help support local non-profit organizations. Registration is $45 for the 5-mile and 3-mile race; $40 for the 3-mile walk; $40 for the 1-mile kids race. 7:30am.

• Pearland Turkey Trot at Independence Park | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 – Returning as an in-person event for 2021, the Pearland Turkey Trot sends runners from Independence Park down to Dixie Farm Road and back, with 6-mile, 4-mile, 1-mile and Kids K events take place all morning. Registration is $60 for the 6-mile; $50 for the 4-mile; $25 for the 1-mile; $20 for the Kids K. 7:30am.

• L3 Turkey Day 5K at Kingwood Town Center | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 – Run to raise money to end pediatric cancer and start off the day on a healthy note before your Thanksgiving feast at the L3 Foundation’s 7th annual Turkey Day 5K and Wishbone 1K in Kingwood. Registration is $30 for the 5K; $15 for the Kids Wishbone 1K. 8am.

• 72nd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 | FREE – Celebrate Turkey Day with one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country, which winds down 20 city blocks and features floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons and more. 9am. 

• 61st Annual Autorama at George R. Brown Convention Center | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 to Sunday, November 28 – The annual Autorama brings a slate of dazzling hot rods, classic cars, exotic machines and more to the showroom floor of George R. Brown. Plus, attendees can get down to live music, browse a vendor market, meet special guests for autograph signings, and more. Tickets are $20; $4.99 for ages 6 to 12; free for ages 5 and under. Thursday 3pm to 8pm; Friday and Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sunday 10am to 6pm.

• Uptown Holiday Lighting on Post Oak Boulevard | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 | FREE – Returning for 2021, the free, annual Uptown Holiday Lighting event kicks off the holiday season on Post Oak Boulevard and Houston at large. The live entertainment event will feature a visit from Santa Claus, a fireworks extravaganza and a new light show. The family-friendly celebration has been reimagined with the introduction of more than 300 all-new, 20-foot-tall holiday trees that line Post Oak Boulevard from the West Loop to Richmond Avenue. 4pm to 7pm.

• Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green | Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25 – The ice is back again at Discovery Green in Downtown, meaning you can glide away the calories you gobbled up earlier in the day with Thanksgiving skate sessions. Admission is $15 per person and includes skate rental. 5pm to 10pm.

• The Best Bars in Greater Houston – Get out of the house and let your hair down at one or more of the best nightlife spots in the Houston metro. Find your neighborhood, city or community and find our top recommendations for fun and frolic near you.

The post A Locals Guide to Thanksgiving Events Around Houston appeared first on East End Lofts Blog.

It’s hard to believe the tree-lined streets were once in disarray, but thankfully, a grassroots community movement in the late 1970s turned things around, creating the gorgeous, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood we know today. With so much culture and beauty, there’s no shortage of entertainment here, including these 5 neighborhood musts.

5 Must Do Things in the Museum District

1. Explore art, history, and culture at the museums for free – While visiting Houston’s lineup of renowned museums is pretty obvious, the free museum days they offer may not be. Some, like the innovative Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, locally and regionally inspired Station Museum of Contemporary Art and Lawndale Art Center (plus, their Mural Project), the deeply intriguing The Jung Center, and the craft-minded Houston Center for Contemporary Craft are always free. Others, like the Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Children’s Museum of Houston offer free days for either the entire museum or certain exhibits. Click here to get a full list of the free museums and free museum days.

2. Hit the chef’s table at MF Sushi – Any meal at this impeccably fresh sushi restaurant is a good one, but it’s the omakase tasting at the sushi bar takes the cake. Omakase basically means “trust chef,” and with Chef Chris Kinjo – aka “Magic Fingers” – behind the concept, you can be sure you’ve put your trust in the right hands. Each course is as aesthetically pleasing as it is tasty, from the classic preparations to novel delights. Click here for directions.

3. Feed giraffes and explore the gardens at Hermann Park – The picturesque Hermann Park is the place to bring anyone visiting, but locals should take trips here, too. For starters, it houses the Houston Zoo, where you’ll find more than 6,000 animals in natural habitat-style exhibits, including fan favorites like monkeys, elephants, and cheetahs. Guests can even feed giraffes at daily feedings, held at 11 am and 2 pm. Afterward, take a walk through the beautiful Japanese and McGovern Centennial Gardens. Kids will love taking a ride on the Hermann Park Railroad or a pedal boat out on the water. Click here for directions.

4. Cozy up for a free show at Miller Outdoor Theatre – Fact: You’re not a Houstonian until you’ve enjoyed a free show at this striking outdoor theater, which becomes even more striking once illuminated at night. The theater, also located in Hermann Park, puts on a variety of programming, ranging from children’s productions and a yearly Shakespeare Festival to performances from the Houston Ballet and popular concert artists. Bring a blanket or a chair, grab some snacks from the concession stand, and enjoy the show. Covered seating is also available for free, with some evening shows requiring tickets for covered seating. For those performances, assigned seat tickets are available, on a first-come basis and while supplies last, on the day of performance only between 10:30 am and 1 pm at the box office behind the theater. Click here for directions.

5. Unwind with a drink – Though you may come to this neighborhood for its beauty and culture, trekking through all of those museums can be quite draining. Good thing you can relax and quench your thirst at one of the district’s finest watering holes. If you’re feeling fancy, the sultry bar at Hotel ZaZa should fit the bill quite nicely. For great eats and drinks, check out Chef Chris Williams‘ Lucille’s, a Southern kitchen offering a great patio, weekday happy hour, and live music on Friday nights. Those looking for a divey atmosphere can seek solace at Grand Prize Bar, a two-story haunt set just outside the borders of the ‘hood. But don’t be fooled, just because GPB has cheap drinks doesn’t mean the bartenders don’t know how to craft a mighty fine cocktail. Be sure to check out their menu while you’re there.

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