Reliant Park: Disney on Ice – Disneyland Adventure
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get an aching in my bones to buy my kids a $19* coke. Fortunately, Disney on Ice is in town and they allow me to do just that. It also lets me see androgynous cartoon characters fiddle around on ice skates, which is another hobby of mine.
*slightly exaggerated
Reliant Park
832-667-1400
Monday, November 17
Alley Theatre: Secret Order (play)
Chris Rock, the end-all source when it comes to medical research, semi-joked that there was no money in the cure and that’s why a cure for cancer (and other incurable diseases) has not yet been “found.” This play, apparently, is based on that premise, as a young scientist learns that his possible cure for cancer is received by the medicine world less than amicably.
Alley Theatre
713-228-8421
Tuesday, November 18
Toyota Center: Coldplay in Concert
For my money, the quartet of British rockers have continued an onward spiral towards sheer arrogance and pomp ever since the release of Parachutes, but Chris Martin is still a lackadaisical beast at his live shows. It’d be nice if they hit up a smaller venue, but this should be a good show nonetheless.
Toyota Center
1-866-4468-849
Wednesday, November 19
Museum of Fine Arts: Korean Art and Culture Initiative
Straight from the bill: “The long-term agreement between the MFAH and the National Museum of Korea includes the loan of Korean National Treasures and serves as the foundation of the Korean Art and Culture Initiative, at the heart of which is the establishment of a larger, permanent MFAH gallery for Korean art of the highest aesthetic and cultural significance.” The gallery, luckily, is much more interesting than its description.
Museum of Fine Arts
713-639-7300
Thursday, November 20
3511 Yoakum: Greek Festival
Postponed this year until now because of Ike (normally held in October), this yearly event is tiny in comparative festival size, but enjoyable regardless. Resist the urge to make any kind of reheated Big Fat Greek Wedding or 300 related jokes.
Greek Festival
713-526-5377
Friday, Novmeber 21
Reliant Park: Cycle World International Motorcycle Show
What better way to spend a Friday evening than looking at motorcycles that you know your wife will never let you buy. Oh the joys of marriage.
Cycle World Motor Cycle Shows
713-629-3700
Saturday, November 22
Plantersville: Renaissance Festival
Featuring 50 acres of guys using phrases like “Ye” and “Wench,” jousting competitions, and magic shows, the Renaissance Festival is a must do. If nothing else, it’s a verifiable certainty that you’ll meet someone as least twice as dorky as you are. That’s always a plus.
Renaissance Festival
1-800-458-3435
Sunday, November 23
Sam Houston Park: Street Painting Festival (Bagby & Allen Parkway)
The 3rd annual Street Painting Festival – yeah, it’s exactly what it sounds like- will feature over 175 artists coloring up the sidewalks. Food, beverages, entertainment, and activities for the kiddoes will also be available. Proceeds benefit the Center for Hearing and Speech.
Houston Via Colori
713-523-3633
Monday, November 24
Alley Theatre: A Christmas Carol (play)
Thanksgiving gets a bum wrap, as is evidenced here by the pre-Christmas launch of A Christmas Carol. What Thanksgiving needs is some type of mascot that people can tie it to so as to make it more memorable. And not something lame like a turkey or whatever. Might we suggest an older fellow, perhaps jolly in nature, and with a magical ability to fly around the world in a single night and deliver presents to all sleeping children?
Alley Theatre
713-228-8421
Tuesday, November 25
Menil Collection: Art and Power in the Central African Savanna
An art exhibit from four African cultures that illustrates the influence of “stylistic changes in power figures,” this place’s probably not the best place to take a kid. That is, unless your kid happens to have a rooted interest the political, social, and cultural changes of Africa during the nineteenth century. (Don’t they all?)
Menil
713-529-3400
Wednesday, November 26
Wortham Center: Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Sugar Plum Fairy herself will stop by to light-up the 8,000 lights on the Wortham Center’s 25-foot Christmas tree. Also scheduled to make an appearance: the fuzzy mice and toy soldiers from The Nutcracker.
501 Texas
713-237-1439
Thursday, November 27
Your House: Thanksgiving Dinner
As much as you dislike them, sit down with your family for this one day and gorge yourself on overcooked turkey and undercooked mashed potatoes.
Possible Alternate
Downtown: HEB Thanksgiving Parade
Nearly a 60-year-old tradition, you can expect a few celebrities, sports stars, huge floats, and a whole host of marching band members just glad they aren't at home with their families eating overcooked turkey and undercooked mashed potatoes.
HEB Parade
713-654-8808
Friday, November 28
McGonigel’s Mucky Duck: Band of Heathens (concert)
As part of their four-month long tour, Austin's Americana rockers Band of Heathens make a welcome stop at one of Houston’s finest smaller-sized live music venues. This is good ol’ grown-folks feel-good music right here. Very organic, very heartfelt.
McGonigel's Mucky Duck
713-528-5999
Saturday, November 29
Hofheinz Pavillion: Houston Cougars vs. North Texas
Any opportunity you can get to see some people from Houston beat up on some people from Dallas (or, from near Dallas, anyway) is a must. It’s not that I condone violence, but, c’mon, it’s Dallas.
Univeristy of Houston
713-743-9444
Sunday, November 30
Discovery Green: Outdoor Ice Skating
Ice skating inside is fine for May, but come winter time, it’s an activity that should be done outside. Plus, Discovery Green’s ice rink will have a designated area for toddlers, performances by skate pros, a skating with Santa event, and film and DJ nights. In your face, Galleria Mall Ice Skating Rink.
Discovery Green
713-400-7336
