TAPESTRY Nov 20–22 Infused with incredible melodies and unforgettable lyrics, Carole King’s Grammy Award-winning album Tapestry remains a gold standard in pop music. Mike and the orchestra celebrate the singer-songwriter, whose life and career inspired the 2014 Broadway hit Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Tony nominee Liz Callaway (Broadway’s Baby), who has also appeared on Broadway in Cats and Miss Saigon, joins the orchestra to cover King’s chart-topping tracks like You’ve Got a Friend, So Far Away and Natural Woman. Tickets start at $25. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org BRAHM’S HUNGARIAN DANCES Nov 21 Performances include Sibelius’ Valse Triste, Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, and Brahms’ Hungarian Dances. Tickets start at $18. 8 pm. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.533.0080. mercuryhouston.org WORTHAM TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Nov 25 Join us at the 28th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wortham Theater Center! Costumed characters from Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be on hand to greet the public for the occasion, which has become a holiday tradition for many. 11 am. Free. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 832.487.7000. worthamcenter.org
RECREATION BAYOU BIKERS Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1 Bayou Bikers meet at Market Square on the first Sunday of the month for 25 to 40 mile bike rides exploring the bayous of Houston. Rides are open to all. Mountain bikes or bikes with fat tires are necessary. This is an informal group whose purpose is to show Houstonians and visitors the beauty of Houston’s waterways. First Sunday of the month, 8 am. CRITICAL MASS Sep 25, Oct 30, Nov 27 Critical Mass is an informal bike group that meets the last Friday of every month to ride around the city, raise awareness and advocate for a bicycle-friendly urban environment. All bikes are welcome. 7:15 pm. HOUSTON BCYCLE STATION Park visitors can purchase daily, weekly or annual memberships and explore Downtown on two wheels. Thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield, this bike-sharing program has expanded from three to 14 stations throughout Downtown, as well as in other areas of Houston. houston.bcycle.com
THE NUTCRACKER Nov 27–Dec 27 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. 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. Tickets $34-$130. Wortham Center, 501 Texas. 713.227.ARTS. houstonballet.org
start at $25. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. 713.224.7575. houstonsymphony.org
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS CITY HALL FARMERS MARKET Wednesdays, Sep 9–Dec 16 It’s a food-lovers delight at Urban Harvest’s City Hall Farmers Market. The market hosts more than 40 vendors around the City Hall reflection pool with an array of locally grown fruits and vegetables, a variety of prepared lunch items made from local ingredients, as well as local food trucks. Wednesdays, 11:30 am–1:30 pm. Hermann Square, 901 Bagby. 713.880.5540. urbanharvest.org UNTAPPED BEER FESTIVAL Sep 12 Enjoy this afternoon festival at Discovery Green featuring 300+ craft beers and eight bands, including Cold War Kids and Twin Shadows. 2:30– 10 pm. Tickets start at $32. untapped-festival.com FRIDAY FLICKS ON THE LAWN Spread out on The Lawn at GreenStreet the third Friday of each month this fall for a free movie night under the moon. Movies begin at 8 pm. GreenStreet, 1201 Fannin. 832.320.1201. greenstreetdowntown.com Sep 18 Hunger Games (PG-13) 2012, 142 min. Oct 16 Casper (PG) 1995, 100 min. Nov 20 The Santa Clause (PG) 1994, 97 min. PUERTO RICAN CUBAN FESTIVAL Sep 19–20 A day of culture, celebration and live music that features all the flavors of the region through art, music, food, fashion and car shows. Tickets start at $13. Tranquility Park, 400 Rusk. prcfestival.com
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GREENTOBERFEST Sep 26 GreenStreet, with the help of Young Texans Against Cancer, will transform into a greengarten (much like a biergarten) to kick off the Oktoberfest season with live music, delicious food, beer and games. Greentoberfest will bring together local breweries and restaurants to create a unique German experience in the heart of Downtown Houston. GreenStreet, 1201 Fannin. 832.320.1201. greenstreetdowntown.com
PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO OCT OBE R3 AND JULIET Nov 27-29 The Houston Symphony welcomes one of China’s most respected conductors, Long Yu, who heads the China Philharmonic and the Shanghai and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestras. Discover beloved BUFFALO BAYOU PARK GRAND Chinese folk melodies in OPENING Li Huanzhi’s Spring Festival Overture and Oct 3 Celebrate, recreate and create at the musical allusions to Egypt and the Far East in Saintgrand opening of Buffalo Bayou Park. The event Saëns’ exotic and touching Piano Concerto No. 5, will highlight various destinations and amenities in performed by brilliant pianist, composer and writer the 160-acre park that stretches from Shepherd Stephen Hough. Finally, be swept away by Drive to Sabine Street. Enjoy a day full of activities Prokofiev’s classic ballet score, Romeo and Juliet, ranging from walking tours, lectures, children’s whose melodies perfectly evoke Shakespeare’s crafts, recreational opportunities, delicious food, live timeless story of doomed adolescent love. Tickets music and programming that will showcase 1:30
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