Christopher S. Nelson 
The INFINITE Experience, an immersive exhibit that uses virtual reality to bring guests as close as possible to visiting the International Space Station without going into space. Image: Courtesy of Melissa Taylor
HOustonians love many things – food, cars, live music and art. Luckily for us, the city is a melting pot for every slot you can think of, and the week ahead will be busy for all your favorite things. If you love festivals, check out 8th Wonder Brewery’s annual Heads & Tails Festival and chef Marcus Davis’ dinner series, Kulture: A Black Chef Table. Those looking for something a little more family friendly will be happy to hear that Cinga Sundays are back in Montie Beach Park and muscle cars will be on display at the West Houston Muscle Car Show.
We’ve found the best things to do in Houston this week. Start your week here:
CONCERTS
Reggae in the park, Saturday April 9 at 3 p.m.
This weekend, the sounds of the Caribbean – reggae, soca, dancehall and afrobeats – come together for the annual Reggae in the Park festival at Emancipation Park in Third Ward. The day-long festival features live music from artists around the world, world-class food and jewelry vendors.
Emancipation Park, 3018 Emancipation Ave. Tickets are $7. More information here.
Charlie XCX: Crash The Live Tour, Saturday April 9 at 7 p.m.
Billboard Music Award-winning pop star Charli XCX makes a stop in Space City on her latest tour. Charli XCX: Crash The Live Tour arrives Saturday at The House of Blues Houston. Fresh off the March release of her fifth studio album Accident, the English musician will perform new songs like “Baby”, “Yuck” and “Beg For You”.
House of Blues Houston, 1204 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002. April 9, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $64. To buy tickets here.
EAT DRINK
Visit Lees Den, Opening on Thursday April 7 at 4 p.m.
The owner of Local Foods and the former Benjy’s in Rice Village has transformed the upstairs lounge at an intimate wine bar, Lees Den, which opens Thursday, April 7. The new spot will offer a menu focused on seasonal small plates and a selection of specially curated wines, available by the glass and bottle.
Lees Den, 2424 Dunstan Rd. Menu prices vary. More information here.
Heads & Tails: beer, crayfish and music, Saturday April 9 at 12 p.m.
After a three-year hiatus, 8th Wonder Brewery is hosting Heads & Tails: A Beer, Crawfish, and Music Happening on Saturday. Admission to the festival is free and features crawfish from Marty’s Jackpot ($25 for three pounds), award-winning beers from 8th Wonder and live music from Houston musicians. Lineup includes Hotel Ugly, Blaze X Black, Blossom Aloe and DJ Mexican Blackbird. Food trucks BLK MKT Birria and Seoulside Wings will also serve food during the festivities.
8th Wonder Brewery, 2202 Dallas St. April 9, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. No tickets necessary. More information here.
Kulture: A Black Chef’s Table, Saturday April 9 at 7 p.m.
Breakfast Klub owner Marcus Davis brings something new to foodies. Kulture: A Black Chef Table is Chef Davis’ latest initiative to put other black chefs in the spotlight in the city. Participating chefs will showcase cuisine from Africa to the Caribbean, Asia, Spain, Mexico and the Americas. This Saturday, diners will enjoy a multi-course dinner hosted by Chef Fikisha Hinton at Kulture, located in downtown Houston.
Kulture, 701 Avenida De Las Americas Suite A. Tickets start at $85. For more information and tickets, click here.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The infinite experience, Friday April 8 at 2 p.m.
Before The Infinite Experience ends, three Make-A-Wish dreamers and their families will take part in a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience on Friday. Families are invited to enjoy the INFINITE experience, an immersive exhibit that uses virtual reality to bring guests as close as possible to visiting the International Space Station without going into space. In addition to participating, families will be surprised by a special visit from retired NASA astronaut and International Space Station Expedition 15 crew member Clayton Anderson. The day ends with an ecological lantern release.
Silver Street Studios, Sawyer Yards, 2000 Edwards St. April 8, 2-5 p.m. Tickets start at $53 for adults, $24 for children, and $50 for seniors. To buy tickets here.
Party in the square at Ion, Thursday, April 7 at 4 p.m.
The Ion, the city’s innovative new workspace, hosts a monthly party in the square, complete with live music, light bites and cold drinks before heading to the first Thursdays at Mid Main! Listen to Werner Richmond + Band and sample Stuff’ed Wings this week.
The Ion, 4201 Main St. Free. More information here.
West Houston Muscle Mancuso Crossroads Auto Show, Saturday April 9 at 9 a.m.
Car lovers, rejoice! This weekend is the WHM Mancuso Crossroads Car Show presented by Law Tigers. The family event is open to all ages and allows attendees to ride around and admire some great cars. The top 3 winners will receive cash prizes and all proceeds will be donated to Texas Lions Camp for Kids. So warm up your engines!
Mancuso Crossroads, 12710 Crossroads Park Dr. Free. More information here.
Generation SERVE Family Volunteer Day, Sunday April 10 at 11 a.m.
In honor of National Family Volunteer Day, join Generation SERVE Houston for its inaugural Share the Love event. The community event invites children of all ages on Sunday to take turns volunteering for more than 25 local nonprofits, including Literacy Now, Houston Botanic Gardens and Kids’ Meals. Generation SERVE Houston is ready to include more than 300 families with shifts starting at 11 a.m. The Share the Love event will take place at the Merfish Teen Center.
Merfish Teen Center, 9000 S. Rice Ave, Houston, TX 77096. April 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Register for free here.
Cigna Sunday in the park, Sunday April 10 at 12 p.m.
Spring is in full bloom and Cigna Sundays are back. The new outdoor event reinvents the Cigna Sunday Street series, starting Sunday, April 10. The event will kick off with an Easter theme, and you can bring the whole family for an egg hunt, fun snaps in the photo booth, live entertainment, food, inflatables and virtual games.
Montie Beach Park, 915 Northwood St. Free. More information here.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live, Sunday April 10 at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, fans of the Emmy-winning PBS Kids TV show Daniel Tiger can catch a live theatrical production of the series. With tickets starting at $30, the family-friendly show will take audiences on an interactive adventure through the Make-Believe neighborhood with tons of music (including new songs), dancing, and storytelling along the way.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Jones Hall. Tickets are on sale now, with a limited number of VIP tickets including a post-show photo with Daniel Tiger.
ART
35th Annual Art Car Parade, Saturday April 9 at 2 p.m.
The Art Car Parade is back after a two-year hiatus. Houston’s beloved event is a grand celebration featuring masterpiece creations from artists, families, organizations and youth groups. Attend free festivities such as the Start Line Party and the Kids’ Creative Zone, which takes place 11 hours before the parade begins. It’s time to unleash your inner artist!
Downtown Houston, corner of Bagby St and W Dallas St. Free. VIP tickets start at $35. For more information, click here.
