Feb. 17-July 9 Houston: “Art of the Cameroon Grassfields, a Living Heritage in Houston”
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
This exhibition, celebrating the enduring artistic traditions of Cameroon and its global diaspora, features headdresses, masks, prestige hats, royal stools and figural sculptures, palace architectural elements from the Grassfields kingdoms, and two recent works by Douala-based artist Hervé Youmbi. menil.org
Feb. 21-Sept. 30 South Padre Island: Surfin’ Sunday Lessons
DJ Lerma Pavilion, Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100
Every Sunday in front of the DJ Lerma Pavilion, patrons can learn to surf for free. facebook.com/surfvive.org
March 2-5 Fulton: Oysterfest
Fulton Festival Grounds, Fulton Beach Park, North Casterline Drive
This salute to the oyster industry is held at Fulton Harbor and includes entertainment, food, arts, crafts, a carnival, a parade, men’s and women’s oyster-eating contests, oyster shucking and decorating, and a fireworks show on Thursday night. fultonoysterfest.org
March 3-4 Cypress: West Houston Quilter’s Guild Quilt Show
Richard E. Berry Educational Support Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road
The West Houston Quilter’s Guild, a charitable and nonprofit organization, is having their quilt show with over 20 vendors, a silent auction, a donation quilt, and many beautiful quilts to view and purchase. whqg.org
March 4 Orange: Voctave in Concert
Lutcher Theater, 707 Main Ave.
A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 150 million social media views of their videos, and their latest album, “The Spirit of the Season, Deluxe Edition,” reached No. 6 on the Billboard charts. Their previous album, “The Corner of Broadway and Main Street Vol. 2,” debuted at No. 3 on the iTunes charts. lutcher.org
March 4 Port Arthur: Spring Family Fun Day
Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St.
Family Fun Day is a free event with children’s activities and educational experiences. Previous Family Fun Days have included snake and horse education, “Star Wars” characters, face painting, and a parrot performance. museumofthegulfcoast.org/events
March 4 Galveston: An Evening with Jaston Williams
The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.
Jaston Williams, a humorist, playwright, actor, director, producer, essayist, and novelist, returns to The Grand with some of his favorite stories including “The Screaming Part of China” and “Killing Mama.” Hear about how Tuna, Texas came to be by two friends telling stories and sharing laughs while sitting under a giant Texas oak tree. thegrand.com
March 4-5 Victoria: “Alice in Wonderland”
Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in the exuberant new ballet inspired by the much-loved book, “Alice in Wonderland.” You’re transported to a world of wonder as the dancers take you on a journey through the mad-capped world of Lewis Carroll. victoriaballet.org
March 4 Rockport: Whooping Crane Strut
Rockport Beach, 210 Seabreeze Drive
Held at Rockport Beach, the Whooping Crane Strut includes a 2-mile walk and 5K and 10K runs. The walk remains on the beach while the run continues to Austin and Water streets. rockport-fulton.org/annual-events
March 4 Lake Jackson: Abner Jackson Plantation Site Tour
Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332, behind Target
Visit the historic archeological site of Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Once a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s. ljhistory.org
March 5-6 Brazoria: Heritage Celebration
Brazoria Foundation Civic Center, 204 W. Smith St.
Celebrate Texas Independence Day with a parade, gun show, car show, and live performances. brazoriahf.org
March 5 Galveston: “Rob Landes—The Great American Songbook II”
The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.
Featuring a collection of the most influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century, “The Great American Songbook II” celebrates musical numbers that have stood the test of time in their life and legacy. Landes plays songs made famous by the likes of music legends Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. thegrand.com
March 7, 14, 21, 24, 28 Clute: Planetarium Show
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes. brazosportcenter.org
March 10-11 Galveston: The Commodores in Concert
The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.
Renowned for R&B hits such as “Just to Be Close to You,” “Easy,” and “Brick House,” The Commodores have educated millions worldwide with compelling hits, peerless musicianship, and classic American songwriting. Look forward to moving and grooving to the soulful tunes of these Motown legends. thegrand.com
March 10 Victoria: Gary Morris in Concert
Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.
Enjoy an evening with Gary Morris on his Farewell Tour. This talented performer has more than 25 chart singles on the Billboard Country Charts, including five No. 1 hits. He has performed for the late Queen Elizabeth II as well as on Broadway. weldercenter.org
March 11 Corpus Christi: Grand Finale Concert
TAMUCC Performing Arts Center, 6300 Ocean Drive #5723
“Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff is one the most famous pieces for choir, soloists, and orchestra. The texts are taken from poems of the 11th and 12th centuries and compiled in cantata form—a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment. The main theme continues to be used throughout the entertainment world, contributing to its universal appeal. Add to this the artistry of extraordinary singers, a massive choir, and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, and experience the perfect thrilling conclusion to a spectacular season. ccsymphony.org
March 11-12 Rockport: Spring Art Fair
Rockport Conference Center, 106 S. Austin St.
The Spring Art Fair is an opportunity for artists to connect with patrons and art collectors. Visitors are invited to shop artists booths in a leisurely fashion, visit with the artists, and witness a number of artist demonstrations to learn about mediums and techniques. The fair features galleries and collectives that are invited to show artwork for acquisition and collection. VIP guests get the first chance to see and acquire works from reputable Texas galleries for their collections. rockportartcenter.com/spring-art-fair
March 11 Corpus Christi: Wine Festival
Heritage Park , 1581 N. Chaparral St.
The Corpus Christi Wine Festival’s intention is to stimulate the local economy and donate a large portion of event proceeds to support local nonprofits that benefit health and safety, education, the arts, and veterans. The event features a variety of wines, food, and concerts.
httfacebook.com/corpuschristifoodandwinefestival
March 11 Rockport: Downtown Farmers Market
Downtown, 105 Austin St.
Every second Saturday morning of the month, find vendors selling locally grown produce, jams, jellies, and pickled items. There is often fresh baked bread, local honey, eggs, and freshly made goat soap. facebook.com/rockportdowntownfarmersmarket/
March 11 Rockport: Makers Market
Rockport Festival Grounds, 1500 E. Laurel St.
Every second Saturday of the month, this outdoor market showcases the work of local artists and crafters and features home décor, jewelry, and other handmade items. rockportfulton.com
March 11 Freeport: Spring Market Day
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Local vendors showcase homemade goods and farm fresh items. freeport.tx.us/page/historical_museum
March 11 Lake jackson: Food Truck Festival
MacLean Park, 93 Lake Road
Along with visiting food trucks and eating delicious food, attendees can participate in a cornhole tournament, chalk-the-lot contest, and other activities. lakejackson-tx.gov
March 11 Lake Jackson: Alden B. Dow Office Museum Tour
Aldne B. Dow Office Museum, 101 S. Parking Place
Witness the restored midcentury architectural beauty of Alden B. Dow’s 1943 office in downtown Lake Jackson. Learn all about the city’s beginnings and the indelible mark that A.B. Dow left as the principal architect of Lake Jackson through a self-guided tour. ljhistory.org
March 11 Port Arthur: Rotary Taste of Gumbo
Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive
Try the area’s best gumbos and support Rotary Club of Port Arthur’s good works.
portal.clubrunner.ca/3821
March 11 Olmito: Resaca Adventure Day
Resaca de la Palma State Park, 1000 New Carmen Ave., off State Highway 281 or Farm-to-Market Road 1732
Walk through a history of Texas State Parks and enjoy the park with arts and crafts, food, and a 5K Legacy Run to honor the 100 years of Texas State Parks. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma
March 11 Sugar Land: Heritage Hike
Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, 198 Kempner St.
This monthly historic walking tour takes visitors back to the time when Sugar Land was a company town, with virtually all enterprises managed by the Imperial Sugar Company or its affiliate, Sugarland Industries. Tours start at the museum. slheritage.org
March 17, 2023-March 1, 2024 Baytown: Sculpture Trail
Downtown Arts District, 213 W. Texas Ave.
A free, year-long display of large sculptures on pedestals are located along several blocks in the downtown Arts District of Baytown. Visitors can vote for the People’s Choice winner and enjoy the exhibit along with murals that are in the area. Ballots are in the red boxes on the light posts at Ashbel and Texas streets and Gaillard and Texas streets. Sculptures are also for sale or lease. sculpturetrailbaytown.artcall.org
March 17-19 Rockport-fulton: Market Days
Rockport Festival Grounds, 100 Seabreeze Drive
Every third weekend of the month, enjoy live music played throughout the weekend, peruse the goods at over 100 vendors and resellers, plus taste dishes from over a dozen food trucks and vendors. There is shaded seating, and pets are allowed. acmtexas.com/rockport-fulton-market-days
March 17-18 Rockport: Crawfish Cookoff and Tasting
Rockport Festival Grounds, 1204 E. Market St.
At this fourth annual event, which attracts 10,000 attendees, approximately 20,000 pounds of crawfish are served. Feast on great food and beverages while enjoying music, vendors, and the eating contests. rockport-fulton.org/annual-events
March 17-28 Freeport: Dinosaur George Days
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Dinosaur George returns to the Freeport Historical Museum, bringing real artifacts and over 150 exhibit pieces of prehistoric life to the coastal community. facebook.com/events/1810410192657452/
March 17 Sugar Land: Banana Ball World Tour
Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive
The Savannah Bananas have grown in popularity as the “World Famous Baseball Circus” and have been featured on ESPN and CNN and in the “Wall Street Journal” and “Sports Illustrated,” along with a documentary-style series called “Bananaland,” available on ESPN+. They’ll be playing the Party Animals, a team created by the Bananas to compete at a high level while also participating in the circus-style presentation. milb.com/sugar-land/news/savannah-bananas-coming-to-constellation-field-in-2023
March 18 Lake Jackson: Bird Banding
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.
gcbo.org
March 18 West Columbia: Market Day at Varner-Hogg
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N. 13th St.
Load up the kids, grab your canvas bags, and head to Varner-Hogg State Historic Site for a day of shopping and supporting local small business owners. Plus, there’s free admission to the site during market hours. visitvarnerhoggplantation.com
March 21 Houston: Pavel Haas Quartet in Concert
Rice University—Alice Pratt Brown Hall—Stude Concert Hall, 6100 S. Main
After achieving great success in Hollywood, Austrian-American Erich Wolfgang Korngold returned his focus to concert works, upon which the like of Richard Strauss and Puccini had heaped praise. Hear one of his last major such works performed by favorited Prague-based ensemble Pavel Haas. chambermusichouston.org
March 23 Corpus Christi: “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” with Invoke
Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center, 6005 Ocean Drive, Unit 5723
“The Adventures of Prince Achmed,” a film by silhouette animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger, is featured on the Performing Arts Center’s new video screen, while original music is performed live by Invoke, a multi-instrumental band encompassing traditions from across America, including bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz, and minimalism. A Q&A precedes the concert. pac.tamucc.edu
March 24-25 Alvin: Music Festival and Cookoff
Bob Briscoe Park, 3625 Briscoe Drive
For almost 10 years, people from all over Brazoria County and surrounding areas have gathered to experience a weekend of family fun with great music, food and craft vendors, and a sanctioned cookoff. The food is accompanied by performances from Tejano group Siggno and country stars Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager as the duo “Dos Borrachos.” Proceeds from this event go to funding scholarships for area students, as well as supporting organizations that provide food, shelter, and other services to the Alvin Area. alvinmusicfestival.com
March 24 Galveston: The StepCrew
The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.
The StepCrew’s unbelievable new show is a spell-binding tour de force that features three exhilarating dance forms: Ottawa Valley step dance, Irish step dance, and tap. Look forward to taking a dance journey with this cast of virtuosic dancers and musicians. The StepCrew also boasts three world-class fiddlers backed by an outstanding five-piece ensemble. thegrand.com
March 24-Aug. 13 Houston: “The Curatorial Imagination of Walter Hopps”
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
This exhibition explores the influential curatorial vision of Walter Hopps, the Menil Collection’s founding director, as well as his distinctive approach to exhibition making and appreciation for a variety of 20th-century art movements. The show features drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture, ranging from the 1930s to the early 2000s. menil.org
March 24 Lake Jackson: Lonestar in Concert
The Clarion , 500 College Drive
Lonestar has charted more than 20 singles on the Hot Country Songs chart, including nine that reached No. 1—hits like “No News”, “Come Cryin’ to Me”, and “Amazed, which also charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first country song to do so since “Islands in the Stream” in 1983. brazosport.edu/clarion
March 25 Spring: The StepCrew
The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive
The StepCrew’s show features three dance forms: Ottawa Valley step dance, Irish step dance, and tap. This cast of virtuosic dancers and musicians takes the audiences on a dance journey, showcasing the similarities and differences between the three styles. The StepCrew also boasts three world-class fiddlers backed by a five-piece ensemble with some of the most talented and respected musicians in the Celtic music scene today. cypresscreekface.org/stepcrew
March 25 South Padre Island: SPI Triathlon
Parrot Eyes, 5801 Padre Blvd.
The South Padre Island Triathlon offers a course for the seasoned veteran or the first-timer, with both Olympic and sprint distance courses. The race features an open-water swim and a bike course up the South Padre Island strip. After the scenic bike course, participants head south on the strip for the run portion that loops back to Parrot Eyes. The transition area location is accessible for friends and family to cheer on their favorite triathletes and loved ones. sopadre.com/event-calendar
March 25 Lake Jackson: Sweating for Sweets 1K
MacLean Park, 93 Lake Road
Build your own ice cream sundae during this 1K event. Stations are located every 250 meters where participants can collect favorite ice cream toppings. At the end of the course, finish your sundae and enjoy eating it. Runners are encouraged to dress up, with awards handed out for the best individual, couple, and family costumes. lakejackson-tx.gov
March 25 Lake Jackson: Nature Day and Public Youth Fishing
Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive
Participate in catch-and-release fishing, pet live reptiles, and watch the Birds of Prey show at this nature day event. tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas/
March 25 Lake Jackson: Brew on the Bayou
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West
Sample and enjoy specialty brews from local breweries as well as wines. Listen to live music, grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, and check out the items in the silent auction. The wooded grounds at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, lit by torchlight, make it a perfect spot to enjoy the brews, food, and music. gcbo.org
March 25 Sugar Land: International Art and Kite Festival
Brazos River Park, 18427 Southwest Freeway
This festival honors culture and community through art, music, dancing, and food. Kite flying, art car showings, and cultural performances are just some of the highlights of this colorful festival. sugarlandtx.gov/437/special-events
March 26 Surfside Beach: Market in the Park
Bird and Butterfly Trail, 418 Parkview Road
Choose a variety fresh foods and other goods from various vendors in Surfside Beach.
Visitsurfsidebeachtx.org
March 27 Sugar Land: Astros-Space Cowboys Exhibition Game
Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive
The Space Cowboys host the Houston Astros for an exhibition game at Constellation Field, which is the Astros’ first-ever appearance in Sugar Land. milb.com/sugar-land/news/space-cowboys-to-host-astros-for-exhibition-at-constellation-field
March 28 Lake Jackson: “Rising Tide: the Crossroads Project”
The Clarion , 500 College Drive
“Rising Tide: the Crossroads Project” is a riveting theater piece on global sustainability. Grounded in science, elevated by art, igniting response, the program features climate physicist and communicator Dr. Robert Davies; the Fry Street Quartet; and works from painter Rebecca Allan, environmental photographer Garth Lenz, and American composer Laura Kaminsky. The project blends emotion, information, and high-production-value graphics. brazosport.edu/clarion
March 30 Orange: “Anastasia”
Lutcher Theater, 707 Main Ave.
The romantic and adventure-filled new musical “Anastasia” is at home in Southeast Texas at last. This dazzling show transports you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out on a journey. lutcher.org
March 30 Rockport-fulton: Taste of Rockport-Fulton
Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road
The Rockport Rotary Club presents this event that showcases several fine restaurants and caterers of the area. The events helps raise funds for scholarships for Rockport-Fulton high school seniors. Along with great food, the event has live and silent auctions and other festivities. tasteofrockport-fulton.com
March 31-April 1 Bay City: Riverside Smoke Off
Riverside Park, 7330 FM 2668
Fire up your pits and grills for some friendly competition at the fourth annual Riverside Smoke Off. Staying true to the cuisine of Texas, participants prepare a wide range of barbecue staples such as brisket, pork ribs, beans, and dutch-oven sweets. Kids ages 5 to 17 years old are not left out in this competition and can participate in ribeye steak and pork ribs categories. There is a $2,500 guaranteed pay out for first place winners. cityofbaycity.org/221/events
Jan. 27-Feb. 10 Houston: “Werther”
Brown Theater , 501 Texas Ave.
The lovesick yearnings of the tortured young poet Werther lead to his tragic fate in Jules Massenet’s lush opera. After Werther escorts the lovely Charlotte to a ball, he falls hopelessly in love with her, but she is engaged to Albert, with no intention of breaking things off. Unable to conceive of life without her, Werther grows ever more despondent as he continues his attempts to woo the object of his affections, who doesn’t love him back, or does she? Audiences won’t want to miss this chance to see a cast of legends perform a rare psychological drama. houstongrandopera.org/events-tickets/2022-23-season/werther
Jan. 28-Aug. 31 Houston: “Steve Tobin Intertwined: Exploring Nature’s Networks”
Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane
Houston Botanic Garden presents monumental sculptures by American artist Steve Tobin, who is known worldwide for his works in glass, bronze, ceramic, and steel, including “Trinity Root,” a memorial cast from a tree that protected a New York City cathedral on 9/11. The exhibition features pieces from several series, including stainless steel “Clouds,” bronze and steel “Nests” with magical eggs, unearthed “Bronze Roots,” and modernist “Steelroots,” all of which dramatically capture the unseen power of the natural world while celebrating the importance of the systems that give life to the Garden. Hbg.org
Feb. 2 Orange: “The Simon and Garfunkel Story”
Lutcher Theater, 707 Main Ave.
After a sold-out world tour, “The Simon and Garfunkel Story” returns to the stage, making a stop in Orange. A nostalgic multimedia experience captivates audiences, and a full live band performs all the hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” and “Homeward Bound.” lutcher.org
Feb. 2-4 South Padre: SPI Kite Fest
South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.
Watch professional flyers showcase their skills in both outdoor and indoor performances. Food concessions are available. sopadre.com/event/spi-kite-fest-2023/869
Feb. 3 Port Aransas: Port Aransas Art Center First Friday
Port Aransas Art Center, 104 N. Alister St.
On the first Friday of each month, the Port Aransas Art Center hosts an exhibition of local artworks. Refreshments and live music are part of the fun, and visitors can meet the artists behind the pieces. portaransasartcenter.org
Feb. 4 Galveston: The Romeros in Concert
The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.
Known as “the royal family of the guitar,” the Romeros have performed at iconic venues throughout the world, including Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, the White House, and the Vatican. It’s been 60 years since they walked on the world stage as the first classical guitar quartet, so this concert marks that 60th anniversary. The Romeros continue to win rave reviews worldwide. thegrand.com
Feb. 4 Corpus Christi: An Interplanetary Experience Concert
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center, 6300 Ocean Drive #5723
Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn, and more: This iconic suite by British composer Gustav Holst is enhanced by a multimedia presentation, which includes spectacular photos and images from the different planets of our solar system shown on the massive screen at the Performing Arts Center. In addition, the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra celebrates Black History Month with the music of one America’s greatest jazz composers, Duke Ellington. ccsymphony.org
Feb. 4 Rockport: Bountiful Bowl Pottery Fair
Rockport Center for the Arts, 401 S. Austin St.
Potters from around the world display their works for sale. There’s a fair, reception, and an art loop of galleries. bountifulbowl.org
Feb. 4-5 Rockport: Clay Expo
Rockport Center for the Arts, 106 S. Austin St.
Downtown Rockport hosts a gallery art walk, solo exhibits, pottery demonstrations, and the opening reception for the Clay Expo on Saturday. rockportartcenter.com
Feb. 6 Lake Jackson: Vision Duo in Concert
The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive
Violinist Ariel Horowitz and percussionist Britton-René Collins (aka Vision Duo) perform classical works with a contemporary twist. Through an exploration of musical genres and sonic possibilities for violin and percussion, Vision Duo seeks to contribute to the ongoing redefinition of classical music programming and structures. brazosport.edu/clarion
Feb. 7-19 Houston: “Chicago”
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St.
After 25 years, “Chicago” is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show-stopping song after another. The musical has received six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and thousands of standing ovations. tuts.com
Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 Clute: Planetarium Show
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes. brazosportcenter.org
Feb. 10-19 Victoria: “Always … Patsy Cline”
Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.
Theatre Victoria presents this true story of an unlikely friendship between Patsy Cline and a fan from Houston who befriended her in a Texas honky tonk. The show features classic Patsy Cline hits. theatrevictoria.org
Feb. 10-11 Rockport: La Mardi Gras
Lamar Volunteer Fire Dept and Downtown Lamar Peninsula, 302 Bois D’Arc
This festival features food, entertainment, a parade, and other festivities on Lamar Peninsula to benefit the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department. lamarvfd.com
February 10-12, 17-18 Clute: Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express”
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
Witness beloved detective Hercule Poirot as he battles the clock to figure out “whodunit” in this classic murder mystery. brazosportcenter.org
Feb. 10-21 Galveston: Mardi Gras! Galveston
Galveston Historic Downtown and Seawall
The third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country includes masked balls, balcony parties, parades, concerts, and lots of beads. mardigrasgalveston.com
Feb. 12 Surfside Beach: Market at the Park
Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway
At this market, find vendors selling fresh food, homemade goods, and handmade items. surfsidetx.org
Feb. 16-19 Beaumont: Mardi Gras Southeast Texas
Great Lawn of the Event Center, 700 Crockett St.
Enjoy four days of family-friendly fun in downtown Beaumont, with parades, concerts, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, and food vendors. mardigrastx.com
Feb. 17-July 9 Houston: “Art of the Cameroon Grassfields, a Living Heritage in Houston”
The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.
This exhibition, celebrating the enduring artistic traditions of Cameroon and its global diaspora, features headdresses, masks, prestige hats, royal stools and figural sculptures, palace architectural elements from the Grassfields kingdoms, and two recent works by Douala-based artist Hervé Youmbi. menil.org
Feb. 18 Palacios: African American Heritage Day
City by the Sea Museum, 401 Commerce St.
The Palacios Community Coalition presents local speakers to show contributions made and being made by the African American community of Palacios. Local speakers talk about their contributions, and tours may be provided upon request. palacioschamber.com
Feb. 18 Pasadena: Greater Houston Train Show
Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway
The San Jacinto Model Railroad Club presents The Greater Houston Train Show, attracting rail fans from across Texas and Louisiana. See operating layouts, take classes on railroads and modeling subjects, participate in National Model Railroad Association contests, and shops from an array of vendors from across the Southwest. sanjacmodeltrains.org
Feb. 18 Surfside Beach: Marathon
Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway
The Surfside Beach Marathon includes a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and kids’ 1K. At the post-run party, runners can enjoy Texas barbecue, drinks, and games. Races start as the sun rises over the water and follow the public beach to San Luis Pass, then return. The entire course is on the firm, smooth sand. surfsidebeachmarathon.com
Feb. 18 Freeport: Mardis Gras Festival
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Festivities for Mardi Gras include a parade, gumbo cookoff, King Cake-eating contest, and live entertainment. freeport.tx.us
Feb. 21-Sept. 30 South Padre Island: Surfin’ Sunday Lessons
DJ Lerma Pavilion, Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100
Every Sunday in front of the DJ Lerma Pavilion, patrons can learn to surf for free. facebook.com/surfvive.org
Feb. 23-26 Port Aransas: Whooping Crane Festival
Various locations
Each year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The event has renowned speakers, birding trips, boating trips, nature tours, photography workshops, and a trade show. portaransas.org/whooping-crane-festival
Feb. 24 Galveston: The Kingdom Choir in Concert
The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.
London’s The Kingdom Choir first attracted worldwide attention in 2018 when they performed their show-stopping rendition of “Stand By Me” in front of a television audience during the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Since then, The Kingdom Choir has shared their infectious joy and spirit along with their special gospel style with audiences around the world. Look forward to a grand evening of soulful renditions of both traditional gospel classics and popular contemporary music. thegrand.com
Feb. 25 Victoria: Beethoven’s Fifth
Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive
Who doesn’t know the iconic opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony? Come hear this ubiquitous masterpiece along with a musical parody of the equally famous “Barber of Seville” with a devilish musical twist. Plus, there is the bonus of Croatian guitarist Ana Vidovic playing Rodrigo’s famous “Fantasia” for guitar and orchestra. victoriasymphony.com
Feb. 28 West Columbia: Market Day
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N. 13th. St.
Load up the kids, grab your canvas bags and head to Varner-Hogg State Historic Site for a day of shopping and supporting local small business owners. Plus, there’s free admission to the site during market hours. visitvarnerhoggplantation.com
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