Weekend Roundup: April 23-25

Here are my hot picks for what to do in Houston this weekend, April 23-25.

iFest

This is the last weekend to hit the Houston International Festival.  Enjoy food, music, dance, and culture from around the world.  See my previous article for more details on the festival.

When: Saturday April 24 12 PM-10 PM, Sunday 12 PM-8 PM

Where: Downtown Houston: City Hall (map), Tranquility Park (map), Sam Houston Park (map)

Cost: $17 adults ($3 for kids on Saturday & Free for Kids on Sunday)

Houston Garden Center: Hermann Park (map)

The rose gardens are on full, blazing display right now.  Cool nights and warm, wet days have pushed this amazing center of horticulture into full bloom.  I spend hours in the garden reading, writing, and taking photographs.  Check out the Houston Rose Society website for more information.  Free to the public.

Jeff Beck at Verizon Wireless Theater (map)

If Chelsea Handler‘s stand-up comedy isn’t your thing, also appearing at the Verizon Wireless Theater this weekend is rock guitar legend Jeff Beck.  The tickets are reasonably priced so if you are a rock n’ roll fan, this is a great opportunity.

When: Saturday April 24

Tickets: $36.50, $56.50, $66.50

The Nigel Edison Band at The Woodlands

Get your country on with one of Texas’ best country and western bands.  The show is free of charge so you only need to bring your blanket, sweater, and picnic basket.

Where: Northshore Park, The Woodlands (map)

When: Sunday April 25 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

Houston Museum of Natural Science iMAX Theater (map)

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (or HMNS) has an amazing iMAX theater and there is always an excellent selection of movies to see.  Now showing: Hubble 3D, Bugs 3D and Dolphins & Whales 3D.

Schedule: All three movies are showing throughout the weekend; check the online schedule for show times.

Cost: $9-$11 (buy online)

Shakespeare in the Park at Discovery Green (map)

This Friday, April 23, see selections from Henry V and Taming of the Shrew at Discovery Green in Downtown Houston.  The Shakespeare in the Park series is free to the public.

Food Picks

Breakfast: New York Bagel & Coffee Shop (map) - A real New York coffee shop in the middle of Houston?  Yes, please.

Lunch: Soma Sushi (map) – After a weekend of eating rich foods I like a little sushi on Sunday for a lighter meal.

Hair of the Dog: Brien O’Neills Irish Pub (map) – The opposite of Sushi Sunday, loading up on some pub food and a few beers is also a good alternative.

Photo 1 courtesy of Joshua Payne; Photo 2: Christina Uticone