Weekend Roundup: July 30-August 1

I don’t know about you, but summer is simply flying by for me!  It’s hard to believe that this is the last weekend in July, but as usual Houston has plenty to offer!  Here are my picks for what to do this weekend, July 30-August 1.

Art Lovers

• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: “Celebrating Cowboy Culture” – This exhibit is the result of a partnership between the MFAH and the Houton Livestock Show and Rodeo.  Works presented have been selected from past winners of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art competition.  Located in the Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main St. (map).  Call 713.639.7300 with questions.  Museum weekend hours: Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM; Sunday 12: 15 PM – 7 PM.  Admission: $7 adult, $3.50 kids & seniors, members free.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum.
• The Station Museum: “Because We Are” – A collection of work by ten different artists, all centered around the central theme of gay/lesbian/bisexuality/transexuality.  The museum is open Wednesday-Thursday, 11 AM – 6 PM and admission is always free.  The Station Museum is located at 1502 Alabama St. (map).  Call 713.529.6900 with questions.

Music Lovers

• Keith Sweat & Lyfe Jennings -The Arena Theater boasts a stage in the round, which provides a great audience experience.  Keith Sweat and Lyfe Jennings will appear on Friday July 30, as part of their “Ladies’ Choice” tour.  Tickets can be purchased online or by phone at 713.772.5900; prices range from $39-$59.  The Arena Theater is located at 7326 Southwest Fwy. (map).

• Melissa Etheridge - Rocker, cancer survivor, and activist Melissa Etheridge is performing at the Verizon Wireless Center on Saturday July 31.  Etheridge’s current “Fearless Love” tour is promoting her album of the same name.  The Verizon Wireless Center is located at 520 Texas Ave. (map).  Ticket prices range from $37.50 to $102.50, and they are available for purchase online.  Show time is at 8 PM, doors open at 7 PM.

Astros

The Houston Astros are playing a home series this weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers.  Friday’s game is at 7:05 PM, Saturday’s at 6:05 PM, and Sunday’s game is at 1:05 PM.  Tickets can be purchased online.  Minute Maid Park is located at 501 Crawford St. (map).

Day Trip

There are a couple of unique events going on out in the Houston suburb of Pasadena this weekend, for those seeking to get out of the city and into something different.

• Gulf Coast Waterfowl Festival: This festival is great for outdoorsmen and women.  Decoy demonstrations and carving, a taxidermy contest, a swap meet, a Splash Competition for dogs, and more are on the events lineup at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmount Pkwy. (map).  Hours: Saturday July 31, 9 AM – 7 PM; Sunday August 1, 10 AM – 5 PM.  Admission pricing: $6 adults, $3 kids & seniors, free under 5 & active military (ID required).
• Repticon – Reptile & Exotic Animal Convention: Reptiles and amphibians on display, plus seminars and activities for all ages!  Snake lovers will be in heaven at this two-day show going on at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmount Pkwy. (map).  Hours: Saturday July 31, 10 AM – 5 PM (VIP entry 9 AM); Sunday August 1, 10 AM – 4 PM.  One-day admission prices: $10 adult, $5 children 5-12, under 4 free; 2-day VIP tickets $12 adult (online) or $15 (door).

Photo from the personal collection of Christina Uticone & Joshua Payne.