Houston: Calendar of Events

Hummingbird Homemaking Made Simple

City of Seabrook September 6

"Hummingbirds of Texas" co-author, Mark Klynn will provide a program on how to convert typical suburban landscape into a garden for hummingbirds.

 A free event presented by the Seabrook Eco-Tourism Committee. 9:00am at Seabrook City Hall. Also on hand will be Mark Fox Landscaping Co. bringing a selection of habitat plants. 281-474-4825 or 281-291-5730.

Space City Cruisers

Cruise Nights League Park Friday Nights March - November 6pm-9pm 6:00pm to 9:00pm Friday Nights at League City Park. March thru November, 2008

September begins with a monumental new exhibit at Galveston County Historical Museum that will tell the story of African Americans’ service in World War II.

The exhibit opens September 1. This traveling exhibit shows how, despite segregation and discrimination, they met great challenges and served with distinction and honor. The exhibit, entitled African Americans in World War II, was developed by the National Atomic Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and continues at the museum thru November 24th.

Armand Bayou Ranger 28' Pontoon Boat Experienc

 Armand Bayou Nature Center

 Every Saturday February 2 through December 27, 2008 

Morning or sunset cruises with expert guides. Reservations required. Informative and memorable aquatic safari filled with views of local wildlife and beautiful settings.

Armand Bayou Ranger 28' Pontoon Boat Experience

Armand Bayou Nature Center Every Saturday February 2 through December 27, 2008 Saturdays February thru December. Morning or sunset cruises with expert guides. Reservations required. Informative and memorable aquatic safari filled with views of local wildlife and beautiful settings.

Second Saturday of each month

11 AM - 6 PM

Hosted by Sylvan Beach Art League

Original works of art

The astronaut gallery is an unparalled exhibit outside northrop grumman theater featuring the world's best collection of spacesuits. astronaut john young's ejection suit and judy resnik's t-38 flightsuit are two of the many spacesuits on display.

Hands-on problem solving is the focus of Brain Teasers, a collection of 20 different games that challenge the whole family to tackle puzzles, solve number games and manipulate intriguing shapes.

 A wide array of challenges for individuals of all ages

Test your dexterity by tying and untying knots Solve tangram puzzles and intriguing number games

Balance 14 nails on the head of one nail And much, much more! These mind benders are guaranteed to challenge even the most experienced problem solver!

CHALLENGE GALLERY This new addition, located next to the Amazing Body Pavilion's exit, dares visitors to perform at the top of their game, test their reflexes, master the wacky wire, flex their mental muscles and dance their hearts out. At each of the exhibit's six stations, visitors must use a specific muscle to complete the activity. Activities include Mindball, where the most relaxed player wins by pushing a ball toward their opponent using calm brain waves.

Another activity in the Challenge area is the Dance Challenge. Players have a chance to show off their best dance moves as they test their muscle memory by stepping on lighted panels and following along with the on-screen performer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ON GOING EXHIBIT

china displays
 in theaters 1 and 2, the museum is proud to announce the addition of over 10 new displays. the displays include "the history of the santa fe" and feature passenger timetables and dining car menus from the 50's and 60's. in addition, the santa fe exhibit features glassware from the super chief and a replica of the famous santa fe warbonnet engines in g scale.

Dare Devil Island - New Summer Action Adventure Exhibit

Space Center Houston

The brand new DareDevil Island exhibit is open! Journey deep into a tropical adventure filled with thrill-seeking fun. 'Explorers' will face thrilling challenges with daring drops, vine swings, mazes and a giant spider web that stands 4 stories tall! Families will be transported deep into a jungle adventure.

The brand new DareDevil Island exhibit! Journey deep into a tropical adventure filled with thrill-seeking fun like bungee jumping and trapeze!

Opens May 24th.

The EcoStation is a one-of-a-kind hands-on, outdoor, environmental exhibit, which focuses on ecosystems and environmental issues through a native plant garden, puppet stage, woodland area, bayou table, pond and a research pavilion.

Each area is full of exciting, hands-on activities such as insect collecting, tree rubbings, water quality testing, decomposition observation, soil type exploration, and make-and-take activities like nature journals, home environmental awareness inventory logs, bird feeders and more.

In addition, the exhibit hosts live performing arts such as puppet shows, story times, skits and sing-alongs supporting environmental stewardship themes. The EcoStation is temporarily closed due to our Expansion to double the size of the Museum by March 2009. The exhibit will reopen on May 24, 2008...just in time for summer!

When: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Admission: FREE

 Heritage Place park located on 500 Collins in Downtown Conroe Starting in April 2008 the City of Conroe is proud to present a free concert every first Thursday of the month. The concert series will end September 2008. Everyone is invited to attend. Food and beverages will be sold since no coolers are allowed in the park.

Free and Easy

There are many free opportunities in the Museum District!

 FREE ALL THE TIME: Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Holocaust Museum Houston Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Houston Center for Photography The Jung Center of Houston Lawndale Art Center The Menil Collection Rice University Art Gallery The Rothko Chapel

Specific Free Hours: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (Mondays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) The Children's Museum of Houston (Thursdays - Free Family Night: 5 - 8 p.m.) Houston Museum of Natural Science (Tuesdays: after 2 p.m. - General Admission Only) Houston Zoo (Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day & the Friday after Thanksgiving) The Health Museum (Thursdays 2 - 5 p.m.) John C. Freeman Weather Research Museum (Thursdays 12 - 4 p.m.) The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.)

Galveston Farmers' Market Second Saturday of Every Month

9am - Noon The Galveston Farmers Market is located at Saengarfest Park (23 Street & The Strand) in the Center of Galveston's Historic Downtown District.

The Market is held April thru December on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The Galveston Farmers' Market offers a variety of regionally grown and produced goat cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, fresh Gulf shrimp and catch of the day - as well as gifts, crafts, and much more. This event is free to the public. It is sponsored by the Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership.

Located 35 minutes from Houston, La Porte has something for everyone. 

 The La Porte-Bayshore area blends the romantic history of early Texas and old Sylvan Beach with the civic pride that makes La Porte a unique town. Want to find that special gift or unique items for your home?

Park the car and stroll down Main Street and Broadway. Relax and enjoy the tennis courts, wave pool, golf course, museums, fishing, the Historical trail and the cool breezes off Galveston Bay. La Porte offers outdoor recreation year round for the entire family.

Guided Canoe Tour

Armand Bayou Nature Center

April 12, April 26, August 9, August 23, September 13, September 27, October 11, October 25, November 8, November 22, December 13

8am-11am come along on a morning of education and adventure paddling canoes on a guided tour down the backwaters of armand bayou. armand bayou nature center, 8500 bay area blvd.

ON GOING EXHIBIT

 In theater 3 is an o-scale model railroad winter wonderland. this layout was donated by carla herron. board members ken douglas and morris gould, assisted by ralph stenzel and victor garcia and members of the beaumont model railroad club, transported the layout from houston, assembled it and installed track, switches, mountains, dwellings, and a special effect that must be seen in person.

Houston Collects: African American Art

On view through October 26, 2008 At the Caroline Wiess Law Building

 This exhibition of works from Houston art collections traces social and artistic themes.

Did you ever wonder why you can't see in the dark? Or how your wireless telephone worked? Or even what really happens when you turn the ignition in your car? This multi-level exhibition challenges you to ask and discover the answers to your own science questions with tons of hands-on, investigative experiences.

 You will explore light and color and can even become part of the exhibit with Light Warehouse, see what makes a car go with the '66 Mustang in Auto Alley, watch your messages be sent via fiberoptics and check out the history of communication in Phone Zone or challenge yourself to discover something new in the Science Station. You can even lift yourself 5 feet into the air to see how pulleys can make life a lot easier with the Kid Lift. 

In the Forest of Fontainebleau: Painters and Photographers from Corot to Monet

On view July 13 - October 19, 2008 at the Audrey Jones Beck Building

Lights! Camera! Action!

Think your child might be the next Matt Lauer or Barbara Walters? Let them show their stuff on camera in this exhibit, which teaches kids and parents what television is like behind the scenes. KID-TV includes a dramatic backdrop of downtown Houston, video cameras, props and costumes, a teleprompter, a story board activity, a sound booth with a computer sound generator, director's board and cut-out figures of multi-cultural men and women who explain the different jobs in video production.

interactive exhibits and themed area make exploring the different aspects of space and the manned space flight program loads of fun.

The long-term agreement between the MFAH and the National Museum of Korea includes the loan of Korean National Treasures and serves as the foundation of the Korean Art and Culture Initiative, at the heart of which is the establishment of a larger, permanent MFAH gallery for Korean art of the highest aesthetic and cultural significance.

This gallery has been established with support from the Korea Foundation. The Korean Art and Culture Initiative also calls for the introduction of a comprehensive interpretive program for visitors and involves the local Korean community.

Second Friday of every month

6:00 -  9:00 PM  215 West Main

Great Music and Fine Dining

Local Farmers Market - Nassau Bay

Erma's Nutrition Every Saturday Every Saturday - 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Organic produce, ferns & flowers. Locally produced or grown herbs, plants, jams, goats milk, dairy, baked goods and meats. Earth friendly clothing, hand painted organic cotton items and locally crafted jewelry. In front of Erma's Nutrition - Rain or Shine - 18045 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay. 281-333-4746

Farmers Market - Nassau Bay

Erma's Nutrition Every Saturday Every Saturday - 10:00am to 2:00pm. Organic produce, ferns & flowers. Locally produced or grown herbs, plants, jams, goats milk, dairy, baked goods and meats. Earth friendly clothing, hand painted organic cotton items and locally crafted jewelry. In front of Erma's Nutrition - Rain or Shine - 18045 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay. 281-333-4746

McGovern 4D Theater - Opens September 6

Experience science in 4D at Houston’s first and only 4D theater, the McGovern 4D Theater. Enjoy a 3D feature in a fully digital, surround sound environment with special effects like rain, lightning, scents and more!

Join us September 6-7 for the Grand Opening of the McGovern 4D Theater!

Featured film: Expedition 3D: The Cell. Zoom through the body and push through the cell wall with our exploration team as they take a closer look at how cells fight disease.

Opening Day of Grand Canyon 3D

Date: 03/15/2008

IMAX 3D Theater Description: Check out our new feature, Grand Canyon 3D, at the IMAX 3D Theater at Moody Gardens®. Set against the immense backdrop of the majestic Grand Canyon, this film will take audiences on an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River in the company of a team of explorers who are committed to bringing awareness to global water issues. Grand Canyon 3D will run through October 31, 2008.

Opening Day of Pokemon 4D

Date: 03/15/2008 Location: 4D Special FX Theater

Check out our new 4D movie, Pokemon 4D, at the 4D Special FX Theater, where special effects like rumbling seats, leg ticklers, back pokers and more bring the on-screen film to life! Pokemon 4D will run through October 31, 2008. 

Prairie Night Ride

 Armand Bayou Nature Center April 18 7:30-9pm May 16 7:30-9pm June 13 7:30-9pm July 18 7:30-9pm August 15 7:30-9pm September 12 7-8:30pm October 10 5:30-7pm

Join us for an evening of prairie adventure! As the heat of the day cools, prairie wildlife begins to emerge under the deep Texas night sky. From the elevated view of a hayride we will explore the sights and sounds of the transforming prairie landscape. With the aid of a powerful spotlight, your expert guides will interpret the prairie's beauty, wildlife, and ecology. Sightings may include deer, owls, armadillos, rabbits, and raccoons. (Bring your own drinks and snacks!)

 Reservations required.

ON GOING EXHIBIT

The museum has 3 steam engines and 3 diesel engines on site. the steam engines are all on static display. the diesel engines are operable. The greater efficiency of diesel engines compared to steam engines, and the fewer moving parts to be serviced, repaired, or replaced, resulted in steam engines being retired by most major railroads by the late 1950's; a few short line railroads continued to use steam into the 1960's. union pacific is the only major railroad with an ongoing steam program. up operates two steam engines, #3985 and #844, on excursion runs for railfans. most other steam operations are on tourist or private railroads.

Sailboat Racing

Clear Lake Park & Community Center

Wednesday Evenings - Excluding July 4th Weekend April thru September Wednesday Evenings

Space City Cruisers Cruise Nights

Friday Nights March - November 6pm-9pm 6:00pm to 9:00pm at League City Park, 

 For more information call (281)455-3816.

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, also known as The Health Museum, is a unique health and science education facility with a fantastic main attraction: the Jim Hickox Amazing Body Pavilion, a larger-than-life walking tour through the human body.

The Museum is dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of the human body and inspiring a life-long commitment to health. 

The Beginning

African Americans have served proudly in every great American war. In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six all African American Army units. The units were identified as the 9th and 10th cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st infantry regiments. The four infantry regiments were later reorganized to form the 24th and 25th infantry regiments. These fighting men represented the first Black professional soldiers in a peacetime army. The recruits came from varied backgrounds including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War.

 The Nickname

The nickname buffalo soldiers began with the Cheyenne warriors in 1867. The actual Cheyenne translation was Wild Buffalo. The nickname was given out of respect and the fierce fighting ability of the 10th cavalry. Overtime, Buffalo Soldiers became a generic term for all African American soldiers.

Gulf Greyhound Park, the world's largest and #1 greyhound racing operation, offers a unique entertainment package. The air conditioned complex features 3 levels, each offering a variety of dining and view options. Other unique features include 318 teller windows, over 1,100 closed-circuit televisions throughout the facility and parking to accommodate over 8,000 vehicles.

Live world-class greyhound racing and pari-mutuel wagering are offered at Gulf Greyhound Park, year round, rain or shine.

Evening performances are as follows: Thursday through Saturday - doors open at 6:00 p.m. and races begin at 7:00 p.m.

Matinee performances are held Wednesday at noon doors open at 11:00 a.m.,

Saturday, and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Wine and Stars Party at Haak Winery Haak Vineyards & Winery, Inc.

Saturday, March 1, dusk Saturday, September 27 - dusk Saturday, November 1 - dusk Dusk till about 9:30pm.

Free to attend, bring your own lawn chair and enjoy the night stars. Haak Winery, 6310 Ave T, Santa Fe, Texas For more information visit www.haakwine.com or call (409)925-1401.

Ready to travel to Mexico?

In Yalálag, A Mountain Village in Mexico kids explore a replica of a real Oaxacan village in Mexico through all sorts of hands-on activities. They can 'shop' for food in the open-air market or village store, take a 'ride' on the VW bus, 'meet' the villagers and their families through vivid photographs, learn how to make tortillas or hot cocoa, practice Spanish and Zapotec words in the schoolhouse and more. All throughout the year, Yalálag is filled with fiestas-call ahead and you might get to see a live mariachi band or participate in intricate crafts or celebrations.