Sink Your Teeth Into a Buzzworthy Burger at Rodeo Goat

Rodeo Goat may have only opened in March, but you'd think it was a longstanding Houston institution given the amount of media buzz it's already garnered. CultureMap, Eater, and the Dallas Observer are just a few of the high-profile publications to praise the newly opened eatery, particularly its burgers.

The Marvin Zindler burger sets mouths watering with its stack of applewood-smoked bacon, a beefsteak tomato, jalapenos, fried onions, cheddar, pickle chutney, lettuce, and house-made barbecue sauce on top of a freshly ground beef patty. The Salted Sow mixes things up a bit with its patty of Italian sausage and beef with basil, pesto, mozzarella, balsamic-infused mayo, and a bit of fresh prosciutto on top. If you want to skip the meat, Rodeo Goat also offers two veggie burgers, one made of quinoa, barley, radishes, and mushrooms (the Billy F. Gibbons) and the other crafted strictly from a blend of veggies (the Neil Young).

Only Adults Are Welcome at the Houston Zoo After Dark This Summer

If you think a trip to the zoo is only for kids, allow Houston Zoo After Dark to show you otherwise. This adults-only event takes the family-friendly zoo and transforms it into an outdoor party venue, complete with libations and live entertainment. It all begins at 6 p.m. on June 21st and July 19th.

Pick your date and snag a ticket ($35), then come to the Houston Zoo to meet and greet the animals for a couple of hours after it's closed to the public. Explore the zoo and its residents' habitats from 6 to 8 p.m., then head back to the main stage for some live entertainment. Enjoy a cocktail as you enjoy the entertainment and some fun with friends—the first drink is included. Bring along your wallet if you want extra food and drink, which will be available for purchase.

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Vegandale Touts Delicious Plant-Based Fare This June 2nd at Sam Houston Park

What began as a single-block food festival in Toronto has exploded into a sprawling celebration that travels across country and state lines. Vegandale will make its first stop in Houston this year, proving that even in the land of barbecue, it's easy to avoid animal products without sacrificing fun and flavorful food.

Vegandale will take over Sam Houston Park on Saturday, June 2nd starting at 11 a.m. and running until 7 p.m. Its vendors are prepared to convert even the staunchest of meat-eaters into plant-lovers with vegan dishes like juicy burgers, decadent mac and cheese, and even lavish brownie sundaes. Grab your general admission ticket ($15) and bring some cash to pay for food as you go, since not every vendor at the festival will accept debit or credit cards.

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Get Outside This Summer With Fitness Classes and Other Events at Discovery Green

You don't have to leave the city in order to enjoy the great outdoors. The sprawling 12 acres that comprise Discovery Green offer ample opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. And since there are things to do at Discovery Green all summer long, you'll never run out of entertainment, either.

Discovery at the Green plays host to countless outdoor fitness classes all season long, and they're almost all free. Come to Hatha yoga on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. for a slow flow that caters to all skill levels or check out Zumba every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. if you're looking for a fast-paced workout. Enjoy a concert on the lawn every Thursday evening starting at 7 p.m. or go kayaking on Kinder Lake ($5 per person) daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. These are just a few of the events at Discovery Green this summer, so keep an eye on the schedule to see what else is in store.

Come to the Houstonian Hotel Grande Ballroom Brunch for Mother’s Day

This Mother's Day, show your mom you care by taking her out to a special bunch. The Mother's Day brunch at the Houstonian Hotel Grande Ballroom is a solid option. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 13th, the restaurant will host a special meal for all of the hard-working moms in Houston.

Make reservations for brunch ($84 per person) to enjoy a morning of feasting with your family. The bottomless buffet showcases light bites like fresh fruits, artisan cheese, and even an array of sushi and sashimi. Nearby at the Breakfast Table, chefs whip up omelets to patrons' exact specifications and vanilla waffles topped with caramelized apples wait to be scooped onto a plate and devoured. Larger entrees range from herb-rubbed prime rib to ricotta ravioli dressed in the lobster ragu. Cap off your brunch with a mimosa, a piece of blueberry crisp, or a warm chocolate chip cookie.

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Experience a Hong Kong Tradition at the Houston Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon boats bring beautiful mythical creatures into the modern age. They're traditional Chinese watercraft embellished in an explosion of bright colors to actually evoke dragons. With a crew of 20 paddlers, one steersperson, and a drummer on board, they race down rivers in a display of athleticism and teamwork. The Houston Dragon Boat Festival brings this Asian tradition to your city every year.

Head out to the festival on Saturday, May 5th at Allen's Landing to watch the show. The teams will face off against each other in the striking dragon boats, churning through the water as quickly as possible along courses that range from 250 to 1,000 meters. In between the feats of strength, which run every 10 or 15 minutes, check out cultural performances and live music or enjoy some hot food at the Houston Dragon Boat Festival.

Treat Yourself to a Craft Cocktail at Newly Debuted High & Dry, a Rum Bar

Exposed brick. Hand-carved tiki statues. Century-old hardwood floors. High & Dry blends elements of old-school Houston and island vibes in a way that somehow totally works. Since the rum bar opened in February downtown, it's already earned a reputation for boasting some of the best cocktails around. They're mostly rooted in craft rums—after all, the bar plays host to more than 75 varieties from around the globe.

If you're looking for a drink that tastes like summer, try the Sunshower. The bartender infuses its refreshing base of cucumber water with ginger and dill aquavit for a unique balance of sweet and salty. The Bajan Brew goes a different direction, a mix of cold-brew coffee with creamy coconut milk, tiki bitters, and authentic Bajan rums. Anyone craving something light and sweet should try the Mai Girl, which brings together freshly pressed pineapple and pure cane sugar with a house-crafted allspice dram. You can also enjoy artisan shots of rum, like the H&D Cannon Ball, a straight shot of house-infused cinnamon-spiced rum.

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Don’t Miss ‘Hamilton’ While It’s at The Hobby Center From April 24-May 20

It's been two years since Hamilton made its grand debut on Broadway, but the buzz surrounding this groundbreaking play has barely died down to a dull roar. But now that the show is on the road, you won't have to book a plane to NYC and fight crowds for a ticket. You can see Hamilton at The Hobby Center from April 24th to May 20th.

Its traveling cast brings the new classic to the stage near you with the same dramatic sets and music as the original on Broadway. Follow the tale of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies, as he arrives in America and finds himself at the right hand of George Washington as the Revolutionary War rages on. The story is old, but the score is new, a mix of rap, hip-hop, jazz, and R&B.

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Mark Your Calendar for the Japan Festival Houston on April 14-15

If you want to learn more about the Japanese culture, there's no better place than the Japan Festival Houston. On April 14th and 15th, the celebration will return to Hermann Park for its 25th year, bringing with it a long list of vendors and activities. From taking part in a traditional tea ceremony to learning origami, there's plenty to entertain you.

Grab a bite from Breaking Bao, Coreanos Food Truck, or Izakaya WA to fuel you as you explore the rest of the festival. Explore a forest of carefully shaped bonsai trees or learn how wagashi is made. Experience the stunning performances of Japanese dance troops, martial artists, and Japanese singers. Compete in the Cosplay Contest, and if you win, you'll get a roundtrip ticket from Houston to Japan. There's a lot to see and do at this year's Japan Festival Houston, so don't miss it.

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Grab a Pint at the Newly Opened Holman Draft Hall

A mix of exposed brick, iron elements, and rustic rough-hewn slats of wood creates an industrial-chic environment at Holman Draft Hall. From the wooden swings and firepits out on the brick patio to the plush velour couches and farmhouse-style chandeliers inside, each and every design component of the space has been handpicked for the sake of delighting your senses. Of course, the 100 beers on tap don't hurt, either.

Since Holman Draft Hall opened in January, customers have quickly caught on to its presence. They love the happy hour libations, and not just the beers, many of which are crafted right here in Texas. The bartenders also dole out unique frozen cocktails, like the Slippery Rabbit with Reyka Vodka, blueberry, lavender, cardamom, and lemon. Pair your chosen libation with one of the snacks, sammies, or "shareables," like the curry-golden raisin chicken wings or the fried green tomatoes.

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