Grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and other gourmet versions of cheese are all on the menu at The Cheese Fest, an aptly named celebration of all things cheese. This event will visit several cities throughout the U.S., including Houston on Friday, November 4th from 5 to 10 p.m.

The Cheese Fest invites guests to sample as many different types of artisan cheeses as they can. In fact, a general admission ticket entitles you to unlimited tastings. In addition to the cheese, there's also beer and wine to wash it down—and your ticket gets you one free drink. Then there are the cheese-based eats, such as grilled cheese and mac and cheese—not to mention live music—that you'll want to enjoy here. Spring for a VIP ticket to indulge in a wine or beer tasting with complementary cheeses.

The Cheese Fest
When: 5 – 10 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4
Where: Hermann Square, 900 Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002
Cost: $35+
thecheesefest.com/events/houston
www.everfest.com/e/the-cheese-fest-multi-city

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Matthew Hine

Go for a ride on a camel. Kick back and watch authentic Egyptian performances. Dig into chicken shawarma or falafel. At the Houston Egyptian Festival, these fun activities come straight to your city, along with many more. Held at Discovery Green on Saturday, October 29th, the Houston Egyptian Festival will bring a small slice of Africa to your backyard.

First and foremost, you can expect live Arabic music played by Houston transplants. Attend a lesson regarding ancient Egypt, have your hands embellished with henna, or pick up Egyptian coffees and teas. There's plenty to do and see at the Houston Egyptian Festival, so don't miss out on the fun.

Houston Egyptian Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 29
Where: Discovery Green, 500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
Cost: $10
egyptfesthouston.com
www.everfest.com/e/houston-egyptian-festival-houston-tx

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Jeff Pioquinto, SJ

Catalina Coffee, a locally owned coffee shop, is an ideal place to meet friends and enjoy a good cup of java. It offers a variety of gourmet, seasonal coffees that are freshly roasted and sure to satisfy. In addition to coffeehouse favorites, there are loose leaf teas and tasty baked goods delivered fresh daily here, so pair your drink with something sweet. There’s some shared seating as well as individual tables at this cozy spot, with a few tables outside as well.

Note that there is no Wi-Fi—Catalina Coffee encourages patrons to enjoy the sense of community here. A cool spot to hang out, Catalina Coffee is about a mile away from Siena at Memorial Heights, so be sure to check it out!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Bex.Walton