Returning Sept. 29: Houston Oktoberfest at The Water Works

Oktoberfest at The Water Works combines the best aspects of German and Texan culture into a single day of booze, food, and fun. On September 29th, the beer-centric festival takes over The Water Works with a lineup of German-inspired and local Texan brews, lots of fresh food, and live entertainment and activities.

This year's roster of beers includes Saint Arnold Brewing Company's Oktoberfest, Karbach Brewing Co.'s "Karbachtoberfest," and many other autumn-inspired beers. Sip on a pint as you play a game of giant Jenga or put down the pint and participate in keg-rolling, part of the Olympiad Games. Soak up the booze with food from local vendors such as The Melt on Wheels and The Baker's Man, then enjoy live music by German bands like Yodel Blitz and Auf Gehts. Tickets start at $25 for general admission.

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Design Your Own Doormat at The Rustic Brush

The Rustic Brush puts a new spin on the concept of the paint-and-sip studio. Its list of projects extends beyond the typical painting. You can also make cute and quirky wooden signs for your home, craft your own doormat, or even design a one-of-a-kind serving tray. Bring along your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy while you DIY.

Here's how it works: Begin by finding an open workshop time that fits into your schedule. Reserve your spot online and choose a project. Then come to The Rustic Brush with your favorite beverage in hand, and the staff will help you complete your project using materials they already have on hand. You can customize a small, medium, or large wooden pallet sign with your last initial or full name, or make a doormat or hanging piece of decor using similar designs.

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Take Some “Me Time” at Sanctuary Spa

Sanctuary Spa has been in business since 1984, and over the past 30 years, it's earned quite the reputation. National publications including Vogue, Allure, and even TIME magazine have sung the praises of the Houston institution over the years. So when you come here for a facial, a massage, or any of the other pampering treatments, you can expect top-notch quality.

The beautifiers at Sanctuary Spa enlist contemporary technology to enhance their facials, so take full advantage. Try the LED Light Therapy facial, which uses the power of light to ease issues such as acne scars, oversized pores, or redness. Struggling with constant aches and pains? Let a massage therapist at Sanctuary deliver a signature massage, which mixes elements of classic Swedish, deep tissue, lymphatic, and sports massage to meet your needs. The skilled staffers also offer hydrotherapy, body wraps and scrubs, hair removal, and lash and brow tinting.

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Watch Pro Architects Shape Seaside Masterpieces at the AIA Sandcastle Competition

The AIA Sandcastle Competition isn't your average day on the beach. The fundraiser benefits the local branch of the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) and the Architecture Center of Houston, so its participants come from architectural firms around the city. They take their professional expertise and create truly spectacular structures out of the sand.

Head to East Beach in Galveston on Saturday, August 25th to witness these masters at work. They start to brainstorm ideas and sketch out blueprints for their sandcastles months in advance, so expect to see sandy masterpieces. The teams begin building at 10 a.m. and have five hours to finish before the judges make their rounds. They'll dole out the Golden Bucket Award to the most worthy team, as well as other honors in categories such as Best Traditional Sandcastle and Best Houston-centric Castle. Admission to this event is free.

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Don’t Miss the Free Houston Shakespeare Festival From July 27th to August 5th

The Professional Company at the University of Houston hosts the Houston Shakespeare Festival each year in order to bring the most famous works of the Bard to the masses. This free theater series unfolds at the Miller Outdoor Theatre most nights from July 27th to August 5th with alternating productions of Hamlet and Comedy of Errors.

Pick your show and come to the theater a little before 8:15 p.m. when the play begins. If you choose Hamlet, gear up for an evening of twists and turns. The classic play follows its namesake protagonist as he returns from the university to discover his mother has married his uncle and there's a ghost haunting his home. He unravels the corruption of the court and ends up in a life-or-death predicament. Comedy of Errors, on the other hand, keeps things light with a silly storyline that involves two sets of identical twins and multiple instances of mistaken identity.

Freedom Over Texas Celebrates America’s Birthday With Live Music on July 4th

If you've ever heard country crooner Chris Young's smash "I'm Comin' Over," you're going to want to come on over to Freedom Over Texas this Fourth of July. Each Independence Day for more than 30 years, the city of Houston has hosted live music and fireworks on Buffalo Bayou—2018 will be no different.

Chris Young is headlining the festival on the main stage, just one of four stages scattered throughout Sam Houston and Eleanor Tinsley Parks. He recently received the honor of a spot in the Grand Ole Opry and has enjoyed countless Number 1 hits and award nominations. Before he takes the stage, Cupid & the Dance Party Express will open up the evening along with The Mavericks. Tickets are just $8 and include unlimited access to the fun, which culminates in a fireworks display around 10 p.m.

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Eat, Dance and Be Merry at the The Great Texas Mosquito Festival

Legend has it that Willie the Mosquito first dreamt up The Great Texas Mosquito Festival in the summer of 1981 as he watched humans frolic and play in the warm southern sunshine. Those humans took things from there, hosting the first Mosquito Festival with live music, rides, and lots of Texan comfort food. Come to the 37th Annual Great Texas from July 26th to 28th at the Clute Parks and Recreation Department to check out the fun.

Starting on Thursday, visit the petting zoo, take a spin on the carnival rides, and check out Willie's Home Run Party to play games and win prizes. Then on the 27th, taste-test bites from some of the area's best professional and novice chefs at the BBQ and Fajita Cook-Off before dancing to the up-tempo tuns of the Spazmatics starting at 8:30 p.m. The festival closes out on Saturday with a jam-packed schedule of mosquito-calling, haystack diving, and, of course, more live music and hot food. Tickets start at $1 on Thursday night and $15 for adults on Friday and Saturday.

Bring Dad to K1 Speed Houston for Some Father’s Day Fun

If you're looking for a fun and unique way to spend some time with your dad this Father's Day, bring him to K1 Speed Houston. The indoor go-kart racing track offers ample opportunities for some friendly competition between you and Dad, as well as any siblings you invite along.

The karting tracks take up a whopping 50,000 square feet, making them some of the biggest anywhere in the country. So there's no shortage of entertainment at K1 Speed Houston. Climb inside one of the electric go-karts and zip around the track at speeds reaching up to 45 miles per hour, then check out your stats on one of the plasma screen TVs. When it's your turn to sit out, watch other competitors speed around the tracks and keep an eye on their data as it splashes across the screens in front of you.

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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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