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.

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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Usher In the Spring at Memorial Park

The sun shines year-round at Houston's Memorial Park, but with the arrival of spring just on the horizon, it might shine a little bit brighter. Take full advantage of the springtime sunshine at this sprawling city park, which boasts more than 30 miles of hiking trails—not to mention ample space for biking, picnicking, and lounging on the grass.

On a warm, sunny day, bring your bike along and conquer the trails in the southwest part of Memorial Park, which are popular among mountain bikers. Play a round of golf at the Memorial Park Golf Course, an 18-hole course spread out across 250 acres. You can book a tee in advance. Or head to the Memorial Park Fitness Center, where you can splash into the pool or pump some iron in the weight room. If you have little ones in tow, stop at the Vale-Asche Foundation Playground, a spot that's accessible to children of all abilities.

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Explore the Bayou City Art Festival March 23-25

For one weekend each year, Houston's Memorial Park transforms into a fresh-air art gallery in honor of the Bayou City Art Festival. This year, the colorful festival kicks off on Friday, March 23rd and runs through Sunday, the 25th. More than 300 artists from around the area will line the mile-long walking path, displaying their masterpieces in the bright spring sunshine.

That collection of artists encompasses a wide variety of different styles. Some shape clay into functional pieces. Others enlist leather and metal to create stunning decorative items. Still others craft works using strokes of watercolor, glass, or their digital cameras. Come to explore the collection of contemporary and classic art, maybe even take something home to embellish your living room. After you scour the art show, enjoy some international food and wine, get your hands dirty at the hands-on Creative Zone, and take in some live music.

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Think Spring Thoughts at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

If you’re looking for an escape from the everyday, the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in West Houston is the perfect location. This over 17-acre park is a hidden gem that many say they would have never found without an insider tip. The sanctuary is home to a log cabin built by the Moores in the 1930s; it's now one of the main attractions and hosts educational programs.

On your hikes around the sprawling trails you’ll come across lizards, frogs, snakes, birds, turtles and more. You’ll also find bits of Rummel Creek, offering a calming oasis in the forest. From September to May, docents lead a Saturdays in Nature program for families on the second Saturday of each month which focuses on a different lesson each week. They also offer Second Saturday bird walks for a bit more exploration and education. Gates are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with entry free donations are suggested for tours and educational programs.

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