Fall is around the corner with Halloween decorations already sneaking into stores. The unforgiving heat during these last days of summer can sometimes dampen the mood of even the most cheery Houstonians. But the arts and cultural events this month can refresh your spirits! My favorite pick: The movies that show Houston as a rising player in filmmaking. Let’s get into it!
Houston Film Commission “First Thursdays” | Aug. 7 | 8 p.m.
Every first Thursday of the month, this monthly series brings together filmmakers, creatives, and film-lovers through a specially curated evening of short films by Houston’s Film Commissioner Alfred Cervantes at the back patio of Brasil in Montrose. A live Q&A follows, featuring a filmmaker with a unique Houston tie-in.
Galveston ArtWalk | Aug. 9 | 6 - 9 p.m.
In partnership with artist studios, nonprofits, and local businesses, ArtWalk takes place inside existing art spaces in and around the city’s nearly 200-year-old Historic Strand District. You can visit the Galveston Arts Center, Galveston Artist Residency, Texas Surf Museum, and various galleries for FREE.
Installation view of The Space Between Looking and Loving: Francesca Fuchs and the de Menil House at the Menil Collection, Houston. (Photo by Paul Hester)
Curator Talk: Paul R. Davis on The Space Between Looking and Loving: Francesca Fuchs and the de Menil House | Aug. 17 | 3 p.m.
In 1970, John de Menil wrote to German classical archeologist Dr. Werner Fuchs regarding a Roman male torso in his collection. Francesca Fuchs would later discover photographs depicting the same torso in her father’s personal belongings in England, leading her to find the original letter in the museum archives. Curator of Collections Paul R. Davis guides this discussion.
CODED: Conversations You Didn’t Know We Were Having | Aug. 22 & 23 | 7 p.m.
This evening of dance, drag, and drama presented by Prokop_Theory Dance is inspired by the coded forms of communication in Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. While the event is free, donations will benefit Rainbow Railroad, an international nonprofit helping at-risk LGBTQ+ individuals. Performances take place at Sanman Studios just north of downtown.
Houston Mariachi Festival | Aug. 22 - 24 | 7 p.m. & 3 p.m.
These three different performances feature the best mariachi musicians and ballet folklórico dancers from across the state. Presented in partnership with Performing Arts Houston at the Wortham Theater Center, the experience unites music enthusiasts and families for a weekend of exceptional performances that celebrate Hispanic culture.
Other August Events:
Houston Media Conference | Aug. 22 - 24 | Various Times | Houston Cinema Arts Society & Southwest Alternate Media Project at CityCentre
The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill | Saturdays in August | 9 a.m. - Noon
Saturday Stargazing | Saturdays in August | 7 - 10 p.m. | George Observatory at Brazos Bend State Park
