There was a time when Buffalo Bayou was thought of as merely our city's pathetic attempt at a river. But thanks to renewed interest, it's now recognized as a historic waterway that supports a thriving ecosystem. Leading the lovefest is the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and its affiliate, the Bayou Buddies, a group of young Houstonians who regularly meet and mingle and gush about all things bayou. Today, they'll meet at Artista Restaurant (a neighbor of the bayou) for an event celebrating its third anniversary, where they'll sip cocktails, nibble on hors d'oeuvres and learn more about the organization. (Hey, maybe you can try out the ol' "Can I bayou a drink?" line.) 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. For tickets and information, call 713-752-0314 or visit www.buffalobayou.org. Free for Bayou Buddy members; $15 for nonmembers.
Friday, August 26
Andy "Champa" Moore is a household name in the local turntable scene, having spun with such national acts as Deep Dish, Tiësto, Keoki, Paul van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold. Oh, and he kicked holy ass and won it all at the Houston Press Ultra DJ spin-off in February. The sidekick of local mainstay Sean Carnahan, Moore has come a long way from his days as the resident at Club Some -- he's basically gold in this town. So what better time for him to leave, right? Yes, in an effort to take the national and international DJ scenes by storm, Moore's jetting to New York City. Send him off tonight at The City that Never Sleeps, an official farewell party for the man who's been embedded in the local nightlife scene for a decade. A who's who of local talent will be spinning, including JD Arnold (TBC), Bruno B, Henry Chow, Little Martin, Surrain, Gracie Chavez, G. Wizz, Hippo & Estefex, Ben Clark, Seth Jones and, natch, Moore himself. The party is slated to run from "sunset to dawn," so get there early, as it's sure to leave you wanting Moore. Clark's, 314 Main. For tickets and information, call 713-237-8220 or visit www.loveisinthemusic.com. $10.
Saturday, August 27
Look! Up in the sky! It's...well, it's a cow the size of a medium-size apartment building. Fancy that. But before you head to the eye doctor for a new prescription, remind yourself that today is the RE/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival, featuring more than a hundred hot-air balloons of various shapes and sizes. Of course, if this golden opportunity to strain your neck muscles isn't enough, there's also a giant inflatable "hippo slide" for your hippo-sliding pleasure, along with skydivers, hang gliders and paragliders. There'll also be food and music. Rise to the occasion from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the NASA/Johnson Space Center, 1601 NASA Parkway. For information, call 281-488-7676 or visit www.ballunarfestival.com. $10 per car.
Sunday, August 28
The bad news: The 2005 Houston Home & Interior Design Show is one of those sprawling events in a gigantic venue (in this case, it's Reliant Center) teeming with thousands of ravenous, decor-minded people. The good news: If you want to get your shack in order, it's the place to be. Get tips from Peter Walsh, an organizational consultant to the stars (seriously) and host of TLC's Clean Sweep. Or hit the "Ask a Designer" booth and shop for goods and wine. Oh, and you can learn how to make your home more cat-friendly with the Friskies for More Experience. (In case the scratching posts, torn-up mice and turd-laden litter box just isn't enough.) Show runs 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, August 26; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, August 27; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. One Reliant Park. For tickets and information, call 832-289-0488 or visit www.houstonhomeandinteriordesign.com. $2 to $9.
Monday, August 29
As the granddaddy of Houston rock clubs, Fitzgerald's has been the scene of so much debauchery in the last 28 years that if those walls could talk, they would surely plead the fifth. And Fitz is keeping up the tradition every Monday with the provocatively titled "Bunnday." Now, we realize that sounds a mite suggestive, but all it really means is that the ever-popular Bartending Bunny will be, well, bartending. What it also means is that well drinks and domestic beers are a mere, tiny, practically friggin'-free two bucks. All that plus the stylish sounds of the redoubtable DJ Nick Da Fish add up to an unbeatable Monday night. Shake that cottontail starting at 10 p.m. 2706 White Oak Drive. For information, call 713-862-3838 or visit www.fitzlive.com. Free.
Tuesday, August 30
Dr. William H. Meinecke from the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., is giving a lecture on the history of the Holocaust at the Holocaust Museum Houston today. Trace the economic and social roots of European anti-Semitism and analyze how Hitler and his minions inflamed and manipulated those circumstances and feelings until they exploded with Kristallnacht and flowered into the most horrific example of wholesale fascist slaughter in modern history. Stare into the abyss of human suffering and destruction at 6 p.m. 5401 Caroline. For information, call 713-942-8000 or visit www.hmh.org. Free.
Wednesday, August 31
Can you take the heat? No, we're not talking about the weather (for once). It's just that it's time for Chuy's 17th annual Green Chile Festival. Appropriately enough for these dog days of summer, this year's theme is "We Triple Dog Dare Ya!" so get that mouth ready for a single-sensory onslaught from such scorching selections as Texas toothpicks (fresh green chiles, lightly breaded, deep-fried and served with creamy jalapeño dressing and salsa verde), Abuela's tamales and the vicious green chile veggie burrito. Open wide anytime from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 2706 Westheimer. For information, call 713-524-1700 or visit www.chuys.com.
