Tuesday, August 1

Deadheads, unite! In celebration of what would have been Jerry Garcia’s 75th birthday, cinemas have banded together for the 7th Annual Grateful Dead Meet-Up at the Movies. This year’s featured concert is the band’s July 1989 performance at Washington, D.C.’s RFK Stadium. Join Mickey, Bill, Jerry, Bob, Phil and Brent for some of their most famous hits. The set list includes fan favorites “Touch of Grey,” “Friend of the Devil,” “Sugaree,” “Man Smart (Woman Smarter)” and the only video-recorded versions of “Black Muddy River.” Plus, the 160-minute movie also features behind-the-scenes extra content and never-before-seen interviews with the cast and crew. 7 p.m. August 1. Edwards Houston Marq*E Stadium 23 & IMAX, 7600 Katy Freeway. Price varies by location; visit fathomevents.com for list of participating venues. $13.53. — Sam Byrd

Houston does two things really well: dining and philanthropy. Now we can deliciously combine the two with Houston Restaurant Weeks, which supports the Houston Food Bank. Originating in 2003 under the direction of dining diva Cleverley Stone, the annual monthlong event is highly anticipated by foodies and casual diners alike. For first-timers, it works like this: Visit one of the participating restaurants for lunch, brunch or dinner, and request the Houston Restaurant Weeks menu. Then, order and feast; the food-bank donation is built into the cost of the meal. See, easy! Through the years, the tasty celebration has raised more than $9.6 million, totaling 29 million meals to neighbors in need. Stone adds, “I have 251 restaurants [participating], and I’m adding more all the time.” August 1 through September 4. Visit houstonrestaurantweeks.com for a list of participating restaurants. $20 to $45. — Sam Byrd

Wednesday, August 2

Sometimes life is a big, sucky bummer, but it takes an artist's eye to find beauty in that darkness. Over the past year local artist Cabos (he got his start doing street art and graffiti) has been experimenting with different mediums and elements and his new show, "My Black Heart" — Exhibiting the art of Cabos, deals with themes of depression, anger and anxiety. Each piece tells a story — using large-scale murals, calligraphy, Japanese style, pop portraits and graffiti — allowing us to experience and share that which collectively haunts us. There's an opening reception from 6 to 10 p.m. August 2. Continuing 6 to 10 p.m. daily. August 2 through August 31. Talento Bilingüe de Houston, 333 South Jensen. For information, call 713-222-1213 or visit tbhcenter.org. Free. — Susie Tommaney

He was a womanizer, drank too much and, as a result of Huntington’s disease (inherited from his mother), had a hard time controlling his temper in his later years. He was also an American icon, probably our greatest folk-song writer. He was Woody Guthrie, most famously known for “This Land Is Your Land” and his chronicles of Dust Bowl life. Now coming to Stages Repertory Theatre in a regional premiere is Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, a musical covering many of the points of the singer-songwriter’s life along with close to 40 of his songs. Performer, writer and musical director David M. Lutken, who developed this musical that was first performed ten years ago, says he grew up listening to Guthrie’s songs from the age of four. “His life was quite difficult in many respects and also quite wonderful. Also, of course, unique. His particular demons were very, very difficult. I continue to say to folks that it’s always amazing, whenever I do the show, that these songs came out of the man who lived that life.” Ben Hope (Stages: Hank Williams) plays the Woody role. 7:30 p.m. August 2. Continuing 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. July 29 through September 3. 3210 Allen Parkway. For information, call 713-527-0123 or visit stagestheatre.com. $21 to $56. — Margaret Downing

Thursday, August 3

Cone Man Running Productions will mount its first production in the freshly renovated Beacon Theatre, and it’s not holding back with Complaint Box and/or Good Times. The group tackles the subject of “white people” problems through the story of two feuding siblings who complain about their mundane grievances and their subsequent revelations — or lack thereof — after a black man unexpectedly enters their world and reveals their inner traits. Playwright Abby Koenig says, “It’s nerve-racking to offend people, but it’s real. It’s a glimpse into what we look like behind closed doors.” The girls confront their sense of identity and their relationship to race and raise the question of whether their complaints are anything more than everyday problems. 8 p.m. August 3, 4 and 5. 5102 Navigation. For information, call 281-972-5897 or visit conemanrunning.com. $15 to $20. — Sam Byrd

You know his alter ego, Clutch, the Rockets’ beloved bear mascot, but now the man behind the fur is shedding his skin in Robert Boudwin, Unmasked and Uncensored. “It’s pretty weird, isn’t it?” the showman laughs. “A guy who has made his entire career getting the laugh without talking is now doing it just by talking. I’m excited that after 21 years with the Rockets, I can share all my best stories, mishaps, screw-ups and blunders.” Without his trademark physical humor to rely on, Boudwin admits he’ll be baring his soul (and perhaps quite a bit more) for the thrill of the crowd. “I don’t want to give away too much, but I do have 100 tattoos and you’ll see a couple — but you won’t see me dressed in anything less than you might see at Galveston beach!” 7 p.m. August 3. 12777 Queensbury. For information, call 713-467-4497 or visit queensburytheatre.org. $35. — Vic Shuttee

Friday, August 4

It was a smashing success for Craig Biggio. Now it’s time for another Houston Astros legend, who finally made it into the National Baseball Hall of Fame — in his seventh year of eligibility — to step up to the honorary plate. Jeff Bagwell Hall of Fame Weekend will give props to the first baseman and 2017 inductee into Cooperstown during the Astros’ weekend tussle with the Toronto Blue Jays. The first 10,000 fans attending the opener of the three-game tilt can snatch a 1997 Bagwell replica jersey, while folks who stick around until after the final out will be treated to post-game fireworks. “If people are coming out, be sure to get here early because there’s a lot to check out,” says Astros Senior Manager of Promotions and Events Brianna Carbonell. 7:10 p.m. August 4. Also 6:10 p.m. August 5 and 1:10 p.m. August 6. Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford. For information, call 713-259-8000 or visit astros.com. $16 to $150. — Steve Jansen

Fall down the rabbit hole with ReFine Arts as the edgy dance company takes an already hallucinogenic story and makes it even more twisted and bizarre. Reconstructing Alice takes us on a fantastic trip to a post-apocalyptic Wonderland, retelling Alice in Wonderland through dance in a spiraling journey of love, betrayal and madness. Favorite characters have borrowed a page from Mad Max's costumers, setting the stage for an evening-length dance performance much closer to the vision of Tim Burton than Lewis Carroll. Artistic Director Melody Johnson always mixes in a touch of circus arts, acting and singing, so come with an open mind and expect the unexpected. 7 p.m. August 4. Continuing 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. August 4 through August 13. The MATCH, 3400 Main. For information, call 713-521-4533 or visit matchouston.org. $20. — Susie Tommaney

The traveling preachers of Young Jean Lee’s Church come to town, courtesy of Horse Head Theatre Co. and The Heritage Society, for a sermon unlike any other at the historic 1891 St. John Church. “[Lee] uses the tropes, the devices and the methods behind a lot of Christian services to have a conversation that I think is primarily secular,” says director Jacey Little. Audiences are asked to question their beliefs, “not just spiritually, but politically and socially and culturally.” To better set the scene, everyone is invited to join in a pre- and post-show experience, beginning at 7:30 p.m., on the surrounding park grounds, complete with games, interactions with the in-character actors, and beer from Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company. 8 p.m. August 4. Continuing 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays and August 7. August 4 through August 20. 1100 Bagby. For information, call 281-381-4166 or visit horseheadtheatre.org. $24 to $65. — Natalie de la Garza

Clearly Irish farmer Tom Garron didn't call 811 before setting out to plow the barren field of his ancestors. If he had Garron might have realized that the demon Rawhead Rex, buried alive in the depths of hell for millennia, was about to unleash his unspeakable evil on humanity in a rampage of blood and lust. Horror writer Clive Barker wrote the screenplay for this 1986 nightmare, which is being presented in new 4K restoration at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Mason Park. Graveyard Shift: Rawhead Rex and Intruder is a double-feature night, with the second flick taking us inside Walnut Lake Supermarket after hours. Look for emerging talents in this 1989 release: Sam Raimi plays the stock boy and Ted Raimi is the produce clerk, plus Scott Spiegel (writer, director and future friend to Quentin Tarantino) and Lawrence Bender (producer). Alamo is screening the director's cut, which means you'll see every murderous kill on screen with special makeup effects by KNB. 8:45 p.m. August 4. 531 South Mason Road, Katy. For information, call 281-492-6900 or visit drafthouse.com/houston/theater/mason-park. $9.74. — Susie Tommaney

This surely has to be one of the most extreme cases of a guest overstaying his or her welcome. Me & Jezebel is based on the true story of famous actress Bette Davis seeking sanctuary at the home of a friend of a friend after a hotel strike in New York puts her on the couch circuit. Playwright Elizabeth Fuller and her family were so affected by Davis's 32-day stay in 1985 that she turned the experience into a magazine story, a novel and now a play. The way she tells it, Davis dishes on rivals and other celebs of the time (Joan Crawford, Paul Newman), takes over the kitchen, teaches salty language to their four-year-old and almost ends the writer's marriage. Veteran Ron Jones directs the comedy for Queensbury Theatre, which also stars Shanae’a Rae Moore (Classical Theatre Company's The Barber of Seville) and Mary Hooper (Theater LaB Houston's Love, Loss, and What I Wore). 8 p.m. August 4. Continuing 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. August 4 through August 27. 12777 Queensbury Lane. For information, call 713-467-4497 or visit queensburytheatre.org. $20 to $25. — Susie Tommaney
Saturday, August 5

Fetch the bleach to keep those summer outfits lily-white because it’s time for the year’s best street party. White Linen Night in the Heights will celebrate all the shops, businesses and activities that make the Heights the happening place to be — especially the 200 and 300 blocks of 19th Street, where the festival happens. “The street really has kind of grown to be a one-stop-shop. There’s a number of interior and gift stores, men’s and women’s apparel, a barber shop, a hair salon, a recording studio and the Heights Theater,” says event coordinator Sara Jackson. “There’s really quite a bit of business you can get done in that small area, which is fun and unique to Houston.” Pro tip: Don’t miss the beer gardens and a performance by power-pop trio dUNETX. 6 p.m. August 5. For information, visit theheightswhitelinennight.com. Free. — Sam Byrd

Charles Darwin isn't the only explorer to find inspiration from The Galápagos Islands. The recognition of sentience in these animals touches visitors in a way that leaves them changed forever, and a 2012 visit inspired mother-and-son artists in their latest exhibit, "On the Verge," at Archway Gallery. Longtime Houstonian (and avid proponent of the Houston Zoo) Susan Spjut hopes to raise awareness about endangered species through her highly-detailed paintings of animals. Her son Michael Bonagurio, who was born and raised in Houston and now lives in Austin, complements the exhibit with his wildlife photography. There's an opening reception for the artists from 5 to 8 p.m. August 12, with an artists' talk at 6:30 p.m. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. August 5 through August 31. 2305 Dunlavy. For information, call 713-522-2409 or visit archwaygallery.com. Free. — Susie Tommaney

Not to be confused with Independent Bookstore Day, Texas Independent Bookstore Day drills a little deeper and puts the spotlight on our favorite indie booksellers in the Lone Star State. Right here in H-Town look for special events at Brazos Bookstore, Blue Willow Bookshop, Murder By The Book, River Oaks Bookstore and others; while road-trippers should check out offerings at BookPeople in Austin and Interabang Books in Dallas. The fun kicks off at Brazos with family storytime at 10:30 a.m., the launch of the new Paper and Pen Pal Club at 1 p.m., happy hour with brewskis from 11 Below at 4 p.m., and a vendor market with edibles at 6 p.m. 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. August 5. 2421 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-523-0701 or visit brazosbookstore.com/event/texas-independent-bookstore-day. Free. — Susie Tommaney

Rest assured, no homeowners were harmed during the hijacking of this art. Heist in the Heights is actually a super-catchy title for the unveiling of privately owned works that are entering the after-market because of right-sizing or moving away. The organizers are being very hush-hush about the who’s who of famous artists, but it will all be revealed at the big voilà event on Saturday. One of the curators, Linda Clarke, tells us it’s an eclectic array of objects — “There should be something for everyone” — and collectors will find the artworks affordable. Clarke’s fellow curators are Thomas Mason, Gus Kopriva and Heidi Vaughan, so expect more than a few “wow” pieces, ranging from archaeological objects to ultra-contemporary. Noon to 10 p.m. August 5. Continuing Noon to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. August 6-26. Clarke & Associates, 301 East 11th. For information, call 713-254-2998 or visit clarkeassoc.com. Free. — Susie Tommaney

When dancemaker Jennifer Mabus heard that EaDo’s historic Morales Funeral Home, the first Hispanic-owned funeral home in Houston, was available for a site-specific work, she had an admittedly surprising reaction. “That’s pretty perfect,” she recalls saying with a laugh. For Requiem, presented by the Pilot Dance Project, performers will guide audience members through the house, where they’ll see different stories unfolding while also engaging in small tasks, like placing a candle or writing a memory. Though the piece is a 45-minute exploration of grief, Mabus stresses that it is neither emotionally manipulative nor macabre. “I’m going with the idea [that] the story is not over — in whatever way you choose to believe that to be. [I’m] going with the idea that there’s hope in all of these stories, and that there’s comfort.” 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 p.m. August 5. 2901 Canal. For information, visit artful.ly/store/events/12198. $16 to $20. — Natalie de la Garza

The Beatles began filming A Hard Day’s Night less than a month after electrifying America on The Ed Sullivan Show, enlisting young American director Richard Lester and scene-stealing Irish thespian Wilfrid Brambell as Paul’s conniving grandfather. A barely fictionalized Beatlemania documentary, the film forever changed the way pop music looked onscreen via iconic performances like “She Loves You.” Other times, such as the famous opening train scene, polite British society itself seems to be dissolving in a wave of piercing teenage screams; not bad for a movie rushed into production so United Artists’ record label could beat EMI’s next proper Beatles album into the stores with the soundtrack. A Hard Day’s Night, Roger Ebert once wrote, may have in fact ushered in the real ’60s: “Untold thousands of young men walked into the theater with short haircuts, and their hair started growing during the movie and didn’t get cut again until the 1970s.” 6 p.m. August 5. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Mason Park, 531 South Mason. For information, call 281-492-6900 or visit drafthouse.com/houston. $9.74. — Chris Gray

Sunday, August 6

“Wow moments” tend to happen during the Abilities Expo, a nationwide traveling event for the disability community. A few years ago in Houston, according to Abilities Expo chairman Lew Shomer, miniature horses were on display when a young child with nonverbal cerebral palsy, seeing the animals, turned to his mother and said, “Mommy! Horses!” Shomer says, “He had never spoken before.” The event’s return to H-Town will also feature robotics, adaptive sports and high-tech gizmos that have just been unveiled or will shortly hit the market, as well as the Abilities Expo debut performance by wheelchair motocross athlete Jerry Diaz, who pulls off insane flips and half-pipe tricks. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 6. Also 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 4 and 5. NRG Center, Hall E, 1 NRG Park. For information, call 832-667-1400 or visit abilities.com/houston. Free. — Steve Jansen

Art lovers and film buffs dying to get more from “Paint the Revolution,” MFAH’s outstanding exhibit of early 20th-century paintings from south of the border, are in luck, as Mexican Modernism: The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema features 14 Spanish-language films that showcase our neighbor’s best cinematic musings. “These films were all restored by Mexico’s film archive, the Cineteca Nacional,” explains MFAH film and video curator Marian Luntz. “When we were offered the exhibition, they knew we had a longstanding film program and they had somebody curate a selection that they felt was representative of the period.” Standouts include small-town melodrama Rosauro Castro, the Oscar-nominated Macario and John Steinbeck’s novella-turned-screenplay La Perla (The Pearl). “I was so glad to see The Pearl, among many others,” says Luntz, “simply because John Steinbeck is so well-known and people knew the story from school — but people are likely unfamiliar with Emilio Indio Fernandez’s version, which is so worthwhile.” 2 p.m. August 6. Also 2 p.m. August 3 and 4. 1001 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-639-7300 or visit mfah.org/films. $2 to $10. — Vic Shuttee

Monday, August 7

Just about every kid growing up in the ’60s wanted to be an astronaut; Americans were glued to rabbit-ear television sets counting down to blastoff and witnessing historic firsts. Astronaut Hall of Famer (and Houstonian) Scott Parazynski turned that dream into a reality and spent 17 years with NASA. Yes, he was once tethered to the International Space Station on an improvised leash, but he also climbed Mount Everest and coached an Olympic luge team, all of which he covers in his first book, The Sky Below: A True Story of Summits, Space and Speed. “I take readers along for the ride,” says Parazynski. The Kindle in Motion eBook version also offers an immersive experience with companion videos. He’ll be discussing his book and signing copies this week. 7 to 8:30 p.m. August 7. Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet. Also 1 to 3 p.m. August 5. Space Center Houston, 1601 Nasa Parkway (admission is free to $29.95). For information, call 713-523-0701 or 281-244-2100 or visit brazosbookstore.com or spacecenter.org. Free. — Susie Tommaney

The title says it all — Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk — yet there's so much more to this how-did-it-all-happen documentary about the evolution of punk in northern California in the late 1970s. Narrated by Iggy Pop and executive produced by Green Day, the flick follows early pioneers (Dead Kennedys, Avengers, Flipper) as the scene went global, setting the stage for later bands like Rancid and Green Day. Get an up-close look at the San Francisco scene from stars Billie Joe Armstrong, Fat Mike, Jello Biafra, Kathleen Hanna, Mike Dirnt and Miranda July. 7:30 p.m. August 7. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Mason Park, 531 South Mason Road, Katy. For information, call 281-492-6900 or visit drafthouse.com/houston/theater/mason-park. $5.95. — Susie Tommaney