Kids in Houston are way more familiar with the backseats of cars than the banana seats of bicycles -- which is why Third Ward Community Bike Center co-founder Seth Capron is bringing the bike experience to town, and specifically to kids in the Third Ward, where some parents may not be able to afford bikes for their children.The center's Earn-a-Bike Program allows neighborhood kids to, as Capron says, "come in, help patch inner tubes, dismantle a junk bike, build it up for a charity and take another junk bike to build for their own."

The program still needs more tools, parts and volunteers. "This weekend, the kids took us by storm, and we didn't have all the tools to help out," says Capron. Donations can be made during hours of operation.

"In the end," says Capron, "kids will know how to maintain their bikes, and help teach others how to fix bikes." 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. 2320 Elgin. For information, call 713-807-7911. Free. -- Travis P. Ritter

 

Big Fish, Little Fish
SUN 11/9

Tired of fights over the minivan CD player? The new Trout Fishing in America album, It's a Puzzle, goofily bridges the generation gap, with songs like "Why I Pack My Lunch" (to avoid the caf's "grilled toenails with a side of bunions"). See 'em live at Main Street Theater. Eat before the show. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 9. 4617 Montrose. For information, call 713-524-6706 or visit www.troutmusic.org. $20. -- Lisa Simon

 

Holiday Buffet
SAT 11/8

If TV had its way, we'd all believe that Christmas is the only thing December has going for it. Introduce your children to the wide world of winter holidays at the Children's Museum of Houston's Festivals of Light. The exhibit spotlights Diwali, Ramadan, Santa Lucia, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Kwanza, the lunar new year and, oh yeah, Christmas. Saturday, November 8, through Sunday, January 4. 1500 Binz, 713-522-1138, www.cmhouston.org. $5. -- Lisa Simon