COMMUNITY CALENDAR (Next Update – October 18, 2016)

Saturday, October 1, 2016, 8:00PM CORE PRESENTS Dance from Israel at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77030. Don’t miss this richly-layered evening of boundary blurring, contemporary dance and physical theatre delivering the very best of Israeli contemporary dance. Revealing the richness, creativity, imagination, strength, and innovation of dance in Israel, this evening of contemporary dance features inaugural Houston performance from all the acclaimed artists on the program. This event is FREE. Log on to www.coredance.org/cal-event/core-presents-dance-from-israel/ for details.

Saturday, October 1, 2016, 10:00AM – 8:00PM Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Community’s Fall Festival at 10135 West Road, Houston, TX 77064. Featuring a petting zoo, camel rides, games, inflatables, a rock wall, a kiddie train, obstacle course, dunking booth, photo booth, live & silent auctions, a flea market, vendors, food, fellowship and more! Log on to www.stmaximilian.org/fall-festival or email [email protected] for more information.

Saturday, October 1, 2016, Noon Stick With God’s first annual Charity Fundraiser, benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at Central Christian Church, 2702 Avenue O ½, Galveston, TX. Featuring Mexican plate meals for sale, with music by Chris Bergeron, along with a St. Jude Regional Development Representative. Contact Nina at [email protected] for details.

October 1 – November 2, 2016 The National Museum of Funeral History’s 5th annual Haunted House at 415 Barren Springs, Houston 77090. Get into the Halloween spirit and be “scared to death” at this family-friendly haunted house, featuring different scenes designed to give goosebumps to young and old alike while taking a light-hearted view of a usually serious subject. The house is rated PG-13 and is recommended for children ages 12 and up (children under 12 are welcome, but MUST be accompanied by an adult). Call 281-876-3063 or log on to www.NMFH.org for more information.

Monday, October 3, 2016, 10:00AM “Mondays with Mommy’s” Spooktacular Halloween at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch’s Courtyard, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy 77494. You’re invited to join in the fun at this monthly program that provides an educational journey for children while utilizing music and movement. This FREE program is open to children ages 0 to 5, playgroups, parents, grandparents and caregivers. Call 281-617-6935 for details.

Friday & Saturday, October 7 and 8, 2016, 9:00AM St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s 29th annual Craft Fair at 2535 E. Broadway Street, Pearland 77581. Held in conjunction with the FREE for all Pumpkin Patch, come browse crafts and products from over 100 vendors. Plus, delicious lunch items and snacks for sale, a bake sale booth, and a silent auction (winner need not be present to win). Rain or Shine!

Saturday, October 8, 2016, 9:00AM The 5th annual Gulf Coast of Texas African American Family Support Conference at the United Way of Greater Houston, 59 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77007. This year’s event will feature presentations and discussions from service professionals and individuals with lived experiences. Topics will include mental health, holistic wellness, developmental disabilities, plus youth (18-22) only sessions. Stipends to help cover admissions are available. Log on to www.gcaafsc.net or call Shondra at 713-696-3685 for details.

Saturday, October 8, 2016, 8:00AM The 4th annual Head for the Cure 5K, benefitting brain cancer research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, at Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway Street, Pearland, TX 77584. Don’t miss this unique tribute to those fighting brain cancer and those have lost their battles. Email Molly at [email protected] , call 816-218-6871 or log on to www.headforthecure.org/houston for more information.

Saturday, October 8, 2016, 5:00PM The 40th annual Foundation for Life Banquet at Town Square Marriott, 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land 77479. Guest Speaker Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice. The mission of the Foundation for Life is to uphold, protect and defend the value and dignity of human life from conception to natural death through advocacy, education and maternal assistance for women in crisis pregnancies. Call 713-682-5433 or log on to www.foundationforlife.org for details.

October 8 – 9, 2016 Art Colony Association, Inc.’s annual Bayou City Art Festival Downtown Houston near City Hall/Hermann Square. This year’s featured artist, Dania Olivares, represents the diverse, eclectic community of all the participating artists. Log on to http://bit.ly/2aG71t for tickets and additional information.

Weekends, October 8 through November 27, 2016, 9:00AM – 8:00PM The Texas Renaissance Festival at 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission, Texas 77363. Celebrating its 42nd anniversary season, this immersive experience – the largest, most acclaimed renaissance theme park in the nation -- features worldrenowned live entertainment, works by master artists and craftspeople, award winning food and drink, hand-powered rides and games, and over 100 interactive characters during its eight themed weekends. Log on to www.texrenfest.com for all festival and camping information.

Sunday, October 9, 2016, 8:30AM – 7:30PM Holy Family Church’s annual Fall Festival at 1510 Fifth Street, Missouri City. Featuring a raffle for 10 exciting prizes, including a 2016 Chevy Equinox LS, plus lots of rides and games, and a variety of foods (breakfast, tacos, BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, fajitas, Filipino food, nachos and more). Everyone is invited to come out for the family friendly fun! Call Ruben at 832-247-7802 for details.

Sunday, October 9, 2016, 3:00 – 6:00PM Phenomenal Pearls Educational & Charitable Foundation’s Men Who Cook fundraiser, at Jones Plaza, 610 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77002. Join in the fun as local men prepare their best entrees, appetizers, side dishes and desserts, amuse-bouche size, for guests. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets for tastings and to support their favorite “chefs.” Chefs will compete in each category for top prizes, while guests will have a chance to win raffle prizes or bid in the silent auction. All proceeds benefit scholarships to deserving Houston area high school students, and support community programming, including health programs, financial literacy, environmental sustainability, family strengthening, and global impact. Log on to www.ppecf.org or call 713-201-8870 for more information.

Thursday – Sunday, October 13, 14, 15 & 16, 2016 The 38th annual Houston Italian Festival – Festa Italiana, at the University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston 77006. Join in the celebration of Italian culture and heritage in the city of Houston at this annual event featuring Italian performers and bands, food booths, activities and rides for children, plus traditional events like the grape stomping & pasta eating contests, the Italian Auto Show, and much more! Log on to www.HoustonItalianFestival.com for details.

Friday, October 14, 2016, 6:00 – 9:00PM The 2nd annual Turn Kings Harbor Blue community event, at 1660 West Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood, TX. Come show your support for the men and women who protect our community by joining the effort to raise money for the 100 Club’s Survivors Fund. Log on to www.gofundme.com/turnkingsharborblu for more information.

Friday, October 14, 2016, 11:00AM Corridor Rescue, Inc.’s 3rd annual Divots for Dogs Golf Tournament, at Longwood Golf Club, 13300 Longwood Trace, Cypress, TX 77429. Don’t miss this 18-hole golf event for golfers and non-golfers alike, followed by an awards dinner and silent auction. Funds raised will aid in Corridor Rescue’s efforts to rescue abandoned dogs and cats from the streets, rehabilitate them back to health and then find them a permanent and loving home. Log on to www.CorridorRescue.org/divots-for-dogs for details.

Saturday, October 15, 2016, 8:00AM Child Advocates Superhero Run at CityCentre Houston, 800 Town and Country Blvd., Houston 77024. This family fun event will include both 5K and 1K courses to participate in, with everyone encouraged to become a superhero for the day by wearing their favorite superhero costume to the run. The goal is to raise funds and awareness so that Child Advocates can continue their work as heroes for some of Houston’s littlest victims. Log on to www.ChildAdvocates.org/Superhero for details and to register (volunteers are needed! Sign up online.).

Saturday, October 15, 2016, 10:00AM – 5:00PM Houston Fire Fest at the HFD Val Jahnke Training Facility, 8030 Braniff, Houston 77061. Real Firefighters! Real Heroes! Real FUN!! Featuring live fire and rescue demonstrations, vendors & food trucks, antique cars & fire trucks, plus a huge Kid’s Zone! Great food and fun for the whole family! FREE admission. Proceeds to benefit fire safety education programs. Log on to www.HoustonFireFest.com for details.

Saturday, October 15, 2016, Noon – 10:00PM The East End Chamber of Commerce’s 5th annual East End Street Fest at the East End Esplanade, 2600 Navigation, Houston. Featuring something for every family member including four street blocks of beautiful artwork, local traditional foods from over 50 food booths, a beer garden featuring local breweries, a Kiddie Corner with plenty of fun for the little ones, and performances from a variety of performers including Chicano Batman, AJ Castillo, La Diferenzia, El Dusty and more. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the Houston Firefighters Association. Call 713-926-3305 or log on to www.eastendstreetfest.com for more information.

Saturday, October 15, 2016, 10:00AM – 2:00PM Free Flu Shots at First Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 4420 Lyons Avenue, Houston 77020. Call 713-672-7351 or email [email protected] to RSVP.

Friday, October 21, 2016, 6:00PM The Grand-Parents Support Group, Inc.’s 3rd annual Black Tie Gala, at the Fountain Life Center, 14083 S. Main Street, Houston, TX 77035. Don’t miss this evening of fellowship, entertainment and speakers, benefiting the Grand-Parents Support Group, a non-profit organization which supports grandparents raising grandchildren in the Houston area. Call 832-654-5356, 713-287-0338, or email Jennifer at [email protected] or [email protected] for details.

Saturday, October 22, 2016, 2:00PM – 11:00PM The East End Foundation’s Wicked East End Music Showcase, on Houston’s East End. Show your support for Houston’s vibrant local music scene at this bike-friendly music extravaganza featuring over forty bands, Houston BCycle popup rental stations, a vendor market, food trucks, and more. Music venues include Wonky Power Live, Bohemeo’s, Super Happy Fun Land & The White Swan Live. Email [email protected] for more information.

Saturday, October 22, 2016, 11:00AM – 5:00PM Good Shepherd Episcopal Church’s Harvest Fest at 1207 W Winding Way, Friendswood, TX 77546. Featuring Food Trucks and dessert options, a Vendor Market with homemade items, crafts, jams, pickles, yard décor and more, a Silent Auction, congregational member Art Show, a Youth Swap Meet, entertainment by School of Rock Clear Lake and Popstar Performers, and a Pumpkin Patch with games, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, bounce houses, and so much more! Call 281-482-7630 for more information.

Saturday, October 22, 2016, 8:00AM – 4:30PM TEACH Annual Conference – “Future Focused Learning: Shaping Lives for Tomorrow,” at Tomball Memorial High School, 19100 Northpointe Ridge Lane, Tomball. Featuring 25 sessions for leaders, instructors and counselors on how to better prepare elementary, secondary and post-secondary students for college and career success. Keynote speakers include author Bennie Lambert (How To Grow from No) and Frank Charles Winstead who will speak on how individuals can face adversity and overcome obstacles, and presenting the famous “Wayside Teaching in a Place Called School” on how to make a difference in the lives of students, respectively. Log on to www.teach2change.org for details.

Saturday, October 22, 2016, 10:00AM – 3:00PM The National Museum of Funeral History’s 9th annual Halloween Car Show at 415 Barren Springs, Houston 77090. One day only! Come out and see more than 150 cars from classic to contemporary, motorized to hoof, while helping to support local charities. Enjoy the fall festival atmosphere with face painting, arts and crafts for the kids, great food including BBQ and cupcakes from local vendors, a live DJ, silent auction and more. Or enter your own vehicle in the show – consider dressing it up for the holiday and entering into the best decorated car competition (preregistration is recommended)! Proceeds from the event benefit the Star of Hope, Morning Glory Ranch, The Shriner’s Burn Hospital, Houston Food Bank, Depelchin Children’s Center and The USO. Call 281-876-3063 or log on to www.NMFH.org for more information.

Saturday & Sunday, October 22 and 23, 2016, 8:00AM – 5:00PM The Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Houston Airshow at 510 Ellington Field, Houston 77034. Don’t miss the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration, the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor commemorative tribute, civilian acrobatic performances including Sean Tucker, Aeroshell Team, and Matt Younkin, reenactments by vintage CAF military aircraft, static displays of vintage and modern military aircraft, plus numerous exhibits and activities for all ages. Log on to www.wingsoverhouston.com for details.

Sunday, October 23, 2016, 4:00PM The Lone Star Symphonic Band’s “A Touch of Class-ical” concert, at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church, 22111 Morton Road, Katy, TX. The first concert of the band’s 24th season will feature classic rock selections from the Beatles to the Eagles, along with classical pieces like La Traviata, and The Marriage of Figaro, and ending with a medley of Elvis favorites. Log on to www.lssband.org for more information.

Saturday, October 29, 2016, 6:00PM – 10:00PM 5th annual Boo Bash, benefiting Mik’s Hidden Hearts Alliance, at Constellation Field – Insperity Club, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land, TX. Featuring a delicious gourmet dinner, drinks, casino games, prizes, costume contests and DJ Johnny Bravo. MHHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to outreach to homebound and hospitalized teens with dysautonomia and other hidden, life changing illnesses. Log on to www.MiksHiddenHearts.org for tickets.

Saturday, October 29, 2016, 11:00AM – 2:00PM The Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon at Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark, Houston 77042. Dan Payne, CEO of USA Rugby, will be in attendance to discuss his vision for USA Rugby, and Rugby World Hall of Famer John “Fergus” Slattery will serve as Keynote Speaker. The Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon benefits the charitable activities of The Houston Youth Rugby Association, a 501©3 not for profit organization. Call Becci Himes at 832-768-1568 or log on to www.LostAfternoon.org for more information.

Saturday, October 29, 2016, 11:00AM – 9:00PM The first Houston Egyptian Festival, at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street, Houston 77010. Featuring authentic Egyptian activities including camel rides, authentic merchandise, entertainment and food. A portion of proceeds will be donated to various nonprofits. Log on to www.EgyptFestHouston.com for details.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016, 6:00PM Illuminate! College of Biblical Studies-Houston 40th Anniversary Gala and Awards Dinner at Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel. Help raise scholarship funds for low and middle income College of Biblical Studies-Houston students at this 1st annual event featuring unique lighting décor, art gallery reception, live tandem artists, well-known honorees and powerhouse speakers. Log on to www.cbsgala.com/ for details.

Saturday, November 5, 2016, 6:00PM Gather Grow and Give’s Viva Italia! Fundraising Event at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church – Hauser Hall, 3816 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77025. This year’s event promises a casual, festive evening with wine and beer tasting, lively entertainment, antipasto nibbles, and Italian décor. Guests will be treated to the ever-popular wine pull, along with a silent auction and wine basket raffle. GGG is one of two of Christian Community Service Center’s (CCSC) annual fundraising events. Log on to www.ccschouston.org/growgathergive/ for details.

Saturday, November 5, 2016, 10:00AM – 5:00PM The National Museum of Funeral History’s Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Celebration at 415 Barren Springs, Houston 77090. Learn more about the Latin customs surrounding the Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos celebrations held for deceased loved ones. Explore authentic altars made by local artists, commemorate your loved ones by leaving them a message in the Book of the Dead and bring mementos of the dearly departed to help build the museum’s community altar. Plus, sweet treats, fun activities and a story time for the kids with special costumed characters from 3:30 – 4:30PM. Call 281-876-3063 or log on to www.NMFH.org for more information.

Saturday, November 15, 2016, 3:30PM – 11:00PM Country at the Ballpark at Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land 77498. Featuring performances by Jake Owen, Frankie Ballard, Aaron Watson, LANco and Runaway June. Log on to www.CountryAtTheBallpark.com for details.

Monday, November 7, 2016, 10:00AM “Mondays with Mommy’s” Fall at the Farm at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch’s Central Green, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy 77494. You’re invited to join in the fun at this monthly program that provides an educational journey for children while utilizing music and movement. This FREE program is open to children ages 0 to 5, playgroups, parents, grandparents and caregivers. Call 281-617-6935 for details.

Friday, November 11, 2016 Tejano Center for Community Concerns’ 2016 Annual Gala at the JW Marriot Houston Downtown, 806 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Contact Ms. Jessica Villarreal at 713-640-3793 or email [email protected] .

Saturday, November 12, 2016, 1:00PM MD Anderson Cancer Center’s 1st annual Boot Walk to End Cancer at the Texas Medical Center. Walkers are encouraged to wear their favorite boots, booties or galoshes for the 1.2 mile walk. Whether they go cowboy, go-go, hiking, hunting, motorcycle, combat or rain boots, the footwear will demonstrate walkers’ support for “giving cancer the boot.” There is no registration fee to participate in the walk though participants are encouraged to raise funds through friends, family and co-workers. All proceeds from the event will benefit research and patient programs at MD Anderson, home to the nation’s top-ranked hospital for cancer care. Log on to www.mdanderson.org/bootwalk for details.

Saturday, November 19, 2016, 9:00AM The 2016 Cypress 5K Fun Run & Puppy Parade, benefitting Spillane Middle School’s Performing Arts Department, at 13403 Spillane Wood Blvd., Cypress, TX 77429. Featuring a timed run, a family run for those pushing strollers or wanting to simply walk, and a dog walking segment. Start times will be staggered, and medals will be awarded in multiple age brackets, along with the first three dogs to cross the finish line. Log on to https://thedriven.net/cypress5k for more information.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016, 6:30PM “Wishes Do Come True” Gala, benefiting the Krist Samaritan Counseling Center, at Hotel ZaZa, 5701 Main Street, Houston, TX 77027. The holiday-themed event will celebrate the Center’s 30th anniversary and benefits their mission to provide high-quality counseling to those who otherwise are not able to afford mental health services. The Samaritan Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the Krist Family for their significant contributions to the community. Contact Micheline Donnelly at [email protected] for details.

Saturday, December 3, 2016, 1:00PM – 4:00PM The Greater Houston German Shepherd Dog Rescue’s 6th annual Jingle Bell Bark and Brew, at Kirby Icehouse, 3333 Eastside Street, Houston 77098. Help generate funds for GHGSDR’s mission to cover medical expenses for all their dogs all year long – the more money they raise, the more dogs they can help! The event will feature a wonderful silent auction, a raffle, and homemade goodies for dogs and humans for sale. And, the best part is you can bring your dog along with you! Call Jamie Hill at 832-229-1378 for more information.

Sunday, February 26, 2017, Noon – 4:00PM The 7th annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston 77096. Make plans now to be a part of the largest kosher food event in Houston, celebrating the Jewish community with a day of food, live entertainment, contests, and family friendly activities. Proceeds will benefit non-profit organizations in the Houston Jewish Community. Cooking teams are encouraged to register for the judged competition, where winners will win coveted trophies and prizes presented by celebrity and media judges during the award ceremony. Log on to www.HoustonKosherChiliCookOff.com for more information.