Have you heard of Just Between Friends? It’s a twice yearly marketplace where families from the community consign their like new and gently used items for a huge 4-Day Sale! The next sale for Just Between Friends North Houston is open to the public and will be held November 3-6, 2021. Don’t miss it! More info at https://bit.ly/twmh21fs

Sam Houston Race Park | Pavilion | 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W, 77064
Open to the public, Nov 3-6, 2021
Wed: 10a-6p
Thurs: 10a-8p
Friday: 10a-8p (most items 25%off)
Saturday: 9a-1p (most items 50% off)

The coordinators behind Just Between Friends (JBF) North Houston know that you want to be a budget superhero.  In order to do that, you need to know how to make money and where to shop! The problem is now, more than ever, selection in stores is limited, and prices are going sky high, which makes you feel defeated.  This is especially true since your kids keep growing, but your budget doesn’t – PLUS the holiday season is quickly approaching!

Just Between Friends beliees that all families deserve to feel good about providing well for their families. They understand that keeping up with growth spurts, rising prices, and limited selection in the stores can be stressful and frustrating. That’s why they invite you to shop at their community marketplace to save 50-90% off retail prices.  Hundreds of families are come together to sell items, and you can find all the things growing kids need under one roof, in one weekend!  In addition to their consignors’ gently used items, JBF also gathers up NEW discounted items like Melissa & Doug, Joovy, and Chicco!

You can be a seller, too!  Sellers earn up to 70% on sold items and shop EARLY at the sale.  JBF does all the organizing and promoting – you just need to do the tagging and dropping off!  See the website for more information: https://bit.ly/twm21fs

So, consider selling your kid clutter as a consignor, and in the meantime, grab a free ticket to shop! (https://jbftickets.com/nhoustonfall2021)

Now relax and kiss those days of being stressed and disappointed goodbye, stock up on all the things your growing kids need, and save your family budget!

Houston Botanic Garden will sparkle this holiday season with Lightscape, a world-renowned light show featuring an array of enchanting artistic installations that will elicit wonder and joy as they dazzle the senses. 

Lightscape will immerse visitors of all ages in a first-of-its-kind-for-Houston experience, with a wide array of brightly colored, festive installations by local and international artists, tailored to the Garden’s distinctive landscape.

This weekend, Downtown Houston will be transformed into artistic avenues bursting with colors and culture! Bayou City Art Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 9-10, 2021, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Sam Houston Park and along Allen Parkway.

Bayou City Art Festival will spotlight the festival’s featured artist McKenzie Fisk, a painter from Los Angeles, along with 200 artists from across the country. As one of the top art festivals in the U.S., the outdoor event will provide patrons with the opportunity to personally meet artists, view original works, and purchase artwork from 19 art disciplines including world-class paintings, prints, jewelry, sculptures and more at prices for everyone. 

Guests are invited to enjoy Houston’s skyline views while experiencing a Stella Artois Main Stage, a KPRC 2 Hitch Stage, a food truck park, a craft beer garden, Haak Vineyards wine garden, a Crown Royal sampling area, as well as additional entertainers throughout the festival. In the Active Imagination Zone, guests of all ages can play with oversized bubbles, visit with caricature artist Bonnie Blue, and create art with the festival’s nonprofit partners. To spread joy and show appreciation for healthcare workers Bayou City Art Festival has partnered with HCA Houston Healthcare for the interactive HeART for Heroes Community Art Project with artist Kati- Ozanic-Lemberger. 

For the ultimate art lover, the VIP Hospitality Lounge presented by Frost Bank will include a tented oasis with light bites, and complimentary beer, wine and other beverages. The relaxing setting under a canopy of trees will feature roaming musicians, artistic décor, a phone charging station and more. VIPs will receive all-day access to the VIP area, along with VIP parking.

A portion of the proceeds from Bayou City Art Festival Downtown will benefit the festival’s nonprofit partners including ArtReach, A Cause to Give Us Paws, Artists For Artists, Fresh Arts, Orange Show For Visionary Art, and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Online general admission tickets are available online at www.bayoucityartfestival.com for $18 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and children under five are free. VIP Hospitality Lounge tickets are also available online for $60 and include admission to the festival. Online pre-purchased tickets are required to enter the festival. Tickets will not be sold at the gate and can only be purchased online.

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown Sponsors include City of Houston, Houston Arts Alliance, KPRC, Stella Artois, Advantage BMW Midtown, Frost Bank, HCA Houston Healthcare, AARP Houston, Rhythm, Crown Royal, Green Mountain Energy, Haak Vineyard & Winery, Evamor, Nuro, Renewal by Andersen, Cirque Du Soleil and T-Mobile.

Photo credit: Katya Horner

The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded The Woodlands Children’s Museum a grant of $10,000 through the Arts Engagement in American Communities program.  Funding will be used to support artist fees and young children’s engagement with the performing arts.  A variety of regional and statewide performing artists, with exceptional skill and experience in interacting with young children, will visit the museum throughout the year, allowing families to enjoy enriching, high-quality live entertainment.

“The arts make communities more vibrant and fulfilling places, help us to heal, and strengthen our nation’s economy,” said Ann Eilers, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting organizations nationwide, such as The Woodlands Children’s Museum, helping to make it possible for our arts and culture sector to grow and for more Americans to have access to the arts.”

The Woodlands Children’s Museum features an event stage with up-close seating that allows children to experience the arts and engage with performers in a unique way not found at larger venues.  Multiple performance times are also offered to ensure performances are accessible for families.  Typically, 15-20 special events are offered each year highlighting holidays and cultural traditions such as Lunar New Year, Tanabata, Native American Heritage Month, Mardi Gras, Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Patrick’s Day, Kwanzaa and many more.  A wide variety of children’s musicians, singer/songwriters, puppeteers, storytellers, dancers and other artists share their talents during the events.

“Early arts education is important to help develop skills such as empathy, confidence, creativity, and social and emotional development,” stated Angela Colton, the museum’s Executive Director.  “Seeing a performer at the museum may be a child’s first time engaging with the arts.  There are so many talented artists in our region and we are honored that this grant will help us bring them to our community.”

The museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2001, with a mission to create opportunities that educate, empower, and excite children and families through play while inspiring a lifelong sense of wonder and discovery.  Additional information and event details are available online at www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.  October hours are Tuesdays from 10am-12pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.  The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.  Admission is $7 for guests over age one, or free with membership.  The Woodlands Children’s Museum is located in the Panther Creek Village Center at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381. 

Market Street – The Woodlands is looking for a special child or deserving family to flip the switch that will light the shopping, dining and entertainment destination’s 70-foot Christmas tree as part of its Market Street in Lights on Thursday, November 18.

Nominations currently are being accepted for this year’s Market Street “Lighting Luminary,” a child or family who has overcome incredible odds, made a significant contribution to the community, or perhaps helped someone in need.  The selected “Lighting Luminary” will be on stage to illuminate Market’s Street’s giant Christmas tree and launch its amazing, three-minute light show synchronized to signature holiday songs.

Sponsored Texas Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands, “Market Street in Lights” will attract hundreds to witness the first “performance” of Market Street’s Christmas tree and the more than 25,000 multi-colored lights adorning the destination’s Central Park.  “Market Street in Lights” presentation will continue nightly throughout the holiday season.

To nominate a deserving child or family, visit the Market Street website at https://shopatmarketstreet.com, download the Luminary Nomination Form and describe why a child/family should serve as the Official Lighting Luminary for Market Street in Lights.

All submissions must arrive at the Market Street management office no later than October 22.  Instructions for submission can be found on the nomination form.

Children’s Museum Houston invites you to Explore Abilities Day – an exclusive event for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and special learning needs to explore the Museum.  From 10am - 3pm on Monday, October 11, 2021, doors will be closed to the public.  There will be no music and sound-reducing headphones will be available.  Outside food and drinks will be allowed (Fresh Café will be closed).  Registration is required. 

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Smiles and Fur Friends: Come interact with wonderfully calming therapy dogs.
Event Time: From 10 a.m. to noon in Kids’ Hall. 

Houston Ballet:  Get your body creatively moving with the Ballet’s “Adapted Dance.”
Event Time:  From 10 a.m. to noon in PowerPlay Alcove.

Sensory Resources:  Visit with BlueSprig Pediatrics about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Event Time:  From 10 a.m. to noon in Kids’ Hall.

H-E-Buddy:  Participate in a sensory activity with H-E-B’s lovable mascot.
Event Time:  From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Kidtropolis, USA.

Halloween Story Time: Join for an imaginative, spinetingling Halloween adventure.
Event Time: At 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon in Brown Auditorium

Faithful Paws:  Fuzzy, friendly and fluffy all over!  These therapy pets are sure to bring a smile!
Event Time:  From 1 to 3 p.m. in Kids’ Hall.

WHERE:

Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004

HOURS/COST:

• EXPLORE ABILITIES DAY SPECIAL HOURS:  10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Special Sensory Friendly Day Admission:  $5 per person.  Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission.
• Pre-registration required.  Please contact Lydia Dungus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (713) 535-7238 to make a reservation.
• For more information and Play Safe guidelines, visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138.