HOUSTON, TX — This fall Discovery Green, the 12-acre outdoor cultural center in downtown Houston, launches its dynamic season of Fall programming with new and exciting family-friendly events celebrating Houston’s vibrant and diverse culture.

This season shines a light on the lively programming that makes Discovery Green a place for gathering, a place to experience the arts and traditions of Houston, and a place to find moments of magic and joy. The lineup includes activities for everyone – from families with small children, to music and art loving adults, fitness buffs and even astronomy lovers too. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

“Discovery Green is such a vital place for Houstonians and visitors alike. For many visitors it’s their introduction to the city’s artistic traditions and culture,” said Discovery Green Conservancy President Kathryn Lott. “This fall’s programming provides the perfect opportunity to explore many facets of Houston’s diverse heritage.”

The season kicks off with a celebration of Mexican culture – México en el Corazón. This touring ballet folklorico troupe is one of the year’s most popular events and features more than 50 performers in stunning traditional costumes. A completely revamped performance provides the perfect opportunity to make new memories.

Discovery Green celebrates Houston’s vibrant music scene with a screening of When Houston had the Blues, a documentary highlighting the city’s Black musicians who have never gotten their due. Directed by Alan Swyer, the film features Lightnin’ Hopkins, Big Mama Thornton, Clifton Chenier, Bobby “Blue” Bland and others. Before the screening enjoy a powerful performance from Diunna Greenleaf.

Also this fall, Discovery Green and Wonky Power are supporting up-and-coming Houstonian artists during the Discover Houston Music Showcase. Beginning August 1, Houston bands are invited to nominate themselves to play at Discovery Green. Houstonians will vote for their favorites and decide which three bands will play the showcase on Nov 4.

Houston’s favorite Discovery Green traditions also return, including Scream on the Green® with costume contests and a screening of Hocus Pocus. Bank of America’s Screen on the Green features outdoor screenings of popular movies including The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Little Mermaid, while the H-E-B Movie Night features Tangled.

Then, have fun treasure hunting for goodies to purchase from local small businesses and artisans while enjoying live music and local food trucks with Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy.

Children will discover nature, explore the moon and stars, and learn during educational events including Stargazing, Toddler Tuesdays and Take Me Outdoors Houston.

Discovery Green events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. All events are subject to change, please refer to www.discoverygreen.com for updates.

Looking for a space to hold an event? An overview of the license process can be found at www.discoverygreen.com/hold-your-event-at-the-park.

New Discoveries at Discovery Green
Fall 2023 Sept. 1 – Nov 10
Events are FREE unless otherwise noted. For weekly updates sign up for the newsletter at www.discoverygreen.com/newsletter

SPECIAL EVENTS

México en el Corazón
Friday, Sept. 8, 7 – 10 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of Mexico with this nationally touring group of mariachis and ballet folklorico dancers. More than 50 performers create a magical night with gorgeous costumes, music and culture. A completely revamped performance provides the perfect opportunity to make new memories at this popular yearly event with thousands in attendance. The tour is presented by the North American Institute for Mexican Advancement and supported by Univision as the official media sponsor.

Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy
Saturdays, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21, 6 – 10 p.m. 
Enjoy live music and food trucks while treasure hunting for one-of-a-kind local goods.
Sept. 16: Avenida Houston’s Party on the Plaza for Hispanic Heritage Month
Oct. 21: The Pew: Houston dance music inspired by Django Reinhardt’s interpretation of New Orleans style-jazz as well as rhythms from the dancehalls in the 30s, 40s and 50s

Discover Houston Music Showcase
Saturday, Nov. 4, 7 – 10 p.m.
Discovery Green and Wonky Power help Houston’s talented musicians and the city’s live music lovers find each other this fall. The month of August Houston bands are invited to nominate themselves to play the Discover Houston Music Showcase. Houstonians will vote for their favorites and decide which six bands will play the showcase on Nov 4. The event is supported by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Houston Music Advisory Board. KPFT is the official radio sponsor. For more information visit discoverygreen.com/discoverhoustonmusic

Scream on the Green®
Friday, Oct. 27, 6 – 10 p.m.
Houston’s citywide Halloween celebration features a costume contest with prizes in eight different categories, a dance party with DJ Mohawk Steve, roaming performances by Cirque Olympus and a screening of Hocus Pocus.

Hocus Pocus
Friday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. 
(PG) 1993. 1 hour 36 min.
Three 17th-century witches, hanged for their murderous crimes, are resurrected on Halloween in modern-day Salem by an unsuspecting boy, who must now figure out how to get them back in the ground.

FAMILY

Take Me Outdoors Houston 
Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Get back to nature and celebrate the great outdoors with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

 Toddler Tuesdays
Tuesdays, Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Enjoy a morning of fun with story time, activities, and crafts.
Toddlers and their caretakers enjoy a morning of interactive story time, costumed character meet and greets, activities, and soft play equipment from Toddler Towns. Every week features a themed story time with crafts to help toddlers discover the joy of reading and imagination. www.discoverygreen.com/toddlertuesdays.

Stargazing
Saturday, Nov. 4, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Astronomers from Houston Astronomical Society give solar system demonstration with free software you can use. Then, telescopes will be available to help you gaze into the sky. Bring binoculars if you have them.

ARTS & CULTURE  

Diunna Greenleaf concert
When Houston had the Blues film screening
Friday, Sept. 22, 7 – 10:30 p.m.
Enjoy a powerful performance from Houston’s Diunna Greenleaf before watching a screening of the new documentary When Houston Had the Blues. Featuring Lightnin’ Hopkins, Big Mama Thornton, Clifton Chenier, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Diunna Greenleaf and others, “When Houston Had The Blues” describes the vibrant Black music scene that’s never gotten its due. Not rated. 123 minutes.

Kinder HSPVA Lunchtime Concerts
Wednesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy music performed by the talented students at Kinder HSPVA while enjoying yummy food from local food trucks. This series was a fan favorite before the pandemic and Discovery Green is excited to have it back!

“Culture is Life: The Drum’s Song is Ancestral Culture” by Batalá Houston
Sunday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Over 65 performers and drummers will perform and engage the audience in this interactive event. All are invited to watch, dance and participate. Batalá Houston is a percussion group that is part of a worldwide percussive movement called Batalá Mundo. Batalá plays the energetic and contagious Afro-Brasilian genre of Samba Reggae, which comes from Bahia, a state in northeastern Brasil known for its rich African cultural legacies.

HEALTHY LIVING

Fitness in the Park presented by One Medical
Clase de Yoga Respiración Consciente y Meditación de Sonidos en Español
Mondays, through Nov. 6, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Esta clase ofrece prácticas de Yoga, Respiración y Meditación de Sonidas a la comunidad latina e hispanohablante de Houston.

Gentle Yoga Flow and Sound Meditation 
Tuesdays, through Nov. 7, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  
  Strengthen your body and relax your mind with a flow yoga sequence.

 Hatha Yoga 
Saturdays, through Nov. 4*, 9 – 10 a.m.
 A basic vinyasa yoga class for enhanced awareness and a strong, healthy body led by Andria Dugas. *No class Oct. 14.

HAPPINESS
Recycling Saturdays
Saturdays, Through Nov. 4*, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Bring your sorted glass, paper, plastic and aluminum to a recycling station from the City of Houston. Happy Earth Compost will pick up compost. *Not available Oct. 14.

 PUBLIC ART

 Shadow of Sounds
Friday, Oct. 20, 8 – 9 p.m.
“Shadow of Sounds” by Ha Na Lee, is a multimedia visual and sound project, creates a contemplative space in Discovery Green for visitors to enjoy. A live sound bath performance is paired with a video projection of abstract and textual images based on sound frequency, amplitude and tone. The juxtaposition between cityscape noise, nature, and instrumental sound will support healing and deep meditation. Participants are invited to bring their yoga mats and blankets to experience the project.

ENTERTAINMENT

Bank of America’s Screen on the Green
Enjoy a family movie under the stars in the city’s coolest park. Bring a blanket or camping chairs and snacks or a picnic. Please leave alcohol and glass containers at home. Food, beer and wine are also available for purchase at The Lake House.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Saturday, Sept. 9, 7 p.m. 
(PG) 2023, 92 minutes. CC English
Based on the Super Mario video games, the animated film follows Mario on his adventures with his friends. Mario joins forces with Princess Peach and Toad. The trio is in search of Mario’s brother Luigi. Together, they hope to defeat the evil Bowser and save the Mushroom Kingdom from his destructive schemes.

Cinderella
Saturday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m.
(PG) 2021, 113 minutes CC Spanish
In this modern musical retelling of a classic story, Cinderella is a poor yet ambitious orphan who dreams of meeting the prince, Robert. Unfortunately for her, her evil stepmother and stepsisters are intent on preventing that from happening. When all hope seems lost, her Fairy Godmother comes into the picture and makes her dream come true.

The Little Mermaid
Saturday, Nov. 11,  7 p.m. 
(PG) 2023, 120 minutes  CC English
Ariel, a mermaid princess, is curious about all things human. Ariel asks sea witch Ursula to take her voice in exchange for legs, as this is the only way she could explore the human world of Eric, her love interest. Her frustrated father, King Triton, is worried. But her trusted sea creature friends Flounder and Sebastian still watch over her. 

H-E-B Movie Night: Tangled
Saturday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m. 
(PG) 2010, 100 minutes CC English
When the kingdom’s most wanted, and most charming, bandit Flynn Rider hides in a mysterious tower, the last thing he expects to find is Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower: 70 feet of magical golden hair! Together, the unlikely duo sets off on a fantastic journey filled with surprising heroes, laughter and suspense.

HOLD YOUR EVENT AT DISCOVERY GREEN
To learn how to host community and corporate events, visit discoverygreen.com/rentals.

OTHER PUBLIC EVENTS

Festival de la Salsa
Sunday, Sept. 24, 1 – 10 p.m.
El Festival de la Salsa celebrates Latin culture’s most popular music genre through an exciting and dynamic day of live performances. Showcasing its many influences that include African, European, Caribbean, United States, and others. İQue Viva La Salsa! Tickets can be purchased at www.elfestivaldelasalsa.com

 Korean Festival
Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Korean Festival showcases the best of Korean food, music, performing arts, and culture. Featuring vendors and performers from all over the world. This festival reaches a broad array of Houstonians, including foodies, KPop fans, families, and regular Houstonians hoping to experience Korean culture in the heart of Houston. Free event. https://www.kfesthouston.com/ 

 Story Square in Discovery Green – Texas Family Literacy Festival
Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  
Journey to Story Square, where alphabet magic spells fun family learning. This day is sure to dazzle with the bliss of alphabet magic and an unforgettable haven for families with children of all ages. Learn TOGETHER with fun at the first-ever Texas Family Literacy Festival that will be Lit with Families at Story Square in Discovery Green. Free event. www.ourstorysquare.com 

Southern Smoke Food Festival
Saturday, Oct. 14, 4 – 8 p.m.
Since 2015, Southern Smoke Foundation has gathered some of the best chefs in America for an afternoon of eating and drinking. Join Foundation co-founder Chris Shepherd and more than 60 chefs and personalities from across the country for this outdoor party. Tickets are available for both general admission and Lexus VIP access, and proceeds go to Southern Smoke Foundation’s mission to support food and beverage workers nationwide. Tickets must be pre-purchased https://southernsmoke.org/

NEDA Walk
Saturday, Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
30 million Americans struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Despite their increasing prevalence, eating disorders receive significantly less funding than other major mental illnesses, and support options are often inaccessible. As a result, too many families are left feeling helpless, hopeless, and frightened. Through NEDA Walks, we are raising critical funds, restoring hope, and changing the conversation surrounding eating disorders. NEDA walks create a safe space for those who are struggling with eating disorders and their families to come together as a community and know they are not alone. All are welcome. Free event. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

SOCIAL MEDIA:
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