The Weekend Guru: 5 Surprising Things to Do in Houston This Weekend

Editor’s Note: Houston’s weekends are packed full of events, but how many of them are truly worthy of your time? PaperCity’s Matthew Ramirez cuts through the clutter to give you the best options in this new regular weekly series.

Too $hort
The Oscars are next Sunday, February 26, and while many people have already made the trek to see the Academy’s buzziest movies like Moonlight and La La Land, not many have had a chance to see the films in most under-sung category: short films.

Per its annual tradition, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will host showings of Oscar-nominated short films, both animated and live-action, all weekend. Showings begin tonight, Friday 17 (both animated and live-action), and run through next Friday. Tickets $9.

Stay Fly
This Saturday night, Swiss-Army-neighborhood venue Walters hosts Skin in the Game, a night of hip-hop, DJ’s, freestyle cyphers, and a celebration of all things local. Headlined by buzzing, Vice-approved hippie rapper Tim Woods, the night also features the energetic throwback vibes of Flyger Woods, fresh off his solid self-titled album released at the tail end of 2016, and others. Tickets $5.

Tacos A-Go-Go
A food truck fave, Fusion Taco arrives in The Heights this weekend with a new brick-and-mortar restaurant. The Asian taco fusion concept has made the truck a foodie’s dream, and now, along with the original brick-and-mortar restaurant downtown, the new Heights spot is sure to become a must-try for any real Houston taco lover.

The grand opening party kicks off Sunday at noon and runs till 4 pm at 4706 N. Main St., with a full $3 menu, drinks from Karbach Brewery and Ambiente Wines, music from DJ John Tran, and live painting by acclaimed graffiti artist David Flores, aka Skeez. Free.

Gelato, Not Helado
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Austin gelato hot-spot Dolce Neve hosts a pop up at Morningstar Sunday, from 2 to 4 pm. A preview of the shop’s forthcoming Houston location (set to debut this spring), the Austin favorite collaborates with future neighbor David Buehrer of Morningstar for an afternoon of creamy treats. Free to attend, but the gelato will cost money.

Franks and Beans
Legendary Modern Lovers frontman Jonathan Richman has stepped out of the shadow of his former band and made a name for himself as a solo artist, bringing his unique brand of observational humor and tender songwriting from his beloved punk outfit through his last solo record released in 2010. You may also know him as the one-man Greek chorus in the comedy classic There’s Something About Mary.

From Mac DeMarco to Jens Lekman, Richman’s influence can be felt in some of this generation’s best songwriters. Tuesday at the Continental Club. It’s a 21-plus show with doors opening at 8pm; tickets $15.