(Sat. Sep. 11: 7:30p.m. – 9:30p.m.; 615 Louisiana St., Ste. 102; Houston, TX 77002; Tickets from $25. Call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org for tickets)

The Houston Symphony will be kicking off its brand new season of music with delightful instrumentals from Vienna. Join the new concert master Frank Huang in welcoming the oncoming season of fine musical sounds.

(Fri. Sep. 3: 8p.m.- 10p.m.; Sat. Sep. 4: 8p.m.- 10p.m.; Sun. Sep. 5: 2:30p.m.- 4:30p.m.; 615 Louisiana St., Ste. 102; Houston, TX 77002; Tickets from $25. Call 713-224-7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org for tickets)

The Houston Symphony will be performing amazing songs from the most recent generation of Broadway, showcasing works from Wicked, Rent, Mamma Mia and more!

(9a.m.- 8p.m. on Tuesdays; 9a.m.- 5p.m. on Wednesdays- Mondays; One Hermann Circle Drive. For more information, visit www.hmns.org; Ticket prices: $15 to $27)The Houston Museum of Natural Science will be presenting its newest exhibit, “Magic: The Science of Wonder” this month from now through September 6^th, 2010. The show combines amazing optical illusions with artifacts which cover the span of the history of magic from the time of Harry Houdini. One of his most prized possessions in the form of his escape trunk will be placed on display. The exhibit also features a theatre where live magic performances will take place! Bring the entire family out for this exciting show which is sure to astound and amaze visitors of all ages.

(Sprinkles Cupcakes; 4014 Westheimer Rd.)
Perhaps we should start calling ourselves Houston-wood since the opening of West coast giant sweet confectionary Sprinkles grand opening this past Monday. In the heart of Highland Village, one can find themselves engorging in the delights of flavors like key lime, ginger lemon, Madagascar bourbon vanilla and chai latte. The sweet treats range in variety but not in price, which remains at a cool $3.25 per cupcake or $36 for a dozen. The flavors change both daily and seasonally so be sure and check ahead to figure out if it’s the day for a lemon cake studded with wild blueberries and a lemon zest cream cheese frosting or a chocolate chip peanut butter cake with fudgy milk chocolate frosting. For more mouth watering flavors, visit  www.sprinkles.com. 
 

(Houston Family Arts Center; 10760 Grant Road)
Abracadabra Aladdin will entice a younger crowd to attend the theatrical stylings at The Houston Family Arts Center which is showcasing this special performance based on the story of Aladdin. Bring the entire family out to enjoy this production which won the Nickolodeon Parents’ Pick Award for Houston’s Best Theater for Kids. The tale follows a musical presentation featuring the famous Abu, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and of course, Genie. Shows will run from 11a.m. and 2p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday and tickets are only $5. Visit www.houstonfac.com for more information.

(The Downtown Aquarium; 410 Bagby)
The Downtown Aquarium is usually known for its beautiful aquatic life, but it is also the home to a collection of impressive white tigers, Nero, Coral, Reef and Marina. During The Aquarium’s bi-annually held Tiger Weekend, visitors can examine the beautiful tigers in their habitat. The weekend will feature events for the entire family which include arts and crafts, tiger shows, conservation talks and behind the scenes tours. Stop by from 10a.m.- 6p.m. on Saturday June 26th and visit www.aquariumrestaurants.com for more information. 

On Saturday May 16, the ferocious girls from the Houston Roller Derby will be playing at Kicks Indoor Soccer & Gym. Featured rollergirls will be the Burlesque Brawlers, Hot Rod Honeys, Bayou City Bosses and the Psych Ward Sirens. Don’t forget to join the after party at Christian’s Tailgate Bar & Grill. Check out www.houstonrollerderby.com for more information.

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) presents Afghanistan- Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul, an astounding display which explores the diverse cultural history of Afghanistan from the 2500 B.C. also referred to as the Bronze Age through the rise of trade along the Silk Road in the first century A.D.
The display blends over 230 works of art which include bronze and stone sculptures, incised gold vases, Roman type glass vessels, and gorgeous Persian/Scythian style gold jewelry. The Museum also hosts a 30 minute free viewing of a National Geographic film about the exhibition daily. Be sure to check out this amazing exhibit.

(The Houston Museum of Natural Science; May 22-October 18, 2009)
Voted one of the top 5 “Must See” exhibits by Time Magazine, “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor” presented by The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of most breathtakingly extraordinary findings of the 20th century. The exhibit explores the incredible terra cotta warriors which guarded the tomb of Shi Huang, China’s first Emperor and were intended to protect him throughout eternity. Enthused history buffs and visitors can view more than 100 pieces, the largest display of terra cotta figures and tomb artifacts to ever travel to the U.S.