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Summer 2026
Hello, GISH PICKS reader!
I am Sarah Gish and I adore Houston, the most diverse city in the country. I have been writing this blog, subtitled CURATED CULTURE FOR KIDS & ADULTS, since 2004. In it, I focus on my passion to amplify unique Houston arts and culture events and organizations. I am an artist and writer and teacher and I am very involved with the art car community, having made 5 "daily driver" art cars including my current car, Iggy the Igniter. I also have an art project, Ignite Your Life!, which is at the center of all that I create and all that I do.
I love to ignite lives and create connections and my words and my art are some of the ways I do that.
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Thanks for joining me in my explorations of creative Houston!
Click on the "I LOVE HOUSTON" image to get started...
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Each week, I usually bring you
KID PICKS and ADULT PICKS --
my PICKS of the best and most unique arts events each weekend
in the greater Houston area.
I also feature one surprise photo
as well as a Houston-centric video.
However, this edition is different...
I decided to start taking the summers off a few years ago so that I can re-group and work on things related to my IGNITE YOUR LIFE! art project. I also want to mirror the calendar of our performing arts organizations -- there is much less going on in the summertime since their seasons tend to run September through May.
So I am signing off until September 10 with this handy dandy SUMMER PICKS guide to Houston arts & culture. As you'll see, there are plenty of fun summer happenings in all sectors of the arts -- and those are listed below. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PICKS AREN'T DIVIDED UP BY ADULTS OR KIDS AS THEY ARE IN MY REGULAR WEEKLY BLOG.
I suggest that you take the summer to get to know Houston's many arts groups. You can already get first dibs tickets for their upcoming shows and the 2026/2027 season. Pick your faves and hop on their websites. And in August, be sure to check for Houston Theater Week BOGO deals (Buy One, Get One). Click here mid-August for the scoop.
Want to get a jump start on low cost summer fun? Listen to my info-FULL interview with Houston Matters here. Your head will spin with all the indoors fun out of the sun!
You can do 3 things to keep this info handy so you can return again and again to all my many suggestions. I promise you will enjoy loads of fun and loads of art!
I. Print this up.
II. Save this email.
III. Head to GISH PICKS ADULTS for the archived link.
One more thing: I don't want to put a damper on our summer fun (literally!) but Houston is known for its hurricanes...SO...if you're new to them, check this page now before one happens and be ready. The season runs June 1 through November 30, but of course: Mother Nature does not keep a calendar so always be ready.
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Please take care in the coming days and enjoy it out there.
Stay cool and curious and I'll see you online again soon!
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I plan to stay active with teaching and education, so over the summer I'll be sending occasional notices of events or notes about whatever strikes my fancy! I will also email you if there are any public workshops or labyrinth walks I'm presenting.
I'll continue my monthly last Sunday Art Jams @ the Bond from
3-5pm at Common Bond Tanglewood (5740 San Felipe). Click on the dates for more information: June 28; July 26; and August 30. I'll continue those beyond August 30 (the one-year anniversary) if there's enough interest.
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If you want me to promote your Houston arts & culture event(s) or your groovy product(s) that my readers would like...
CONTACT ME! Be sure to put "Advertising" in the subject line please.
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If you'd like to support my passion to amplify our community of artists, nature spots, farmers markets, vegan eating, indie bookstores, and arts & culture organizations, please click here to donate ANY amount of money to my company using your credit card or PayPal account. Please note that your donation is not tax deductible.
You can also pay me via Venmo (@Sarah-Gish) or Zelle
(713 492 1173). Or, if you'd prefer to snail mail me a check, that's great! Please make the check payable to Gish Creative and mail it to: Gish Creative, 1940-A Fountainview Drive, PMB 116, Houston, Texas 77057.
| ENJOY THESE THREE GIFTS! | | SUMMER COOKIES. In addition to my SUMMER PICKS, I want to give you 3 gifts: the first is information about yummy pre-made or custom-made summer cookies! Stop by either -- or both! -- Dessert Gallery locations in Houston (3600 Kirby Drive) or The Woodlands (25 Waterway Ave, Ste. A-125) and get your summer sweets on. YUM YUM! | | SUMMER SOUP. The second gift is my GISHpacho recipe. It's my signature, tried-and-tested hot Houston cold summer soup, and I make it every year. Click on the bowl and enjoy. I suggest eating the Dessert Gallery cookies FIRST, then noshing on soup...why not?! It's summer! | | MY ROUND-UPS. My third gift to you is my many round-ups. I'm an "info-preneur" and I love to round up info for ya'll -- click on the images for lists that I've created. Save money, explore Houston, eat plants, support farmers, enjoy the earth, and expand your mind! | | And now, on to my SUMMER PICKS... | | |
PERFORMING ARTS CALENDARS. If you’re looking for a variety of free-and-fab arts, click here to check out what Miller Outdoor Theatre is presenting. They have been working hard on renovations to that special outdoor spot (with seats under cover too), and are opening for the first time this season with a Juneteenth Culture Fest on Friday, June 19! See my Juneteenth round-up below for the link.
Be sure to also check out the calendars for Discovery Green (here) and MATCH / Midtown Arts and Theatre Center Houston (here) – there’s always something upon their stages too. And for a list of a variety of Houston arts events, check out the Houston Cultural Events Calendar by the Houston Arts Alliance.
Below you'll find many different ideas for things to do this summer, including events broken out by art media (dance, theatre, film, etc.). Read carefully because I also have links to event calendars organized by the various disciplines.
HOUSTON NEWS. If you're looking for media that focuses just on Houston, check out City Cast Houston (archived page with interesting thoughts about Houston); Encore Houston, (archived arts groups videos); Hello Houston; and Houston Matters. Get instant updates from the City of Houston by subscribing to their CitizensNet service -- and if you are looking for any kind of help navigating Houston's resources, call 311 (this number works in major cities around the country and Canada!).
SOCCER GALORE. This will be a "Summer of Soccer" with a selection of 7 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches taking place in Houston from June 14 through July 4, and the FIFA Fan Festival running from June 11 through July 19. Be sure to check the local schedule -- or this map -- for traffic conditions before you head out to those arts events you love!
Space City Pride, a soccer club for people of all sexual orientations and identities, is hosting a Pride House Houston 26 during the games -- it's a welcoming and safe place for all soccer lovers. Details will be announced soon on their website and via email.
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SUMMER SOLSTICE AND YOGA DAY. The Summer Solstice is on June 20 and it marks the longest day of the year as well as the official first day of summer. One of my favorite ways to celebrate the sun is at Rothko Chapel, which this year is presenting 2 events, both on Thursday, June 18: Summer Solstice Concert Featuring Atlas Maior at noon and Summer Solstice Evening with Kaminari Taiko drumming at 7pm.
International Day of Yoga, a global observance established in 2014 by the United Nations, is celebrated around the world on or near June 21 to coincide with the solstice. Houston yogis (led by my friend Saumil Manek) will be at Eternal Gandhi Museum on Saturday, June 20 at 2pm for their annual event and at Discovery Green on Sunday, June 21 from 6-9pm for all level yoga and a sunset labyrinth walk. Both events are free.
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FOURTH OF JULY. It's the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, so this year's celebrations will GO BIG! The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion hosts the Houston Symphony for their Star-Spangled Salute on July 3 and Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts the Houston Symphony for another Star Spangled Salute on July 4 (catch it where you can!). All Miller Outdoor Theatre shows are free, baby, free -- and the Houston Symphony is offering a schedule of free summer concerts this year -- check their concert calendar for the yellow "free" label on performances.
The City of Houston is bringing back their 6-hour rockin’ fun patriotic festival, Freedom Over Texas at beautiful Eleanor Tinsley Park, and the Children's Museum of Houston is hosting their annual festive Kidpendence Day Party. And The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park is hosting a free Patriot Day for families on Wednesday, July 1.
And...if you'd like to hear the full Declaration of Independence -- as read by several women I encountered while doing research for my Ignite Your Life! art project -- click here. It's an antiquated document in some ways, but an important read because it is central to the story of our nation's birth. We were created to escape government by a monarchy to be a democratic government of the people, by the people, for the people.
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FILM. There are many screens lighting up around town -- click on my list of Houston Movie Venues and explore! Be sure to check out the offerings at Aurora Picture Show (now at 5601A Navigation Boulevard), The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the beautifully remodeled historic 1939 River Oaks Theatre. They offer a year-round robust schedule of films as well as live shows.
Arthouse Houston is a group I co-founded that helped save the theatre after it almost didn't re-open post-pandemic. They host screenings at the River Oaks Theatre and also at other venues around Houston. They are currently working on a documentary about the organization as well as on their podcast -- very exciting! AND, they are also working hard to save the Garden Oaks Theatre -- looking for community support and major funding. See all about the campaign here and please jump in to help if you can.
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The Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) has screenings year round; click here for that calendar. Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) teams up yearly with HCAS to present the incredible Houston Media Conference -- this year it will be from September 17-20. And the Houston Film Commission hosts monthly First Thursday Short Film Screening & Filmmaker Mixers which are fun and free! HTX MADE is a locally-focused screening series and there is also The Big Queer Picture Show, which has a full schedule of films coming up. Rice Cinema (now in the Susan and Fayez Sarofim Hall on the Rice University campus) shows fantastic indie films too but they take a break over the summer.
Yeah, it's hot -- but OUTDOOR MOVIES are cool at Rooftop Cinema Club, Discovery Green, Levy Park, Historic Market Square Park, Post Houston, and Miller Outdoor Theatre (check their calendars for specifics). And if you like old school movie adventures, check out Moonstruck Drive In Cinema, which is now at 45 Delano Street.
KID MOVIE CLUBS. If you have kids, there is plenty of film fun for them at special screenings hosted by Cinemark & Regal Cinemas & Studio Movie Grill. The River Oaks Theatre screens Kids Camp movies most Saturday mornings year round (check their schedule here).
There are 2 cool summer camps relating to film media for kids: SWAMP hosts 2-week Teen Filmmaker Boot Camps starting June 22 or July 6 and Aurora Picture Show has some slots left in their Summer Filmmaking Camps, which are for kids ages 7-15. And if you're looking for help deciding on which films are ok for your children, Kids In Mind is a great resource I've been using for years.
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LABYRINTHS. I'm a Certified Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator and I love to lead labyrinth walks around the city. They are truly a peaceful form of meditation, something we need now more than ever. For each walk, I bring inspirational readings, hand-held labyrinths, and plenty of educational materials. If you want to learn how to walk with me virtually, take a look at this video and this video. I always have much to say about that form of meditation!
Check out my Houston Labyrinth Walkers Facebook group page for my events and those by other folks. I hope you'll walk with us.
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THEATRE. It wouldn't be summer without the Alley Theatre’s annual Summer Chills -- this year it's The Girl on the Train -- from July 24 through August 30; the Catastrophic Theatre production of Tamarie's Greatest Hits Volume 3 from June 18 through August 1; and the Houston Shakespeare Festival which is presenting The Tempest and Comedy of Errors at Miller Outdoor Theatre between July 30 and August 8. Also on: Get Ready at Ensemble Theatre (June 26-July 26) and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs at Main Street Theater (June 13-July 12).
There are many other shows too -- click here for a handy dandy list from Broadway World. And if you're looking for ways to save money...be sure to check here in August for the Houston Theater Week BOGO deals and here for my list of ways to discount the arts in Houston (performing arts and visual arts).
If you're downtown for a show, take some time walk around the Theatre District and be sure to stop by Lynn Wyatt Square, which is host to events from time to time. There are great restaurants and clubs and the terrific food hall, Lyric Market.
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VISUAL ART. Start your adventures with visual art in our city by clicking on this list of Houston ART MUSEUMS created by Visit Houston, which you can filter by free spaces, area of town, discounts, etc. The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft has four shows on their walls this summer, including Case Study: Shae Bishop (pictured) as well as 2 family events, Make a Zine for Dad on Saturday, June 20 and a Craft Garden Tour on Saturday, July 11 -- and also Craft Camps for kids 5-9 years old. The Menil Collection is always free -- bring a picnic and enjoy the park too! Kids can Party All Summer Long! (through August 9) at the Children’s Museum Houston. And around the corner, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is hosting Summer Break at the Museum – free family art-making on Thursdays from 11am-2pm in June and July (and the museum is open for free until 9pm every Thursday!).
Summer is a great time to explore Houston's ART GALLERIES & OTHER WALLS and the Houston Art Gallery Association's list of member galleries is a great place to start. Archway Gallery is an artist-owned space and is hosting their 18th annual Juried Exhibition (July 4-30) and the Art League Houston is hosting their annual ALH Summer Exhibitions (through July 19).
Be sure to visit the warehouses and properties of Sawyer Yards as well as the Hardy & Nance Studios and Mother Dog Studios. Housed in a re-purposed post office, the POST has several exhibitions on view over the summer, including Terms & Conditions: The Promise vs. Reality (through 8/2), presented by Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, which is currently closed for renovations. And Moody Center for the Arts has 3 exhibitions on view over the summer. It's hot outside but inside, the art is very cool...
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LITERARY EVENTS. Inprint is busy with all kinds of events, from poetry readings (including their long-running First Fridays) to writing workshops to author talks! There are also poetry events galore around the city and I rounded up many groovy indie bookstores for you here.
There are many book clubs around town, including the virtual Inprint Book Club, and others hosted by Blue Willow Bookshop, Brazos Bookstore, Compassionate Houston, Frame Dance, and Kindred Stories. The Houston Public Library also has all kinds of book clubs. And if you're still wanting something else, I found this list of loads of Houston book clubs!
If you're wanting to learn to be a wordsmith, there are creative writing workshops presented by Grackle and Grackle as well as creative writing workshops & events presented by Houston Writing Central.
SPOKEN WORD. The Moth Mainstage in Houston: American Dreams (June 27) and Revenge (July 14) are the summer themes for The Moth Houston events. Poetry Lounge Sundays at Henke and Pillot is an open mic event with words, music, sustenance.
KID READING PROGRAMS. There is the annual summer reading program organized by the Houston Public Library; the annual summer reading program organized by the Harris County Public Library; a Read Strong All Year Long program organized by the Children's Museum of Houston; and CYCLE is helping prevent the "summer slide" by partnering with 4 Houston area reading programs, here. Each summer also brings programming for youth by Writers in the Schools - this year it's the 2026 FreeVerse Weekend: A 3-Day Youth Poetry Slam and Workshop Festival from June 18-20. Fun, fun!
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MUSIC. Make Music Day Houston is a vibrant festival of free, live music around the city on June 21, the longest day of the year. This event is part of a worldwide ode to music, Make Music Day, that was started in France over 40 years ago. Another vibrant festival, the Texas Music Festival, is here through June 27. You can also get your live music fix at 713 Music Hall, Anderson Fair, Dan Electros, The Heights Theater, Mucky Duck, and the White Oak Music Hall -- as well as other places listed in this helpful CultureMap Houston article.
Some of the music and performing arts venues livestream their shows so look for those links if couch-listening is your thang. If you want to shop and listen, check out the events happening at Cactus Music. If you want an easy-to-navigate concert calendar, click here for the Blueshound/KPFT one.
To search for more music events in Houston, click here for the Houston Music Card, maintained and updated by a mighty fine music organization, Da Camera. Be sure to check their performance calendar while you're perusing the Card.
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DANCE. Performing Arts Houston is presenting Dear Prairie View (September 4 & 5), a world premiere and powerful tribute by Harrison Guy honoring The Hill and celebrating 150 years of Prairie View A&M. If you're wanting to dance yourself, join the Houston Swing Dance Society every Sunday; enjoy a Latin Beats free salsa lesson on Friday, June 19 at the Downtown Aquarium; or get your 80s music fix at Classic Numbers every Friday.
Check The Dance Card by Dance Source Houston for more events, and mark your calendars for dance events now.
| | GROOVY PASSES. Want to see local attractions at a reduced fee? Check out HOUSTON CityPass. And if you want to try out Houston hotel pools and spas for a day (or pools and spas around the country!), check out Resort Pass. | | |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOUSTON and 713 DAY. Why oh why did the Allen Brothers (pictured) have to found Houston in the hottest month of the year, on August 30, 1836? Nevertheless, take some time to celebrate with The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park; check this page later for all the scoop. Celebrating our city is a great way to end your summer!
And if you want to celebrate Houston in a fun way, party on 713 Day - July 13! That's Houston's original area code and a day to play and celebrate what's makes our city unique.
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HIRE ME! If you want to learn ways of getting centered -- or igniting your life -- or getting your creative juices flowing...
click on the images for more about my work and then please contact me if I can be of service at 713.492.1173.
If you want to ignite your wardrobe, be sure to check out my IGNITE YOUR LIFE! t-shirts and sweatshirts shop. Click on the shirt images and let the fun colors start your ignition mission.
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Virtual IGNITE! Sessions: we will meet via Zoom to explore what makes your heart sing and you'll leave with a personal mantra I'll write to guide you in igniting your life. Those are $100/one hour and $50/thirty minutes. I'm also doing sessions in person at Body Mind & Soul most Mondays from noon-6pm; book online or call the store at 713.993.0550 for an appointment.
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One-on-one or small group labyrinth walks or nature mandala-making sessions or art-making workshops...or just about anything creative! The fee varies based on what we are doing. AND: I can also do workshops based on my IGNITE YOUR LIFE! art project concepts. More information about those is given upon request. I post all my events - including workshops and labyrinth walks -- in this blog.
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Virtual or in person meditation & mindfulness lessons for individuals or groups. You can see some of my teachings in my seventeen Meditation Chats and in my interview with Debra Duncan on Great Day Houston about how to meditate with household objects. The fee varies based on what we are doing, and all ages are welcome.
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Whew! So now you have my SUMMER PICKS 2026!
Here's to a great summer...and to many adventures exploring Houston's arts & culture.
Take care and I'll "see" you with my regular edition of
GISH PICKS: CURATED CULTURE FOR KIDS & ADULTS
on Thursday, September 10.
| | P.S. I have 2 lists for GISH PICKS -- one for adults and one for families. Each list is sent the same blog weekly -- both also get separate targeted emails. You can be on both lists or just one if you wish -- it's super easy! Just scroll down and click on "Update Profile" (see pic above). | | | | |
