Your calendar this week is practically packed with mindbending events. From homegrown rebellion and burlesque to art openings questioning craft, nature, and perception, it’s time to shift between hallucinatory and historic. Whether you’re after spectacle, creation, or conversation, there’s simply so much to do.

Tuesday - 09/02

ACID TEST with Filmmaker Q&A | 7:15 PM

River Oaks Theatre | 2009 W Gray St

It’s a hometown hit with Acid Test, a coming-of-age Riot Grrl driven movie about a dysfunctional family and a teen experimenting with LSD. It was shot entirely in Houston with a local cast and crew, and the director will be on deck for a Q&A about the feature and the their next feature

Wednesday - 09/03

Now You Tease Me | 7:00 PM

River Oaks Theatre | 2009 W Gray St

We’re double-dipping with River Oaks Theatre this week because they have a tantalizing show blending burlesque and magic in a truly vintage, vaudevillian fashion. Visitors can expect to be teased and intrigued throughout the evening so long as they respect the boundaries of the performers while balancing the suspension of disbelief.

Thursday - 09/04

Closing Reception: Threat of Joy | 6:00 PM
Mid Main Lofts | 3550 Main Street

It’s a First Thursday and CAMH collaboration for the closing of the exhibition Threat of Joy,” a collaborative exhibition of student and teacher artwork showcasing joy and rebellion organized by Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH)’s fourth cohort of the Teacher Advisory Group (TAG).” The reception will include live actions, music, and a craft workshop.

Reception & Artist Talk: Gladys Nilsson | 7:00 PM

Menil Drawing Institute | 1412 W Main St

Gladys Nilsson will be unveiling a new wall drawing at the Menil Drawing Institute, opening with a talk that covers the process behind the large-scale, site-specific installation as well as her continued engagement with figure and narrative in her practice.

Friday - 09/05

Openings: CraftTexas 2025 and Pigeon Crib: Houston Edition | 6:00 PM
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft | 4848 Main St

HCCCCCCCCCCCC brings CraftTexas back for its twelfth iteration, juried this year by Abraham Thomas from The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The exhibition includes 50 works by 49 artists, which makes you wonder why they didn’t balance that out but is sure to be spectacular. Visitors can also look forward to the first solo exhibition of Robert Lugo, who blends traditional craft with contemporary cultural icons.

Opening: Where We Find Ourselves | 6:30 PM

Freedmen's Town Visitor Center | 1204 Victor St

Join the CAMH and Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy (HFTC) for the opening of Where We Find Ourselves, an exhibition of works by artist Satchel Lee. The exhibition hones in on the historic neighborhood as it examines memory, place, and perception within Black community and history.

Openings @ Box13 | 6:00 PM

Box13 Artspace | 6700 Harrisburg

Box13 opens a full round of exhibitions by artists Brittany Lauback, Giovanni Valderas, Demi Kahn, and Jean Sandoval. From the quiet weight of summer and papier mache to the existential dread of technological burnout, there’s something for everyone.

Opening: Bio Morphe | 6:00 PM

Moody Center for the Arts | 6100 Main Street, MS-480

Moody opens the exhibition Bio Morphe, featuring works by Tishan Hsu, Lucy Kim, Berenice Olmedo, Christina Quarles, and Louise Bourgeois. The exhibition explores the natural occurrence of patterns and shapes through practices that highlight the impact of industry and technology on the ever-evolving relationship between humanity and the natural world.

They’ll also be hosting a panel with the artists on Saturday.

Saturday - 09/06

*“Roberto Lugo: The Gilded Ghetto.” Photo by Joe Kramm, courtesy R & Company.*

Hands On Houston: Glazed Ceramic Tiles | 11:00 AM

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft | 4848 Main St

Inspired by the newly on view work of Robert Lugo, HCCC is offering a workshop where participants will be able to design and glaze their very own ceramic tiles. Sketch out your own tile and bring it to life with a vibrant range of glazes available.

JLF Houston | 10:00 AM

Asia Society | 1370 Southmore Blvd

It’s the greatest little literary show on Earth in Texas, bringing together renowned international authors for a series of panels, talks, debates, and probably also some books. Plus, your ticket in comes with free ice cream!

Sunday - 09/07

Sor Juana - Divina Lysí mía | 7:00 PM

MATCH | 3400 Main St

Join the Flamenco Poets Society for an evening of poetry and music as they celebrate the writings of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz with performances by Ermelinda Cuellar Trio and Angeles Romero.

Trip the Light Art-tastic