The Hidden Agenda: Two Steppin Through Summer
One steps past the threshold of the door, greeted with a symphony of high pitched screeches composed by the summertime insects. The oppressive humidity places a layer upon our skin, like a blanket. You can try and roll your window down to enjoy the fresh morning air only to quickly roll it back up to avoid soiling your fresh outfit for the day. Fresh Prince’s song of a lovely carefree summer stroll through the neighborhood does not apply here in the South, which harkens more to the romantic image of the lone cowboy wiping the dust and sweat from his brow as he squints up at the oppressive fiery ball dancing above. The air wavy as you drink your last drop of water, trying to find the motivation to finish the day and not just rush home and crawl back into bed only wearing the suit you were born in. Yet we power through as we must, finding the energy to complete the week laid before us. Must we whisk ourselves and our loved ones away to cooler temperatures in the mountains? Seclude ourselves on an island in Maine, sipping our coffee and tea as the cool Atlantic breeze kisses the tree tops? Whether it be rowing on a northern mountain stream or embarking on your third shower of the day here in Houston, we do as we must. Prevail the day that will come to us each morning. We have many adventures to discover, and this week is no different with our Hidden Agenda.
Monday, July 6th
State of First | 7PM
River Oaks Theatre | 2009 West Gray
STATE of FIRSTS is an all-access documentary following Sarah McBride’s historic run to become the first transgender member of Congress. Throughout her campaign, she navigates the complex terrain between activist and electoral strategies for change, confronting mounting pressure from her constituents. On the night that Sarah wins, so too does Trump, underscoring a nation intensely divided and sending Sarah to an increasingly hostile new workplace.
A moving film demonstrating the power of the people in its purest form. Sarah McBride paves the way for true democracy and a historical victory for the LQBTQIA community. We hope you can make it if you haven’t already grabbed your tickets.
Tuesday, July 7th
Horni Tonk Tuesday | 8PM
Shoe Shine Charley’s Big Top Lounge | 3714 Main
Every first Tuesday is the night to shine up your boots and dust off your Stetson. It's Honky Tonk night led by the legendary country musician Chris Seymore. With Special guest Cory Cross the night is going to be a hell of a shin dig. Rusty on your two stepping? No problem and no judgement there! There will be a 8:15 two stepping class for all skill levels to join. Grab your tickets early to get the discount or buy your tickets the night of. Either way you are in for a festive and lively night of music and dancing.
Wednesday, July 8th
Hump Day! Time for a night of recalibration. Pick up that book your friend gave you last Christmas. It's time to settle in for the night and replenish your mind and body.
Thursday, July 9th
Violeta Alvarez: Casa de Cultura: The Living Archive | 7PM
Winter Street Studios | 2101 Winter St.
Luz Y Sombra, music, memory and identity by artist in residency Violeta Alvarez. "Casa de Cultura is a deeply rooted residency exploring cultural identity, migration, memory, and resilience. Inspired by the artist’s mother’s journey from Mexico and connected to the stories so many immigrant families carry, the project honors the sacrifices and strength of ancestral roots within communities native to Mesoamerica while responding to narratives that attempt to diminish and erase our presence. Bringing together photo exhibitions, cultural objects, and symbolic imagery that tell the stories of our communities across generations.
Friday, July 10th
Representation of Form | 8PM
MATCH | 3400 Main St.
A grand evening of multimedia performance combining live music, live contemporary dance and a photography installation. In its 10th year anniversary, Group Acorde recreates Representation of Form; an immersive experience combining art forms that invites audiences to indulge in the reshaping of image and sound. First created in 2020, Representation of Form returns after 6 years. Photographer and dancer Christopher Peddecord has a unique sensibility to capture movement through his work to create unique narratives and movement. In this collaboration with Group Acorde, Peddecord takes photographs of Group Acorde dance artists and compiles images, initiating a series of sequences of movement and choreography. Spellbinding for certain and a show to check out. There are multiple evenings to choose from so if Friday doesn’t you have several more nights to experience.
Saturday, July 11th
Yard | 6PM - 8PM
Stinson House | 2781 Ruth St.
Stinson House is at it again with fresh and new curation and programming. Opening this Saturday is YARD, a series of three exhibitions, each presented in Houston-based front-yards in July of 2026. Seems very hot but exciting! The first installment of YARD, will open Saturday at Stinson House. Featuring the work of Lisa Bridges, Joseph Bui, Preston Gaines, and Ian Gerson.
Art, hotdogs, and community fun!!
Workshop held by lan Gerson between 4-5:30
Galveston Art Walk | All Day
Galveston Art Center has listed an interactive google map and a printable version so you can plan your day strolling the main drag and popping into the amazing studios and galleries peppered across the island.
We suggest The Galveston Art Center to see Jasmine Zelaya and Preetika Rajgariah, visit Rising Tide shop and print studio, Picnic Surf Shapes, as well as The Galveston Art Residency to name a few! There are so many more and we hope you discover them all!
Poets Garden HTX | 1pm - 3pm
Lawndale Art Center | 4912 Main St.
An analog day of free form writing with fellow community members, poets, and literaries. Let by Poet Arian Brown the day is focused on artistic development and building bridges within our communities. Geared to support writing practices of local poets of all backgrounds. Leading the participants through a reading and discussion of curated poems. The group will be guided by writing prompts, time for writing, and time to share with discussion and discourse. Embrace your clunky first drafts and the beautiful failures that is at the core of formal and informal writing.
Join Ariana on the 2nd floor in the Cecily E. Horton Gallery for the workshop. There is no public Internet access at Lawndale and very few outlets. Think of this as an analog space to connect with other writers and yourself. Please bring pen and paper to write.
Sunday, July 12th
Miroirs No. 3 | 5PM
MFAH Browns Auditorium | 1001 Bissonnet St.
Sundays are for slow moving and for that you deserve a movie at the MFAH. Yes You! Come on now you deserve it after all you accomplished this weekend. What better way to cap off the week than with acclaimed director Christian Petzold’s (Phoenix; Transit) very own award winning Miroirs No. 3. A modern day gothic tale of tragedy, lies, and grief through the spiderweb of human nature. Don’t disappear into the sofa, this night will be just for you.
