Happy Friday! This week absolutely drained me, so I'm keeping this one short. I’m probably already on my way to Austin, where I plan to spend the weekend swimming through thrift stores and giving my algorithm a break from the hell that is Houston Facebook Marketplace.

If you're an avid thrifter, and I mean a THRIFTER where things are actually dirt cheap, please send me your Austin recommendations for furniture and clothes. I want the hidden gems where I’m struggling to breathe from the antique dust.

While I go hunt for bargains, I've got a bargain for you... except this one won't cost you a thing. We're giving away tickets to see The Black Keys at White Oak Music Hall. Go enter now and let luck do the heavy lifting.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• If you graduated around 2008, prepare for an emotional support concert. Gym Class Heroes and Lupe Fiasco are bringing two of the most iconic catalogs of the 2000s to September 30 at Smart Financial Centre. Dust off your old playlists because this is pure nostalgia in concert form.

• Whether you voted for him on American Idol or just love a great live vocalist, Clay Aiken delivers a show full of nostalgia and incredible vocals. Make plans for October 3 at The Grand 1894 Opera House.

• Ready for a healthy dose of '90s nostalgia? Candlebox is bringing its signature grunge sound back to Houston with special guests Sponge on October 8 at White Oak Music Hall. Go scream every lyric like it's 1993.

• Grammy-winning bassist, singer, and producer Thundercat is bringing his genre-defying blend of funk, jazz, R&B, and psychedelic soul to Houston. Catch the mastermind behind hits like "Them Changes" on November 7 at White Oak Music Hall. Prepare to have your mind melted.

• Plus other just announced shows in Houston!

FREE STUFF FRIDAY

Free Stuff Friday has entered the chat. If your bank account has been giving you the side eye lately, don't worry. We found some genuinely fun events happening around Houston this weekend that cost absolutely nothing. Your wallet just sighed in relief.

• FRI - FREE INTRO TO IMPROV CLASS @ STATION THEATER

• FRI & SAT - SUMMER SYMPHONY NIGHTS @ MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE

• SAT - BLACK SWAN YOGA @ HERMANN PARK

• SAT - COMMUNITY DAY @ MOODY CENTER FOR ARTS

• SUN - SUNDAY BRUNCH @ ZOOMIES DOG PARK

• SUN - PUNCHLINE SUNDAYS COMEDY SHOW @ AXELRAD

THIS WEEKEND

GET UNBIASED NEWS FOR FREE

In a world flooded with AI-generated content, 1440 is different. Every edition is researched, written, and edited by real people who care about accuracy, context, and clarity. Their team reviews over 100 sources daily to bring you a 5-minute newsletter that explains the world without bias, spin, or shortcuts. Trusted by over 4 million readers, 1440 delivers news made for humans, by humans. Plus, it’s always free, factual, and refreshingly real. Subscribe for free.*

LOCALS ONLY

• I love our city so much, and we're the most diverse city in the country for a reason. Where else can you dance to Arabic and Latin music all in one night? Baila Habibi is bringing both worlds together on August 1 at NOTO. Grab your friends and get ready to dance until the lights come on.

• Wait... I'm taking a DJ class at Sound Dojo this Sunday. If this goes well, my LinkedIn is about to get even more confusing. Who's ready for a set that's 50% emo, 50% drum and bass, and 100% emotional damage?

WIN STUFF

FEATURED