Beef, beer and bike rides: 10 events not to miss this month in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose areas

The Health Museum picnic and bike ride event is one of many taking place in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose this month. (Courtesy of the Museum of Health)

From a walk through the azaleas in River Oaks to the start of a new arts festival on Spring Street, a number of events take place in February and early March around the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose.

February 10, 17 and 24: Tune in to the Gregory School series for Black History Month

Join the Houston Public Library and the Gregory School for a series of “Black Health and Wellness” events in celebration of the 52nd anniversary of Black History Month. The event is online and guests must register to attend. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Virtual event. www.houstonlibrary.libcal.com

February 10: Stop by a ReelAbilities Arts Festival

Meek Studio & Gallery is collaborating with the non-profit organization Jewish Family Service Houston to organize the ReelArt Crawl arts festival. The event features more than 95 works of art on display, including works by artists from the ReelArt program, which aims to empower artists with disabilities. The event also includes hor d’oeurves, wine, music and drawing for prizes. 6-9 p.m. Free. Meek Studio & Gallery, 1903 Spring St., Houston. 713-986-7808. www.reelabilitieshouston.org

February 12: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a picnic and a bike ride

The Health Museum invites visitors to a picnic in the park on Valentine’s Day weekend. Participants can access the museum and all of its exhibits while enjoying a picnic lunch and a scenic bike ride on a BCycle bike. The ticket includes a picnic basket and BCycle vouchers as well as the cost of admission to the museum. Noon-3 p.m. $50 (members, two people), $60 (non-members, two people). The Museum of Health, 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston. 713-521-1515. www.thehealthmuseum.org

February 16: Celebrate contemporary Italian cinema

The Italian Cultural and Community Center of Houston continues its celebration of Italian films with “Welcome Venice” by director Andrea Segre. 6:45 p.m. $10 (ICCC members), $15 (general admission). Italian Cultural and Community Center of Houston, 1101 Milford St., Houston. 713-524-4222. www.iccchouston.com

February 18: Attend an alternative folk concert

Singer-songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter brings his laid-back, soulful vibes to Goode Company Armadillo Palace for a performance alongside his three-piece band. Opening performer Christina Holmes will deliver alternate folk anthems. 7 p.m. (doors open), 8 p.m. (first part), 9:30 p.m. (headliner). $22 (in advance), $27 (at the door). Goode Company Armadillo Palace, 5015 Kirby Drive, Houston. 713-526-9700. www.thearmadillopalace.com

February 20: Eat beef and drink beer for a good cause

Urban Harvest and Saint Arnold Brewing Company are teaming up for an old-fashioned fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting Urban Harvest, which supports local community gardening and farming efforts. Chefs Graham Laborde and Jess Timmons will provide the beef, juice and bread, while Saint Arnold will provide the beer. 4-6 p.m. $150. San Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston. www.urbanharvest.org

February 26: Listen to a world premiere of a local chamber orchestra

The full River Oaks Chamber Orchestra takes the stage with guest conductor Sarah Hicks, who will conduct three world premieres. The performance includes “Earth” by Aaron Jay Kernis, “Neither Man Nor Money Validates My Worth” by Leanna Primiani and “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Modest Mussorgsky. 5 p.m. $35 (suggested price). Shrine to St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston. 713-665-2700. www.roco.org

February 26: Get ready for the rodeo at the Launch Parade

Celebrate the start of the 90th anniversary of Houston’s Livestock and Rodeo with a parade taking place February 26. The parade will begin at Houston City Hall and move through downtown before ending at the Houston Public Library on Lamar Street. The rodeo runs until March 20 and includes concerts, rodeo events and a barbecue. 10:00 a.m. free (parade). Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston 832-667-1000. www.rodeohouston.com

March 4-6: Walk through the azaleas of River Oaks

The River Oaks Garden Club is hosting its 86th annual Azalea Trail event to celebrate the blooming of spring flowers. The trail includes Bayou Bend House and Gardens, Rienzi House and Gardens, and four residential gardens. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held March 4 at the historic Forum of Civics Building. 10:30 a.m. (Fri. ribbon cutting), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.). To free. River Oaks Garden Club, 2503 Westheimer Road, Houston. 713-523-2483. www.riveroaksgc.org

March 5: Join a local crawfish chamber

The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Crawfish Festival featuring vendors, crawfish, live music from Lucid Illusions, and an Idol of the Heights contest. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free (appetizer), $20 (crayfish platter). Raven Tower, 310 North St., Houston. 713-861-6735. www.heightschamber.org

Comments are closed.