The 30 hottest summer movies, from 'Barbie' to 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

Plus: Bun B headlines Galveston's La Izquierda Surf & Music Fest; Houston's Best Kentucky Derby Day Parties  ͏  ͏  ͏

View in browser Get Unlimited Digital Access for 25¢! Support local, independent journalism. Subscribe Today. The 30 hottest summer movies, from 'Barbie' to 'Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3' It's the first weekend of May and it's getting hot at the multiplex. "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3" lands Friday, kicking off the cinematic summer season. Here are the 30 movies you're going to be talking about. It's also Cinco de Mayo and here are the best drink deals. And what better way to celebrate than with mariachi? Here are the best spots to hear some mariachi May 5. If you would rather be outside and near the Gulf on this warm weekend, head to Galveston for the La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival headlined by Bun B and also featuring such other notable locals as Los Skarnales and Young Mammals. Or maybe you'd rather get dressed up and enjoy some horseracing. We have Houston's best Kentucky Derby Day parties. It's never too early to introduce children to classical music and you can do it with other families at Houston Symphony's Family Day on Saturday. Want to get a free movie poster and a comic book? Well, you can get them if you take part in the blood drive on Friday and food drive on Saturday at Houston's Regal MarqE multiplex. Also: Houston's best brunch spots; Nature Fest and Nurtured by Nature celebrate being outdoors; Houston Grand Opera delivers a harrowing "Salome"; Shroud of Turin replica unveiled at the National Museum of Funeral History;  Have a great weekend!   Cary Darling Arts and Entertainment Editor cary.darling@houstonchronicle.com Things to do in Houston   Photo: Warner Bros./Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures The 30 hottest summer films, from 'Barbie' to 'Fast X' 'Fast X,' 'The Flash,' 'Asteroid City' and the live-action 'Little Mermaid' are also among the movies that will be heating up the season.   Bun B headlines Galveston's La Izquierda Surf & Music Fest Los Skarnales, Clifton Chenier and Young Mammals are also playing the fest that is now in a bigger location near The Seawall. Chris Gray has the details.   Cinco de Mayo in Houston: Where to celebrate with mariachis Here's where you'll be able to find mariachis among the free-flowing margaritas in celebration of Cinco de Mayo around Houston.   Concerts: Anuel AA, Tom Jones, NMIXX, Lewis Capaldi and more Tennis, 100 gecs, Raul Malo and Yeah Yeah Yeahs are also on the list of upcoming shows.   New Films: 'Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3, ' 'Love Again' top new films 'What's Love Got to Do With It,' 'Joyland' are also among the movies hitting our screens.   Chronicle Picks: Tom Jones, The Suffers among the recommendations 'Brother Toad' and 'The Legend of Georgia McBride' are also among the critics' picks.   Family Fun: Cinco de Mayo, Houston Japan Fest and more Our weekend top picks also include Tacos Over Texas, Houston Polish May Festival, East End Street Fest,  Nature Fest and more.    Where to eat   Photo: Emily Jaschke Houston's best Kentucky Derby parties for race day The annual Run for the Roses brings out festive hats, Julep cocktails and top shelf bourbon for Derby Day revelry.   Cinco de Mayo deals at Houston restaurant and bars Local eateries and drinking holes are already broadcasting their best offers on margaritas and other Tex-Mex fare on the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. Here's the roundup.   Houston's best brunch spots, according to our food critics The best local brunches can be found at trendy and classic restaurants, including Little Hen and The Breakfast Klub. Here's the roundup.   Burger Bodega marks AAPI Month with special pop-up series Collaborations with three Houston chefs reflecting local Asian culture and flavors begins May 3 with chef Mayank Istwal of Musaafer. Here's what else you can expect.   Tacos Over Texas taco competition returns to Houston Annual event to support The Ninfa Laurenzo Scholarship Fund will feature more than a dozen restaurants and food trucks carrying on Mama Ninfa's taco traditions.   Fashionable new restaurant and lounge opens in Rice Village Upscale FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge with a menu from consulting chef Mark Holley is latest project from busy Houston hospitality group. Greg Morago has the details.   Alison Cook restaurant review: Pacha Nikkei in west Houston The vibe is a chic-on-a-shoestring dining room and bar good for everything from date nights to solo counter lunches. Read the review.   Novel restaurant showcases indigenous Thai, Native American fare Hit restaurants Street to Kitchen and Eculent team up to open groundbreaking Th Prsrv in Kemah.   Texas' longest-running cafe reopens, and there's swords now Once Texas' oldest and longest-running coffee shop, the small-town fixture hit bad times in the pandemic. Now it's reopening with a $6 million artifact museum.   Best of the rest   Photo: Associated Press Review: 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' an emotional farewell for director James Gunn The film is too long and there's less emphasis on jokes, but the emotional depth makes up for it.   Want free movie posters, comic books? Head to Regal MarqE Texas Parks and Wildlife drops first single with Houston artist Nature Fest, Nurtured by Nature aim to get Houstonians outdoors A father and 8-year-old son bond at the Houston Symphony Houston Grand Opera delivers a harrowing, exhilarating 'Salome' Shroud of Turin replica unveiled at Houston's Funeral Museum     Get Unlimited Digital Access for 25¢ Support local, independent journalism. Act Now SALE ENDS MAY 15 | Cancel Anytime Unsubscribe  |  Manage Preferences  |  Privacy Notice Houston Chronicle 4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 © 2023 Hearst Communications