Convenience Big Store: How to get the most out of Beyoncé's Houston homecoming concerts this weekend

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Celebrating Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour homecoming and enjoying your weekend.

Hi, I'm Joey, and I write about music. And lots of other things, too. I am ridiculously excited to introduce you to the new Preview newsletter. It will be more engaging, more fun and a go-to for planning your weekend. I'll tell you about my favorite things to do, places to go, music to listen to. If there's something fun around Houston that you think others should know about, find me on Instagram, Twitter/X and Threads @joeyguerra. Let me know what you'd like to see in here.

How's this for a kickoff? Beyoncé brings the Renaissance World Tour home for two shows this weekend. And I still have no clue what I'm wearing. This is serious, y'all. I usually go for maximum comfort because there will be lots of walking, lots of standing, possibly some sweating and the lights are down, anyway, so no one can see you. But Queen Bey has asked us to wear our "most fabulous silver fashions." I'm more of an all-black guy. I've spent way too much time ordering things I hate as soon as I open the package.

Tag me on social media this weekend in your own RWT fashion photos! If you want to find me, I'll be the guy wrapped in tin foil.

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

Becky G performs at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

One concert to see

There are a ton of shows this week: Edén Muñoz, Loona, Pink, Keanu Reeves and Dogstar (really). I'm going with Becky G, who performs Sept. 27 at Smart Finanical Centre at Sugar Land. Her reverse crossover from English to Spanish has made her more popular than ever, and she's unafraid to experiment with sounds. Her upcoming "Esquinas" album is full-on regional Mexican. Ándale!

One Houston song to know: Houston hip-hop and anime? Sounds legit. Rapper Guilla's "Naruto Running in the Gym," from his album "Obliterated," is my first pick.
Beyoncé watch: Red Circle Ice Cream has come up with Queen Bee Ice Cream, a handcrafted, honeycomb flavor with chunks of homemade honeycomb. It's available at all three Red Circle locations in Chinatown, Sugar Land and Pearland. Did you know Beyoncé recorded a song called "Ice Cream Truck" for her debut album? It surfaced several years later.

Fun family favs

Haunted Hues is now open at Color Factory Houston.

Photo by: Color Factory

All treat, no tricks

The scares are nonexistent at Color Factory's "Haunted Hues." And that's fine because you'll be too busy taking selfies in all the interactive rooms. Plus, macarons and ice cream? Yes, please. Through Oct. 31 at 330 Kirby. $29 and 39.

Bat-tastic: Bat Fest is back at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. The kids can enjoy bat-themed activities and crafts and story time. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is sponsoring a blood drive. And it's free. Just keep anything with wings away from my hair, and we'll be OK. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 23 at 4501 Woodway.
Big kids only: Terror Dome opens this weekend at 16030 E. Fwy in Channelview. There's axe throwing, paintball, an escape room and even dancing zombies? I'll hang with them while the rest of y'all brave the haunted houses. Leave the smaller kids at home, too. Opening weekend tickets are discounted at houstonterrordome.com.

Houston on the cheap

Photo by: Dessie Love-Blake, Courtesy

Eleganza extravaganza

Houston has drag events almost daily. But "Show of Shows" at Kiki Houston is something different. Dessie Love-Blake and a rotating cast promise "elevated flamboyance" with numbers that feature slick choreography and lavish production. Best of all, there's no cover. All you have to pay for is drinks. Or not, depending on your date. 11 p.m. Sept. 22 at 2409 Grant.

Are you ready for it? Best idea ever? Dance all night to the music of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo at the "22 & good 4 u" dance party. And at $20, it's a lot cheaper than trying to get concert tickets. 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at Last Concert Cafe, 1403 Nance. 22andgood4u.com
Queen Bey Ball: You didn't think you'd get through this without multiple Beyoncé mentions, did you? Post Houston's "Renaissance"-themed rooftop party will feature a "Renaissance Realness" best-dressed contest and nonstop Bey hits. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sept. 22 at 401 Franklin. $10-$20.

Where to eat

Gaspachos food truck has now opened a permanent location at Levy Park.

Photo by: Courtesy

Gaspachos has a forever home

I'm a regular at Levy Park thanks to my son, which means we're also familiar with the Gaspachos food truck. The fruit cup with Valentina, Tajín and cotija queso is magic. I am thrilled — seriously, thrilled — that they have opened a permanent kiosk inside the park. The expanded menu includes tacos, Mexican hot dogs and margaritas. I may never leave. It's open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Gaspachos has a forever home: I'm a regular at Levy Park thanks to my son, which means we're also familiar with the Gaspachos food truck. The fruit cup with Valentina, Tajín and cotija queso is magic. I am thrilled — seriously, thrilled — that they have opened a permanent kiosk inside the park. The expanded menu includes tacos, Mexican hot dogs and margaritas. I may never leave. It's open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Everybody say Yum: Tucked inside a downtown food hall is Xeo Yum, a place that specializes in banh xeo, a Southern Vietnamese crepe filled with caramelized pork belly, shrimp and bean sprouts. Houston Chronicle restaurant columnist Bao Ong talked to owner Cuong Nguyen about how a battle with kidney disease inspired him to dream big.
Paletas pa' todos: Morelia Gourmet Paletas just opened its second location in Rice Village. The menu boasts several flavors of the Mexican-style popsicles, including acai with banana sorbet, pineapple mint sorbet, dulce de leche, banana Nutella and strawberry cheesecake. Each one costs $6.49.

Everything else you need to know

Freebies: Whataburger will give you a free burger if you make a donation to a local food bank.
Entertainer to know: Grupo Vadenagi is a family band who plays norteño music. The group features five women players, a rarity in the genre. Check out their cover of the Shakira/Karol G song "TQG."