This is Halloween, this is Halloween: Who knew picking a costume would be this hard?
I want to be the Mayor of Halloween Town.
It was last year, I think, or maybe the year before, while I was out trick-or-treating with my son that I saw my future Halloween costume. He had a painted lampshade on his head and was wearing an old suit. It was perfect. Easy to assemble and from one of my favorite movies of all time, "The Nightmare Before Christmas." I even snapped a photo at the time (that I currently cannot find). Since then, I've envisioned putting together what looked like an easy version of the Mayor of Halloween Town.
Then, I actually looked it up. Hours. Long, impossible hours. The how-to videos look easy. But who can paint a smile that perfectly? Eyes that level? And where am I supposed to find a lampshade that big?
I still hope for a burst of creativity. But Halloween is approaching, and I need a costume. I could recycle Walter Mercado, the famed Mexican astrologist, who I did a couple of years ago. But I don't love the idea of repeating. Any other creative, easy ideas? Email me at joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com. And tell me about your costume, too.
 | Joey Guerra, music reporter |
My music picks
Photo by: Bernardo Garcia
One concert to see
Alejandro Fernández's Amor y Patria U.S. Tour is a celebration, as the name suggests, of love and country. The strapping Mexican singer has cultivated a diverse fanbase with his catalog of rancheras and pop ballads. His son Alex Fernandez opens the show. 9 p.m. Friday at Toyota Center; $49 and up.
- One Houston song to know: Tanya Nolan has been steadily building her national profile with Billboard-charting R&B hits. Her latest, "Let's Celebrate," is the perfect backyard groove and cause for, well, celebration. She performs Oct. 21 at the Woodlands Pavilion alongside Tyrese, Tamar Braxton and more. Who are your favorite Houston artists? Who should I be listening to? Tag me on social media or email me: joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com.
- Beyoncé watch: Have you bought your tickets already to see "'Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé"? It opens Dec. 1, and several screenings sold out soon after they went on sale. (At 1 a.m. in the morning, no less.) Do it now. The Renaissance World Tour was unlike anything I've experienced in recent memory. And how about another chance at that merch?
Fun family favs
Photo by: Bedrock City
Take me down to Bedrock City
Bedrock City gets into the convention game with its first Bedrock City Con, Oct. 7-8 at Stafford Centre. Expect more than 100 vendors hawking collectibles, comic books, toys and more. Guests include Marvel and DC artists and anime voice actors from "Dragon Ball Z," "My Hero Academia," "Spy X Family" and more. $30 gets you in both days.
- KFest is more than just food: The Korean Festival returns to Discovery Green this weekend from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 7. K-pop arttist June (준), previously of PLT, is this year's headliner. New this year is Korean story time with the Houston Public Library and a Pocha Tent with soju cocktails and more. There will also be a performance by Dori (도리), a female percussion group alongside the assortment of food and vendors. Admission is free.
- No presents, please: The Houston Toy Museum in the Heights is celebrating its one-year anniversary with half-price admission all weekend. Check out toys from the 1800s(!) all the way to present-day. Just please don't touch. 321 W. 19th.
Houston on the cheap
Photo by: The Original Greek Festival
My big fat Greek Festival
The Greek Festival is always a good time. The annual Montrose event features traditional Greek food, performances, a marketplace and more. And it's great people watching. Oct. 5-7 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum; $5 entry.
- Musica de la gente: You don't have to understand Spanish to enjoy the Festival Chicano at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Now in its 44th year, the musical event is rooted in Tejano music, a genre that incorporates jazz, R&B, country and pop. Oct. 5: David Lee Garza y Los Musicales and Hometown Boys; Oct. 6: Los Palominos and La 45; Oct. 7: Little Joe y La Familia and Jaime de Anda. Free; book reserved seats online.
- Frida forever: The Frida Love Market celebrates all things Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist whose influences is still felt today. There will be vendors, performances, food and more. And wear your Frida unibrow! 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Esplanade at Navigation, 2800 Navigation; free.
Where to eat
Photo by: Marcus & Millichap
Cheesy goodness
I don't know what Barnaby's Cafe puts in its mac and cheese. But. It. Is. Amazing. It's cheesy without being gooey. And the bead crumbs add a nice, unexpected texture. Can you survive on just cheese and noodles? Get it at various locations all over the city.
- Late-night Korean BBQ: Hongdae 33 serves all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ in Asiatown's bustling Dun Huang Plaza, 9889 Bellaire. For $33 you get nonstop meat and side dishes. It's making me full just thinking about my last visit. Best of all, it's open until midnight weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends.
Everything else you need to know
- Freebies: RoZY is a sister act led by Zoe and Molly Flores. They started playing in 2011 at just 10 and 11 years old and have since evolved into a formidable rock outfit. 9 p.m. Oct. 6 at Jackie's Bar & Grill, 1053 Marina Bay, League City.
- Entertainer to know: Uncle Tino just emanates cool. And his new "Moonroof Sonata" EP is his best yet, a beautiful evolution of his sound, a combination of hip-hop and funk.
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