Convenience Big Store: Houston celebrates 'Renaissance' (again) with Beyoncé on the big screen.

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Houston celebrates 'Renaissance' week (again) with Beyoncé on the big screen.

The "Renaissance" is upon us once more.

Beyoncé's concert film is out this week, with screenings beginning Thursday night. It looks back at her Renaissance World Tour, which played Houston for two nights in September at NRG Stadium. It's still tough to accurately describe what it felt like to see her onstage, on this tour, in her hometown.

Electric is the word that first pops in my head. The entire night felt like a surge of energy. There was happiness, of course. And pride. And sparkle. So much sparkle.

But what is giving me anxiety, y'all, are these merch drops. Theaters will be selling "Renaissance" popcorn buckets and cups. There's also a disco ball cup that I need. Yes, need. Rumors of T-shirts and more at theaters. Bey herself is dropping an "official collection" that is probably completely different from everything else.

I'll see you at Beyoncé brunch this weekend, hopefully sipping from my cowboy disco ball cup.

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MARCH 26: Janet Jackson performs after the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse on March 26, 2016 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Photo by: Francois Nel, Getty Images

Miss Jackson returns

Janet Jackson will celebrate World AIDS Day in Houston. The pop icon performs Dec. 1 at NRG Arena to raise money for various HIV/AIDS charities. Houston native Debbie Allen will speak at the event, and actor Blair Underwood will receive the AIDS Healthcare Foundation's lifetime achievement award. Jackson's 1997 No. 1 single "Together Again" is a tribute to a friend she lost to AIDS.

Hometown for the Holidays: Tejano band Negami celebrates the 'quinceañera' of its annual Christmas toy drive and concert. The lineup features Madison Pulido, Mariachi Bicentenario and more. Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 2 at 13801 Holly Hall; $10 or an unwrapped toy.
Beyoncé watch: Scroll back up for the full story on Beyoncé's "Renaissance" film, opening this week.

Fun family favs

The sixth annual Levy Park Holiday Festival features a market, craft station, music, performances and more.

Photo by: Levy Park

Holiday at the Park

Levy Park's two-day Holiday Festival will feature a holiday market, craft station, live music and a River Oaks Dance performance. And, yes, Santa will be there for photos. Noon Dec. 2 and 3 at 3801 Eastside; free; levyparkhouston.org.

'Idol' Christmas thoughts: "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks and "America's Got Talent" favorite Eduardo Antonio Treviño, who is from Humble, will perform at the annual City Hall tree lighting and fireworks display. There will be blinking Santa hats for everyone and free photos with St. Nick himself. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Hermann Square at City Hall, 900 Bagby; free.
'Home Alone 2' at the Park: Memorial Park unveils its holiday lights display with a screening of "Home Alone 2" on the lawn. There will also be holiday music, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, food trucks and more. 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1 at Clay Family Eastern Glades in Memorial Park, 552 E. Memorial Loop; free.

Houston on the cheap

Photo by: Anthony Rathbun

An inventive "Turn of the Screw'

The Catastrophic Theatre is staging a world premiere of Henry James' "The Turn of the Screw", a spooky story set in Victorian England, where a governess is hired to care for two orphans who begin to exhibit unsettling changes. The show combines "environmental staging, toy theatre, puppetry, live cinema and a haunting soundscape". Through Dec. 9 at Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main; pay-what-you want, $35 suggested; matchouston.org.

Heights Holiday: I love strolling the Heights. Even more with Christmas in the air. Holiday in the Heights will feature festive music, merriment and lots of shopping. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 1 at the shops on 19th in the Heights; free.

Where to eat

Photo by: Waterdog & Rabbit Photography

Brunchyoncé

Get in, BeyHive, we're going to Brunchyoncé. Union Kitchen is hosting a Beyoncé-themed brunch at all five of its Houston-area locations to coincide with the release of the "Renaissance" film. Get in formation from 10 a.m-2 p.m. Dec. 2 for Blue Ivy muffins; The Heated, a plate of chicken and waffle sliders; and Disco Cakes, a pancake stack topped with colorful sprinkles and honey butter.

Machacado at home: Machacado is one of my favorite things to eat, ever. The dish of shredded dry beef and scrambled eggs is usually served for breakfast, but I can eat it anytime. I also like to make it at home. Where's your favorite place to buy the carne seca (dry meat) used in machacado? I always have trouble finding one I really like.

Everything else you need to know

Freebies: Celebrate and remember at this World AIDS Day event featuring performances by local icons Kofi and Tommie Ross. It's put on by Legacy Community Health, Houston Health Department and The Normal Anomaly. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1 at South Beach, 810 Pacific; free but you must RSVP.
Entertainer to know: Rappers Calico Tha Beast and Mr.380 team up for "Brothers of Destruction", a late entry for one of the best Houston albums of 2023. Check out standout track "Beast".