Convenience Big Store: How do you keep cool at hot Houston festivals over the summer?

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Houston is already hot, y'all. How do you beat the heat?

I am not an outdoor person, and though I've lived here all my life, the summer heat slaps me in the face every year. I've almost passed out covering outdoor festivals. They never seem to have enough water.

Houston's Pride festival is finally back this year with a strong entertainment lineup led by R&B and country singer K. Michelle and singer/songwriter/"American Idol" star David Archuleta. I'd love to see them both. But June outside City Hall? I'm already sweating.

How do you manage a hot Houston summer and still keep things fun? Email me at joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com with your ideas. I'll share some of them next week.

Thank you to everyone who sent suggestions on how to keep a kid busy this summer! Gladys E. Bustos suggested camping (happening soon), yoga, dance and martial arts. Lauren Santerre pointed out Steve & Kate's Camp that promises to let "campers choose which activities they do, whom they do it with and for how long.

Great ideas.

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

Photo by: Ruben Vela

Extra! Extra!

"Newsies" opened this week at Theatre Under the Stars and is based on the 1992 movie musical starring a teenage Christian Bale. The story follows the newsboys' strike of 1899, led by young workers in New York who demanded better wages. It ran for more than two years and 1,004 performances on Broadway. Now through June 2 at Hobby Center, 800 Bagby; $40 and up; tuts.com.

Grupo Firme: Grupo Firme is one of the leaders in the new regional Mexican movement that combines genre traditions with youthful energy and modern culture. It's earned them millions of fans around the world. 8 p.m. May 25 at Toyota Center, 1510 Polk; $79 and up; toyotacenter.com.
Beyoncé watch: Best-of lists are always controversial, which is why they keep being created. Apple Music revealed its top 100 albums of all time, and Beyoncé shows up at No. 10 ("Lemonade") and No. 36 (self-titled). But where's "Renaissance?"

Fun family favs

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Calah Lane, left, and Timothee Chalamet in a scene from 'Wonka.' (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

Photo by: Jaap Buittendijk, AP

'Wonka'-vision

Discovery Green hosts a screening of "Wonka," the grandly entertaining adaptation of the classic story starring Timothy Chalamet. Bring a blanket and enjoy the film under the stars. At least those visible in Houston. 7 p.m. May 25 at 1500 McKinney; free.

Comicpalooza: Texas' largest pop culture festival returns to downtown for a weekend of cosplay, autographs and entertainment. This year's lineup includes John Cena, Michael J. Fox, Jon Heder, Rose McGowan, Rebecca Romijn, Shannen Doherty and more. May 24-26 at George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas; $50 and up; comicpalooza.com.

Houston on the cheap

Latin Beat: Downtown Aquarium It's called 'Salsa under the Stars,' and each Friday night (7p.m.-11p.m.) through August, the Texas Salsa Congress offers free salsa lessons. Location: 410 Bagby St, Houston, 77002

Photo by: Courtesy Photo, Landrys Restaurants

Everybody salsa

Latin Beats at the Downtown Aquarium features free salsa lessons and live music every Friday night. Strap on your dancing shoes and prepare to break a sweat. Because this is Houston, y'all. And it's hot. 7-11 p.m. Fridays at 410 Bagby.

Drunk Shakespeare: Five actors put on a Shakespeare play. One of them down five shots of whiskey and takes on a major role in the show. Let's hope no balconies are involved. Various showtimes at Emerald Theatre, 412 Travis; $49; drunkshakespeare.com.

Where to eat

Photo by: Courtesy

Oreo x Sour Patch Kids

The new Oreo and Sour Patch Kids collaboration is something a kid would dream up. And that's exactly who will love them. They taste, well, like Oreos with bits of Sour Patch Kids inside. It's not bad, exactly. But I don't know that it's something I'd want again. Now the ones with Pop Rocks? I'm here for those.

Pizza, pizza: Jonathan's the Rub just opened a third location at 2929 Navigation in the East End. There will be at least eight pizzas on the menu, which also features burgers, steaks, pastas and a few seafood items. A Mexican-flavored pizza is an ode to Houston's love of tacos, Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes.

Everything else you need to know

Freebies: "Dancin' in the Street ... Motown & More Revue features the songs of Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The O'Jays, Chaka Khan and more. Tickets are free through a lottery system. May 23-25 at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park.
Entertainer to know: Among this year's Pride Houston festival entertainment is Houston artist Kayla G, who has almost 1 million Instagram followers and is also a celebrity trainer. Check her single "Onsite." It reminds me of Megan Thee Stallion and Brooke Valentine.
Explore Houston: Check out our interactive Preview calendar, which has Houston's best concerts, comedy shows, arts events and more.