Convenience Big Store: Pride in Houston, take 1: The first of two celebrations happens this weekend.

The first of Houston's two Pride celebrations is this weekend

Everything's bigger in Texas. Even the Pride celebrations.

Houston's New Faces of Pride hosts its first downtown parade and festival on Saturday, June 22. When asked why the second celebration, Bryan Cotton, president of the new organization, put it bluntly: "If they'd been doing everything we're doing, we wouldn't need to be here."

It's true, Pride Houston, like any huge operation, has its share of issues. But to its credit, the festival and parade run smoothly every year. (Pride Houston will host its parade and festival a week later, on June 29.)

Some say its excessive. But I say more parties? More visibility? More reasons to celebrate? Bring it on. If any city can handle twice the Pride, it's Houston.

The new event's entertainment lineup includes country singers Billy Gilman ("The Voice") and Chris Houseman, Lauren Sanderson, drag queen Mulan and Houston performers Violet S'Arbleu, Reign LaRue, Adriana LaRue and DJ Gndrbndr. Not bad for the first year.

Will you be at one or both events?

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

My music picks

DaddyPrincess, clockwise from top left, BB Brandy, Paul Luna, Tré Ward, Attzla and Tanya Nolan

Photo by: Photo Collage

Pride playlist

I created the Ultimate PRIDE playlist 2024 to showcase LGBTQ+ artists and their allies. But it's also just good music. The people included here all have connections to the city. Some live here. Others grew up here. Some left and came back. But they're all worth a listen. Among the names are Billboard-charting artist Tanya Nolan, drag queen singer Lady B, Houston-bred Wrabel and DJ GNDRBNDR. There's also Lizzo, Dorian Electra, Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé.

'Still' a classic: Normani finally released her debut album this month. And among the tracks is "Still," a midtempo R&B jam that samples the Houston rap classic "Still Tippin'." Normani's family moved to Pearland from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and remains based in the area. So she knows her stuff.
Beyoncé watch: Beyoncé's "4" album was released 13 years ago this week and marked a shift in her sound. It was more experimental and less concerned with radio success. Still, its run of singles — "Run the World (Girls)," "1+1," "Best Thing I Never Had,"" Party," "Love On Top," "Countdown," "I Care," "End of Time" — was pretty perfect. I fell in love with it instantly.

Fun family favs

The U.S. Premiere of MindWorks at The Health Museum Houston

Photo by: Courtesy

How the 'MindWorks'

The Health Museum is hosting the U.S. premiere of "MindWorks," a psychology installation from the Ontario Science Centre that focuses on decision-making, memory and emotions through interactive exhibits. You can write a song with building blocks to understanding personality traits, play the world's largest Pac-Man game and more. Now through Sept. 29 at 1515 Hermann Dr.; $10 and up online.

World Giraffe Day: The Houston Zoo celebrates World Giraffe Day with several on-site events, including photo ops, coloring activities and keeper chats. You can also feed the giraffes for an extra fee. June 22 at 6200 Hermann Park Dr.; $35 and up admission; houstonzoo.org.

Houston on the cheap

A-ha A staple of dance clubs starting in the mid-'80s with hits like 'Take On Me,' A-ha took the world by storm with its quintessentially '80s synth-pop and history-making music videos. Though many of the Norwegian band's songs didn't make it to the U.S., the ones that did were quickly adopted into American dance hits of the decade.

Photo by: Gie Knaeps // Getty Images

'80s all night

First things first: '80s pop group A-ha will not be at this event. But their music will be. "Take on Me" is a dance party featuring songs from your favorite '80s acts, including A-ha, Prince, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi and more. And yes, you should wear your neon bracelets and lace gloves. 9 p.m. June 22 at White Oak Music Hall upstairs, 2915 N. Main; $15; ticketmaster.com.

Juneteenth celebration: What's your favorite Astroworld memory? Mine is summertime concerts with my cousins, namely a sold-out Debbie Gibson show where she filmed a music video. It was only in our dreams. (Sorry.) "Cyclone of Memories: An AstroWorld Exhibition" will feature souvenirs, memorabilia and rare items from your favorite amusement park. June 21-23 at Houston Toy Museum, 321 W. 19th; $10 online.

Where to eat

Photo by: Courtesy, Via 313

Pizza for Pride

Dine with Pride is an annual fundraiser for Pride Houston, and this year's event features Detroit-style square pizza from Via 313. Ten-percent of sales will be donated to Pride Houston. There will also be music, freebies and discounted event tickets. 5-8 p.m. June 25 at Via 313 Pizza, 10201 Katy Freeway.

Must-try restaurants: The Chronicle's list of the 25 best summertime restaurants includes several familiar names and some new spots, including Mimo's, an Italian restaurant in the East End's Tlaquepaque Market. It's the former location of Kanomwan Thai restaurant. Still sad about that one closing.

Everything else you need to know

Freebies: Make Music Day Houston happens June 21, the longest day of the year, and features free performances throughout the city. It's based on France's "Fête de la Musique," a national musical holiday that started in 1982 and is now celebrated around the world.
Entertainer to know: Houston-based DJ GNDRBNDR is one of the few openly trans men in the country behind the decks. He works regularly throughout Houston and creates original productions, including one featured on my Houston Pride playlist.
Explore Houston: Check out our interactive Preview calendar, which has Houston's best concerts, comedy shows, arts events and more.