Discovery Green® Celebrates 15 Years with an Action-Packed Spring Season

Style Magazine Newswire | 2/13/2023, 4:08 p.m.
A Quinceañera Celebration, Bank of America’s Screen on The Green, UHD Thursday Night Concerts, Jazzy Sundays and more free entertainment …

Discovery Green, the 12-acre park in the heart of downtown Houston, celebrates 15 years of transformative change in downtown Houston with an action-packed spring season of programming.

Since opening in 2008, Discovery Green’s has had a vast economic and cultural impact on Houston. The opening of this vibrant green space established downtown Houston as a viable and attractive place for Houstonians to gather. Discovery Green’s setting and design lures large events to the city. This year the park is proud to host the third NCAA’s March Madness Music Festival beginning March 31. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected for the free concerts and activities.

This spring, Houstonians are invited to experience “everything from A to Z” with the return of programming favorites celebrating the city’s diversity, arts and youth. Highlights include The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green Bank of America’s Screen on the Green, Jazzy Sundays in the Parks made possible by Kinder Foundation, Rainbow on the Green® and UHD Thursday Concert Series.

In May, Discovery Green’s quinceañera will be a party for all Houstonians with art, cultural performances and more. Other events including Spring Break Week by EOG Resources, Little BIPOC Book Festival, fitness classes and arts events highlighting diverse authors and filmmakers.

"Screen on the Green is one of Houston’s most beloved series where friends and family can gather to enjoy free movie nights with the backdrop of our city skyline,” said Hong Ogle, Bank of America Houston President. “Bank of America is a longtime supporter of Discovery Green because together we continue to champion public spaces that make our city beautiful and celebrate the arts.”

This season’s 15th anniversary programming highlights Discovery Green A to Z! All events are subject to change, please refer to www.discoverygreen.com for updates.

DISCOVERY GREEN MARCH – MAY 2023 CALENDAR

The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green

Friday, Feb. 10 – Sunday, Mar. 17

Monday – Thursday, 5 – 10 p.m.

Fridays 5 –11 p.m.

Saturdays and school holidays (Mar. 13-17) 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Sundays 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green returns early this year! Starting Feb. 10 Houstonians can enjoy five weeks of roller-skating fun in Discovery Green at downtown Houston’s only outdoor roller rink. This year features a new and improved rink with a rubber subfloor for increased comfort and bright colors perfect for cool photos. Tickets are $12 plus tax and must be purchased online at www.discoverygreen.com/rollerrink. Check website for a full list of special events and activities.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Art Car Sneak Peek

Thursday, Apr. 13

6 – 10 p.m.

Your chance to view the art cars to be featured in The Orange Show’s Art Car Parade. See the cars up close and party with the artists! Located throughout the park and on Avenida de las Americas. Created by famed artist Rebecca Bass, Rocket Dog is Discovery Green's mascot and dispensary of games and toys to play in the park on weekends. This year Discovery Green’s Rocket Dog will be an entry in the Art Car Parade! The Rocket Dog Art Car is supported by The Brown Foundation.

Flea By Night presented by Green Mountain Energy

Saturdays, Apr. 15, May 20 and June 17

6 – 10 p.m.

Treasure hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage, handmade, recycled, and local goods and enjoy live music and food trucks.

Green Mountain Energy Earth Day at Discovery Green

In partnership with Citizens Environmental Coalition

Saturday, Apr. 22

12 – 5 p.m.

This year’s Earth Day features Houston Public Works popular Water Works Festival with interactive exhibits to educate families about this vital natural resource. Expect family-friendly performances, live music, art installations, face painting, crafts and activities. Educational talks, panel discussions, spoken word performances and more will be provided. And, of course, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the water features at Discovery Green.

Discovery Green’s Quinceañera

Sunday, May 7

12 – 5 p.m.

Discovery Green is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a party for Houston. Since opening in 2008, Discovery Green has transformed downtown Houston into a vibrant, welcoming destination for all. Discovery Green is an art-filled oasis, an outdoor cultural center and more. For Houstonians, it’s everything from A to Z! Expect a sampler platter of all the free events you can find at Discovery Green over the years including live music, fitness classes, art displays, treasure hunts and, of course, plenty of surprises to explore! Supported by The Brown Foundation.

International Day of Yoga

Wednesday, June 21

6 – 9 p.m.

On June 21, the Summer Solstice, International Day of Yoga is observed in 170 countries. In Houston the Counsel General of India and Discovery Green will host a celebration featuring Bollywood Dancing, performances by advance yogis and a facilitated yoga practice (movement, breath, sound, intention, stillness). At 8 p.m. participants can walk a labyrinth made of canned food while bathed in sound from many local musicians/healers. After the event, the food will be donated to the Houston Food Bank.

Rainbow on the Green®

Friday, June 23

7 – 10 p.m.

Discovery Green's 13th annual celebration of Houston Pride is back!

ARTS

By the Book: Women's History Month

Thursday, Mar. 9

7 – 8 p.m.

Join three dynamic Houstonians for this event celebrating women's stories. Houston Chronicle Culture Columnist Joy Sewing interviews two authors, Dr. Laura Murillo of "Lead in Life" and Shana Ross of "Tribeless: Discovering the Truth about Nature vs. Nurture." Both authors will read from their books, which will be available for sale.

Jazzy Sundays in the Parks

Free concerts made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation Three Houston parks are celebrating the Houston musicians who keep jazz alive and bopping.

Enjoy free, family-friendly concerts every Sunday in March at Emancipation Park; Sunday, April 9, 16, 23 and 30 at Discovery Green; every Sunday in May at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park. All concerts are held 5 – 7 p.m.

The Felix DeLeon Quintet

The Trade

Sunday, Apr. 9

Jason Moran

The Stuart Adams Collective

Sunday, Apr. 16

Diunna Greenleaf

Britney Bloom and Strangers on Earth

Sunday, Apr. 23

Marlon Simon & The Nagual Spirits

Adriano Santos Brazilian Jazz Quartet

Sunday, Apr. 30

Shorts In Color

Saturday, Apr. 29

6 – 8 p.m.

Stacey Allen curates a selection of diverse local filmmakers and creatives making positive and empowering work for families to enjoy. Enjoy a showcase of the stories that families and children in the United States most diverse city tell about themselves.

President’s Murals at Discovery Green

Featuring artwork from Houston artists curated by Discovery Green President Barry Mandel.

Discovery Green 15th Anniversary Mural by Ange Hillz

Through May 8, 2023

Known for his bold, colorful style and stunning speed-painting performance, Houston artist Ange Hillz’s work has been seen around the world and his portrait of George Floyd was a Time Magazine cover in 2021.

ENTERTAINMENT

Bank of America’s Screen on the Green

Enjoy a family movie under the stars in the city’s coolest park. Bring a blanket or camping chairs and snacks or a picnic. Please leave alcohol and glass containers at home. Food, beer and wine are also available for purchase at The Lake House.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Saturday, Mar. 4

7 – 9:15 p.m.

On the heels of the unexpected loss of King T'Challa, the nation of Wakanda finds itself at a crossroads in its fate. The surrounding powers of the world look on with greedy eyes, eager to encroach upon Wakanda in its most vulnerable state. All the while, its people remain steadfast, determined to protect their king's legacy and fight for their future. (PG-13) 2022, 134 minutes

DC League of Super-Pets

Saturday, Apr. 8

7 – 8:45 p.m.

This animated tale focuses on Krypto the Super-Dog, otherwise known as Superman's pet. Since he has his own superpowers, Krypto enjoys saving the world with the Man of Steel. However, he finds himself challenged when Superman is kidnapped one day, and the other human superheroes can't help. With the help of superpower-infused animals in a shelter, it's up to Krypto to save the world and save his superhuman. (PG) 2022, 100 minutes

VIVO

Saturday, May 27

7 – 8:45 p.m.

This family-friendly adventure comedy is an animated musical that features eleven original songs. It follows an adventurous and music-loving capuchin monkey as he makes a perilous journey from Havana to Miami to pursue his calling and ambitions in showbusiness. (PG) 2021, 99 minutes

Turning Red

Saturday, June 3

7 – 8:45 p.m.

Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda!" (PG) 2022, 100 minutes

UHD Thursday Night Concerts

Grab your friends and get the weekend started right with free concerts under the stars and the glittering lights of downtown. All concerts are held 7 – 9 p.m.

Tank and the Bangas

Sunami Force

Thursday, Apr. 20

Kiko Villamizar/The Tiarras

Cucucuy

Thursday, May 4

Kam Franklin

Micah Edwards

Thursday, May 11

Cha Wa

Mind Shrine

Thursday, May 18

Garrett T Capps

Ms Mack & The Daddies

Thursday, May 25

Golden Dawn Arkestra

Jumprope

Thursday, June 1

FITNESS

All fitness levels are welcome in this free fitness series at Discovery Green. Registration is requested on site. Bring a towel and water, as well as a mat for yoga classes. Visit discoverygreen.com/fitness for updates.

Hatha Yoga

Saturdays, Mar. 11 – June 24*

9 – 10 a.m.

A basic vinyasa yoga class for enhanced awareness and a strong, healthy body.  *No class March 18, 25 and April 1

Tai Chi

Saturdays, Mar. 11 – June 24*

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

The Chinese internal martial art of Tai Chi focuses on slow, meditative movements.

*No class March 18, 25 and April 1

Gentle Yoga Flow and Sound Meditation

Tuesdays, Mar. 14 – June 20*

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Strengthen your body, relax your mind and find your center with this dynamic flow yoga and sound healing.

*No class March 14, 21, 28 and April 4

HIIT class with FitMix

Wednesdays, Mar. 15 – June 28*

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

A fun and challenging bodyweight interval training class.

*No class March 18, 25 and April 1

Pilates

Thursdays, Mar. 16 – May 11*

6 – 7 p.m.

Increase strength while improving flexibility. All skill levels are welcome. *No class March 23, 30 and April 6

FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

The 15th anniversary season of the Families and Children Series is underwritten by Vivian L. Smith Foundation and supported by Bracewell LLP

Little BIPOC Book Fest at Discovery Green

Saturday, Mar. 11

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Little BIPOC Book Fest invites children ages 3-10 to explore diverse books featuring Black, Indigenous, People of Color experiences. This celebration offers a unique Storybook Opera performance, readings from local authors, arts and crafts, free books and lots of fun!

Spring Break Week presented by EOG Resources

Monday, Mar. 13 – Friday, Mar. 17

12 – 4 p.m.

Celebrate Spring Break week at Discovery Green with Houston's only outdoor roller-skating rink. Girlstart hands on STEM activities, Mad Science demonstrations, cultural performances, Black Panther movie and character appearances, Jurassic Park World Dominion movie with Jurassic Extreme Houston dinosaurs and more! Skating fees apply, activities are FREE!

Arte en el Parque

Saturdays, Apr. 8 – June 24

12 – 1 p.m.

Learn Spanish while exploring different art techniques! Students, ages 3 to 12 will create a unique art piece while improving their speaking and listening skills en español thanks to Listo Translating Services and More. All materials are included. Class is limited to 40 kids per session and its first come, first serve.

Toddler Tuesdays

Toddlers and their caretakers enjoy a morning of interactive story time. Every week features a themed story time with crafts to help toddlers discover the joy of reading and imagination. Soft play equipment provided by Toddler Towns. Plus, costumed character meet and greets are back! Enjoy photo opportunities with Catboy, Owlette, Curious George, Bert, Ernie, Chase and Sky.

PJ Masks Makes Friends

Tuesday, Apr. 11

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko must rescue the butterflies stolen from the City Zoo. Special appearances by costumed characters Catboy and Owlette. Soft play equipment provided by Toddler Towns.

Curious George Discovers Recycling

Tuesday, Apr. 18

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Curious George wants to help clean up the planet, and recycling seems like a good place to start—but where does he begin? Curious George will make an appearance. Soft play equipment provided by Toddler Towns.

We're Different, We're the Same (Sesame Street)

Tuesday, Apr. 25

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world, an interesting—and special—place. Special appearances by costumed characters Bert & Ernie. Soft play equipment provided by Toddler Towns.

Puppy Birthday to You! (Paw Patrol)

Tuesday, May 2

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Can the puppies from Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol throw Chase a surprise birthday party AND save Adventure Bay? Special appearances by costumed characters Chase and Skye. Soft play equipment provided by Toddler Towns.

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