READING

Don Winslow Book Signing

Friday at Murder by the Book, New York Times–bestselling author Don Winslow reads from his latest crime novel The Cartel, about a DEA agent’s war against a Mexican drug lord.

June 26. 6:30 Free. Murder by the Book, 2342 Bissonnet. murderbooks.com

dance

The Big Two-Hearted Festival

This two-night event at Spring Street Studios features new choregraphy by Michele Brangwen Dance set to original live music. See two 35-minute works including "Skamato," a ska-infused piece about the glories of the non-GMO tomato—part of a larger series about the food we eat—as well as "No Standing Any Time," an improvisational work.

June 26 & 27. 8. $10. Studio 101 Theatre, 1824 Spring St. 832-659-5096. brangwendance.org

music

Summer Symphony Nights

The Houston Symphony hits the Miller Outdoor stage for its free summer music series. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy Mozart's Clarinet Concerto performed by clarinetist Bixby Kennedy.

June 27. 8:30. Free. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Dr. 281-373-3386. milleroutdoortheatre.com

CULTURE

37th Annual Pride Celebration

Houston kicks off another week of Pride celebrations featuring live music, parties, dinners and, of course, the large-scale Pride Parade that moves downtown this year. See the full rundown here.

Parade is June 27. Noon. Free. Downtown Houston, McKinney and Smith streets. 713-529-6979. pridehouston.org 

COMEDY

Kathy Griffin

Taking a break from reality TV and awards show–hosting gigs, the comedian, who won a Grammy last year for Best Comedy Album, is bringing her cutting brand of humor to Houston. For the record, we're still laughing at the title for her bestselling memoir from 2010: Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin.

June 28. 8:30 $39.50 – 69.50. Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas Ave. 713-230-1600. bayoumusiccenter.com