Concert

Ariana Grande

The controversies have been many—anti-American remarks, fat shaming, making out with one of her dancers at a donut shop (because America and why not)—but no one disputes the powerful pipes of this pint-sized powerhouse. 

Sep. 18. 7:30. $29.50-79.50. Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St. 713-758-7200. houstontoyotacenter.com

Visual Art

The wildLIFE Project

A sojourn to Africa sparked heartfelt inspiration in artist and furniture maker Wendy Maruyama, and upon returning to her San Diego home she created massive wood paneled works of elephants, including full-size replicas of elephant heads covered in maps and other materials, and tied together with string.

Opens Sep. 18. Free. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. 713-529-4848. crafthouston.org

Festival

Groove Fest

Downtown Houston gets groovy with a full lineup of local R&B and soul musicians. Hear tunes from Jack Freeman, Liberated Soul and funky Kickin Brass Band. The family-friendly event also features vendors and artists touting handcrafted jewelry, paintings, photography and sculpture.

Sep. 19. 3. $15-25; children 12 and under, free. Jones Plaza, 600 Louisiana St. groovefesthouston.com

Music

Yes, Indeed! Music Festival

Mid-Main goes boom with a full lineup of local music. From pop to rock, rap to EDM, Houston's local music scene shines on with performances by Wrestlers, Young Mammals and The Wheel Workers. Continental Club hosts this all day music affair with two stages and a backyard party.

Sep. 19. 5. $15-20. Continental Club, 3700 Main St. facebook.com

Family

Elephant Open House

Learn all about how zookeepers take care of the 10,000 pound animals in the Elephant Barn at the Houston Zoo, including the day-to-day care, training and diets of elephants. Proceeds go to benefit elephant conversation.

Sep. 20. 8am. $55, members. $65, non-members. Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr. 713-533-6550. houstonzoo.org