moonGarden Opening Night

Sept. 28 | Discovery Green

Lucion Traveling Light of Montreal lands in Houston with the latest iteration of its moonGarden series in which 22 massive, illuminated orbs take over Discovery Green to tell stories of Houston's past, present, and future through dynamic use of shadow and color. Friday's opening night includes performances from Houston's own Cirque la Vie and a screening of the beloved 1998 Cher vehicle, Moonstruck.  

Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St. 713-400-7336. More info at discoverygreen.com.

Houston Chamber Choir Season Opener

Sept. 29 | South Main Baptist Church

Titled "This is Why I Sing," this is an evening, simply, in celebration of joy. The chamber choir, Kinder HSPVA Chorale, and Parker Elementary School Advanced Chorus come together to perform a program of favorites that makes the case for why the human voice might just be the most magnificent instrument we have.

Tickets from $10. South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main St. 713-224-5566. More info and tickets at houstonchamberchoir.org. 

Oktoberfest Houston 2018

Sept. 29 | Buffalo Bayou Waterworks

Dirndls! Lederhosen! Polka music! Keg races! Pushed up against views of the downtown skyline, this annual fall event is back to serve you all the German beer and sausage you'll need to kick off Houston's jam-packed festival season.

Tickets from $25. Buffalo Bayou Waterworks, 105 Sabine St. More info and tickets at oktoberfesthouston.com.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour

Sept. 29 | Smart Financial Centre

We suppose we can thank Drake for introducing a whole new generation to Ms. Lauryn Hill by sampling her 1998 hit "Ex-factor" on his own summer jam, "Nice for What." But Hill is back for own victory lap with a 20th anniversary tour for her album, and we wouldn't miss it for anything.

Tickets from $29. Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd. 281-207-6278. More info and tickets at smartfinancialcentre.net.

Texas Renaissance Festival

Sept. 29–Nov. 25 | Todd Mission

Too-big Turkey Leg season returns as Ren Fest kicks off its 44th year with an Oktoberfest-themed weekend filled with a smorgasbord of food, drink, barely-there costumes, and general spectacle that's always worth the drive. Stuck in 290 traffic en route this weekend? Check out our interview with the Ren Fest king, now celebrating 20 years on the throne.

Tickets from $12.95. Texas Renaissance Festival, 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. More info and tickets at texrenfest.com.