What screams weekend more than margs and hearty enchiladas? At Superica, Tex-Mex reigns supreme. Start your meal with the quintessential complimentary chips and salsa, then move on to cheesy enchiladas, crunchy tostadas, and tacos al carbon. Polish it all off with unlimited beans and rice, and you’re golden. For the weekend crowd, Superica offers a solid brunch menu, complete with migas al carbon and huevos rancheros. Just make sure to end the meal with a cup of coffee so you can go about your weekend plans! —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor

1801 N Shepherd Dr

Looking for a truly good mocktail can be a chore. Luckily for y’all, I found a solid one at this Heights Asian American diner. Turn to the Bye-Bye Shanghai. Made with salted grapefruit, butterfly pea flower tea, and a hint of pei pa koa, a traditional Chinese herbal cough syrup, the mocktail is tasty and healing. Looking for something a bit more sugary? Shoot for the dessert menu’s root beer float, which comes with Hey Song Sarsaparilla, a Taiwanese root beer, and a scoop of brown butter and brown sugar ice cream from local scoop shop Milk + Sugar. —EC  

250 W 19th St A

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and while food might be the main event, drinks are definitely not to be left on the wayside. We asked the city’s best sommelier and mixologists what to sip as we chow down. Named the Texas Michelin Guide’s Sommelier of the Year in 2024, Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros. Steakhouse suggests wines from Burgundy grapes, like pinot noir and chardonnay, for the holiday. Not into wine? Try a punch or nonalcoholic recipe from Alexis Mijares: There's the Botonica mixologist’s Ho-Ho Holiday Punch, made with bourbon, apple cider, cranberry, and Amaretto, or her signature Coquito, made with Bacardi, cinnamon, vanilla, and Coco Lopez. And the more the merrier—these recipes yield enough for a whole party. —EC  

Step into a glowing wonderland as the garden transforms with vibrant lantern displays inspired by nature and Lunar New Year traditions. This season brings new larger-than-life sculptures, from blooming trees to whimsical creatures, along with a playful interactive zone featuring lit-up swings and photo-friendly surprises. It’s a bright, family-friendly escape built for exploring, strolling, and snapping a few magical pictures along the way.  Open Friday through Sunday, and select weeknights, through February 22. Tickets ($27-$29, and free for children 3 and under) must be purchased in advance. 

1 Botanic Ln

Why can't your weekend begin on Friday morning? You've earned a listening party. We've all earned a listening party. Before heading into work, make a pit stop at Kolache Shoppe between 7:30 and 9am for both breakfast and music from the debut album of local alt-rock/indie/shoegaze outfit Sorry, Sarah. Free to attend, but you’ll have to pay for that coffee and kolache. —Meredith Nudo, senior culture editor

1031 Heights Blvd

OK, so it still won’t technically be the weekend yet, but like I said, we’ve earned this. Consider taking a late lunch and attending the 2pm ribbon cutting ceremony, which will welcome two new additions to the Rothko Chapel campus: the administration and archives building, as well as a meditation garden. Speakers include Rothko president Abdullah Antepli, Council Member Abby Kamin, Mark Rothko’s son Christopher Rothko, and WordPress cofounder Matt Mullenweg. —MN

3900 Yupon St

Today is the last day to view artist Laura Spector’s solo exhibition Personal Stories at the Jung Center. Inspired by nineteenth-century French poster artwork, Spector takes viewers on a tour of her subconscious world, and how she digs deep into her memories and explores their every angle to find her very core. The venue closes at 6pm, so plan accordingly. —MN 

5200 montrose Blvd

The weather has been beautiful these past few days and being outside just feels right. In true Houston fashion, the Big Blanket team has supersized the humble picnic, inviting the whole city to eat and be merry. On November 15, the Big Blanket will host its ninth event, boasting DJs, food vendors, arts and crafts stations, field day games, and new friends. Known for its social media presence and wholesome vibes, the friendship-fueled gathering will take place at 6100 Main St, near Rice University. Last call tickets can be purchased online for $30. —EC

6100 Main St

Zine Fest Houston is back for another year of showcasing the best of the best self-published and small press zines, comics, pamphlets, and more. This year’s featured artist is Houston’s own Isaiah Broussard. He may be based in Austin now, but this event makes for a sweet homecoming. —MN 

2334 gulf terminal dr

This Saturday, Central City Co-Op is celebrating 27 years with a new pop-up experience: the Grow & Gather Market. From 10am to 2pm, the market will feature a morning sound bath; fall harvest from local farmers; food and beverages from vendors like Zo-Zo Fresh Juices, Vivre Coffee Collective, and the Salty Dough; and live music. —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor 

2525 Harvard st

On Saturdays through November 22, the Silos in Sawyer Yards is celebrating Houston’s Sculpture Month and 3D works with a free and extra trippy art show. Re-Figurations comes complete with a large furry hand with moving fingers, creepy cyborgs, a floating brain, and more, as a part of creative commentary of the anxieties of AI. —Brittany Britto Garley, editor in chief

1502 sawyer st