Allowing individual stories of suffering inspire their donors to be the change they wish to see in the world, the Fanatical Change Foundation, a different, intimate and immediate kind of charity, will host Beads for Deeds, a Mardi Gras Masquerade at House of Blues on February 11, 6pm. So, pull out your masquerade (or cocktail) attire, and make your way downtown for some New Orleans Jazz, Blackjack, Roulette, silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, wine and spirits to have some fun and experience the power of immediately helping individuals who have recently experienced a life-altering tragedy. A minimum donation of $15 is required for admission. FanaticalChange.org

 An afternoon of crafts, shows and loads of family fun, Families on the Green is on February 28 beginning at 2pm.  From stage shows and performances to a rock climbing wall, a karaoke station, bounce houses and an obstacle course, there is something for everybody at this family-oriented fun fest! Admission is $50. For more information, contact Julie@DiscoveryGreen.com.

Tobin's Lounge, Houston's newest upscale lounge, officially opens its doors on Saturday, January 16 at 3pm. Kicking things off with a happy hour celebration and bites provided by Kim Son, the party is at 1809 Eldridge Parkway near Briar Forest. For more information on this fresh, swanky spot, please visit TobinsLounge.com or call 281.497.3952.

Head over to the Children’s Museum of Houston for New Year’s Noon, the city’s longest-running New Year’s Eve celebration just for kids! The end-of-year bash rings in the New Year at the stroke of noon with a parade and drop of a vibrant ball, just like in Times Square. Bringing a live brass band an and array of activities, this is a fun event for the whole family! CMHouston.org

Urban Harvest’s Food for Thought Series presents “Living the Locavore Life,” a thought provoking program of panel discussions on today’s hot topic of growing and eating locally. Get inspired and empowered by local and regional experts, plant the seeds for healthy foods and an enriched city. UrbanHarvest.org

Proven to be a magically unique event in Houston, the 3rd Annual Cabaret for a Cure will feature three performance stages with the amazing Grammy-award winning duo Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, cabaret singers and musicians. Proceeds benefi t the HIV/AIDS programs of Legacy Community Health Services. CabaretForACure.org

Enjoy a Neapolitan New Year an start 2010 on a sophisticated note. With the American première of J. A. Hasse’s Neapolitan masterpiece Marc Antonio e Cleopatra, rising stars including soprano Ava Pine and mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton join the Ars Lyrica ensemble on the stage at Zilkha Hall. After the show, stay for a festive gala of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and a fabulous silent
auction. ArsLyricaHouston.org

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What better gift than the gift of art? Experience a unique Saturday afternoon exploring artist’s studios and shopping! Winter Street Studios is home to the largest group of some of Houston’s best artists, and is rapidly becoming one of Houston’s most unique and important art venues.

The spaces are full of color, imagination and are fun to explore. Visitors can view art, talk with the artists and learn about technique, inspiration and processes, all in an open-house, informal environment.

Find the best and the unique in painting, sculpture, watercolor, pastel, mosaics, jewelry, furniture, sculpture, pottery, fiber, encaustic, mixed media, metal, printmaking, photography and more.
 

Winterstreetstudios.net

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Hanh Tran will debut original oil paintings at Artful Justice, exhibition and charity auction at Mixed Emotions Fine Art, located at 95 Tuam near Taft. All proceeds from the silent auction and raffle will benefit Justice for Children, a non-profit organization that advocates for the safety and protection of criminally abused children when the system designed to protect them fails to do so, leaving the child at unacceptable risk.

Tran will premiere recent original oil paintings, several of which will be donated to the silent auction. Admission to the event is free offering complimentary valet parking and food. Capone's will provide hors d'oeuvres as the food sponsor and a cash bar will offer wine and cocktails featuring Tito's Vodka. Media sponsor for the event is Houston's latest hip community magazine, absolutely! IN THE LOOP. Houston Young Lawyers Association will also sponsor the event.

Hanhtran.com

The Pavilion is transformed into a giant playground of fun for the young and young at heart at the 14th Annual Children's Festival. Award-winning children's performers will educate and entertain thousands of children during two days of non-stop fun and excitement. Each artist has a unique ability to delight and inspire children with programs that not only amuse, but also communicate positive messages. The festival features music, dance, puppetry, theater, comedy, arts and crafts, games, hands-on activities, face painting and more!