Take it Outside!

A beautiful Houston spring bloomed just in time for a trio of alfresco fetes. The perennial favorite Hats in the Park luncheon, this year chaired by Stephanie Cockrell, Marita Fairbanks and Houston CityBook’s Lisa Holthouse, honored Cece Fowler and Judy Nyquist for their contributions to the Hermann Park Conservancy’s Art in the Park campaign. Gals — and gents! — donned bright springtime colors and, of course, elaborate headpieces perfect for the sunny afternoon. ... Houstonians also got dressed up to go outside for the second annual Bayou Bend Fashion Show, featuring looks by Oscar de la Renta, whose designs will also be on display this fall during a retrospective exhibit at the MFAH. And thanks to the Galleria and Saks Fifth Avenue, the ladies who lunched could shop the clothing at an onsite pop-up shop! ... And on a splendid Sunday afternoon, Houston Oaks Country Club hosted its first-ever tailgate and exhibition polo match between the Plank Companies and Horsegate teams. Members, guests and families also enjoyed live music and a post-game barbecue.



Parties

Actor Alan Brincks gets his makeup done for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'

BEGINNING AUG. 1 THROUGH Aug. 10, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance, takes the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre for its 50th iteration. The milestone event includes productions of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, plus "Bard talks," all at no cost to viewers.

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Art + Entertainment

Dandelion Cafe owners Sarah Lieberman and J.C. Ricks with Mireya Villarreal of GMA, Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown of Southern Smoke Foundation (photo by Shane Dante Photography)

THE SOUTHERN SMOKE Foundation, established by chef Chris Shepherd, has only been around for seven years — but that's long enough to have helped hospitality workers through hurricanes, freezes, a pandemic, and countless other personal situations requiring emergency relief.

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Food