Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Film: Metropolis in Buffalo Bayou Park
2023-09-28 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Friends of River Oaks Theatre will host a special screening consisting of new short films made by inspired artists, followed by Fritz Lang’s groundbreaking 1927 science fiction epic, Metropolis, accompanied by an original live score by Omar Vincent Al-Bochi (aka: Vincent Priceless). The film will be shown on The Water Works terrace in Buffalo Bayou Park (105 Sabine St).
About Metropolis
In a futuristic city sharply divided between the rich and the poor, the son of the city’s mastermind meets a prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.
General Admission: $15
FREE for BBP and Cinephile members
Purchase Tickets

Houston Aztec Dance Presents: The Express Way with Dulé Hill
2024-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
BBP is proud to host the watch party of the upcoming PBS documentary feature The Express Way with Dule Hill, a series that captures diverse artist’s stories from across America. The new episode features M’api Rainflowa, founder of Houston Aztec Dance. Come out to The Water Works lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.) for a special screening of the new episode.
M’api Rainflowa has led numerous Indigenous People’s Day ceremonies along Buffalo Bayou, and a portion of the episode was filmed in Buffalo Bayou Park.
The Express Way with Dulé Hill is a premium documentary series that explores the power of the arts. Led by renowned actor, dancer, and singer, Dulé Hill, the series celebrates community, humanity, and the transformative potential of creative expression.
Schedule:
7pm: Houston Aztec Dance four winds blessing and panel discussion
8pm (or after sunset): Film begins
No reservation required.

Johnny Steele Dog Park Community Input
2024-07-17 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Johnny Steele Dog Park, 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, 77019, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks your input on improvements to the Johnny Steele Dog Park. Join us outside of the dog park entrance to ask questions and share your thoughts.
If you would like to leave written feedback, please fill out this survey.
LEAVE YOUR FEEDBACK

Friends of River Oaks Theatre Presents: Being There
2024-09-19 18:00 - 21:30 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Friends of River Oaks Theatre presents a FREE, outdoor screening of the satirical film Being There, co-presented by Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Starring Peter Sellers in his final film and directed by Hal Ashby (Harold and Maude, The Last Detail), Being There tells the story of a simple-minded gardener named Chance has spent all his life in the Washington D.C. house of an old man. When the man dies, Chance is put out on the street with no knowledge of the world except what he has learned from television.
Grab your picnic blankets and join us on The Water Works lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park for an evening reflecting on important topics such as human nature, life and American society.
RSVP Here

Schedule of events:
6:00pm: Doors open
7:15pm: Movie begins

Indigenous Peoples' Day: A Celebration of All Nations
2024-10-14 17:00 - 20:30 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Xochipilli Collective presents Indigenous Peoples Day: A Celebration of All Nations, an event dedicated to honoring the rich histories, cultures, and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples. Saying proudly, “we have always existed, we have always been here, we were not discovered.” This celebration invites people of all backgrounds to recognize the sovereignty and resilience of Indigenous nations, featuring cultural performances, vendors, foods, and music. It is a day to reflect on the contributions of Indigenous peoples and to acknowledge their rightful place in the world’s history and future.

Festival Schedule:
5:00-6:30pm DJ Delsur
6:30pm Opening with Cancega Xicas Unidas
7:00pm Performance with Danza Azteca Taxcayolotl
7:30pm Film: Reflections of Coatlicue – Reflections of our Mother the Creator and Destroyer. Presented in conjunction with DiverseWorks Overlapping Territories exhibition.

Vendors:
Becky Finley
Boombox Taco
Bookie’s Brookies
Eheca Aztlah
Kindred Stories
Kopi Cowboy Coffee
Lone Star Legal Aid
Raven Remedies
Toknihuan

Sensorium: Sounds of Revival by Frewuhn
2024-11-10 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Join us for a free, live performance by Houston’s own musician and sound artist, Frewuhn. Sensorium: Sounds of Revival will harmonize with Rachel Rossin’s Haha Real installation, currently featured in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern where Frewuhn was a key collaborator. Taking place on The Brown Foundation Lawn above the Cistern, this event invites audiences to explore the connections between the senses and the stories they tell. Frewuhn will perform original scores from Haha Real alongside a selection of other uplifting compositions.

REGISTER FOR SENSORIUM: SOUNDS OF REVIVAL

BBP Members receive reserved seating and 10% off participating food trucks. Email abishop@buffalobayou.org to reserve your seats!

Generous support provided by

Vivian L. Smith Foundation

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is

Jazzy Sundays: MonoNeon and APBOYZ
2025-05-11 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with two Houston parks to bring you Jazzy Sundays, a series of FREE, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Family-friendly concerts will be held Sundays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at Emancipation Park; Sundays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Discovery Green; and Sundays on May 11, 18, 25 and June 1st at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 4-7 p.m.
Before the jazz performances kick off, enjoy a local vendor market, food trucks, cool beverages, and a free drumming workshop for all ages, courtesy of Houston’s Dinky Drum Company. Bring you picnic blanket, lawn chairs, friends, and family for a groovy afternoon in Buffalo Bayou Park!
Jazzy Sundays is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation.
Location: The Water Works Lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.)
Lineup:

May 11: MonoNeon and APBOYZ
May 18: Bobby Lyle, Patric Johnston, and Houston Ensemble
May 25: Lao Tizer Band with Tareon Gully and Houston Groove Society
June 1: Charly Siaba and Los Souldees

Schedule:

4pm: Houston’s Dinky Drum workshop
4:30pm: Vendor market opens
5-7pm: Jazz performances

FREE REGISTRATION

About MonoNeon
MonoNeon is an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, Tennessee. He is known for his presence on YouTube playing bass guitar and being one of the last people to work with Prince. He is a Grammy Award winning artist, for his participation on the 2020 Nas album King’s Disease. Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has referred to Mono as “The greatest … electric bass player”. On November 1, 2022, Fender released the MonoNeon Collection, which included the MonoNeon Jazz Bass V Signature.
About APBOYZ
APBOYZ is a high-energy super group, whose music can be classified as a sort of jazz hip-hop fusion. Each member of the group is an independent artist, working on their own original music as well as performing with many of Houston’s local artists. APBOYZ is the pseudonym used when the four for them perform together.
The group was almost formed by accident. MBK, ΛΣE, Maxx & Yung Punk met each other through local jam session and really enjoyed each other’s playing. They began to meet weekly to jam out and let loose; almost a sort musical group meditation. After a couple months, things naturally fell into place and the group was officially established. There is no doubt in their authenticity to the listener. This is who we are and we’re going to show it to you the best way we know how. The proof is in the pudding!

Market Vendors:
Constantin’s
Evans BBQ
PopLife Popping Co.
Lone Star Beards
Sam Saves
Roro’s Retro
Miss Boujee Bakes
My Organic Skin, LLC
Peppaz
Uncle Louie G’s
SkyCraft
Volando Coffee

Jazzy Sundays: Bobby Lyle and Patric Johnston
2025-05-18 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with two Houston parks to bring you Jazzy Sundays, a series of FREE, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Family-friendly concerts will be held Sundays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at Emancipation Park; Sundays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Discovery Green; and Sundays on May 11, 18, 25 and June 1st at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 4-7 p.m.
Before the jazz performances kick off, enjoy a local vendor market, food trucks, cool beverages, and a free drumming workshop for all ages, courtesy of Houston’s Dinky Drum Company. Bring you picnic blanket, lawn chairs, friends, and family for a groovy afternoon in Buffalo Bayou Park!
Jazzy Sundays is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation.
Location: The Water Works Lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.)
Lineup:

May 11: MonoNeon and APBOYZ
May 18: Bobby Lyle, Patric Johnston, and Houston Ensemble
May 25: Lao Tizer Band with Tareon Gully and Houston Groove Society
June 1: Charly Siaba and Los Souldees

Schedule:

4pm: Houston’s Dinky Drum workshop
4:30pm: Vendor market opens
5-7pm: Jazz performances

FREE REGISTRATION

About Bobby Lyle
Bobby Lyle, the legendary pianist and organist, has been captivating audiences for over three decades with his unparalleled talent and groundbreaking contributions to jazz. His debut album, The Genie, was a game-changer, exploding onto the Billboard charts and solidifying his status as a musical prodigy. A native of Minneapolis, Bobby began his professional journey as a pianist at just 16, later studying advanced piano at Macalester College before embarking on a full-time music career.
Bobby’s journey has taken him around the world, performing at prestigious festivals and venues. He has served as musical director for icons such as Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, and Bette Midler, earning an Emmy nomination for the HBO special Diva Las Vegas. His 1990 album The Journey topped the Billboard jazz chart, and he remains the only artist with a record (Straight and Smooth) to appear on both the Billboard smooth jazz and traditional jazz charts simultaneously.
In Houston, Bobby is a celebrated performer and educator, mentoring students and creating opportunities for young musicians. He established a program at Walker Elementary School to provide instruments for talented students in need and was honored with “Bobby Lyle Day” by the city in 2012.
Bobby’s most recent work includes The Way I Feel, a Hammond B-3 organ project, and the creation of The J-Spot, Houston’s first TV jazz show. Whether performing solo, with his piano bands, or organ trio, Bobby Lyle’s music continues to inspire and elevate jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
About Patric Johnston
Patric Johnston crafts soulful, indie-folk songs with raw storytelling and rich melodies, blending influences from folk, hip-hop, and classic singer-songwriters.

Market Vendors
Ivhrit Royalty
Better with Butter Bakery
CrystalWoodshop
Lone Star Beards
MeaningfulTreasFinds
My Organic Skin, LLC
PopLife Popping Co.
Roro’s Retro
Sam Saves

Jazzy Sundays: Lao Tizer Band and Tareon Gully and Houston Groove Society
2025-05-25 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with two Houston parks to bring you Jazzy Sundays, a series of FREE, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Family-friendly concerts will be held Sundays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at Emancipation Park; Sundays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Discovery Green; and Sundays on May 11, 18, 25 and June 1st at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 4-7 p.m.
Before the jazz performances kick off, enjoy a local vendor market, food trucks, cool beverages, and a free drumming workshop for all ages, courtesy of Houston’s Dinky Drum Company. Bring you picnic blanket, lawn chairs, friends, and family for a groovy afternoon in Buffalo Bayou Park!
Jazzy Sundays is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation.
Location: The Water Works Lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.)
Lineup:

May 11: MonoNeon and APBOYZ
May 18: Bobby Lyle, Patric Johnston, and Houston Ensemble
May 25: Lao Tizer Band with Tareon Gully and Houston Groove Society
June 1: Charly Siaba and Los Souldees

Schedule:

4pm: Houston’s Dinky Drum workshop
4:30pm: Vendor market opens
5-7pm: Jazz performances

FREE REGISTRATION

About Lao Tizer Band with Tareon Gully
“Jazz Group of the Year” nominee The Lao Tizer Band make their debut at Jazzy Sundays at Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park in support of their new album and video release AMPLIFY. The project was recorded and filmed LIVE at legendary EastWest Studios in Hollywood with a simultaneous seven-camera video shoot. The project is a major evolution for the group and includes five new original vocals, featuring American Idol star Elliott Yamin and four new original instrumentals. Joining keyboardist, composer and bandleader Lao Tizer (former “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee, Special EFX, Down To The Bone) for the performance, are GRAMMY-winning drum legend with deep Houston ties Terreon “Tank” Gully (Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride), the aforementioned vocal sensation Elliott Yamin, sax/flute wunderkind Danny Janklow (MONKestra, Shelea) and Senegalese bassists, producer and composer Cheikh N’Doye (Baaba Maal, Mike Stern.)
About Houston Groove Society
Houston Groove Cultivation: the Society for Groove Cultivation was founded by Cedrick Bates in 2013 to provide world-class entertainment to major corporations, performance venues, and philanthropic groups. Houston Groove Society (HGS) is a fully customizable performance group, providing singers, ensembles, soloists, lecturers, backline instruments, and professional sound equipment. HGS play all music genres and specialize in the grooves that move the soul.
Houston Groove Society has performed annually for the American Cancer Society, National Sales Network, University of Houston, Morehouse College, Kingdom Health, Spelman College, Microsoft, Memorial Park Conservancy, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Medical Center, End Hunger, National Black MBA Association, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Jack and Jill of America, and several other professional groups. HGS has advocated for music and arts education, autism awareness, breast cancer awareness, men’s health awareness, STEM enrichment programs, entrepreneurship, clothing for the homeless, and youth mentorship programs. Houston Groove Society consists of touring artists, recording artists, music educators, research scientists, IT professionals, sales professionals, published authors, and music historians. We fervently believe that we are the music makers…the dreamers of the dreams. We create the grooves that dreams are made of.

Market Vendors:
Better with Butter Bakery
CrystalWoodshop
La Bougie Wick
Lone Star Beards
MeaningfulTreasFinds
My Organic Skin, LLC
PopLife Popping Co.
Roro’s Retro

Jazzy Sundays: Charly Siaba and Los Souldees
2025-06-01 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with two Houston parks to bring you Jazzy Sundays, a series of FREE, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Family-friendly concerts will be held Sundays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at Emancipation Park; Sundays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Discovery Green; and Sundays on May 11, 18, 25 and June 1st at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 4-7 p.m.
Before the jazz performances kick off, enjoy a local vendor market, food trucks, cool beverages, and a free drumming workshop for all ages, courtesy of Houston’s Dinky Drum Company. Bring you picnic blanket, lawn chairs, friends, and family for a groovy afternoon in Buffalo Bayou Park!
Jazzy Sundays is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation.
Location: The Water Works Lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.)
Lineup:

May 11: MonoNeon and APBOYZ
May 18: Bobby Lyle, Patric Johnston, and Houston Ensemble
May 25: Lao Tizer Band with Tareon Gully and Houston Groove Society
June 1: Charly Siaba and Los Souldees

Schedule:

4pm: Houston’s Dinky Drum workshop
4:30pm: Vendor market opens
5-7pm: Jazz performances

FREE REGISTRATION

About Charly Siaba
Charly Siaba is a Cuban singer-songwriter and producer trained in classical guitar and piano. With music in his veins from an early age, he found his passion in songwriting and forged an authentic style surrounded by a confluence of melodies and rhythms; from Trova and Bolero to Funk and Blues. Now living in Houston, his language moves from the commercial to the experimental, and he’s always seeking unique ways to integrate elements from multiple genres.
Charly is an old soul in a modern age, an artist weaves timeless emotions into melodies and evokes a musical tapestry that is both classic and contemporary. He has accompanied his steady stream of releases with regular live appearances around Houston; as an opener for Amanda Pascali’s EP debut ‘The Messenger’ and as a solo artist performing in intimate venues and at Sofar Sounds in cities like Houston, Austin, and Miami.
About Los Souldees
Los Souldees are the new band out of Houston Tx bringing you the freshest sounds of chicano soul with a Texas attitude.

Market Vendors:
Ivhrit Royalty
Better with Butter Bakery
CrystalWoodshop
HI Ceramics
La Bougie Wick
Lone Star Beards
MeaningfulTreasFinds
My Organic Skin, LLC
PopLife Popping Co.
Roro’s Retro
Shafer Jewellery

"Oldest Houston" Book Signing
2025-08-09 11:30 - 13:30 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Celebrate the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern’s 99th birthday with a special book signing of Oldest Houston! Meet authors Lydia Schrandt and Biju Sukumaran at The Water Works Visitor Center in Buffalo Bayou Park and snag a copy of this unique work featuring the Cistern.
Duration
11:30am – 1:30pm
Location
The Water Works Visitor Center (105 Sabine St.)

Indigenous Peoples Day 12th Annual Celebration
2025-10-12 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | ELEANOR TINSLEY PARK, 500 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
BBP, in partnership with the Calmecac Indigenous Organization, invites you to this family-friendly event that honors the traditions, artistry, and resilience of Indigenous peoples with cultural ceremonies, live performances, and community recognition. Experience a day of learning, celebration, and connection along the banks of Buffalo Bayou. Traditional attire is encouraged.

Activities include:

Xilonen Coming-of-Age Danza Azteca Ceremony facilitated by Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl, Sahumadora Mayor, Catalina Tlahuizipaktli Benavides Palabra de Grupo Azteca Teokalli, and local ceremonial community dancers
Rematriation Water Blessing of Buffalo Bayou led by Sydney Keith (Minneconjou/Hunkpapa), traditional knowledge bearer and head woman of International Sundance, Green Grass, South Dakota
Indigenous artwork by Colectiva Pochteca
Debut Houston performance by the Sahawe Dancers (Uvalde, TX), celebrating their 75th anniversary
Pipe ceremony for all pipe carriers facilitated by David Claymore (Cheyenne River Sioux), co-founder of the Black Hills Powwow
Recognition of the Claymore family as respected Lakota Tiyospaye and lifelong contributors to sobriety, wellness, ceremony, and Lakota culture
Featured vendor: Toknihuan
Featured DJ: Trajik Sol

GATHER WITH US

2025 KBR Kids Day
2025-10-19 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
KBR Kids Day is a free annual event for the entire community. Thousands of children and their families will gather at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park to experience a full day of fun with exciting activities for all ages. This year, we will be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Buffalo Bayou Park!
FREE REGISTRATION
ESPAÑOL

What to Know
Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site.
Halloween costumes are encouraged!
Free parking located across the street at Lot H (1643 Memorial Dr.)

KBR Kids Day activities include

Hands-on nature activities
Face painting
Guided walking tours
Music and dance performances
Birds of prey show
Halloween costume parade
Wildlife encounters
And more to come!

Performance Schedule
10am: Family Bicycle Group Ride
11am: Land Acknowledgement with Deer Moon Sis*Stars and Danza Azteca with Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl
11:20am: Houston Public Library Storytime: “This is the Tree we Planted”
11:35am: Birds of Prey Show
12:20pm: Halloween Costume Parade
12:45pm: The Winners Circle Breakdance Show
1pm: Birthday Walk with Urban Paths – Meet at the BBP Tent
1:15pm: Dance of Asian American
1:40pm: Compania Folklorica Alegria Mexicana
2pm: Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus
2:15pm: Birds of Prey Show

Partners
American Festival for the Arts
Archaeology Now
Barrio Dogs Inc.
Be SMART for Kids
Bike Freedom Academy
City of Houston Floodplain Management Office
Creators Worldwide
Dreamland Entertainment
Friends of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges
Houston Area Bat Team
Houston Grand Opera
Houston Public Library
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Toy Museum
Houston Zoo
Native Plant Society of Houston
Nature Discovery Center
Texas Tim Webb
Trust CHW Organization
Urban Paths
USFWS Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge
WEAR – Wildlife and Environmental Advocacy and Relief
Young Audiences of Houston

Food and Drink Vendors
Bahama Bucks
It’s A Wrap
Mi Patio
Paleteria El Pibe
Volando Coffee

Volunteer Opportunities
8:30 – 11am: Set-up
11am – 1pm: Pumpkin Patch A
11am – 1pm: Young Audiences A
1pm – 3pm: Pumpkin Patch B
1pm – 3pm: Young Audiences B
1:15 – 1:45pm: Birthday Walk with Urban Paths
3 – 4:30pm: Tear Down
VOLUNTEER WITH US

Generous support provided by:

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is

2025 KBR Día de los Niños
2025-10-19 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
KBR Kids Day es un evento anual gratuito para toda la comunidad. Miles de niños y sus familias se reunirán en The Water Works en Buffalo Bayou Park para disfrutar de un día completo de diversión con actividades emocionantes para todas las edades. ¡Este año celebraremos el décimo aniversario de Buffalo Bayou Park!
REGISTRACIÓN GRATUITA
INGLÉS

Lo que debes saber
Comida y bebidas estarán disponibles para su compra en el evento.
¡Se anima a usar disfraces de Halloween!
Estacionamiento gratuito ubicado al otro lado de la calle en el lote H (1643 Memorial Dr.)

KBR Día de los Niños, actividades

Actividades prácticas en la naturaleza
Pinta caritas
Caminatas por la naturaleza
Espectáculos de música y baile
Show de aves rapaces
Desfile de disfraces de Halloween
Observación de animales silvestres
¡Y más por venir!

Horario de actuaciones
10am: Paseo familiar en bicicleta en grupo
11am: Reconocimiento a la Tierra con Deer Moon Sis*Stars y Danza Azteca con Calmecac Tonantzin Yolilitzyotl
11:20am: Houston Public Library – La hora del cuento: “This is the Tree We Planted”
11:35am: Show de aves rapaces
12:20pm: Desfile de disfraces de Halloween
12:45pm: Show de Winners Circle Breakdance
1pm: Caminata de celebración con Urban Paths – juntarse en la carpa de BBP
1:15pm: Dance of Asian American
1:40: Compania Folklorica Alegria Mexicana
2pm: Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus
2:15pm: Show de aves rapaces

Compañeros
American Festival for the Arts
Archaeology Now
Barrio Dogs Inc.
Be SMART for Kids
Bike Freedom Academy
City of Houston Floodplain Management Office
Creators Worldwide
Dreamland Entertainment
Friends of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges
Houston Area Bat Team
Houston Grand Opera
Houston Public Library
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Toy Museum
Houston Zoo
Native Plant Society of Houston
Nature Discovery Center
Texas Tim Webb
Trust CHW Organization
Urban Paths
USFWS Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge
WEAR – Wildlife and Environmental Advocacy and Relief
Young Audiences of Houston

Vendedores de comida y bebidas
Bahama Bucks
It’s A Wrap
Mi Patio
Paleteria El Pibe
Volando Coffee

Oportunidades de voluntariado
8:30 – 11am: Set-up
11am – 1pm: Pumpkin Patch A
11am – 1pm: Young Audiences A
1pm – 3pm: Pumpkin Patch B
1pm – 3pm: Young Audiences B
1:15 – 1:45pm: Birthday Walk with Urban Paths
3 – 4:30pm: Tear Down
SE VOLUNTARIO

Apoyo generoso proporcionado por:

Buffalo Bayou Partnership es

Jazzy Sundays: Christian McBride and Synesthesia
2026-04-05 17:00 - 19:30 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with two Houston parks to bring you Jazzy Sundays in the Park, a series of FREE, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Family-friendly concerts will be held March 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Discovery Green; and April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 4:30-7:30 PM.
Bring you picnic blanket, lawn chairs, friends, and family for a groovy afternoon in Buffalo Bayou Park!
Jazzy Sundays in the Parks is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation and sponsored by KTSU.
Location: The Water Works Lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.)
Lineup:

April 5: Christian McBride and Synesthesia
April 12: Melvin Johnson and Mahoganee Renee
April 19: Joy Bloom & Strangers on Earth with Kinder HSPVA Jazz Ensemble
April 26: Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers and Steven Dargin & Texas Kreole

Schedule:

4:30 PM: Vendor market opens
5-7:30 PM: Jazz performances

FREE REGISTRATION

About Christian McBride
Christian McBride has blazed an extraordinary trail as one of the most preeminent musicians of his time. Over the last three decades, the nin-time Grammy winner has made momentous advances as a dynamic musician and recording artist, a prolific composer-arranger-producer, a distinguished curator of culture, and a dedicated educator and mentor. A prolific bandleader, McBride’s ensembles are each distinctive extensions of his tremendous threshold of creative inspiration, which span and synthesize straight-ahead, experimental, free-leaning jazz, funk, soul, Latin, hip hop and rhythm and blues.
McBride’s staggeringly diverse career also includes the role of host of NPR’s public radio program Jazz Night in America as well as The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian on SiriusXM. McBride also holds artistic director titles at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS.
McBride is an entire artist whose colossal sound, strikingly vast body of work, and huge strides within the realm of artistic directorship are denotative of a self-identified perpetual student, whose love of learning feeds his passion, and whose passion has led a generation of musicians — within jazz and beyond.

About Synesthesia
K’vhondre Tahree-Amir Tinner is a multidisciplinary artist, trumpeter, pianist, composer, and author whose work lives at the intersection of jazz, cinematic storytelling, and speculative world-building. Now based in Houston, Texas and attending Texas Southern University, Tinner brings a global perspective to his sound and creative vision.
His performance career includes notable milestones such as opening for MonoNeon at Houston’s Jazzy Sundays (2025), sharing the stage with Erykah Badu (2023), performing with Solange (2017), and appearing at the Monterey Jazz Festival in both 2024 and 2025. In 2026, he reached a major career landmark by selling out Doc’s Jazz Club for the first time as a headlining artist.
With a sound rooted in jazz but unbound by tradition, Tinner continues to build a body of work that is both musically sophisticated and narratively expansive—positioning himself as a forward-thinking artist shaping his own lane across music, literature, and live performance.

Market Vendors:
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Food Vendors:
Evans BBQKind Ice CreamPeppaz ChickenVolando Coffee

Jazzy Sundays: Melvin Johnson and Mahoganee Renee
2026-04-12 17:00 - 19:30 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with two Houston parks to bring you Jazzy Sundays in the Park, a series of FREE, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Family-friendly concerts will be held March 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Discovery Green; and April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 4-7:30 PM.
Bring you picnic blanket, lawn chairs, friends, and family for a groovy afternoon in Buffalo Bayou Park!
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, outside alcohol is not permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase on-site.
Jazzy Sundays in the Parks is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation and sponsored by KTSU.
Location: The Water Works Lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.)
Lineup:

April 5: Christian McBride and Synesthesia
April 12: Melvin Johnson and Mahoganee Renee
April 19: Joy Bloom & Strangers on Earth with Kinder HSPVA Jazz Ensemble
April 26: Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers and Steven Dargin & Texas Kreole

Schedule:

4:30 PM: Vendor market opens
5-7:30 PM: Jazz performances

FREE REGISTRATION

About Melvin Johnson
Melvin Johnson is a Houston-born pianist, composer, and international recording artist who masterfully blends emotion and melody into unforgettable music. As the creative force behind The Electro-Akoustic, he delivers a dynamic jazz-fusion experience that captivates audiences nationwide. Through his event production company, Sincerely Yours Music & Production, Melvin provides top-tier live entertainment and seamless event coordination—from live bands and DJs to lighting and pro-audio.
As the founder of the Melvin Johnson Collective, he unites his artistic vision, his band, his direction, and his expanding live-entertainment empire. With his 3rd and 4th albums set for release in 2026, Melvin continues to inspire and elevate the musical landscape. In every note, every performance, and every event, Melvin Johnson’s brilliance and masterful artistry shine through.

About Mahoganee Renee
Growing up in a musical family, there was no other choice than to develop a voice that expresses love and creativity. A native of Houston, Mahoganee is a proud graduate of Houston’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and Loyola University New Orleans, holding a B.M in Music Industry Studies.
While performing in some of the top venues in New Orleans, she realized her calling: to be a voice that brings change to the world through music. Although she sings a plethora of musical genres, Mahoganee got her start singing gospel, then moved on to classical, jazz, pop, Broadway, and R&B. As the lead vocalist for Heights Funk Collective, she was featured in the EP “Four Letters.” She has also been a featured soloist with the Scott Joplin Orchestra and Voices of Houston, and shared the stage with the Houston Symphony, New Orleans Grand Opera, and a host of other artists.

Buffalo Bayou Music in the Park: Navy Band Feature Performance
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership offers a unique musical experience! The Navy Band’s Southeast’s Popular Music Group, Pride, will be in Houston as part of Fleet Week and will be performing a special concert at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park that is free to attend. Bring your families, your lawn chairs, and your picnic baskets for an evening of beautiful music, courtesy of the visiting sea services.
Duration
6-7:30 PM / 90 minutes
Location
The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St)

MORE INFORMATION

Jazzy Sundays: Joy Bloom & Strangers on Earth and Kinder HSPVA Jazz Ensemble
2026-04-19 17:00 - 19:30 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with two Houston parks to bring you Jazzy Sundays in the Park, a series of FREE, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Family-friendly concerts will be held March 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Discovery Green; and April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 4-7:30 PM.
Bring you picnic blanket, lawn chairs, friends, and family for a groovy afternoon in Buffalo Bayou Park!
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, outside alcohol is not permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase on-site.
Jazzy Sundays in the Parks is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation and sponsored by KTSU.
Location: The Water Works Lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.)
Lineup:

April 5: Christian McBride and Synesthesia
April 12: Melvin Johnson and Mahoganee Renee
April 19: Joy Bloom & Strangers on Earth with Kinder HSPVA Jazz Ensemble
April 26: Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers and Steven Dargin & Texas Kreole

Schedule:

4:30 PM: Vendor market opens
5-7:30 PM: Jazz performances

FREE REGISTRATION

About Joy Bloom & Strangers on Earth
Joy Bloom is a vocalist, pianist, and songwriter known for her inspiring blend of gospel, jazz, and soul. A proud graduate of Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, Joy is passionate about using music as a bridge to share her faith. She is the bandleader of Strangers on Earth and a pianist with the Houston Latin Jazz Orchestra, bringing a rich musical style influenced by legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Kim Burrell. Joy has performed on stages around the world, from jazz festivals in Johannesburg, South Africa, to venues in downtown Houston. Her latest singles, “My Heart Belongs to You” and “Can’t Tell It,” reflect her heart for uplifting audiences through music filled with hope, faith, and inspiration.

About Kinder HSPVA Jazz Ensemble
Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts boasts the nation’s premier high school jazz program. Under the direction of James Westfall, jazz students study instrument technique, music theory, and jazz history. Jazz alumni include acclaimed musicians Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, James Francies and Walter Smith III. Kinder HSPVA is a nationally recognized tuition-free HISD public school where students train daily in one of six art areas: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental and Vocal Music, Theatre, or Visual Arts.

Jazzy Sundays: Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers and Steven Dargin & Texas Kreole
2026-04-26 17:00 - 19:30 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is teaming up with two Houston parks to bring you Jazzy Sundays in the Park, a series of FREE, outdoor jazz concerts. The series celebrates the vibrancy and rich tradition of jazz and the incredible Houstonians who preserve the artform. Family-friendly concerts will be held March 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Discovery Green; and April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park from 4-7:30 PM.
Bring you picnic blanket, lawn chairs, friends, and family for a groovy afternoon in Buffalo Bayou Park!
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, outside alcohol is not permitted. Food and drink will be available for purchase on-site.
Jazzy Sundays in the Parks is made possible by a grant from the Kinder Foundation and sponsored by KTSU.
Location: The Water Works Lawn in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St.)
Lineup:

April 5: Christian McBride and Synesthesia
April 12: Melvin Johnson and Mahoganee Renee
April 19: Joy Bloom & Strangers on Earth with Kinder HSPVA Jazz Ensemble
April 26: Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers and Steven Dargin & Texas Kreole

Schedule:

4:30 PM: Vendor market opens
5-7:30 PM: Jazz performances

FREE REGISTRATION

About Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers
With nearly two decades in the music industry, primarily within the zydeco genre, Lil Nathan, loves to create a gumbo of zydeco, R&B, swing out, hip hop and Afro Pop. He’s making his own history.
Lil Nathan blazes his own path, going from a cute 2-year-old on stage with his dad to an adult hitmaker playing the Bayou Classic halftime show before 50,000 in the Superdome. Other stops include Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans Pelicans Halftime Show, New Orleans Saints Tailgate Party, the Houston International Festival, the Houston Livestock & Rodeo, Universal Studios in Orlando, the Ronald Reagan Building, International Trade Center in Washington, DC, and national attention on CBS 60 minutes. He’s shared the stage and studio with platinum selling artists, such as New Edition, Dru Hill, Tank, Cupid, Juvenile, Kevin Gates, Yung Bleu, and Los Lobos, along with Tucka, a Southern Soul favorite.
Nate’s 17 albums have embraced numerous styles, including his growing fascination with Afro Pop. Along the way, Lil Nathan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies and a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

About Steven Dargin & Texas Kreole
Steve Dargin, aka Texas Kreole, grew up playing music in church, was a drummer with Brian Jack and the Zydeco Gamblers for more than a decade. But an undying hunger to play the accordion and growing respect for his family’s Creole roots in southwest Louisiana drove him into the spotlight.
Dargin’s music contains flavors of Boozoo Chavis, Beau Jocque, Chris Ardoin and other legendary names. “Growing up trail riding and riding horses, I was always into zydeco,” said Dargin. “But I’m coming into this not just to play a trail ride. I want to get back into the festivals, the bazaars, get back to where I can have the old and the new.”
Dargin counts Lil Nathan Williams and family, along with rising stars Rusty Metoyer and Kaleb Leday as guiding forces in his new solo career. He’s ready to make his great grandmother and other family proud.

Undercurrents with Nick Flynn: Poetry Reading and Cistern Visit
2026-04-30 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Experience an evening of poetry and immersive art with acclaimed writer Nick Flynn, presented in conjunction with Undercurrents by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. The program begins with a reading on the terrace above the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, followed by a guided tour of the installation—offering a unique opportunity to experience the artwork alongside the poet’s words.
Stay tuned – more readings to come.
Cost
$20
Duration
6:30-7:30 PM / 1 hour
Location
The reading begins on the Wortham Insurance Terrace above the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. (105-B Sabine St)

PURCHASE TICKETS

About Nick Flynn
Nick Flynn teaches in the Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston. His most recent book is Low (Graywolf, 2023). His book Stay (Ze Books, 2020) chronicles his work with other artists (filmmakers, visual artists, musicians, etc) over the past twenty-five years. His bestselling memoir Another Bullshit Night in Suck City (Norton, 2004) was made into a film starring Robert DeNiro (Focus Features, 2012) and has been translated into fifteen languages.

Sunset Poetry with Undercurrents: Aris Kian
2026-06-04 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Enjoy an evening of poetry and immersive art, presented in conjunction with Undercurrents by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. The night begins with a poetry reading by one of the acclaimed writers who contributed to the installation and drinks on the terrace. Then, descend into the Cistern for a unique opportunity to experience Undercurrents with the writers.
Cost
$15
Duration
6:30-7:30 PM / 1 hour
Location
The reading begins on the Wortham Insurance Terrace above the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. (105-B Sabine St)

PURCHASE TICKETS

About Aris Kian
Aris Kian (she/her) is a Houston enthusiast and student of abolition. Her poems are published with Button Poetry, West Branch, Obsidian Lit, and elsewhere. As an Inprint C. Glenn Cambor Fellow, she received her MFA from the University of Houston. Her team Smoke Slam coached by Ebony Stewart ranked #1 at the 2025 Bigfoot Regional Poetry Slam and #1 at the 2024 Southern Fried Poetry Slam. She previously served as the 2023-2025 Houston Poet Laureate and was chosen as a 2025 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellow.

Batman on the Bayou
2026-07-25 19:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Arthouse Houston for Batman on the Bayou, a free evening celebrating one of Houston’s most unique nighttime species. Presented as part of BBP’s Summer Species series exploring all things BATS, the event will feature family-friendly activities, nature education, and opportunities to learn more about the important role these night flyers play in our urban ecosystem.
Guests can enjoy:
• A screening of Batman Returns, costumes encouraged!
• Educational experiences and bat-themed activities hosted by the Houston Area Bat Team
• Food trucks, music, and frozen margaritas (no bats = no tequila…you will learn why!)
• Bat trivia… and more!
Grab your cape and lawn chair for a fun summer evening along the bayou!

Cost
Free
Time
7-10:30 PM (Movie begins at 8:15 PM)
Meeting Location
The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St)
REGISTRATION

Cistern After Hours
2026-07-31 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Experience the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern in a new light at Cistern After Hours, an evening of art, music, and discovery.
Explore the interactive art installation and gather outside for live music by DJ Josh Zulu, complimentary wine and beer from Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and local food trucks. Buskers will also be on site, creating personalized poems inspired by guests and the downtown setting.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a first-time Cistern visitor, or simply looking for a unique night out, Cistern After Hours offers a memorable way to experience the Cistern and meet others drawn to creativity, culture, and community.
Cost
$25
Duration
7-10 PM
Location
The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park (105-B Sabine St)

PURCHASE TICKETS

Sunset Poetry with Undercurrents: Martha Serpas
2026-09-17 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Enjoy an evening of poetry and immersive art, presented in conjunction with Undercurrents by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. The night begins with a poetry reading by one of the acclaimed writers who contributed to the installation and drinks on the terrace. Then, descend into the Cistern for a unique opportunity to experience Undercurrents with the writers.
Cost
$15
Duration
6:30-7:30 PM / 1 hour
Location
The reading begins on the Wortham Insurance Terrace above the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. (105-B Sabine St)

PURCHASE TICKETS

About Martha Serpas
Martha Serpas, a native of Galliano, Louisiana, produced the documentary Veins in the Gulf, which addresses the state’s land loss and coastal erosion crisis. Her four volumes of poetry include Côte Blanche, The Dirty Side of the Storm, The Diener, and Double Effect. Her poems appear in anthologies focused on ecological, religious, formal, or Southern poetry. A graduate of Yale Divinity School, she has worked as a hospital chaplain, most recently as part of a psilocybin trial for patients at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. At the Tilman J. Fertitta College of Medicine, she co-directs the Scripts program, an initiative to bring creative writers and medical students together around literature and medicine. She teaches poetry writing, consciousness studies, theology, and ecopoetry in the Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston.

2026 KBR Kids Day
2026-10-18 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
KBR Kids Day is a free annual event for the entire community. Thousands of children and their families will gather at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park to experience a full day of fun with exciting activities for all ages. More information to come!

Sunset Poetry with Undercurrents: Roberto Tejada
2026-10-22 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | THE WATER WORKS, 105 Sabine Street, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Enjoy an evening of poetry and immersive art, presented in conjunction with Undercurrents by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. The night begins with a poetry reading by one of the acclaimed writers who contributed to the installation and drinks on the terrace. Then, descend into the Cistern for a unique opportunity to experience Undercurrents with the writers.
Cost
$15
Duration
6:30-7:30 PM / 1 hour
Location
The reading begins on the Wortham Insurance Terrace above the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. (105-B Sabine St)

PURCHASE TICKETS

About Roberto Tejada
Roberto Tejada is the author of poetry collections that include Mirrors for Gold (Krupskaya, 2006), Exposition Park (Wesleyan, 2010), Why the Assembly Disbanded (Fordham, 2022), and Carbonate of Copper (Fordham, 2025), longlisted for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. His writings on art and media history include National Camera: Photography and Mexico’s Image Environment (Minnesota, 2009), his work on the groundbreaking Mexican American artist Celia Alvarez Muñoz (UCLA/CSRC; Minnesota, 2009) and essay collections on Latin American and Latinx art and culture Still Nowhere in an Empty Vastness (Noemi, 2019), and the forthcoming Along the Diagonal: Art / Essays / América (Fordham, 2026). Awarded a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in Poetry (2021) he is the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor at the University of Houston where he teaches Creative Writing and Art History.
