Day Trips & Beyond: July Events Roundup
Activities to help you stay cool as summer heats up
By Gerald E. McLeod, 5:00PM, Thu. Jul. 6, 2017
The searing summer heat and humidity mean that any travel adventures need to include copious amounts of air conditioning and/or a swimming hole.
For more than 40 years Mexican artists led a generation of creativity in the visual arts. Houston is hosting “Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910-1950,” one of the most comprehensive exhibits of works showcasing the emergence of Mexico as a center of modern art. The show features more than 175 masterpieces by Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and many others. It is a unique opportunity to see the evolution of a revolution through prints, photographs, books, paintings, and other visual methods.
Through Oct. 1. "Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910-1950," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, www.mfah.org.
This time of year, aren’t we all looking for a good swimming hole? The Swimming Holes of Texas, a new guidebook by Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy, points you to more than 100 favorite water holes around the state. The majority of the spots are within an easy drive of Austin. Part of the Jack and Doris Smothers Endowment in Texas History, Life, and Culture, the guide is organized by geographic regions, but does not include coastal beaches. Still, the book might help you discover a new favorite swimming hole or connect to an old favorite.
Swimming Holes of Texas
Louisiana native and guitar legend James Burton played with a constellation of stars from Ricky Nelson to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash in a musical career that stretches back to the 1950s. Artspace in Shreveport, La., has put together "The Art of the Guitar," a rare exhibition of guitars and memorabilia from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Grammy Award-winning guitarist.
Through Aug. 19. "The Art of the Guitar," Artspace, Shreveport, La., www.artspaceshreveport.com
Travel Notes:
Houston Museum Experience Day on Sat., July 29, opens three world-class museums with free general admission. The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH), The Jung Center of Houston, and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) invite guests to view masterworks, make personalized art, and interact with site-specific installations. In addition to free admission all day, families may participate in a variety of artmaking activities for all ages, practice Laughter Yoga, and plan for lunch with food trucks stationed at CAMH and the MFAH South Lawn.
www.houmuse.org
Didn’t get enough fireworks on the Fourth? Galveston will have beachfront fireworks shows every Sunday at 9pm through Sept. 3. The displays will launch over the Gulf of Mexico near Seawall Boulevard and 37th Street.
www.galveston.com
Get wet and enjoy the music. Float Fest encourages participants of the music festival Sat.-Sun., July 22-23, to float the San Marcos River to the festival grounds at Cool River Ranch where hitmakers and indie breakouts will take the stage.
www.floatfest.net
Other July Events:
Texas Outdoor Musical, July 1-Aug. 19, Canyon
www.texas-show.com
Live Thoroughbred Racing, July 1-30, Grand Prairie
www.lonestarpark.com
Wayback Wednesdays, July 12, 19, 26, Goliad
www.presidiolabahia.org
Ink Masters Tattoo Expo, July 7-9, New Braunfels
www.inkmasterstattooexpo.com
Watermelon Festival, July 8, McDade
www.mcdadetexas.com
Parker County Peach Festival, July 8, Weatherford
www.parkercountypeachfestival.org
U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship/Red River Balloon Rally, July 10-16, Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
www.shreveportbossiersports.com/redriverballoonrally
Marfa Film Festival, July 12-16, Marfa
www.marfafilmfestival.com
Bastille Day Fete, July 14, New Orleans, La.
www.bastilledaynola.com
Night in Old Fredericksburg, July 15, Fredericksburg
www.gillespiefair.com
Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing, July 15-16, Fredericksburg
www.gillespiefair.com
World Series of Dog Shows, July 19-23, Houston
www.houstondogshows.com
National Day of the American Cowboy, July 22, Bandera
www.banderacowboycapital.com
Crush for Fun, July 22-23, 29-30, Brenham
www.pleasanthillwinery.com
Float Fest, July 22-23, San Marcos
www.floatfest.net
Texas Queerlesque Festival, July 27-30, Dallas
www.texasqueerlesquefestival.com
Viva Big Bend, July 27-30, Alpine
www.vivabigbend.com
Great Texas Mosquito Festival, July 27-29, Clute
www.mosquitofestival.com
Great Texas Balloon Race, July 28-30, Longview
www.greattexasballoonrace.com
Dragon Boat Festival, July 29-30, Cleburne
www.texasdragonboat.com
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Gerald E. McLeod, Nov. 6, 2020
Jan. 15, 2021
Travel, Day Trips, July events, swimming, museums
