1. National Black Film Festival
The National Black Film Festival returns and is back to being a showcase for up-and-coming African American filmmakers, with more than 40 screenings, panels and workshops. Titles being shown include “#BlackAtSMU,” “My Yard, My Debt: The HBCU Student Borrower Experience” and Julian Vaughn Hampton’s “Fighting Olympus.”
When: June 8-11
Where: AMC Houston 8, 510 Texas
Details: $35-$45; nationalblackfilmfestival.com
Cary Darling
2. ‘The Boys’
There may be no better contemporary expression of the worst part of the American id than Homelander, the morally monstrous superhero at the heart of the outrageously entertaining streaming series “The Boys,” which kicks off its third season June 3. As Homelander sinks deeper into delusion, these next episodes promise to be epic.
When: Begins streaming June 3
Where: Prime Video
Cary Darling
3. Baseera Khan
Baseera Khan offers a heavy exhibition with the new “Weight on History.” The Denton-raised multidisciplinary artist touches on politics and pop culture, as well as the personal and the institutional, with hopes of making our interconnected world feel more inclusive. “Baseera Khan: Weight on History” is Khan’s first solo exhibition in Houston.
When: Opening reception 6 p.m. June 3, gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays
Where: Moody Center for the Arts, Rice University, 6100 Main
Details: Free; moody.rice.edu
Andrew Dansby
4. HAAPIFEST
The Houston Area Asian Pacific Islander Film Festival (HAAPIFEST) is back as an online event with more than 50 feature films, documentaries and short films dealing with the lives of Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
When: June 2-19
Details: Free; $35 for all-access pass; ocahouston.org/haapifest
Cary Darling
5. Steely Dan, Snarky Puppy
Pairing Texas-spawned jazz-rock outfit Snarky Puppy with jazz-pop masters Steely Dan qualifies as inspired booking. Many fans of SP also worship at the musical altar of Steely Dan. Snarky Puppy is touring behind the “Live at the GroundUp Music Festival” album while Steely Dan is pushing the 2021 live album, “Northeast Corridor.”
When: 7:30 p.m. June 3
Where: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins, The Woodlands
Details: $29.50 and up; woodlandscenter.org
Cary Darling
6. ‘Originals’
The choreography of two Houston Ballet principal dancers takes center stage in “Originals.” Two ballets by artistic director Stanton Welch, a one-act piece by Melody Mennite — who celebrates 20 years with Houston Ballet in 2022 — and world premiere by Connor Walsh offer a fresh take on classical form. The latter work features music composed and conducted by Dallas native Quinn Mason.
When: Through June 12
Where: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas
Details: $25 and up; houstonballet.org, 713-227-2787
Amber Elliott