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Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival Returns for Spring Break Fun

Edward Saenz
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Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival Returns for Spring Break Fun

Houston families looking for an out-of-this-world staycation can mark their calendars for the return of the Moon 2 Mars Festival at Space Center Houston, happening March 11–14. Now in its fifth year and presented by Wellby Financial, the event blends hands-on STEM experiences with live music, food, and exclusive access to space exploration attractions.

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits during the day and enjoy concerts at night, including performances by The Wallflowers on March 13 and 311 on March 14.

NASA Experiences and Interactive STEM Activities

As the official visitor center for NASA Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston will offer tram tours to astronaut training facilities, Rocket Park, and the Johnson Space Center campus. Festival grounds will also feature robotics demos, rocket-building activities, VR experiences, and educational programming for all ages.

“The Moon to Mars Festival is a spring break destination that offers a unique experience for families, space enthusiasts, food lovers, and music fans,” said William Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston.

20250315-Houston Texas. Space Center Houston hosted their annual Moon 2 Mars Festival. Photo by David Duncan Photography LLC

Innovation, Food, and Nighttime Entertainment

The festival’s Innovation Tent will showcase emerging space technologies with participation from organizations including the United States Space Force and aerospace company Intuitive Machines. Guests can also enjoy planetarium shows, science DJ performances, and immersive exhibits such as The Moonwalkers experience.

Food will be available throughout the event, including festival favorites prepared by celebrity chef partner Wolfgang Puck, along with a themed beer garden featuring a new Space Center Houston collaboration brew.

A Festival for the Whole Community

Organizers say the event is designed to inspire curiosity while creating memorable spring break experiences.

“We’re proud to sponsor the Moon 2 Mars Festival at such a pivotal moment in human space exploration,” said Marty Pell, president and CEO of Wellby Financial.

Tickets are available through Space Center Houston, with daytime activities included in admission and concerts offered as special ticketed events.

For more ideas on things to do in Houston, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Go Tejano Day Brings Music, Mariachi and Culture to RodeoHouston

Indira Zaldivar
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Go Tejano Day Brings Music, Mariachi and Culture to RodeoHouston

One of the biggest celebrations of Latino culture at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo returns with Go Tejano Day, featuring music, mariachi and traditional Mexican performances.

The event takes place March 15 at NRG Stadium and across the rodeo grounds, drawing thousands of fans each year for a full day of entertainment.

Pepe Aguilar Headlines Rodeo Concert

Mexican music star Pepe Aguilar will headline the evening rodeo concert. Known for blending ranchera and mariachi traditions, Aguilar’s performances often include a jaripeo-style show with horses and traditional Mexican elements.

Local artist Jenny B, the 2025 Tejano Music Awards Best New Artist, will sing the national anthem to open the show.

Mariachi Invitational and Cultural Performances

The 34th Annual Mariachi Invitational begins March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Arena Theatre, with semifinal performances continuing the next day at The Hideout on the rodeo grounds. Top mariachi groups from the Houston area compete, with finalists performing in front of the rodeo crowd before the main concert.

Visitors can also enjoy the Fiesta Charra exhibition around 2 p.m. at NRG Arena, featuring traditional horseback riding, mariachi music and ballet folklórico performances.

Where to Explore on Go Tejano Day

Throughout the afternoon, fans can catch live music from local groups at The Junction Stage and The Hideout between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m..

Guests can also visit the Go Tejano diner, where proceeds support scholarships awarded each year by the Go Tejano Committee.

Organizers say the day celebrates culture, community and education while offering plenty of places across the rodeo grounds for families to enjoy music, food and performances.

For more on the Houston rodeo, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

DOGE Staffers Defend Grant Cuts Despite No Deficit Reduction

Edward Saenz
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DOGE Staffers Defend Grant Cuts Despite No Deficit Reduction

Depositions Reveal Use of AI to Identify DEI Programs

Newly released depositions reveal that two staff members from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) defended sweeping federal grant cancellations even after acknowledging the effort failed to reduce the U.S. deficit.

The testimony comes from a civil lawsuit filed by academic organizations including the American Council of Learned Societies, the American Historical Association, and the Modern Language Association. The case challenges cuts to more than $100 million in grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Musk’s Government Efficiency Push

The funding cuts followed the return of Donald Trump to the White House in January 2025, when he appointed Elon Musk as a lead adviser in the newly created DOGE initiative aimed at reducing federal spending.

Within days, federal agencies were directed to place diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staff on leave and close related programs.

AI Used to Flag Grants for Cancellation

In depositions, DOGE employees Justin Fox and Nate Cavanaugh said they relied on ChatGPT to help analyze thousands of grants.

According to court filings, the AI tool was prompted to determine whether grant descriptions involved DEI topics. Grants containing keywords such as “DEI,” “equity,” “inclusion,” or “LGBTQ” were often flagged for review and possible termination.

Cavanaugh acknowledged during questioning that the effort did not achieve its central goal.

“You don’t regret that people might have lost important income … to support their lives?” an attorney asked.

“No. I think it was more important to reduce the federal deficit from $2 trillion to close to zero,” Cavanaugh replied.

“Did you reduce the federal deficit?” the attorney asked.

“No, we didn’t,” Cavanaugh said.

Experience and Oversight Questioned

Attorneys also pressed the pair about their qualifications, noting that neither had prior government experience before joining DOGE.

Cavanaugh defended the decisions, arguing that reviewing grant descriptions was enough to determine whether they should be canceled. Fox faced additional scrutiny for labeling projects related to civil rights history and a documentary about Holocaust survivors as DEI-related spending.

Critics argue the grant cancellations unfairly targeted academic and cultural research, while DOGE officials maintain the cuts were aimed at eliminating wasteful spending and redirecting funds to projects aligned with the administration’s priorities.

Court filings indicate some of the reclaimed funds were redirected to the planned National Garden of American Heroes, a sculpture garden proposed to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

People running at Rodeo carnival prompts closure hours early, HLSR officials say

ABC13 Houston
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People running at Rodeo carnival prompts closure hours early, HLSR officials say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo closed its carnival hours early on Saturday after officials said a group of people began running in the area.

According to HLSR officials, a group of individuals began running in the rodeo’s carnival area, which prompted others nearby to begin running as well.

Officials said law enforcement responded quickly. Officials added that they are not aware of any injuries at this time.

Out of an abundance of caution, HLSR officials said, the carnival closed early at about 10 p.m. on Saturday.

“The safety of our guests remains the top priority for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” a representative from RodeoHouston said.

This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.

Watch live breaking news coverage from ABC13 on our 24/7 streaming news channel.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

UPDATE: Firefighter injured after falling through second floor in apartment fire, HFD says

ABC13 Houston
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UPDATE: Firefighter injured after falling through second floor in apartment fire, HFD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A firefighter was hospitalized after falling through a burned-out second-floor balcony in an apartment fire on Thursday, Houston fire officials said.

According to the Houston Fire Department, crews responded at about 5:45 p.m. to a fire coming from the second floor of a 2-story apartment located at 5850 Parkfront Drive near Sharpstown.

SkyEye was over the scene on Thursday and captured images of firefighters working to put out the apartment fire.

After an initial search, HFD named it a two-alarm fire, and crews assisted residents out of the exposed apartments, authorities said.

According to HFD, two firefighters fell through a burned-out second-floor balcony onto the first floor. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for moderate injuries from the fall, officials said.

Authorities said the fire was controlled, and HFD Arson investigators responded to determine the cause and origin of the fire. The incident is still under investigation, according to HFD.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Long TSA lines possible at Houston airports as spring break, partial government shutdown continues

ABC13 Houston
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Long TSA lines possible at Houston airports as spring break, partial government shutdown continues

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As spring break travel continues, Houston Airport officials are advising travelers to prepare for a peak travel day on Sunday.

While the screening lines at Hobby Airport moved smoothly on Saturday morning according to its website, the wait times could change on Sunday as officials said the peak spring break travel day could expect 184,000 travelers across Houston airports.

This comes after ABC13 reported long lines at airport security at the start of spring break on Monday, which was another one of the peak travel days, according to officials.

The increased travel includes people visiting Houston for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the World Baseball Classic, and for cruise departures from Galveston, according to airport authorities.

The travel trouble is only expected to grow as the partial government shutdown continues, according to ABC News.

“Morale is pretty low with my coworkers,” Cameron Cochems, a TSA Union Representative, told ABC News. “They are worrying about when their paycheck is going to be. They know that during the last shutdown, we were kind of forefront to everything, but now there’s so many more different things going on in the world.”

Industry leaders told ABC News Live it’s been rough, as ABC News reported that TSA workers received their first zero-dollar paychecks on Friday amid the shutdown.

“People are having to drive Uber, so they’ll work a 10-hour shift and then go do drive Uber for 4-5 hours and then go home and be tired and go to sleep and come in the next day and continue this cycle, which makes it harder and harder for us to do our jobs,” Cochems said.

Hobby Airport officials said TSA workers from other locations are now assisting at the airport. Officials also advised Houston travelers to arrive at the airport early as peak travel continues.

For news updates, follow Brianna Willis on Facebook, x and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

It’s a warm and windy Sunday, then a cold and blustery Monday

ABC13 Houston
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It’s a warm and windy Sunday, then a cold and blustery Monday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A strong cold front is on the way and will move through Houston Sunday evening, turning our warm, windy Sunday into a cold and blustery Monday.

It’s a mild start this Sunday with temps in the 60s to start, warming into the mid 80s this afternoon. It will also be breezy early, then downright windy behind the front this evening. A Wind Advisory begins Sunday at 10 a.m. and is in effect until 6 p.m. Monday for every county in Southeast Texas. This is thanks to a powerful storm system that will also bring a strong cold front to the region Sunday evening. Winds Sunday ahead of the front will be out of the southwest between 20 to 30 mph and could gust up to 40. Winds behind the front Sunday night into Monday will be out of the north between 25 to 35 mph and could gust up to 45 mph.

This strong cold front then begins to push into the region in the late afternoon. It will track from north to south, where a few showers and storms could develop later in the evening. With how quickly these storms will track and the wind shift associated with the front, there’s the small chance a few of these storms could produce gusty winds or even a brief tornado. Best chance for any severe weather Sunday is east of Houston and I-45 and closer to Louisiana. Then the cold air surges in behind this front Sunday night, allowing for temperatures to fall into the low-mid 40s by Monday morning. Wind chill values Monday morning could be in the mid-upper 30s. BRRR!

Is there a fire weather risk behind this front?

Thanks to the numerous rainy days we’ve seen the past week, the fire risk for Southeast Texas isn’t as high as it could be Monday. But yes, it’s still there! Pair the drier air coming in from the north with those gusty winds, there’s a risk for any fires to spread quickly if one were to begin Monday.

And how long will it stay cold?

A big temperature change is on the way! Sunday afternoon, we’ll have a heat index near 90 degrees, and then by Monday morning, we’ll have a wind chill in the mid-30s. Monday will feel like winter once again with morning lows in the 40s and afternoon highs only in the 50s! Pair those cooler temperatures with the gusty northerly breeze, and we’ll have a wind chill throughout the day. Make sure you and your kids remember the heavier coat and bundle up heading back to work or school after Spring Break. Temperatures Monday night then could dip into the mid-to-upper 30s by Tuesday morning too, making for another cold start to the day. Tuesday afternoon, though, temperatures will rebound into the low 60s with more sunshine during the day. And after one more chilly morning Wednesday. We’ll finally see more seasonal or even above-normal temperatures for the rest of next week.

Are we expecting any more frosty mornings this winter season?

While widespread frost is not expected, there is the chance that some frost could form well north of Houston, closer to College Station, Huntsville, and Livingston, early Tuesday morning.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Houston Spring 2026 Hispanic Heritage Guide: Festivals, Music, Food, and Family

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston Spring 2026 Hispanic Heritage Guide: Festivals, Music, Food, and Family

Forget what you think you know about Houston’s spring events—this year, the city’s Hispanic heritage takes center stage like never before. If you want to catch the best Houston Hispanic events 2026 has to offer, now’s the time to plan your calendar. From vibrant festivals to live Tejano music and family-friendly celebrations, this guide shows you where culture, food, and community come alive this spring.

Houston’s Vibrant Festivals

As spring unfolds in Houston, the city’s vibrant festivals become a testament to its rich Hispanic heritage. This season, you’re in for a treat with events that capture the essence of Latino culture.

Major Spring Celebrations

Get ready to mark your calendars! Houston spring festivals 2026 kick off with major celebrations that highlight the city’s diverse Hispanic community. One standout event is the annual Houston Latin Fest. This lively gathering promises a day full of music, dance, and delicious food. With over 20,000 attendees last year, it’s a must-see spectacle that draws people from all over. Check out more events on the official event calendar for a full lineup.

In addition to the Latin Fest, be sure to visit the popular Houston Art and Culture Festival. This event showcases local artists and celebrates the creative spirit of the Latino community. Whether you’re admiring artwork or participating in interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more events, don’t forget to explore the Houston cultural calendar.

Cinco de Mayo Highlights

Cinco de Mayo in Houston is an occasion you won’t want to miss. This year, the city is pulling out all the stops with celebrations that honor Mexican culture and history. One of the highlights is the Cinco de Mayo parade in downtown Houston. Featuring colorful floats and lively music, it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the festivities. Plus, it’s a family-friendly event, so bring the kids along for a day of fun.

Aside from the parade, local bars and restaurants offer special Cinco de Mayo deals. You can indulge in tasty tacos and refreshing margaritas while enjoying live mariachi performances. To make the most of your day, plan your route using the Houston festival guide. This way, you won’t miss out on any of the action.

Music and Dance Extravaganza

After exploring the festivals, prepare for a music and dance extravaganza that will get your feet moving. Houston’s Hispanic community knows how to put on a show, and this spring is no exception.

Tejano and Mariachi Performances

Tejano music Houston enthusiasts, this is your time to shine! Catch incredible Tejano and mariachi performances that showcase the heart and soul of Latino culture. One of the highlights is the annual Tejano Music Fest, where top artists take the stage to deliver unforgettable shows. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, you’re guaranteed to have a blast.

Mariachi Houston performances are also in full swing this season. Enjoy soulful melodies and passionate vocals at various events around the city. For an authentic experience, make sure to attend the Mariachi Festival, which features talented musicians and vibrant performances. Don’t forget to check the Houston cultural calendar for more details on these incredible shows.

Dance Events and Competitions

Dance your heart out at Houston’s exciting dance events and competitions. From salsa to cumbia, there’s a dance style for everyone to enjoy. One of the most anticipated events is the Houston Salsa Congress. Here, you can witness top dancers compete for the title of salsa champion. It’s an electrifying experience that will leave you inspired.

If you’re looking to participate, consider joining a local dance class or workshop. Many studios offer lessons for all skill levels, so you can learn new moves and meet fellow dance enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll have a great time embracing the rhythm of Latino culture. For more information, visit the Houston festival guide.

Culinary Delights and Family Fun

No celebration is complete without delicious food and family-friendly activities. Houston’s Hispanic heritage events offer plenty of both, making this spring a time to cherish with loved ones.

Latin Food Festival Treats

Indulge in mouthwatering treats at the Latin Food Festival Houston. This culinary event features a wide array of dishes that highlight the flavors of Latino cuisine. From savory empanadas to sweet churros, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Plus, you can sample traditional drinks like horchata and aguas frescas to complete your meal.

Foodies will love the cooking demonstrations and tastings hosted by renowned chefs. You’ll learn how to create authentic dishes and pick up tips for enhancing your own cooking skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover new flavors and expand your culinary horizons. For a complete list of food festivals, check out the Houston cultural calendar.

Family-Friendly Activities and Parades

Bring the whole family to enjoy a day filled with activities and parades. Houston family events spring into action with exciting options for all ages. Kids will love the interactive exhibits at the local museums, while parents can relax and enjoy live entertainment. The Houston parade spring 2026 is a highlight, featuring colorful floats and cultural performances.

For a fun day out, visit the Houston Zoo or take a stroll through one of the city’s beautiful parks. With so much to see and do, you’ll create lasting memories with your loved ones. To ensure you don’t miss any of the fun, plan your visit using the Houston festival guide.

In conclusion, Houston’s spring 2026 Hispanic heritage events offer a unique opportunity to celebrate culture, music, food, and family. Embrace the vibrant spirit of Latino culture and make the most of this exciting season.

Small Places, Big Impact: Discovering Finca Tres Robles in the Heart of Houston

Blanca Beltran-Robinson
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Small Places, Big Impact: Discovering Finca Tres Robles in the Heart of Houston

Tucked away off Navigation Boulevard, Small Places at Finca Tres Robles is a hidden gem quietly transforming the way Houston connects with food, community, and culture. More than just a farm, this vibrant space is cultivating health, resilience, and relationships – one harvest at a time.

Founded with a bold vision and deep love for the East End, Finca Tres Robles is now a thriving urban farm where every vegetable has a purpose, and every event is rooted in community care. “We opened the farm in April, and since then we’ve welcomed volunteers, families, and partners to help shape what this place becomes,” says founder Tommy Garcia-Prats.

Photo credit: Lissette Garza

A Farm That Feeds More Than Just the Body

At the heart of the farm is the Farm Store, stocked with fresh produce harvested right from the land. But what makes this store truly special is its inclusive pricing model: customers can select a card that reflects what they can afford, ensuring that fresh, healthy food is accessible to everyone. “We want people to shop here every week – so how do we make it affordable for everyone in that way?” says Garcia-Prats.

Spaces That Teach, Gather, and Inspire

Finca Tres Robles is home to the HEB Teaching Kitchen, a space where cooking classes and nutrition education come to life. The farm also features a beautiful Pavilion, perfect for hosting community events, workshops, and celebrations. From Senior Coffee Mornings to the lively Salsa de Mayo Festival, the farm is a hub for connection and creativity.

Their Apprenticeship Program trains three new farmers each year, renewing the bond between people, place, and food. With over 70 cooking classes and 150 community events hosted, the farm is proving that small places can make a big difference.

Photo Credit: Cristy Contreras

A Living Classroom and Community Anchor

Walking the rows of Finca Tres Robles, you’ll find more than crops – you will find stories. Each plant, each partnership, each program is a testament to the farm’s mission: to grow food with purpose and build a healthier, more connected Houston.

Upcoming Events

If you’ve never been, this is your sign to stop by. Meet the team and support a space that’s growing more than just food – it’s growing community. And while you’re at it, check out their website for all upcoming events, https://smallplaces.org/

NACCS Tejas Foco conference brings scholars, students and community together at UHD

Edward Saenz
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NACCS Tejas Foco conference brings scholars, students and community together at UHD

Scholars, students and community leaders gathered at the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS) Tejas Foco conference at University of Houston–Downtown, continuing a decades-long tradition of discussing Chicano and Latino history, culture and activism.

The Tejas Foco is the Texas regional chapter of NACCS, an academic and community organization founded in the 1970s that promotes scholarship and dialogue surrounding Chicana, Chicano and Latino experiences in the United States. The annual regional conference brings together academics, educators, activists and students to present research, attend panels and build community around issues affecting Latino communities.

Organizers said the gathering also provides a space where complex topics — ranging from civil rights history to representation in popular culture — can be explored openly.

Credit: Katherine Medina

“We’re here at NACCS Tejas Foco 2026,” Dr. Anthony Ramirez, a professor of Communications at UHD, said during the event. “This is a regional conference here at the University of Houston–Downtown… It’s representation on a higher-education front and also in the community.”

More than 200 people attended the conference, which featured academic panels, discussions on media and culture, and networking opportunities among scholars and community members.

Dr. Manny Grajales, a lecturer in the history department at University of North Texas, said the event stands out because it blends academic research with community participation.

“This is my third NACCS,” Grajales said. “One of the things I always appreciate is the commitment to bring in everyone. It’s not just academics — you have community leaders, educators and even middle and high school students.”

Grajales, who teaches courses in U.S. history, Latino history and Mexican American civil rights, said the conference helps bridge generational gaps in knowledge about history and culture.

“I think it’s important for younger generations to learn from older generations,” he said. “But it’s also important for older generations to see that youth are interested in learning these histories and maintaining their culture.”

Many discussions during the conference focused on how different forms of media — from literature and comics to video games and film — can be used to explore historical themes.

Grajales said connecting history to modern pop culture can help students better understand complex ideas.

Credit: Katherine Medina

“If I use a pop-culture reference my students understand, then they realize the themes we’re talking about — conflict, discrimination, identity — are in those stories too,” he said.

For graduate student Jenny Rodriguez of University of Texas at San Antonio, the conference serves as a platform for highlighting resistance and storytelling within Chicano communities.

“The goal of the event is to showcase resistance in Chicano and Chicana communities,” Rodriguez said. “Whether that’s through education, community activism or seeing ourselves in popular media, we want our stories to be heard and told by us and for us.”

Rodriguez said the conference has evolved over the years by using social media and digital platforms to share research and connect participants beyond the event itself.

She also emphasized the importance of recognizing multiple forms of learning and storytelling.

“For so long students were told they were supposed to learn only from a book,” Rodriguez said. “But you can learn from costume design in film, from comics, from political cartoons or from community art. Those are all valid forms of knowledge.”

Participants said one highlight of the conference was the opening ceremonial danza performance, which set the tone for the weekend’s discussions and cultural celebrations.

Grajales said the most meaningful part of the event is the sense of community.

“Seeing scholars whose work I’ve read, community activists, teachers and youth all coming together to learn and pass down history and culture — that’s the most important thing about this space,” he said.

Organizers encouraged people outside academia to attend future conferences.

“Even if you’re not an academic, come and check it out,” one speaker said. “It’s a space for people to feel seen, heard and represented.” Dr. Ramirez said.

Credit: Katherine Medina

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