This is a big month with several performing arts organizations beginning a new season. I’ve done my best to include as many interesting happenings as I could, including a rare event on Tuesday night. I wouldn’t put a Tuesday night event up this prominently without a good reason. Read on to find out why…

Thursday 08-19 through Saturday 09-11

3rd Annual Houston Fringe Festival, FrenetiCore/Frenetic Theater, Thu-Sat (except 09-09), doors 7:30pm, show 8pm, $17 (adv.)/$20 (at door). Annual performing arts festival offering independent film, theatre, music, dance, and visual arts. Each week is a different program; the final week is “Anything Goes.” 10-HFF

Friday 08-27

Hollywood Black CD Release Show, Walter’s on Washington, 4215 Washington, 8pm-1am, $10. Also featuring Female Demand and The Ride Home. Includes free CD for everyone, and free beer for 21+. 10-M08-4

Beginning Sunday 09-04

The Doctor’s Dilemma, Main Street Theater – Rice Village, 2540 Times Boulevard, see description. Main Street Theater kicks off their season with the story of a doctor who has found a cure for tuberculosis but can only take one more patient. Unfortunately, he has a choice of two: a kind but pauperly fellow doctor, or an artist who is intelligent but has a devious streak. Making the situation even more tumultous is the artist’s wife, who the doctor falls in love with. Tickets to previews are $10 (Sept. 4 at 8pm, Sept. 5 at 3:00pm, and Sept. 8 at 7:30pm); remaining shows (Thu 7:30pm, Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm) through October 3 are $26 to $40. 10-MSTDD

Friday 09-17 and Saturday 09-18

Come As You Are: HOUSTON, DiverseWorks, 1115 East Freeway, 7:30pm, $5. A provocative exploration of queer sex through performance art. Featuring Nancy Douthey, DumpTruck, Gendermyn, Michael Harren, Daniel-kayne and Michael Clay, Jonatan Lopez, Daaimah Mubashshir, and Julia Wallace. 10-M09-1

Tuesday 09-21

Runaway Sun, McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, show 7:30pm, $10. The local blues-rock quartet descends upon a well-respected venue for what’s sure to be an unforgettable show. 10-M09-2

Saturday 09-25

14th Annual Houston Museum District Day, various locations, 10am-5pm. Seventeen Houston museums waive their usual admission fees, and free shuttle buses will run a special route through the museum district allowing one to park once for the entire day. This is a great chance to see what the Museum District has to offer, especially if you never have before. 10-M09-3