austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Houston

What isn't there to love about Houston? Whether we're admiring our beautiful diversity, eating at another delicious restaurant, jamming to new music from a Houston artist, exploring our wonderful parks, there is SO much to love about this city.  

So, that's why in honor of our legendary 713 phone number, we (the City Cast Houston team, our podcast guests, readers, and listeners) have compiled a list of 713 things we love about Houston. We hope this list makes you smile, helps you remember the memories you've made in Houston, and inspires you to try something new. 

Seeing the Be Someone graffiti as you drive into downtown

Trail riders going along Allen Parkway and downtown

When your power comes back on after a storm

All of our tire shops and that flats get fixed ASAP

Brays Bayou (as long as it doesn't overflow)

Going to Bun B's Takeover at the Houston Rodeo

The summer rain shower that breaks the heat

Picking up Houston Chronicle’s Sunday paper	

Hearing Houston Public Media in your Uber

Snapping a photo on POST Houston's rooftop

You can wear summer clothes in the winter

The way we band together after disasters		

40 and under night at Houston Grand Opera

Bringing a cocktail into the theater while you watch a show at Hobby Center

Adult skate night at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

Escaping Houston and getting to the Seawall in Galveston

Movies on the roof at Rooftop Cinema Club

When all the Houston sports team are winning

Walking through downtown when it's decorated for Christmas	

Drinking glass of wine at Postino's patio in The Heights	

Getting Trill Burgers at the Houston Rodeo

Sunset in Buffalo Bayou Park with Downtown Houston as backdrop

Spring day on a patio denying the summer heat that will roll in soon enough

Collecting shells along the beach in Galveston

713 Things We Love About Houston

Find the best of everything that Houston has to offer.

Houston’s Best

Houston's Best

As we dive deeper into the fall season, there’s nothing better than watching a cozy movie inside with a big tub of popcorn. So, which movie theater should you put at the top of your list this fall? And which movie theater may not be worth the hype? I’ve got you covered ⬇️

Before you visit any other movie theater in Houston, you have to go to this one! River Oaks Theatre, which opened originally in 1939, is a one-of-a-kind theater in Houston. Whenever I visit, I feel like I’m getting a glimpse at Old Hollywood glamour because of the beautiful interior design. River Oaks Theatre also 

, where they updated their sound, lighting, seating, and added a brand new kitchen and two bars. Make sure to add a 

midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Worth Visiting: IPIC Houston At Least Once

 every weekend, but if you’re looking to escape into a night of luxury then this is worth visiting at least once. Enjoy reclining seats, cozy blankets, and food from their chef-driven theater menu. Want to take your extravagant night out up a notch? Check out 

 inside the movie theater, where you can enjoy a range of delicious items, including their short rib grilled cheese, tuck street tacos, and their lobster mac and cheese. You’re hungry now, right?!

Okay, I know I’m probably going to get some hate for this pick. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy a trip every now and then to 

Regal Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Theater

. It reminds me of the movie theaters I grew up going to as a kid. However, movie ticket prices for adults are over $20, and you have to pay for parking. For that price, you might as well spend a little bit more at one of Houston’s more upscale theaters. Plus, their 

Who wouldn’t want to see the breathtaking Houston skyline while watching their favorite movie? This is why I love 

! Whether you want to enjoy a popular film like Michael B. Jordan’s "Sinners," they show new flicks every night. This movie theater is also perfect for a date night because you can cozy up in a love seat for two with a bag of popcorn. Check out their 

, which includes a glass of wine with your movie ticket.

What’s your favorite movie theater in Houston?!

Which Houston movie theaters should you visit or skip this summer? 

Houston Movie Theaters to Visit This Summer

 Should You Visit or Skip These Movie Theaters?

Happy October! It’s time to enjoy the spooky season with arts and cultural happenings across Greater Houston. Whether you want to go on an educational architecture walk in the Museum District, celebrate the rich history of Diwali, or join a new book club in Third Ward, there’s plenty of fun to embrace this month.

Shadowlawn and Waverly Court Architecture Walk

Explore the two earliest enclaves of Houston’s prestigious Museum District with Preservation Houston. Embrace the cooler weather while learning about the history and architecture of the neighborhood.

Anjali Performing Arts Diwali Celebration Performances

 at The Woodlands Children’s Museum | October 18 | 10:30 & 11:30 a.m.

Celebrate Diwali this month with colorful, vibrant performances! More than a billion people around the world participate in Diwali, a Hindu holiday that started in India and celebrates the victory of light over darkness.

Film talk: Addie Tsai, author of "Straight White Men Can't Dance"

 at Basket Books & Art | October 23 | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Basket Books is offering a unique film talk and discussion with Houston author Addie Tsai, who gives us a closer look at the media research behind their work. This unique talk explores how a dance trope about white men actually serves as a smokescreen for deeper issues of white supremacy.

 at Houston History Research Center| October 23 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

This showcase at the Julia Ideson Building downtown will feature architectural drawings of Houston’s theaters and performance halls. Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most renowned and beautiful theater buildings across the city.

 at Kindred Stories | October 28 | 7:00 pm

This month, Kindred Stories’ book club is reading 

by Kylie Lee Baker —- a proper horror novel for the season! Gather with your community and welcome the spooky season together.

Book Launch | “Sea of Ink, Forest of Pens: The Art of the Qurʾan in the Hossein Afshar Collection”

 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston | October 30 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The cozy season is the perfect time to curl up with a book. Join the MFAH for David J. Roxburgh’s book launch in the Hirsch Library’s intimate Reading Room. You’ll get a chance to hear from the museum’s paper conservationist, Tina Tan, about how she preserves centuries-old works from our collection.

The best arts and culture events in Houston for October 2025. 

Houston Arts & Culture Guide for October 2025

October is one of the best months in Houston! Why is that? The temperatures are 

starting to cool down and the month is packed with festivities to celebrate the start of fall. Whether you want to dance the night away to Tejano music, sip craft beer at Oktoberfest, or play Monster Mini-Golf (yes, this is a thing!), you will not be disappointed with fun happenings around H-Town.

Don’t Let These Fun Events Slip Under Your Radar

Did you know a former vice president is coming to town?! Kamala Harris is making a stop at Hobby Center to 

 which covers her unprecedented run for president last year.

Craving one more night on Miller Outdoor Theatre’s beautiful lawn before the season ends? Spend this weekend dancing and singing along to Tejano and mariachi music at the 

Basketball season is also back! Cheer on the Houston Rockets and new star player Kevin Durant 

The weather is crisp(ish), so it’s time to get outside and enjoy one of Houston’s festivals!

Want to ooh and ahh over beautiful artwork? Stop by the 

 at Memorial Park, which will feature hundreds of artists from all over the world.

Embrace our city’s dynamic diversity at the 

, one of the largest cultural events held at Discovery Green. This year, it will feature K-Pop headliners Hohyun & Withus.

Nothing feels more like fall than an Oktoberfest celebration! Head to 

at Saint Arnold Brewing Co, where you can celebrate with a German-themed food menu, live music, and special beer tappings.

, where they can decorate pumpkins, show off their costumes, and go on an adventure on the trick-or-treat nature trail.

 with hands-on crafts and the movie “Coco.”

Dance the night away, sing karaoke, and win best costume at the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s one-of-a-kind 

Mixers & Elixirs: Spirits and Skeletons party.

 Or, put on your best costume and groove with your crew at 

, where you can win a cash prize for your costume. Looking for more low-key options? Grab your beau or your crew 

for a scary movie at Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown

 at this glow-in-the-dark course in Katy.

The best ways to ring in fall across Houston. 

Your October Guide 2025 in Houston

Houston's Best Ways to Celebrate Fall in October 2025

Okay, don’t judge me, but I was the kid who loved my English classes in high school. A specified time to write, read, and think critically? Sign me up again and again! What really marked my high school experience were the books I read as a student. They made me laugh and cry, challenged me, and expanded my world. Keep reading to learn about some of my favorites 📚

," I remember feeling intimidated by the book’s length. At 16, it was probably one of the longest books I’d read (outside of the "Harry Potter" series). I fell in love with Jane’s sweeping story of self-discovery, love, and incredible courage, though. Since high school, I’ve seen the movie and also the 

Alley Theatre’s beautiful rendition of the play

 last year. Definitely a classic story that’s still just as beautiful today.

 is still one of my favorite books as an adult. It has everything to keep a reader intrigued: a gripping mystery, glamorous parties, characters that jump off the page, and the iconic setting of Long Island, New York. The summer before my senior year of college, "The Great Gatsby" 

 debuted, and it made me love the book even more! This 

scene with Daisy and Gatsby still lives rent-free in my head,

 specifically with Lana Del Rey’s song “Young & Beautiful" on repeat.

always stayed with me because it was unlike anything I’d ever read before. This satirical story follows a group of mistreated and overworked animals who want to create a better environment for themselves. Decades after it was originally published, this novel becomes increasingly more relevant with each passing year.

" at school or for pleasure, but this book solidified my identity as a writer. I can’t believe this was the first novel Toni Morrison ever wrote! In this haunting story, Pecola Breedlove, an 11-year-old African American girl, prays for her eyes to turn blue, so she can be considered beautiful. As a teenager struggling with my own identity at the time, Morrison named feelings that I didn’t even know existed in myself. Now, as an adult, I stand proud of who I am today, what I look like, and where I come from — and a lot of that comes from reading great Black writers like Morrison.

The best bookstores in Houston

The best books Hey Houston Newsletter Editor Brooke Lewis read in high school. 

The Books We Read in High School 

The Best Classic Books From High School

The temperatures are (kinda) cooling down, pumpkins are out at HEB, and the Texans are back playing at NRG, which means fall is on the horizon. Fall is one of my favorite seasons in H-Town because of all the festivities! Whether you want to see the Houston Zoo in a new way, take a quick road trip to a pumpkin farm, or devour a turkey leg at the Texas Renaissance Festival, you won’t get bored over the next few months. So, what fall fun should you visit and which ones can you save for later?

If you’re looking for peak fall vibes, take a mini road trip to 

 out in Brookshire. Every year, it seems like their fall festivities get bigger and better. Looking for that perfect Instagram pic? Snap one in their pumpkin patch or their life-sized Pumpkin House. Grab your crew and spend the afternoon getting lost in their giant 8-acre corn maze. At night, the farm transforms into a Halloween experience complete with a pumpkin stroll and glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Working up an appetite after all that fun? Don’t worry, they have fried oreos, turkey legs, and barbecue to keep you satisfied!

Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s much more pleasant to walk around the Houston Zoo and enjoy 

! AND you get to wear costumes and check out fun decorations. Imagine walking down the tiger exhibit with a bunch of hanging jack-o-lanterns. It adds so much whimsy for the kiddos, and the young-at-heart. Executive Producer Laura Isensee has gone before and recommends you go at least once. And if wearing costumes is your jam, then go every year and make it your own H-Town fall ritual. This year they have a fun-sounding new addition called PhantomScape where animated images are projected on the rocks and landscape at the Galapagos Islands exhibit.

Can’t Miss the Texas Renaissance Festival

 will open to Houston queens and kings on Oct. 11. For over 50 years, this festival has been a staple fall event for Houstonians, and there is good reason! Where else can you dress in your best Renaissance attire, jam to live music, see exciting performances, and eat until you can’t anymore? Never been before and wondering what to check out? I recommend you splurge on a ticket to The King’s Feast, a two hour dinner theatre event where you can feast like never before. Also mark your calendar for one of their themed weekends, which include everything from Oktoberfest to Celtic Christmas. Although the festival 

has undergone some controversy within the last year

, It’s a Houston tradition that will never get old!

Skip Houston Parks and Head to Sam Houston National Forest

Want to catch some fall foliage? Make an adventure out of it and drive about 50 miles north to 

. Go on a hike, camp, ride your bike, fish, or just take your time exploring. It takes until around late October or early November for the beautiful brown, red, and orange colors to start showing up on our trees and when they do, it’s breathtaking. Don’t want to wait to see fall foliage? Go now and bask in the cooler temperatures!

Disclaimer: The Texas Renaissance Festival is a sponsor of City Cast Houston and Hey Houston. Sponsors play no role in City Cast's journalism.

The best places to enjoy fall across Houston. 

Best Places to Enjoy Fall 2025 Across Houston

Best Places to Enjoy Fall Across Houston

One thing about me, I love a good coffee shop. Houston has 

many cozy places to grab your favorite latte or specialty drink that it’s hard for me to narrow it down. Here’s a round-up of some of the best places to enjoy as the temperatures cool down 🍁

For fans of EQ Heights, which abruptly closed at the start of the year, I have some good news for you! 

 quietly opened in the same spot last month. This place holds the same neighborhood charm as EQ Heights with cozy seating and dim lighting. I went on a Saturday morning, and I watched many stop in for breakfast, catch up with a friend, and start their day with a fresh cup of coffee. What’s different about Caffvino? It also serves wine and dessert and stays open longer than its predecessor. So, grab a glass and enjoy!

 became my oasis during the pandemic. I discovered their beautiful outdoor patio when I was looking for a safe space to work outside. This cute little coffee shop is a well-kept secret, tucked away on Westheimer and Edloe, and has plenty of outdoor seating and delicious beverages. I recommend their La Playa smoothie, acai bowl, and, of course, their breakfast tacos! In the summer, they have a snow cone stand.

 near Washington Avenue is always packed because they have great coffee, an awesome playlist, and an inviting atmosphere to get work done or relax. I always associate this coffee shop with fall because of the dark wood and brick interior. If you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest getting there earlier in the day or going in the afternoon after the midday rush.

If you WFH and are searching for a place to get work done, then I highly recommend 

. The baristas are some of the nicest people ever, the food is top tier, and their music selection always keeps me jamming. Some of my favorite things to snack and sip include: the “BELT” croissant sandwich, chai latte, and their blueberry (buttered and toasted!) muffins. It’s also a great place to people watch. Something about being surrounded by others working on their laptops makes you want to be productive, too.

? Whether you want to catch up on work, read a book, or meet up with a friend for a quick bite, you can easily do it all here. Pro tip: Fuel up here first with coffee and one of their breakfast tacos before you do some shopping on 19th.

I already know I’m missing your favorite, 

The best coffee shops in Houston to visit this fall. 

 Best Houston Coffee Shops to Visit this Fall

School is back in session, and as Houstonians wait for the promise of cool fronts, you can find some inspiration from so many rich cultural experiences this season. In Downtown Houston’s Theater District, curtains are rising with fan favorites, special guests and world premieres. Don’t forget to see what else is happening with this month’s hand-selected picks, maybe in your own neighborhood! 

Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts

 at Carol Theater, this innovative dance festival celebrates the stories of immigrants and diverse communities. Over three days, choreography spanning folkloric, contemporary, theatrical and experimental dance will explore migration, identity, community and resistance.

Preservation Houston Chat About 'Plaque to Basics'

Preservation Houston is launching a new midday talk series called “Time & Place” and the first chat will explore historic designations – how they are decided, what they mean, how to get one, and why sometimes a historic building with a plaque can be torn down.

Free and family-friendly, this quarterly event brings together neighbors near and far with drinks courtesy of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, plus hands-on craft activities and live music. It all happens at one of Houston’s wildest houses that Ripley’s Believe It or Not estimates is decorated with over 50,000 beer cans.

The vibrant and unique Vietnamese heritage in Houston is on full display at the largest Vietnamese festival in Texas! Enjoy performances, traditional games, competitions, and delicious cuisine. It’s a celebration you can only find in H-town, home to the largest Vietnamese community in the U.S. after Los Angeles.

Wild Tunes is a nonprofit founded by a then 10-year-old Yuvi Agarwal and is dedicated to soothing shelter animals through music. Their third annual concert will feature dozens of musicians and performing artists and is free at Resurrection MCC in the Heights. 

 | Sept. 7 | 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Miller Outdoor Theatre

 | Sept. 13 | 7 - 10 p.m. | Historic Town Square in Katy

Studio Ghibli: 40th Anniversary Tribute Art Show

| Sept. 12 | 7 - 11 p.m. | Hardy & Nance Studios

 | Sept.19 | 8 - 11 p.m. | Bad Astronaut Brewing

 | Sept. 27 - 28 | noon - 10 p.m. | Independence Park in Pearland

Your Houston Arts & Culture Guide for September 2025

Your Houston Arts & Culture Guide for September

September is packed with ways to celebrate the cooler weather, art and music events to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, and festivals to check out that perhaps you’ve never been to before! Whether you want to explore new literature, shop a new small business, or enjoy the Renaissance festival early, there’s plenty of fun to go around!

Fun Activities That You’ve Never Been to Before

Want to spice up your events calendar this September? Check out 

 a celebration of literature and culture that will take place at different venues across the city starting Sept. 5. Mark your calendar for 

, a one-of-a-kind event debuting in Houston from Sept. 18 - 21, featuring four large-scale exhibits, including one from El Franco Lee II who uses paintings and artifacts to pay tribute to his late father Harris County Commissioner El Franco Lee.

To close out the month, you don’t want to miss the 

 where you can enjoy bites and drinks from the best in Texas on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28.

The Best Ways to Honor Hispanic Heritage Month

AvantGarden’s weekly open mic nights are a key fabric of the city’s arts scene, so you’ll want to grab a seat for 

, featuring Zachary Caballero, a nationally recognized poet. Whether you want an intricate handmade item or a local brand, shop from a ton of small businesses during the 

Immerse yourself in Hispanic culture from all over the world through dance, music, and audiovisual presentations during 

“Dia de la Hispanidad” at Miller Outdoor Theatre

It’s not quite fall in Houston yet, but we can get in the mood early right?! One way to do that is head to 

 and taste German-inspired eats, listen to the Prost Polka Band, and cheer on pups during the Weiner Dog Race.

There’s something about the Renaissance Festival that makes it feel like fall in Texas, so enjoy it early at 

this celebration at Traders Village Houston

 on Sept. 7 featuring amusement park rides, a feast fit for a king or queen, and talented dancers. 

 in Brookshire, which opens back up on Sept. 13, is one of my favorite places to ring in the fall season! Snap a photo in their pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, or take a spin on one of their rides.

More Things to Do in September 🗓️

These are the best things to do around Houston in September.

Your Guide to September in Houston

 is a foodie tradition that Houstonians look forward to every summer. For one month, you can dine at some of your favorite restaurants (or ones you’ve longed to try) at a discounted price all while helping raise money for the Houston Food Bank. So, which restaurants should you plan to visit and which ones can you save for another time? I’m breaking it down for you below 🍽️

Located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 

 is a popular choice for Restaurant Weeks, so book your reservation now! And why is that? Well, you can enjoy a luxury French restaurant for a complete steal! Since dinner is extra popular, you might want to try booking a table for their $25 lunch or brunch. Anything you order is going to be delicious, but some of the menu items that stand out are the Scottish salmon, filet mignon & eggs, and the peach jasmine tart.

, a Black-owned Southern restaurant in the Museum District, then now is your time to book a visit! My recommendation is to go for lunch because you’re going to get the most bang for your buck. Their $25 three-course lunch includes some of their most acclaimed dishes like the yardbird, oxtail philly, and fried green tomatoes. If you can’t do a weekday lunch, then book a table for their can’t miss weekend brunch! My tip: Sit on the patio and jam to the live music 🎵

What restaurants are worth visiting during Houston Restaurant Weeks? 