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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

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

There’s a stretch of Westheimer that feels a little bit like Hollywood. The streets are lined with tall palm trees and picture-perfect buildings, making you wonder if you’re still in Houston. Earlier this month, I explored that iconic stretch of Westheimer, starting with tea at Central Market, shopping at Highland Village, and ending with brunch at the River Oaks District. And let’s just say, I did a mix of walking and driving, because it’s Houston 😉

 (I know pinch me) and would walk down and get breakfast anytime I wanted. When I set out earlier this month, I wanted to relive those days. So, I grabbed an English Breakfast tea from their coffee counter and spent some time lounging inside their cafe. But if you’re hungry, Central Market’s breakfast options are almost endless: freshly baked muffins, croissants, and breakfast tacos. And even though this isn’t about lunch, I 

to mention their build-your-own-sandwich counter. My favorite: The California Connection 😋

 has been around since 1952. I spent my morning looking through the sales rack at 

. On any trip there, I also like to ooh and ahhh over the beautiful jewelry by 

 (who graduated from Klein High School btw!) And whether you need new glasses, something chic for your living room from 

, you could spend the whole day (and maybe your whole paycheck!) at this shopping center. Working up an appetite and want to support a local business? Grab a bite from this Texas chain 

, serving up delicious Italian food, or swing by 

, a Tex-Mex classic in Houston for more than 30 years. I also adore 

, for their fantastic crepes and adorable ambience.

Keep walking (or driving!) down Westheimer, and you’ll find yourself at the 

. This swanky complex opened a decade ago, and yes, you can shop even 

 from over 60 luxury brands. Tired of the same movie routine? Check out 

 for a more upscale experience. I’ve heard amazing reviews about 

, where you can experience a taste of Madrid night life in Houston. 

 has always been my go-to Texas burger joint since my college days in Austin. Finally, I ended my tour with a plate of delicious waffles and eggs at 

, which is just as cute in person as it photographs on insta!

What did I miss? 

A walking guide of Highland Village and the River Oaks District on Westheimer. 

Your Walking Guide to Westheimer 

Everything to know about Houston neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Houston Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Ready to soak up the last days of summer with your boo? I have some fun, romantic options for you – even if you’re on a budget! From a salsa dance under the stars to cozying up for a movie at the museum, you can have fun with your partner without breaking the bank.

🎨 A Night Filled with Art at Eldorado Ballroom

Enjoy art and history all in one night at the historic Eldorado Ballroom in Third Ward. Grab your boo thang and 

experience this free event filled with intimate live performances

 and presentations. Snack on light bites and sip drinks as you hear from local artists who spent their summer at Project Row Houses.

🎤 Broadway Night at Miller Outdoor Theatre

If you and your partner are theater fans, then you’ll love this 

 at Miller Outdoor Theatre this month. Six Houston-born Broadway stars will sing from a variety of shows, including Funny Girl, Phantom of the Opera, Frozen, and more. Plus, snuggles on the lawn are the best!

🎥 Movies at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Spice up your normal movie routine with a date to the 

Houston Museum of Natural Science’s giant screen theater

. It’s a great way to escape the heat and watch documentaries that will make you and your date feel smarter, everything from dolphins and butterflies, to dinosaurs and Africa’s Serengeti plains. Tickets for non-museum members are $12!

Whether you’re a salsa pro or beginner, there are some fun free events around town. 

 on Aug. 15 offers a free salsa lesson and dancing under the stars. Can’t make it? Check out 

 every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. Tip: If you want to spend a little extra and freshen up your salsa skills, sign up for the beginner or intermediate class beforehand!

Spend the evening listening to amazing poetry from local poets 

during a free open mic night at Brazos Bookstore

 on Aug. 15. My tip: Get there an hour before kick-off, so you can look around the bookstore and find a new favorite. If you can’t make it this month, this open mic night happens monthly!

On a budget? The best dates to close out summer for under $25. 

The Best End-Of-Summer Dates Under $25 in Houston 

The Best End-Of-Summer Dates Under $25

Fall is around the corner with Halloween decorations already sneaking into stores. The unforgiving heat during these last days of summer can sometimes dampen the mood of even the most cheery Houstonians. But the arts and cultural events this month can refresh your spirits! My favorite pick: The movies that show Houston as a rising player in filmmaking. Let’s get into it!

Houston Film Commission “First Thursdays”

Every first Thursday of the month, this monthly series brings together filmmakers, creatives, and film-lovers through a specially curated evening of short films by Houston’s Film Commissioner Alfred Cervantes at the back patio of 

 in Montrose. A live Q&A follows, featuring a filmmaker with a unique Houston tie-in.

In partnership with artist studios, nonprofits, and local businesses, ArtWalk takes place inside existing art spaces in and around the city’s nearly 200-year-old Historic Strand District. You can visit the Galveston Arts Center, Galveston Artist Residency, Texas Surf Museum, and various galleries for FREE.

The Space Between Looking and Loving: Francesca Fuchs and the de Menil House

In 1970, John de Menil wrote to German classical archeologist Dr. Werner Fuchs regarding a Roman male torso in his collection. Francesca Fuchs would later discover photographs depicting the same torso in her father’s personal belongings in England, leading her to find the original letter in the museum archives. Curator of Collections Paul R. Davis guides this discussion.

CODED: Conversations You Didn’t Know We Were Having

This evening of dance, drag, and drama presented by Prokop_Theory Dance is inspired by the coded forms of communication in Houston’s LGBTQ+ community. While the event is free, donations will benefit 

, an international nonprofit helping at-risk LGBTQ+ individuals. Performances take place at 

These three different performances feature the best mariachi musicians and ballet folklórico dancers from across the state. Presented in partnership with Performing Arts Houston at the Wortham Theater Center, the experience unites music enthusiasts and families for a weekend of exceptional performances that celebrate Hispanic culture.

 | Aug. 22 - 24 | Various Times | Houston Cinema Arts Society & Southwest Alternate Media Project at CityCentre

The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill

 | Saturdays in August | 7 - 10 p.m. | George Observatory at Brazos Bend State Park

What fun arts and culture events should do you around Houston in August? 

Your Houston Arts & Culture Guide for 2025

Your Houston Arts & Culture Guide for August 2025

We’ve made it to August, which means it’s time to savor the last days of summer before it’s back-to-school. Whether you want to a new adventure with the kiddos, check out an exciting play, or eat a delicious meal on a budget, I have some insider tips to jazz up your last month of summer ☀️

The Best Ways to Soak Up the Last Days of Summer

Grab your crew and a blanket for live performances of “Henry V” and “As You Like It” during the 

 at Miller Outdoor Theatre starting tonight. There’s something magical about watching a performance on the lawn as the sun sets 🌅 Meanwhile, I absolutely loved the Alley Theatre’s rendition of 

“Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d”

 where an entertaining cast of characters tries to solve a thrilling murder mystery. 

The best activities to enjoy the dog days of summer around Houston. 

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