We find ourselves right in the heart of summer, with the sun shining relentlessly. This August, Houston offers a wide array of delightful experiences, ranging from captivating candlelight concerts, sprawling patio bars and beer gardens, to a flurry of museum exhibitions, bars, eateries, and various engaging pursuits. Below, you’ll discover an inclusive compilation of 100 fantastic activities to enjoy in Houston during this month!
1-6. Experience Magical Candlelight Concerts
Enjoy an enchanting summer right here in Houston, courtesy of the incredible establishments this city boasts. Fortunately, Fever Originals has graced us with their renowned Candlelight concert series, hosting captivating musical performances at exquisite locations throughout the season. Featured shows include:
- Candlelight: Romantic Jazz ft. Frank Sinatra and More
- Candlelight Flamenco: The Passion of Spain
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More
- Candlelight Jazz: Aretha Franklin and the Divas of Soul
- Candlelight: We Love the ’80s feat. Houston Cello Quartet
7. Enter A Starlit Oasis At These Concerts Under The Stars Atop A Rooftop Pool Deck
Houston is fully embracing the summer spirit! As the sun begins its descent and the urban landscape comes alive with twinkling lights, there’s no better spot than a breathtaking rooftop to relish an alfresco escapade (all while maintaining a refreshing ambiance). This season, Houston’s Concerts Under the Stars present an enticing blend of the quintessential rooftop experience fused with live music spanning multiple decades.
8. Phone Home to Roswell Saloon
Welcome to Roswell’s Saloon, a fresh and innovative bar in Houston that immerses you in an otherworldly space theme. Radiating with mesmerizing neon lights, serving celestial cocktails, and exuding galactic vibes, this is an experience like no other.
9. Dine in the Dark
Have you ever pondered the sensation of dining in complete darkness? Renowned psychologists have long championed the concept of “dining in the dark” as a paramount culinary adventure. Research reveals that a substantial 80 percent of individuals rely on their visual perception while eating; however, in the absence of this sense, the hypothesis is that other senses, particularly taste and aroma, assume dominance, thereby elevating your dining experience to unprecedented heights. Once you’re enveloped in darkness and adorned with a blindfold within the softly illuminated ambiance, you’ll swiftly recognize that concentrating solely on taste and scent can be a truly enlightening journey—assuming, of course, that you’re untroubled by the absence of light!
10. Check Out HMNS’ New Shark Exhibition
Do you find the iconic “Jaws” theme playing in your mind as well? The Houston Museum of Natural Science has recently unveiled the eagerly awaited debut date for its exciting upcoming showcase: “Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters, & The Myths.” Now accessible to the public, residents of Houston have the unique opportunity to encounter the infamous apex predator up close within this captivating exhibition. The immersive display includes a remarkable 7,000-gallon touch tank, mesmerizing floor-to-ceiling animations, colossal models, and a plethora of engaging elements!
11. Step Up to the Plate At Home Run Dugout
Expanding on Houston’s already significant baseball culture, the city has welcomed a dedicated hub of baseball-themed entertainment. Hailing from Austin, Home Run Dugout has established a distinctive facility in Katy, featuring batting bays, a biergarden, a dog park, a complete restaurant, and an array of additional amenities.
12. Enjoy High-Tech Mini-Golf at Popstroke
So-called an “immersive golf and relaxed dining experience,” Popstroke represents a brainchild of golf icon Tiger Woods. This cutting-edge miniature golf establishment, accompanied by a restaurant and beer garden, has now commenced operations at 23110 Grand Circle Boulevard in Katy.
13. Take a Trip Out to Chinatown
Situated amidst Alief and Bellaire, the Chinatown district in Houston encompasses a plethora of culturally vibrant experiences, individuals, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring the diverse offerings at H-Mart or belting out your favorite tunes during karaoke sessions, delve into the following list of ten remarkable activities to engage in within Houston’s Chinatown.
14. Take a Glimpse at Houston’s Stunning New Murals
Houston has recently witnessed the emergence of an expansive collection of 19 mesmerizing murals, all in support of Street Art for Mankind. The genesis of this initiative was sparked by the #ZeroHungerMurals, a creation of Dragon76 on the rear surface of the Hampton Inn in Downtown. This artistic vision was further developed by Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis into the concept of “Big Art. Bigger Change.” This ambitious art project aims to foster community unity through the creation of numerous large-scale murals stretching from the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel to the Historic District.
15-16. Enjoy Aerial Adventures
Add a little action to your August agenda this summer at Houston’s woodland adventures with ziplines, swings, axe-throwing, and more!
- Texas Treeventures is a challenge-based obstacle course with three-levels of aerial adventures for Houston thrill seekers.
- Go Ape in Sugar Land is an adventure park home to outdoor forest escape ‘rooms’, axe-throwing bays, and the longest zipline in the Houston area.
16-19. Visit the Quirkiest Places in Houston
Numerous locales contribute to the intriguing allure of Houston. This summer, uncover these ten eccentric spots within the city to infuse a touch of curiosity into your season!
- Featured on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not – remember that show? – the Beer Can House puts frat houses and your uncle’s shed of empties to shame with over 50,000 cans constructing this beer can casa.
- Smithers Park, a creative urban space filled with technicolored mosaic installations, a meditation garden, a whimsical set of swings, and more!
- A short drive outside of Houston in the small town of Bellville Texas lies a medieval castle equipped with a 3,000-pound drawbridge, moat, and a knightly guest quarters.
20-22. Explore Houston’s Best Gardens
Although the city predominantly exudes an urban jungle ambiance, there exist verdant enclaves of plant life in the form of parks, trails, and gardens. Embark on a journey to explore Houston’s small paradises of botanical beauty this season, as we unveil ten exquisite gardens that grace the city.
- Cast over five acres, the elegant Japanese Garden features elegant touches of lush flora, a stone Yukimi-style lantern, shaded stone paths, bridges, and cascading waterfalls.
- McGovern Centennial Gardens is comprised of 490 trees spanning 50 species, 760 hedge shrubs, 55,000 perennial bulbs, 650 azaleas, and 4.5 acres of grass – not to mention its four gardens.
23-25. Swoon Over Houston’s Most Romantic Restaurants
If you’re in search of a sensuous setting to indulge in dining or enjoy a drink this season, these charming local restaurants in Houston not only provide delectable cuisine but also create an enchanting atmosphere.
- If you’re looking for a taste of Spanish cuisine, with the sight, sound, and feel of Madrilenian nightlife, MAD Houston is your ticket.
- Rosalie Italian Soul began in 2019 as a personal endeavor from Top Chef Masters’ winner Chef Chris Cosentino. Per the website, Rosalie Italian Soul offers a “fresh, upscale take on the beloved ‘immigrant cuisine’ that put Italian-American food on the map.”
26-33. Explore Houston’s Awesome Markets
Houston’s market scene is experiencing a notable upswing. Lately, the city has been graced with the presence of not just one, but multiple mixed-media markets. These vibrant hubs not only feature prominent musicians, art galleries, exhibitions, and exceptional eateries but also contribute to the city’s flourishing market culture.
- Railway Heights is now open on Washington with two stories of vibrant businesses, food stalls, local vendors, and an art gallery on the second floor.
- The former USPS warehouse as a new a cutting-edge, multi-purpose, multi-layered facility with a complete technical re-design, multiple double-helix staircases, a trio of skylit atriums, and a FIVE-ACRE ROOFTOP PARK.
- Lyric Market, owned and operated by Hospitality HQ, hones predominately on dining and chef-driven experiences.
- Ironworks, a 60,000-square-foot industrial building and development in East End has in the past few years transformed into a cultural hub using over 20 re-purposed shipping containers.
- Find Tik Tok-famous churros, dinosaurs, and insane street food at Sunny Flea Market.
- Open 365 days of the year, the Azteca Farmers Market is one of Houston’s premier farmers market. With stellar street eats, fresh produce, and over 50 vendors, Azteca gives visitors 13 acres of vibrant market space.
- The Houston Downtown Farmers Market opens this March with more accessible hours for downtown employees, residents, and visitors.
34-36. Sea these Stunning Waterfront Restaurants
Take advantage of the pleasant weather this refreshing season by embracing the outdoors, as it’s likely to be the most favorable climate of the year. Amid the numerous splendid outdoor seating areas in the city, only a select few offer the added charm of a scenic waterfront vista.
- Located just a half-hour drive or so outside of Houston, BARge 295 is a two-story bar and patio anchored off the shores of Clear Lake. Open daily from 11 am to 2 am, BARge 295 is perpetually afloat with cold drinks, cool vibes, and unbeatable lake views.
- The Big Vibe Group has debuted their latest concept in Houston. Located at 3422 Allen Pkwy, in the space formerly occupied by The Dunlavy, Flora offers a breathtaking culinary oasis along the Buffalo Bayou.
37-40. Get the Best Cold Brew In Town
Fortunately, the city boasts a plethora of coffee shops dispersed across its expanse, providing locals with havens to seek solace, rejuvenate, and perhaps indulge in a scone or a couple of pastries.
- The Coffee House at West End is now open at 802 Shepherd Dr., that is, a three-story coffee shop that features top-notch joe, a cozy interior, and a stunning rooftop with sweeping views of the Houston skyline.
- Rev up your mornings at the motorcycle and coffee garage.
- Secret Garden offers various international coffees with options in the form of Vietnamese, Greek Espresso, Greek Freddo Cappuccino, Turkish Coffee, and more.
- Husband-and-wife caffeine team, Manuel and Martha Gil, have recently opened Segundo Lab inside Ironworks near downtown, bringing rich, creative java flavors to the Second Ward.
41. Enjoy an Intimate Evening at this ’20s Era Mediterranean Wine Courtyard
Nestled within a “hidden” corner of Midtown, 13 Celsius is a charming wine bar accompanied by an alfresco courtyard that presents a delicate Mediterranean retreat evoking the ambiance of European terraces.
42-45. Watch Summer Cinema
Despite the sweltering Houston heat, today marks the official commencement of summer. To commemorate this eventful season, Rooftop Cinema Club has unveiled its summer lineup extending until September 5. The schedule encompasses a variety of entertainment, including blockbusters, cult classics, emotional dramas, spine-tingling horror, genuine cinematic experiences, and a generous serving of the enchanting world of Harry Potter.
- Located at Midway’s 150-acre East River development on 100 Bringhurst St., Moonstruck Drive-In screens a variety of 4K features on a 80 x 40-foot screen with a stunning skyline backdrop.
- Check out the listings and movie times of our participating AMC movie theatres, get your Fever ticket, and go have fun! Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a special date night, AMC Theatres® has your tickets to all the best comedies, action flicks, and everything in between, with just a click of a button.
- Now, movie-goers can experience cinema in luxury at the brand new, aptly named, Reel Luxury Cinema experience in The Woodlands.
46. Make a Splash at Houston’s Hottest Waterparks
Whether your desire is to ride the waves, descend from towering slides, or leisurely savor a tropical beverage by the pool, you’ll discover these delightful experiences awaiting you at one or multiple of Houston’s exceptional waterparks.
47. Float a Lazy River on a Rooftop
There’s nothing quite like the serene contentment of drifting under the scorching Texas sun, a chilled beverage in your grasp. While locating lazy rivers in Houston might be a tad challenging, a new opportunity awaits you at the Marriot Marquis in Downtown Houston. Hotel guests now have the chance to experience a unique floating adventure along the Texas border.
48. Bask in the Big Flavors of Solecita
Houston is basking in the season’s radiant sunlight. Downtown has welcomed Solecita Churrería y Taqueria, a fresh addition to the culinary scene that specializes in Mexican street food, churros, and tacos. Allow us to share that it’s truly a remarkable establishment.
49. Visit This Glamorous Cinema-Themed Speakeasy
Taking cues from cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and London, Juliet stands as a black-owned speakeasy and dining establishment, striving to offer a dining experience characterized by a contemporary American ambiance.
50-55. Sweeten Up at a Speakeasy
Speakeasies hold a distinct allure. The concealed, almost illicit atmosphere that harks back to the prohibition era adds an extra layer of allure to enjoying cocktails. Embark on a journey to discover the delightful hidden bars that Houston has in store for you!
- So Clutch, the owners of the Concrete Cowboy, Clutch Bar, and a host of establishments in other US cities, opened the doors of the Sugar Room on Washington Avenue. The cocktail lounge hidden inside a local bakery features a glamorous selection of drinks as well as tasty treats.
- Tucked away in the corner of Cantina Barba’s back patio is a scanty, nondescript, somewhat rusty container. The door on which advertises “Mijo’s Mezcal Bar” – which, to our knowledge, lays the smallest bar in Houston.
- The latest nondescript local is to open in town is Patton Steakhouse in Savoir at Yale Street and 14th Street.
- The Four Seasons Hotel in Houston is a five-star hotel home to over 400 rooms, suites, and residencies across 13 stories. In addition to a global Pan-Latin steakhouse, a poolside cafe, and a bourbon lounge, the hotel has added as a classy hidden speakeasy to its scene.
56. Let It Fly at the Top Golf of Darts
Residents of Houston now have the opportunity to experience the essence of British pub culture. Flight Club, a gaming pub originating from the UK, has enthusiastically joined the city’s bar scene, introducing 21st-century digital dartboards, delectable sharing boards, and uniquely crafted cocktails to its repertoire.
57-60. Elevate Your Lifestyle at these Houston Rooftop Bars
Embody the essence of luxury by toasting with your companions on a rooftop high above the city. Elevate your experience this season by indulging in brunch, evening delights, or a nightcap at Houston’s most breathtaking rooftop venues that offer stunning vistas.
- Perched on top of the 23rd floor of La Méridien hotel in Downtown, Houston, Z on 23 has some of the most elevated views in the city.
- Opened this past December, Cielo XLIII offers a lavish new hangout in the sky with unparalleled, 360-degree views of the city from the tallest bar in the city Houston.
- Fresh on the scene, Sunset Rooftop Lodge is an East Downtown newcomer that’s hit the ground running. With DJs on deck, Sunset offers an array of bright, tropical cocktails of which to enjoy against the backdrop of the downtown skyline and the festivities of Truckyard patio bar below.
61. Knock Twice at This Historical Concert Venue and Tex Mex Cafe
Don’t be discouraged by the closed entrance. Simply give two knocks to access the Mexican restaurant, which also happens to be the oldest live music venue in Houston. Well, truth be told, the double knock isn’t a requirement anymore, or at least not these days.
62-65. Hit the Dive Scene
Fortunately, Houston offers numerous havens to seek refuge during a sudden downpour. Whether you want to shield yourself from the rain, engage in a game of pool, enjoy an affordable beer, or select a tune from a jukebox, refer to this compilation to find out where you can head to.
- Those who leave up their festive decorations year round, like the people over at Grand Prize Bar, are complete freaking lunatics – and we love them for it.
- La Carafe Wine Bar is a historic haunt housed in a building that’s stood for over a century and remains to be the oldest in the city of Houston.
- As with its moody interior, deep red walls, scant lighting, and shrine of spirits, so does Poison Girl offer an idyllic atmosphere for various drinking moods.
66-74. Eat Your Heart Out
Houston’s gastronomic panorama sprawls expansively, adorned with an array of delectable restaurants, delightful bakeries, and a Tex-Mex abundance that stretches to the horizon.
- Whether it’s a classic Neapolitan-style Margherita, a traffic cone-sized slice, or some warped creation piled high with everything and the kitchen sink – we don’t discriminate when it comes to pizza. Any way you slice it, here’s 10 of the best pizza parlors in the Houston area!
- Not all buffets are created equal. When seeking out a local in which to stock up on calories to last you the winter hibernation, we recommend heading to one of our 10 favorite all-you-can-eat buffets in Houston.
- Whataburger, Taco Bell, McDonald’s – the usual suspects when it comes to late-night munchies. Sometimes, though, you got to broaden your horizons, especially when a glorious late-night food scene of delis, pizzerias, taquerias await in the city of Houston.
- Hot, cold, rain, or shine, ice cream is a good call on any day. Here’s the scoop on where to find the best ice cream in Houston
- Like breakfast tacos, kolaches are synonymous with breakfast in Texas. Savory, comfortable, portable – perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, or bought-by-the-dozen hangover cure. Unlike similar handheld breakfast staples such as donuts, bagels, and croissants, it’s not so easy finding kolaches outside of Texas. We’d probably travel more if you could, but for now, we’ll stay here in Houston with our favorite comfort breakfast food on the go.
- In addition to its bistros, cafes, and restaurants, you can find an array of fantastic food trucks rolling through town from sun up to sun down.
- East Downtown Houston is heating this season with the opening of the new craft meat maker, bar, and beer garden, J-Bar-M Barbecue on 2201 Leeland Houston
- Roll up to our favorite sushi restaurants in the City of Houston
75-78. Staycation in Texas’s Amazing Airbnbs
There’s a hint of remorse as we embark on national and international travels, recognizing the wealth of experiences Texas has in store. Whether the intention is to economize on air travel expenses, embrace the beauty of local nature, or relish a hassle-free escape, here are ten exceptional Texas Airbnbs that promise an exquisite staycation.
- Basecamp Terlingua is an other-worldly glamping experience that integrates the future with the past, giving its visitors the impression of luxury camping in the cosmos.
- Beyond having second breakfast at the Hobbit Cafe, experiencing the lifestyle of a Hobbit is hard to come by here in Houston. If you want to embrace the lifestyle to its fullest, take your steeds out to McKinney, Texas for a stay at the Hobbit House.
- Here in Texas, there are numerous Air B&Bs in which to staycation in state. While it’s hard to say which is our favorite, you could say that the Giraffe Cabin at Blue Hills Ranch is head and shoulders above the rest.
79-81. Pop Bottles at the Club
Party down this season at Houston’s hottest clubs.
- Billed as “the largest indoor/outdoor space of its kind in the city”, Sekai Night and Day is elevating East Downtown’s nightlife with top notch DJs, dancing, lounging, and private events just in time for the festive season.
- The public can now see what’s behind the red curtains at the new, Lynchian-inspired nightclub, Cherry. It’s set in the two-story space formerly occupied by the Nightingale Room – which is rather appropriate all considering.
- After four years and multi-million-dollar renovations, iconic LGBTQ+ club, South Beach, has re-opened in Montrose.
82-84. Or, Hit a Patio Bar
An absolute guarantee to make the most of your weekends, weekdays, or even weeknights is by enjoying a few drinks with friends on a patio under the open sky. Embrace the outdoors this season by visiting some of our cherished local watering spots.
- Inspired by its surrounding scenic bayou environment, Patterson Park is housed in a campy 4,000-square-foot building fixed with garage doors, tall windows, skylights, exposed wood beams, and other nature-imbued accents. The building opens up to its sprawling 5,000-square-foot deck patio overlooking a grove of trees. Throughout which, Patterson Park will feature, 40+ TVs for watching sports, yard games, as well as string lights for nighttime ambience.
- Nestled on 1239 W 19th St. among a familiar crowd of patio bars – Preslee’s, McIntyre’s Heights, and Bungalow Heights– is a newcomer known as Moonshine Deck, a throwback Americana-inspired bar and kitchen with moonshine and whiskey to boot.
- Hip new market, M-K-T Heights, is ready to welcome a new tenet on the grounds of their mixed-use space. Recently, Casa Nomad – a Tulum-inspired Mexican patio and restaurant– opened to the public with tropical chic and jungle disco vibes.
85-89. Imbibe Some Crazy Cocktails
From classic margaritas to summer-fried Bloody Marys, tropical ‘tinis, and everything in between, you’ll find your preferred elixir in Houston.
- Be it frozen or on the rocks, salty, bitter, or sweet, when searching for pitcher-perfect margarita in Houston, here are the 10 spots you have to check out.
- Trash Panda Drinking Club is a raccoon-themed bar and patio features an enticing variety of cocktail options, that include such titles as the Bubble Gum Martini, Purple Kush, and Walk in the Woods.
- Coast into Houston’s top tiki bars for that feeling of beachside sunshine, fruit-flavored rum, and entirely too colorful libations.
- Ever wanted to spice up your breakfast? Well they have a bowl of Frosted Flakes topped with bourbon and cognac-infused milk. But that’s just a starter, see what else the chemists of Diversión have brewing in their laboratory of spirits.
90. Expand Your Mind in this Tiny Bookstore
You might be familiar with Half Price Book Store, but have you explored Quarter Price Books in Montrose? Nestled at the intersection of Shepherd Dr. and Lexington St., Quarter Price Books is a charming and intimate bookstore brimming with specialized discoveries, collectibles, unique finds, and noteworthy literary gems.
91. Jazz Up your Wardrobe at these Vintage Thrift Stores
Whether you’re decluttering your wardrobe or replenishing it, answer the summons to explore Houston’s finest thrift stores. Within the city, an abundance of second-hand shops offers pre-loved treasures to enhance your clothing collection without straining your budget. The good news is that many of these stores are conveniently situated within walking distance of each other!
92. Tour Port Houston by Boat
Comprising more than 200 public and private entities, the Houston Ship Channel complex holds the distinction of being the largest hub for waterborne tonnage in the nation. It serves as a vital economic engine not only for the state of Texas but for the entirety of the United States. This season, you have the opportunity to gain an up-close experience through a complimentary tour aboard the Sam Houston.
93-94. Catch the Sunset
While Texas Hill Country often takes the spotlight for its captivating sunsets, Houston boasts its own impressive celestial display. When the timing aligns perfectly, Space City offers numerous locations where you can enjoy an ideal vantage point to witness this splendid spectacle.
- Two levels of steel, concrete, and stone beset under a slate-like canvas roof compose the Twilight Epiphany installation. During sunrise and sunset, the installation projects LED lights onto the ceiling that suffuse the portal’s border with a composed sequence of hues. Simplistic in form, the color sequence harmonizes with nature in light, time, and movement in a display of pure beauty.
95-98. Brunch Like You Mean It
See how the mimosas fare at one of our top 10 favorite brunch spots in Houston!
- You don’t have to journey all the way out to Mordor to enliven your Tolkien-esque fantasies. Here in Houston, just southwest of Montrose is The Hobbit Café. Since 1972, the café has served all the hobbits, elves, wizards, and dwarves the best food Middle Earth, Houston has to offer.
- Don’t give in to the banality of growing up. Let your youth loose with a brunch burger made of chocolate donut and Fruity Pebble French Toast at the Bosscat Kitchen & Libations.
- Common Bond Brasserie & Bakery has opened up their location in the Theater District, fit with an absolutely adorable interior and one, bubble gum-styled back dining room and bar.
99-100. Get Your Game On
Video games have entertained us since the era of Pong, while the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages dates back to the earliest civilizations. In Houston, you have the opportunity to blend these two experiences seamlessly at the city’s finest arcade bars.
- FAO HTX is now open on the top floor of the same building that houses Pub Fiction at 2303 Smith St. The newly minted speakeasy features over 6,500 square feat of neon-lit entertainment and lounge space. Arcade-wise, guests can hit the joysticks of their Pacman Battle Royal station, Terminator Salvation rig, Game of Thrones-themed pinball, and other games.
- Situated a hop skip and a dash from Minute Maid Park and BBVA Compass Stadium, is the new 18,000-square-foot, Cidercade. The boozy Dallas import features over 275 arcade games, including pinball, fighters and shooters, driving, sporting games, and more. Rather than toiling with quarters and tokens and whatnot, visitors at Cidercade pay $10 upfront for unlimited gaming, or $15 for the month.