August is over and October waits just around the corner, but as any Texan knows, summer isn’t going anywhere. With about two-and-a-half months left of guaranteed heat, there’s still time yet to check off your summer bucket list items while cosplaying as autumn people. From enchanting candlelight concerts, to rooftop cinemas, beer gardens, and a whirlwind of museum exhibits, here’s a comprehensive list of 76 awesome things to do in Houston this September!
1-5. Experience Magical Candlelight Concerts
Experience a magical season here in Houston thanks to the amazing venues the city has to offer. Luckily, Fever Originals has brought its popular Candlelight concert series to beautiful venues for the season with concerts. Highlights include:
6. Experience Concerts Under The Stars
From the legendary crooning of Frank Sinatra to the infectious wonder of ABBA, Amy Winehouse, Beyoncé, and more, Concerts Under The Stars offers a wide variety of spectacular musicians on one of the most gorgeous rooftops in Houston.
7. Dine in the Dark
Once you put on your blindfold in the dimly lit room illuminated by candles, you’ll quickly discover that concentrating solely on the sensations of taste and smell can be an incredibly illuminating encounter, as long as you’re not fearful of darkness!
8. See What’s Going on at Discovery Green
In anticipation of cooler pastures, Discovery Green has announced its fall program including the return of Scream On The Green, Dia de los Muertos, and other seasonal favorites!
9-13. Go for a Round of Mini-Golf
From homey, traditional mini-golf, to cocktail-driven putt putt, a course worthy of PGA legends, there’s plenty of places to enjoy the nation’s pastime in Houston!
- Mini-golf, go-kart, and hit the batting cages at US Golf & Games
- Puttery’s 21-and-over mini-golf restaurant and bar is now open in Sawyer Yards
- Enjoy high-tech mini-golf at Popstroke
- TopGolf’s Puttshack has opened a 26,000-square-foot arcade-style mini-golf venue and bar
14-15. Explore Houston’s Best Gardens
While the city is more reminiscent of an urban jungle, there does lay lush pockets of flora manifested in parks, trails, and gardens. Discover Houston’s tiny pockets of Eden this season at these 10 gorgeous Houston gardens.
- 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.
16. Hit the Ice at The Galleria’s Newly-Renovated Rink
Located at the center of Uptown, Houston, The Galleria is a sprawling mixed-use retail complex spanning 2.5 million square feet. It boasts a diverse array of more than 375 stores, including renowned brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, as well as major retailers like Nordstrom and Macy’s. Additionally, visitors can choose from a selection of 50 dining establishments, enjoy a children’s play area, access beauty salons, tailor services, and even experience a cutting-edge ice skating rink.
17-18. Swoon Over Houston’s Most Romantic Restaurants
If you’re looking for somewhere sultry to dine out or have a drink this season, these local romantic restaurants in Houston set the table as well as the mood.
- 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.”
19. Phone Home to Houston’s New Space-Themed Bar
Houston is aptly named Space City, and one of the most space-themed establishments within it has recently launched in the Montrose area. Allow us to introduce Roswell’s Saloon, an out-of-this-world bar illuminated by captivating neon lights, offering stellar cocktails, and exuding an otherworldly atmosphere.
20-27. Explore Houston’s Marvelous Markets
The market scene in Houston is currently on the rise, with the city recently welcoming not just one but several diverse mixed-media markets. These lively centers not only showcase renowned musicians, art galleries, exhibitions, and outstanding dining options but also play a significant role in nurturing and enhancing the city’s thriving market culture..
- Railway Heights, situated on Washington, has officially opened its doors, offering two levels of bustling enterprises, food vendors, local merchants, and an art gallery located on the upper floor.
- Post Houston occupies the former USPS warehouse, transformed into an innovative, versatile facility through extensive technological enhancements. It boasts numerous dual spiral staircases, three sunlit atriums, and a sprawling five-acre rooftop park.
- Lyric Market, under the ownership and operation of Hospitality HQ, primarily focuses on delivering exceptional dining and chef-driven experiences.
- Operational every day of the year, the Azteca Farmers Market stands as one of Houston’s top-tier farmers’ markets. Offering superb street food, fresh agricultural produce, and an array of over 50 vendors, Azteca provides visitors with an expansive 13-acre marketplace.
- Over the past few years, Ironworks, an industrial structure spanning 60,000 square feet in the East End area, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a cultural center, utilizing more than 20 repurposed shipping containers.
- Explore distinctive clothing, fresh juices, and affordable, delectable cuisine at Sunny Flea Market in the Northside area of Houston.
28-29. Sea these Stunning Waterfront Restaurants
Hop to it this breezy season by being outside for the best weather we’ll probably get all year. While there are plenty of fine patios in the city, there are just a few with a waterfront view.
- 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.
30. Step Up to the Plate at Home Run Dugout
Expanding on Houston’s already significant baseball presence, the city now boasts its own baseball-inspired entertainment destination. Home Run Dugout, originally based in Austin, has launched a dedicated complex in Katy, featuring batting bays, a beer garden, a dog park, a complete restaurant, and various other amenities.
31-32. Get the Best Cold Brew In Town
Thankfully, there are plenty of coffee houses scattered about the city for residents to take refuge, re-energize, and maybe eat a scone or two.
- 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.
33-34. Watch Spooky Cinema
Spooky season is almost here, what better way to spend spooky season then to curl up with some popcorn and watch a scary movie?
- 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.
- Reel Luxury Cinemas has debuted their brand new theater in The Woodlands
- 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.
35. Make a Splash at Houston’s Hottest Waterparks
Whether you’re looking to catch a wave, plunge down a towering slide, or simply sip a tropical cocktail poolside, you’ll find it at one or more of these wonderful waterparks in Houston.
36-37. Sweeten Up at a Speakeasy
There’s something special about speakeasies. The secretive, vicarious forbidden feel of transporting back to the prohibition make imbibing cocktails all the more tantalizing. Stow away in wonderful hidden bars that Houston has to offer!
- 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.
38. Kick Back and Relax at SpaWorld
Featuring nine sauna rooms, a movie theater, karaoke, a restaurant, and an outdoor terrace, this Korean spa in Katy offers both relaxation and entertainment in equal measure.
39. Let It Fly at the Top Golf of Darts
Houstonians can now get a taste of UK pub culture. British-based gaming pub, Flight Club, is throwing itself into the Houston bar scene with its 21st century digitized dart boards, sharing boards, and bespoke cocktails.
40-43. Elevate Your Lifestyle at these Houston Rooftop Bars
Nothing quite says “living the highlife” like clinking glasses on a city rooftop. Touch the sky this season with a brunch, evening, or nightcap on the most jaw-dropping rooftops in Houston.
- 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.
44-47. Hit the Dive Scene
Houston thankfully has plenty of places to take shelter in a flurry of rain: whether to escape the weather, shoot a round of pool, grab a cheap beer, or to play a song on a jukebox, consult this list to discover where to go.
- 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.
48-56. Eat Your Heart Out
Houston’s culinary scene is a vast, rich landscape populated with delicious eateries, scrumptious bakeries, and Tex-Mex as far as the eye can see.
- 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
57-58. 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.
59-61. Or, Hit a Patio Bar
One surefire way to capitalize on the weekend, weekday, weeknight – really just any time – is to have a couple drinks amongst friends in the open air of a patio. Get out and about this season at some of our favorite watering holes in town
- 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.
62-66. 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.
67. Expand Your Mind in this Tiny Bookstore
You’ve heard of Half Price Book Store, but have you checked out Quarter Price Books in Montrose. Shelved on the corner of Shepherd Dr. and Lexington St., Quarter Price Books is a cozy little book shop positively overflowing with niche finds, collectibles, rarities, and books of proven merit.
68. Jazz Up your Wardrobe at these Vintage Thrift Stores
Whether you’re clearing out your closet or stocking it up, head the call at Houston’s best thrift stores. Here in Houston there’s plenty of second-hand stores with pre-loved goods to amp up your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Thankfully, most of them are located in walking distance of each other!
69-71. Brunch Like You Mean It
Spring is in the air. If your allergy medication holds up, you can 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.
72-73. Get Your Game On
Video games have been a past time since the days of Pong. Booze, well, it’s been a past time since the dawn of civilization. In Houston you can combine the two at the city’s best 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.
74. Serve ‘Em Up and Knock ‘Em Down at this Volleyball Bar
With the sun here to stay for the next few months, it helps to wear as minimal – as decency allows – clothing as possible. In no place outside of the beach is it more acceptable to wear bikinis and tank tops than on a volleyball court. Here in Houston, you can do just that at Wakefield Crowbar.
75. Remark the Fall Foliage
Honestly, the only way to enjoy the vibrant fall colors in Houston is through filters and Photoshop. For those craving the ultimate autumn experience with stunning views of fiery, changing leaves, it’s time to take your Pumpkin Spice Latte on the road for a journey beyond the state borders.
76. Discover Houston by Boat
The Houston Ship Channel complex encompasses more than 200 public and private entities. Consequently, it holds the distinction of being the largest port for waterborne tonnage in the nation and serves as a pivotal economic force not just for the state of Texas but for the entirety of the United States. This season, you have the opportunity to gain a closer perspective through a complimentary tour aboard the Sam Houston.