Houston - Art & Entertainment

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From sophisticated theaters and museums to live music events in funky bars, Houston is a city that offers a very broad range of entertainment. Creativity runs rampant through the city, so there are hundreds of ways to have a good time while you visit. Even the motion picture industry has taken notice of what the city offers and has poured over $100 million into the local economy in recent years.

Live Music

If you enjoy the sounds of live music, you will have ample opportunity to satisfy your desires. Houston offers an abundance of live music of all types. Some bars and nightclubs showcase live bands on weekends or specific nights, while others like the Fabulous Satellite Lounge feature live bands every night of the week. The Lounge is located in the historic Heights area and has been honored several times by the Houston Press as one of the city's best venues for live music. Popular bands play rock, blues, country and folk music to entertain sizable crowds. Billy Blues Bar & Grill is another popular nightspot that features live blues performances every night. This bar also has a full-service restaurant, where you can nibble on some tasty barbecue while you enjoy the music. If your preference is jazz and seafood, head downtown to Sambuca Jazz Cafe for nightly performances. The management at this ritzy club books at least one national act a month.

Experience a little Irish culture several times a month at The Claddagh. This bar also features authentic Irish cuisine and an open mike on Wednesday nights. The Hop books popular sock-hop entertainers to croon tunes from the 50s and 60s several times a month. Older crowds, as well as young swingers, find this nightclub very appealing. Live Latino music is a hit at Ruggles Bistro Latino on the weekends. Head downtown early and enjoy an assortment of Latin cuisines before settling in for the show. The Copacabana style and elegance of the 1940s is the main attraction at the Mercury Room, a popular hangout among a distinguished, older crowd. Swing and blues feature heavily at this downtown nightclub.

Karaoke, that modern art form where the average citizen jumps on stage and belts out the lyrics of popular tunes, has become a popular pastime in Houston. You will find that many nightclubs and bars offer karaoke and open-mike nights on a regular basis. Even if you are not tempted to try it yourself, watching the antics of others can be tremendously entertaining. Miller's Cave features karaoke three nights a week in addition to live rock & roll bands on Friday evenings. Dave & Buster's is popular on the Strip for its unique approach to entertainment. A karaoke bar is part of its charm, along with high-tech virtual reality and video games, numerous pool tables and a full-service restaurant.

In a completely different respect, live concerts and classical performances are equally popular and entertaining. Jones Hall is home to the critically acclaimed Houston Symphony and features numerous classical concerts every month. Other artistic musical presentations also take place in this downtown music hall from time to time. Compaq Center, the Astrodome and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion all play host for famous concert tours featuring the hottest performers. If these types of live music are the ones you prefer, keep an eye on the Local Events section for upcoming performance dates and ticket information.

Museums & Galleries

Houston's extensive number of museums and galleries house a plethora of unique artifacts, gorgeous artistic creations and scientific memorabilia. Both the Museum of Fine Art and the Contemporary Art Museum display the work of world-renowned artists, and The Menil Collection boasts one of the finest private art collections in the country. A visit to Lawndale Art Center will familiarize you with the work of many very talented local artists. Art lovers can spend days enjoying these and many other area galleries.

Aside from artistic offerings, you'll also find some exceptional examples of museums that feature historical and scientific exhibits. The Houston Holocaust Museum is relatively unique and features in-depth information about the tragic events of the Holocaust. The Museum of Natural Science offers three levels of fun that you'll be hard-pressed to view in a single day. Burke Baker Planetarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Center are conveniently located in the same building. There's so much to see and touch, you might want to allow two days for this outing. If the impressive history of Texas intrigues you, take a drive out to San Jacinto Historical Park and visit the Museum of Texas History and the Battleship Texas.

Without a doubt, the city's most interesting museum experience will be had at the American Funeral Service Museum. Not many museums in the country focus on funeral memorabilia and artifacts. The themed coffins are definitely excellent conversation pieces. For other interesting and slightly unusual museum experiences, visit the Houston Fire Museum, the Art Car Museum and the Orange Show.

Theater

During the course of the past century, Houston gained a formidable reputation as a world-class center for the arts. It is one of the few cities with its own resident professional companies in ballet, opera and theater. If you enjoy theatrical performances, you won't lack for entertainment during a visit to the city. The 17-block Theater District is home to over 200 performing arts organizations and houses some very prestigious theaters and performance halls. You can catch first-rate Broadway and off-Broadway productions at the Alley Theater, or opt for incredible opera performed by the Tony, Grammy and Emmy-winning Houston Grand Opera. Bayou Place is the hottest new addition to the downtown entertainment scene. It features theaters, concert houses, nightclubs and restaurants all under one roof. The Aerial Theater is the resident theater at Bayou Place and offers a broad range of productions, including comedies and concerts.

Outside of the Theater District, you will also find excellent productions in other parts of the city. Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park offers free performances of dramas, comedies and musicals. Main Street Theater has two Houston locations that offer an assortment of productions. Cutting-edge, modern plays are the specialty at Stages Repertory Theater, while Playhouse 1960 specializes in old comedies and mysteries. If you enjoy dinner theater, definitely reserve a table at Great Caruso. The performances are typically comedies or musicals, the ambiance is elegant Victorian, and the food is delicious.

Film

If you enjoy watching the latest Hollywood films in your spare time, a multitude of cinemas can accommodate you. The latest trend is the giant, multi-screen complex that features stadium seating and modern comforts, and Houston already has an abundance of these cinemas. On the West Side, visit AMC Studio 30. The northwest part of the city features Cinemark Tinseltown 290, while Magic Johnson Theater caters to movie-goers in the north. In the Galleria area you will find Greenway Place 24, and Cinemark Hollywood is located on the East Side.

There is also an abundance of traditional cinemas, special "dollar" cinemas and art houses. Dollar cinemas, like Wind Chimes 8 and Silver Cinemas, offer reduced ticket prices (usually $1-2) on recent Hollywood movies that just left the big theaters. If your film preferences run to artistic productions, you will prefer the films at art houses like Angelika Film Center, Wortham IMAX and the Museum of Fine Art.

Dance

The opportunities to enjoy dancing in Houston are two-fold. First, you can experience the beauty and splendor of ballet performances by purchasing tickets to the Houston Ballet. Since its creation in 1955, the company has become a top troupe with an international reputation. More than 80 performances occur annually in Houston, and the troupe also tours and performs in other cities. An evening at the ballet is a truly magical experience. Other types of modern dance performances also occur throughout the year. Watch the Local Events section for information about upcoming performances.

The other dance option is obviously to dance the night away yourself, and several choices exist for this purpose. Nightclubs featuring dance floors are popular in Houston. City Streets features seven first-rate nightclubs under one gigantic roof and always attracts an impressive crowd. The types of clubs include a 1970s pop disco, a piano bar, a jazz club, a Top 40 dance hall and a huge country & western dance hall. As you would expect, country two-stepping and line dancing are popular in Houston, and country nightclubs like Wild West and Bushwacker's are always hopping. So mosey on in and boot-scoot the night away!

Comedy

Houston certainly isn't New York on the comedy circuit, but it still has some comedy clubs that will inspire an evening of full-blown laughter. Spellbinders Comedy Club features newcomers and an occasional star. This popular West Side club has shows six nights a week. Book in advance and arrive early to get a good seat. Magic Island is a dinner theater type of place that throws in some magic and psychic phenomenon with the comedy. This is another hot spot that should be booked in advance. If you want to see some hilarious improvisational comedy, make a reservation for Comedy Sportz or Comedy Showcase. Both feature newcomers and occasional stars. Dubbing itself "Houston's Premier Comedy Club," the Laff Spot at Willowbrook features a full-service restaurant in the club. Smaller comedy cafes include Laff Stop, Just Joking Comedy Cafe and Bobby's Comedy Corner.

Amusement Parks

If you have the family along for the trip or you are just a big kid at heart, you will definitely be interested in local amusement parks. Sitting across the freeway from the Astrodome, Six Flags AstroWorld heads up the list as Houston's most popular kid spot. The park features 33 "big" rides, most of which are deemed suitable for the average child of five years and older. Rollercoasters are the exception, of course, but Mom and Dad and the older siblings are entitled to some genuine thrills. Looney Tunes Land offers an assortment of pint-sized rides that are perfect for smaller children, and the park offers numerous shows the entire family can enjoy.

Sitting right next door is Six Flags WaterWorld, the ultimate in water fun for the entire family. Try one of several waterslides, wade in the oceanic wave pool and do a little rafting along with a lot of other fun water activities. In North Houston, beat the summer heat at Splashtown USA. The park offers waterslides, a wave pool and tube riding. It's another adventure the entire family will appreciate, but don't forget to bring your sunscreen!

It's easy to find random, small carnivals set up throughout the city, but if you're looking for a guaranteed carnival and some excellent food, head to the Kemah Boardwalk. A Ferris wheel and other carnival rides are set up year-round.

Festivals

If you plan on visiting the city, keep an eye on the festival section in Local Events. A variety of fun and entertaining festivals occur in or around Houston each year. The Texas Renaissance Festival starts in October every year and runs for seven weekends. Step back into the Renaissance period and watch a couple of knights joust at this popular event. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. In October every year, the Bayou City Art Festival showcases the work of local artists and is wildly popular with art-lovers. The Texas Crawfish Festival goes on during two weekends in May and provides a double treat. Not only is the festival a lot of fun, but it takes place in scenic Old Town Spring, an area worth visiting at any time. If you have the kids along, maybe you will get lucky and the circus will be in town. The Greatest Show on Earth, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus performs in Houston every summer.

Nature & Parks

Houston is a city of warmth and sunshine, so it should not be a surprise to find a lot of nature centers and parks in the area. Many of the parks, such as Hermann Park—home of the Houston Zoo—and Sam Houston Park, offer a broad assortment of activities in addition to the simple pleasure of communing with nature and enjoying the outdoors. You can easily turn these outings into all-day events. Popular nature centers that feature both native plant and animal life include Armand Bayou Nature Center and Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Mercer Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is equally popular, but it focuses solely on native plant life. Be sure and bring the kids along for an educational experience that will also provide a great deal of entertainment.







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Magic Island


Las Vegas-style magic shows
 2215 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77098
+1 713 526 2442
http://www.themagicisland.com
Magic Island
Houston Zoo


Vibrant Tropical Adventure
 1513 North MacGregor Drive
Houston, TX 77030
+1 713 533 6500
http://www.houstonzoo.org
Houston Zoo
National Museum of Funeral History


Funeral Artifacts
 415 Barren Springs Dr
Houston, TX 77090
+1 281 876 3063
http://www.nmfh.org
National Museum of Funeral History
Dave & Busters


Fun and games with good food
 6010 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77057
+1 713 952 2233
http://www.daveandbusters.reliabilitymall.com/
Dave & Busters
Great Caruso Dinner Theater


Theatrical evening
 10001 Westheimer
(in the Carillion Center)
Houston, TX 77042
+1 713 952 2233
http://www.houstondinnertheater.com/
Great Caruso Dinner Theater
Contemporary Arts Museum


Gorgeous collection of modern art
 5216 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
+1 713 284 8250
http://www.camh.org
Contemporary Arts Museum
Menil Collection


Byzantine, African and Modern art
 1515 Sul Ross St
Houston, TX 77006
+1 713 525 9400
http://www.menil.org
Menil Collection
Houston Museum of Natural Science


Dinosaurs, gemstones and more
 1 Hermann Circle Drive
Houston, TX 77030
+1 713 639 4629
http://www.hmns.org
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Museum of Fine Arts


Worldly Collection
 1001 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
+1 713 639 7300
http://www.mfah.org
Museum of Fine Arts
Claddagh


Darts, pool and live Irish music
 5757 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057
+1 713 789 4858
Claddagh
Burke Baker Planetarium


Laser light shows that are out of this world
 1 Hermann Circle Drive
(inside Museum of Natural Science)
Houston, TX 77030
+1 713 639 4629
http://www.hmns.org
Burke Baker Planetarium
Main Street Theater at Chelsea Market


Plays and musicals
 4617 Montrose
Houston, TX 77006
+1 713 524 6706
http://www.mainstreettheater.org
Main Street Theater at Chelsea Market
Playhouse 1960


Classic & Modern Comedies
 6814 Gant Rd
Houston, TX 77070
+1 281 587 8243
http://www.playhouse1960.com
Playhouse 1960
Houston Fire Museum


Firefighter tribute
 2403 Milam St
Houston, TX 77006
+1 713 524 2526
http://www.houstonfiremuseum.org/
Houston Fire Museum
Miller Outdoor Theatre


Fun under the stars
 100 Concert Drive
(Hermann Park)
Houston, TX 77030
+1 713 284 8350
http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Lawndale Art Center


Offbeat art happenings in three galleries
 4912 Main St
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 528 5858
http://www.lawndaleartcenter.org/
Lawndale Art Center
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center


Green acres and interesting wildlife
 4501 Woodway Drive
Houston, TX 77024
+1 713 681 8433
http://www.houstonarboretum.org/
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
San Jacinto State Historical Park


Birthplace of Texan Independence
 3523 Battleground Road
Houston, TX 77571
+1 281 479 2431
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/sanjac/
San Jacinto State Historical Park
AMC Studio 30


West Houston multiplex
 2949 Dunvale
Houston, TX 77063
+1 281 319 4262
http://entertainment.houston-texas.org/cgi-bin/movie.htm?action=view_cat&category=Studio+30-AMC
AMC Studio 30
Wortham IMAX


Museum and IMAX experience
 1 Hermann Circle Dr
Houston, TX 77030
+1 713 639 4600 / +1 713 639 4629
Wortham IMAX
Stages Repertory Theatre


Cutting Edge Theatrical Plays
 3201 Allen Pkwy
Ste 101
Houston, TX 77019
+1 713 527 0220 / +1 713 527 0123 (Box Office)
http://www.stagestheatre.com
Stages Repertory Theatre
Alley Theatre


Theater of Houston
 615 Texas Ave
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 228 8421
http://www.alleytheatre.org
Alley Theatre
Verizon Wireless Theater


Comedy and concerts
 520 Texas Avenue
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 230 1600 / +1 713 230 1666
http://www.verizonwirelesstheater.com/
Verizon Wireless Theater
Cinemark Tinseltown 290


Multiplex cinema
 12920 Northwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77040
+1 713 329 9975
http://www.cinemark.com
Cinemark Tinseltown 290
Jones Hall


Symphony and special engagements
 615 Louisiana
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 227 3974
Jones Hall
Wind Chimes 8


Bargain blockbusters every night
 13155 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77077
+1 281 493 4971
Wind Chimes 8
Silver Cinemas North Oaks


Hollywood movies for less
 4623 FM 1960 Road West
Houston, TX 77069
+1 281 440 7626
Silver Cinemas North Oaks
Houston Symphony


Classical music at its finest
 615 Louisiana St
(Suite 102)
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 224 7575
http://www.houstonsymphony.org/
Houston Symphony
Battleship Texas


Noble survivor of both World Wars
 3523 Highway 134
Houston, TX 77571
+1 281 479 2431
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/battleship_texas/
Battleship Texas
Bayou City Art Festival


Bayou City Art Festival
 Downtown
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 521 0133
http://www.bayoucityartfestival.com/
Bayou City Art Festival
Texas Crawfish Festival


Food and fun in the country
 405, Main Street
Houston, TX 77373
+1 713 863 9994
Texas Crawfish Festival
Houston Ballet


Award-winning ballet company
 500 Texas Ave
(Wortham Center)
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 227 2787
http://www.houstonballet.org/
Houston Ballet
Houston Grand Opera


Tony, Grammy and Emmy-winning troupe
 500 Texas Ave
(Wortham Center)
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 227 2787
http://www.hgo.com
Houston Grand Opera
Miller's Cave


Enjoy live music and karaoke
 2236 FM 1960 West
Houston, TX 77073
+1 281 443 6623
Miller's Cave
Hop


Boogie to tunes from the 50s and 60s
 2331 FM 1960 Road West
(North Houston)
Houston, TX 77068
+1 281 444 8989
Hop
Mercury Room


1940s Copacabana style
 1008 Prairie St
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 225 6372
http://www.mercuryroom.com
Mercury Room
Houston Holocaust Museum


A moving tribute
 5401 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77004
+1 713 942 8000
http://www.hmh.org
Houston Holocaust Museum
Armand Bayou Nature Center


The Call of the Wild
 8500 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston, TX 77586
+1 281 474 2551
http://www.abnc.org
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Billy Blues Bar & Grill


Tasty barbecue and live music
 6025 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77056
+1 713 266 9294
Billy Blues Bar & Grill
Old Town Spring


Quaint Assortment of Specialty Shops
 405 Main St
(at Spring Cypress Road)
Houston, TX 77373
http://www.oldtownspring.com
Old Town Spring
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens


Beautiful flowers and natural wonders
 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd
Houston, TX 77338
+1 281 443 8731
http://www.cp4.hctx.net/mercer/
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Cockrell Butterfly Center


Beautiful butterflies and botanicals
 1 Hermann Circle Drive
(inside Museum of Natural Science building)
Houston, TX 77030
+1 713 639 4629
http://www.hmns.org/see_do/butterfly_center.asp
Cockrell Butterfly Center
ComedySportz-HOUSTON The interactive improv experience


ComedySportz-HOUSTON The interactive improv experience
 901 Town & Country Blvd.
(near the southeast corner of I-10 West and the Beltway)
Houston, TX 77024
+1 713 868 1444
http://www.comedysportzhouston.com
ComedySportz-HOUSTON The interactive improv experience
Comedy Showcase


Recognized Comedians
 11460 Fuqua Street
Suite 300
Houston, TX 77089
+1 281 481 1188
http://www.thecomedyshowcase.com
Comedy Showcase
Laff Stop


Laff Stop
 526 Waugh Drive
Houston, TX 77019
+1 713 524 2333
http://www.laffstop.com
Laff Stop
Laff Spot


Special non-smoking show on Friday
 17776 Tomball Parkway
Houston, TX 77064
+1 281 955 9200
http://www.laffspot.com
Laff Spot
Sam Houston Park


Historical Houston Homes in the Park
 1100 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 655 1912
http://www.heritagesociety.org
Sam Houston Park
Bayou Place


Hot new downtown gathering place
 500 Texas Ave
Houston, TX 77002
+1 713 221 8883
Bayou Place
Houston
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