Category : Houston Entertainment

live theater in Houston

The Holidays in Play – The Best Theater in West Houston

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We all have our go-to holiday movies and tv specials, but experiencing a live play truly brings the season to life. By huddling together in a West Houston theater, we honor community and local talent as the festivities unfold before our very eyes on stage. From timeless classics to fresh creative takes, the following shows are bouncing into town this month…

Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Our hometown is a fantasy come to life, so this performance is perfectly suited to life in West Houston! Immerse yourself in a dreamland filled with toys, dance, and happiness personified as Clara tiptoes her way through the Wortham Center and straight into your heart. Thrill to the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and recapture your youth, one leap at a time!

A Christmas Carol at Alley Theater

Haunt your holidays with a ghost story that has entertained audiences for centuries! This family favorite shimmers its way through December and enlightens fans anew right here in our hometown. Watch as Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true reason for the season and endures three spirited visits from specters of his past, present, and future. These are the ghosts with the most!

Christmas Is Comin’ Uptown

For a modern twist on the aforementioned Dickens classic, check out this soulful retelling at the Ensemble Theater. To thwart a Harlem landlord from evicting his tenants, three funky phantoms visit him on Christmas Eve to show him the error of his ways (and a few awesome dance moves to boot)!

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage

Groove with your beloved Peanuts pals in a theatrical adaptation of the enduring holiday classic. You know the songs by heart, but now you can rediscover their brilliance at The Grand Opera House, performed by a three-piece band on stage. Good grief, this is a great show!
The real star of the season is our vibrant community, so whichever show you enjoy, be sure to take a bow. You are a showstopper, and we give you a standing ovation, WeHou neighbor!

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dance clubs in Houston

Kick Up Your Heels at the Best Places to Dance in West Houston

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If you love dancing, then there’s no doubt that Houston is the place to be. The city’s got an amazing nightlife and there’s something for every style, with honky-tonks, discos, and salsa clubs in the mix. When you’re looking for a place to kick up your heels, we’ve found the best places to dance in West Houston.

Wild West
 Billed as a “high-class honky-tonk,” Wild West is a Houston standby. For twenty years, the Texan-owned spot has been inviting Houstonites to two-step on in. Their solid oak dance floor is built for boots, and their drink specials will have you loose enough to let it all hang out. Not so sure about your moves? They’ve got dance lessons on Fridays and Sundays. Just be sure to dress appropriately; the bar may be called the Wild West, but your clothes better be up to snuff.


Firehouse Saloon
 With cowboy boots in the rafters and an exterior straight out of an old movie, Firehouse Saloon is all about that Country Western life. Owned by firefighters, this honky-tonk brings the music to you live, with bands playing nearly every weekend. The dance floor is huge, and there’s plenty of seating when it’s time to give those dogs a rest.


Club Tropicana
 Next time you really want to heat things up, look inside the strip-mall exterior of Club Tropicana. This spicy Latin club is the place to go if you’re looking to dance salsa, merengue, or bachata. Some serious pros take over the dance floor, but if you’re just learning your Cuban motion, there’s no need to sit on the sidelines. They’ve got lessons on Friday nights, and any other time a lot of those experts are happy to show you how it’s done.


Barbarella Houston
 If you want to dance downtown, Barbarella Houston is your spot. “Barbs,” as the regulars call it, is laid back and casual, and everyone’s welcome. The DJ plays videos along with the music, and they’re known for their theme nights. Thursdays are soul and Motown, Fridays are all about new music that you won’t hear anywhere else, and Saturdays are “Footloose” and fancy free, paying homage to the eighties.

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Check out these four bars next time you’re looking for the best places to dance in West Houston, and be sure to let us know on Twitter and Facebook which is your favorite.

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oktoberfest Houston

4 Fun Ways to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Houston

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When Fall arrives in H-town, that means three things: football season has begun, school is in session, and Oktoberfest is near. While the annual festival in Munich is in full swing, you don’t have to fly to Germany to participate. In fact, there are several of these distinctly German parties right here in Texas, so check out these events celebrating Oktoberfest in Houston.

Oktoberfest Houston
Started in 2011, Oktoberfest Houston is now an eagerly-anticipated annual event that celebrates both German and Texas culture. You can wear a dirndl, drink authentic German beer and dance to polka music, and also put on your cowboy boots and drink local craft brews. You can also compete in Olympiad games including the Stein Race, Barrel Roll, Stein Hoisting, and the Legendary Brat Toss. It’s all taking place September 29 at The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park.


King’s Oktoberfest
King’s Oktoberfest is so big it needs two weekends. The bierhaus has two locations, so why not visit both? Attendance on October 7th and October 21st gets you a raffle to win a trip for two to the real deal – the winners fly to Munich for Oktoberfest in 2019. Entertainment includes adult carnival games, arm wrestling, and a Bavarian strongman competition. Winners of the bier pong tournament will get $500 cash, which will buy a whole lot of beer.


Texas Renaissance Festival
A ren faire doesn’t automatically say Oktoberfest, unless it’s the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission. Take a day trip September 29 or October 1 and you’ll say Huzzah! to Old Bavaria at this themed weekend. They’ll have polka music, brats, and strudel. Dust off your lederhosen before you go and you can compete in the costume contest.


Saint Arnold Oktoberfest
Party in a classic German-style beer hall at the Saint Arnold Oktoberfest on October 6th and 7th. Named after the patron saint of brewers, this brewery is Houston’s oldest. Look the part and you could be crowned the King or Queen. They’ll have their full line-up of beers poured in a commemorative glass boot as well as a special German dinner.



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comedy club Houston

Laugh It Up at the Best Comedy Clubs in Houston

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As the biggest city in Texas, Houston is a big draw for comedy talent as they make their way across the country. And we also have a thriving homegrown comedy scene to tickle your funny bone. If you’re looking for a night out and you want to laugh, here are our 3 favorite comedy clubs in Houston.

Houston Improv
Originally started in Hell’s Kitchen in New York, The Improv is now a world-renowned, nationwide chain of top-notch comedy clubs that bring in the biggest names in comedy. Here, you’ll be able to see such acts Nate Bargatze, Whitney Cummings, and Maz Jobrani. Historically, The Improv was a regular haunt of such legends as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Jerry Seinfeld. In Houston, you can see comedians of all kinds in front of the iconic Improv red brick wall.


ComedySportz
ComedySportz is the place to go for rapid fire, family-friendly improv games. Two teams compete for laughs in a variety of improvised scenes with suggestions given from the audience. The unscripted antics of ComedySportz, or CSz, players will be the highlight of your week. And you won’t have to worry about taking kids. Even if they won’t get all of the jokes, they won’t hear any obscenities or offensive language. At CSz, any bad language will draw a “brown bag foul,” where the offending player must wear a brown paper grocery bag over their head and sit out for the remainder of the scene.


Station Theater
The Station Theater is one-stop shopping for all your comedy needs. They feature improv and sketch comedy shows and classes in improv and sketch writing. All shows are BYOB, and there are various improv groups in the same place, so if one show doesn’t fit your taste, there are always options! If you’ve always been told you’re the funniest one in the office or you would just like to build your creative thinking or confidence, try out an improv class and let your imagination run wild.


When you’re wondering what to do with your night, look no further than one of these comedy clubs. You’re sure to have a fantastic time!

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cigar shop houston

The Best Cigar Shops in Woodlake/Briar Meadow

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Houston is home to some of the finest cigar shops in the country. Whether you are a smoker from way back, or you are just picking it up as a hobby, you will find a cigar to suit your taste. From Churchills to perfectos and full or light bodied, there is a whole world of cigars out there to explore. Here are our 4 favorite cigar lounges to find a favorite stogie.

Stogies World Class Cigars

Stogies offers cigars from over 200 different brands representing 6 Latin American countries and the United States. After tracking down the perfect one for you, you can enjoy it in the large smoking lounge, complete with comfy leather couches and TVs where you can catch the game. Or on nice days, there is a smoking patio so you can enjoy your smoke outside. Cigar aficionados can find plenty to keep them happy here.


Friendly Fire Cigars

In the heart of the Energy Corridor sits Friendly Fire Cigars. This is a newer lounge in town, and it is The goal of Friendly Fire is to foster good conversation and the building of friendships over a quality cigar. Relax in the plush couches around a fireplace with a fine cigar and a drink and while away the hours with a new friend. This being the Energy Corridor, you’re likely to meet someone with interesting stories.


Casa de Montecristo

Sometimes, sitting around with a cigar just isn’t enough. You need an event to enjoy while you puff away. For that, head to Casa de Montecristo. Find deals on boxes or individual cigars, and bring your friends for trivia night on Whiskey Wednesday. Or celebrate the life of Arturo Fuente at an event with swag and deals on Arturo cigars. They also have a rewards program where you can earn points toward cigars and accessories.


Hoyo de Cuba

If you are in the mood for a cigar but want to smoke it at home on your own time, you can find amazing deals at Hoyo de Cuba Cigar Factory. You can find more than 25,000 different cigars in their giant walk-in humidor, many made exclusively for Hoyo de Cuba with tobacco grown from Cuban seeds. You can also order personalized boxes or labels for an individualized celebration of a bachelor party, birthday, birth of a child, or any other occasion. They may not have as wide a range of brands as some of the other stores, but they offer the finest quality of the types they manufacture.


Cigars are a big part of Houston’s past and culture. Try one out of these stores and you might find a new favorite way to relax!

*SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Tobacco smoke increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease, even in nonsmokers.
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Houston Museum District

Lose Yourself in the Best Museums in Houston

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Houston is a city with a rich and varied past. From a burgeoning wild west stopover to a leading space exploration innovator, Houston has a lot of history to show off. Luckily, many of the city’s best museums are collected in a convenient Museum District. Here are our favorite Houston museums, both in and out of the District.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

If you are into exploring the natural order of the world, this is the place for you. When you think of a classic museum, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is likely close to what you picture. Here you’ll find massive dinosaur skeletons bringing prehistoric times right in front of your eyes. You can head into the enormous Cockrell Butterfly Center, where you will encounter over 60 different species of the most colorful and interesting butterflies in the world. They may even land on you so you can admire them up close! Then head over to the Burke Baker Planetarium to discover the secrets of the universe. Learn about the farthest reaches of our galaxy, and explore the vast wonders of space.


Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

You studied the great artists in school, seeing small reprints of their works in the corner of your textbooks. But at Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts, the works of the master come alive in a new way. See the original brush strokes from the hands of Van Gogh and Georgia O’Keeffe. View sculptures from Ancient Greece and the Aztec Empire. Marvel at photos from the very beginning of the medium in the 1860s, and see candid polaroids taken by Andy Warhol. Whatever form of studio art you are interested in, the Museum of Fine Arts has something to capture your imagination.


Houston Space Center

What list of Houston museums would be complete without mentioning the Space Center? Since the beginning of the American space program, Houston has been synonymous with the exploration of the Final Frontier. If you have ever wondered what it takes to push beyond the limits of human limits, this is a great place to get a behind the scenes look. Here you have the opportunity to see rockets and shuttles that have played crucial roles in our missions to space. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can have lunch with an astronaut! Listen to first-hand accounts of the wonders and dangers of space missions from the people who have been there. Or take a guided tour through the inner workings of the space center, including a trip to Mission Control.


Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

You’ve heard the Bob Marley song about the Buffalo Soldier who was “Stolen from Africa, Brought to America.” Now you can visit the Buffalo Soldier National Museum and learn about what that song was referring to. The Buffalo Soldiers were made up of former slaves, freemen, and black Civil War soldiers. They were integral in the expansion of the American West, and fought valiantly for a country that did not treat them as equal men. Discover the brave story of a fighting unit that helped change the shape of this nation.

Visit these great museums and see all that Houston has to offer! For more museum options, check out this post.
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Water Parks in Houston

Make a Splash at the Best Water Parks Around Houston

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It’s hot out there, in case you hadn’t noticed. Summer? In Houston? Hot? We know, it’s strange but true. And the hotter it gets, the better water parks start to look. Luckily, the Houston area has plenty of options where you can get your splash on. Here are our favorite water parks in the area.

Typhoon Texas

This Texas-themed waterpark proves that everything is bigger here! With numerous slides to choose from, a tidal wave pool, lazy river, and even an interactive waterslide/video game combo, you’re sure to find something that’s your speed at Typhoon Texas. You can race your friends on the speedy Lone Star Racer slides, then see who has the nerve to face the 7-story open air free fall of The Gunslinger. Admission here ranges from $19.99 to $39.99 depending on the day.

Pirates Bay

Pirate’s Bay has every kind of water slide you could want: tube slides, body slides, speed slides, drop slides, and multi-person slides. They also have rental spaces available if you want to have a group of friends for a party. For those who might not be the strongest swimmers but don’t want to miss out on the fun, free lifejackets are available to borrow. Tickets are $25, but after 4 pm on weekdays, it goes down to just $10.

Wet ‘n’ Wild Splashtown

Water slides, cheerleading competitions, concerts…. It seems like there’s nothing Wet ‘n’ Wild Splashtown can’t do. This park offers a range of entertainment beyond simply the water attractions. But those water attractions are pretty great too. They have all the thrill rides you would normally find at a water park, plus some extras. Check out the Tornado, a 75 foot high, 134-foot long tunnel that ends in a giant swirling funnel. Or try your surfing abilities on the constant wave of the FlowRider. If you want to have a home base, you can rent a large cabana that comes with 4 meals, 4 beach towels, sunscreen, table service, and a locker rental. Tickets in start at $41.99.


Head to one of these fun parks to beat the heat this summer. Just remember to wear sunscreen so the only thing you take away from the day will be the memories, not a sunburn.
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Houston Golf Courses

The Best West Houston Golf Courses

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While the summer sun is beating down may not seem like the best time to be outside. But when you’re on the lush, rolling greens of a golf course with a club in your hand, the beautiful weather is an added bonus. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or are just starting out, Houston has some of the finest public courses to work on your game. Here are our favorite courses in West Houston.

Memorial Park Golf Course

Boasting more than 60,000 patrons a year, Memorial Park Golf Course is one of the busier municipal courses in the area. And it’s for good reason. The course began its life back in 1912 as a 9 hole recreation for convalescent soldiers in a nearby hospital. Since then it has hosted such greats as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, and was the site of the Houston open for years. Memorial Park creates an elegant blend of history and modernity, with its 1930s course design still largely intact and it’s newer, charming clubhouse.


Wildcat Golf Club

Wildcat Golf Club offers a rolling links-style course with panoramic views of the city skyline, including a close-up view of NRG Stadium. The course was once an oil field, and you can expect to still see the odd small oil drill pumping away to this day. If you’ve already golfed Wildcat, fear not; they actually have two full 18 hole courses! So you have options.

 
 
 
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Sharpstown Park Golf Course

For a great round of golf on a budget, you can’t beat Sharpstown Park Golf Course. They offer a round at likely the lowest prices in town for a course as well maintained as they are. At only $18 on weekdays and $26 on the weekend, you can spend the afternoon on the greens and still have cash to hit the 19th hole after. While the course may not be the prettiest in town, it will still offer a fun and challenging game at an unbeatable value.

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Topgolf

If you’re not quite ready to hit a course, but still want to get in on the fun of golf, Topgolf is the place to be. This full entertainment zone is fun for golfers of all ages and skill levels. It takes the idea of a driving range to new heights. With high tech driving games, colored lights, music and adult drinks available, Topgolf feels more like a nightclub than the driving range your grandpa used to go to. It is a fun place to have a party and have the fun of golf without the pressure of living up to everyone’s expectations on the course. Because let’s face it: we’re all terrible at golf and hate every shot we make. But there is something about it that just keeps drawing us back in.

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If you are looking to start your golfing life or you have been playing for years, Houston is a great place to hit the fairways and enjoy a day in the sun!
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The Top Record Shops in West Houston

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It may seem like only the most ardent audiophiles prefer records to digital music. But even for the casual listener, there is something charming, and even nostalgic, about the pops and crackles of the needle against the vinyl. If you have thought even a little bit about checking out if what the hipsters say is true about vinyl records, now is the time. They are often quite cheap and can expose you to a whole new world of music. Here are our favorite record shops in West Houston.  

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Allrecords

Allrecords is exactly what you picture when you think of a record store. Large posters of The Beatles and Bob Dylan adorn the walls. Rows and rows of records, CDs, 8 tracks are staked, mostly in display stands, but some on chairs or in boxes on the ground. This is one of the few vinyl shops in town without an online catalog, so in order to get music from Allrecords, you have to do it the old-fashioned way: come down and rifle through boxes and bins until you find that hidden gem you didn’t know you were missing.

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  Cactus Music   The oldest independent record store in Houston, Cactus Music has been serving up tunes on a platter for over thirty years. They strive to be your one-stop shop for all things music. They offer live in-store concerts, a massive collection of records and CDs, record release parties, and even an app with digital downloads.    

Black Dog Records

Black Dog is where you go when you really know what you are talking about when it comes to records. They specialize in high-quality used vinyl that is meticulously cleaned on VPI vacuum album restoration equipment with a deep cleaning solution to ensure every groove is pristine. Each album is guaranteed to be in tip-top condition. You could spend hours digging through the neat, organized bins or checking out the signed rock memorabilia on the walls.

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Vintage Sounds Houston

If you have always wanted to be a vinyl collector but don’t have anything to play your records on, stop by Vintage Sounds Houston. They specialize in antique sound equipment and can help you find a beautiful piece that will help your new records sound their best. Whether you are looking for a large, impressive victrola or a small portable turntable, you can find what you want here. They also have a selection of vintage records to choose from in-store.

There’s no better time to start your record collection than now. Try one of these shops and ask the experts!
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The Best Vintage Shops Around Houston

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Leftovers taste better, love doesn’t sting so much and those old Chuck Taylor kicks never looked so good. Some things are just better the second time around. It takes a keen eye to curate the hidden gems from a rubbish pile, discarding the merely tacky and out-of-date and skimming those rarified finds that any hipster would proudly proclaim “vintage.” Brand new is so yesterday. Let’s trawl the best vintage shops in Houston for a thrift store!

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BLIND GIRL PRODUCTIONS Sondra and Keith provide the vision behind Blind Girl Productions. Even though Sondra lost most of her vision due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, it’s clear the heart behind Blind Girl has not lost her humor and insight on what is good in life. The couple re-purpose and restore found items because they “feel finding a new use for what was an everyday item is good for our environment.” They thoroughly enjoy hunting for treasures and sharing them with others. Google Local Guide Shasha Ratta shows unrestrained enthusiasm in her 5-star review: “Great! Wonderful people and amazing things!”  

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CHEEKY VINTAGE Darling, be daring at Cheeky Vintage. Vintage is an obsession for Jina, the mistress of operations at Cheeky. It’s the personal touch that gives a curated collection its personality—and boy, does this place have personality! “One of my greatest joys,” says Jina, “is helping you, our cherished clients, find that perfect piece.” Mixing contemporary fashion with vintage classics is one of the joys of the thrift store circuit. Other joys await you, as well, says Culture Map Houston, “Once inside, you are immersed in a boutique-style setting, complete with cozy sitting area and chocolate!”

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EL BAMBI Lindsay Beale and Emily Hynds teamed up to open El Bambi, Houston’s only vintage store with an in-house tailor! This shop has a quirky vibe and a kitschy aesthetic that millennial fashionistas are sure to find irresistible. Their eclectic inventory includes an 80s tee with neon graphics and a 70s coral dress with a fabulously wide collar. And, best of all, Lindsay and Emily’s refined tastes don’t come with the insane markups you’ll find at some other hipster hubs.   In her 5-star Yelp review, Christine L., of Houston, says, “So cute and reasonable prices! I bought a $22 dress that looks like a wrap style with flowers and so flattering!” You’ll have to go back to the future to find the next trends. Houston’s best vintage shops are moving fashion forward to the past!
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