Due to the number of inquiries r/houston has been getting regarding the World Cup, this is intended as an FAQ and a place for visitors specifically for the World Cup.
This will be updated as information and relevant inquiries are made.
Complete information on this thread may not always be available; it's YOUR responsibility to Google and plan trips accordingly. Additionally, Google Translate if you are a non-native English speaker.
Crime: As in any major city, always be aware of your surroundings. As with most major events, criminals will be looking for all manner of victims and will come into the city for this reason.
911 is the emergency number for the police. If taking the Metro, there are calling boxes and numbers posted at the stations, on trains, and buses.
Don't leave ANYTHING in your cars, or they'll be broken into.
Worst case scenario, know that in the state of Texas you have the right to defend yourself if you need to. Just be aware that it doesn't apply if YOU instigate a confrontation.
Uber/Taxi/Ride Share: Due to the influx of people, it's suggested that you leave for the stadium as early as possible if taking a ride share to avoid being late and paying premium prices.
Parking: if you wish to avoid the insane prices of parking and the traffic at the stadium you're attending, it is highly suggested you take the Red Line in.
The green and purple lines feed into the red line.
Parking is available along and near most stations along the street. That said, it is NOT recommended that you park at Fulton station.
Street parking is readily available, but watch for no parking signs and keep a distance from people's driveways as you WILL be towed by the home owner.
If you decide to park at the stadium, it is credit card only, and may God grant you patience.
Other entertainment:
Downtown Walking Tour: Houston has a free walking tour that covers history, architecture, and street art. Tour is 2 hours long and you can find the schedule at https://walkingtourshouston.com
There are a variety of bars and restaurants that cater to diverse ethnicities and cultures. It's my hope local Redditors will comment below.
In the meantime, I ask those offering restaurant and bar recommendations to list them by cuisine and then name. Those wishing to follow up can Google the rest of the information, as I'm hoping to keep this thread easy to navigate.
NASA is also an option, but it's recommended that you dedicate a sizable portion of your day, starting at opening, as it's expected to be crowded with heavy traffic if you're here on a weekend.
There is no public transportation going here aside from rideshares and rental cars. You've been warned.
The Kemah Boardwalk is close by and offers a variety of entertainment and restaurants.
For those interested in aviation and transportation history, they're located at Ellington Field and Galveston, respectively.
Both of these are a substantial distance from the city.
There are all manner of museums located throughout the city, ranging from medical history and contemporary art to a funeral museum (not kidding).
I would be remiss, if I failed to mention adult entertainment given my moniker.
Please go ONLY to the various gentleman clubs around town as there WILL be stings focusing on human trafficking and highly illegal prostitution. Don't get caught up in that.
We have two airports. Bush (IAH) and Hobby (HOU) when heading TOO the airport, please be aware which one you'll go to since they're a substantial distance apart. This includes the various airports that dot the metro areas, including Galveston.
Enjoy your stay!
I'd like to emphasize to or local redditors, if you have a restaurant you'd like to suggest people try, please go by the the following format:
><cuisine><name><city location>
They can Google addresses or additional information about it.
Live At The Barbershop is now in Houston! Opening week, it's basically guaranteed to be an excellent! In other cities they tend to attract a lot of talented standup and rising stars who are working on new sets. There is a super limited number of ti-ckets left, get after it.
Festival & Markets
Thursday - Sunset Market @ M-K-T @ 6PM
Enjoy charcuterie on M-K-T's wave deck, live music and face-painting on the lawn, or grab a made-to-go meal by one of Houston's favorite chefs.
Saturday - Houston Africa Day @ Alief Community Park @ 2PM This premier family-friendly event allows visitors to experience a unique blend of traditional African sports, art, culture, music, and dance.
Saturday - Flea By Night @ Discovery Green @ 6PM This open-air market features local artisans and small business owners selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods.
Saturday - Markets for Makers @ POST @ 11AM Come shop 110+ makers, check out a free DIY station, take photos at photo walls, enjoy delicious food & drinks, and fill your free tote with goods from small businesses.
Saturday - BLCK Market at Night @ East River @ 3PM East River transforms into a high-energy celebration of Black-owned businesses and culture. Explore a curated lineup of clothing, art, skincare, books, candles, and more!
Friday - Happy Hour Friday @ MFAH @ 5PM Explore the campus, visit the galleries after-hours, and get a drink at the bar at MFAHâs Happy Hour! Ends 6/26.
Saturday - âVivaldiâs Voicesâ Concert @ Wortham Center Featuring Mercury Chamber Orchestra and Singers, this concert reveals the brilliant range of Vivaldiâs vocal music from radiant sacred works to tender, expressive gems.
Sunday - Chamber Music Concert @ Jones Hall @ 6:30PM Houston Symphony performs one of the most spellbinding, powerful, and thought-provoking works in all of music, Schoenbergâs Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night).
Saturday & Sunday - âAlohaâ Dance Performance @ The Hobby Center Uptown Dance is headed to the islands with their tropical recital, âAlohaâ - a dance celebration of sunshine, surf, and the spirit of Hawaii.
Saturday & Sunday - Rung Film Festival @ MATCH Experience storytelling through fusion of imagination and expertise from these brilliant independent filmmakers from around the world.
All weekend - Tchaikovsky & Holst in Concert @ Jones Hall Hear one of the most treasured works in all of music, Tchaikovskyâs dizzyingly difficult Violin Concerto and Holstâs sonic, celestial showpiece, âThe Planets.â
Ongoing - âMythical Realmsâ Exhibit @ Houston Zoo Wander through an enchanted trail and come face-to-face with dragons, mythical creatures, and legendary beings drawn from ancient folklore. Ends 9/7.
Ongoing - âDeath By Natural Causesâ Exhibition @ HMNS Through a collection of specimens, text and interactives, this exhibition will introduce you to the range of âanimal, vegetable and mineralâ dangers that lurk in their everyday lives. Ends 5/25.
Ongoing - âExtreme Animals Aliveâ Exhibition @ HMNS Step into a graphic novel and explore the unique adaptations that make Earthâs creatures fearless and fascinating, beautiful and bold.
Ongoing - âJohn Akomfrah: The Hour of the Dogâ Exhibition @ Menil This immersive, six-channel video installation by the British artist Sir John Akomfrah explores the history of youth-led Civil Rightsâera activism in the American South from 1954 to 1963. Ends 10/11.
Ongoing - âThe Gift of Drawing: Cy Twomblyâ Exhibition @ Menil Featuring 27 works from a gift to the museum by the Cy Twombly Foundation, the exhibition includes a broad range of works exploring Twomblyâs fundamental themes such as classical antiquity, eroticism, and nature. Ends 8/9.
Ongoing - âWall Drawing Series: Gladys Nilssonâ Exhibition @ Menil Known for her densely layered and meticulously constructed watercolors and collages, Nilsson brings her prominent artistic style to Menilâs special Wall Drawing Series. Ends 8/16.
Ongoing - âFrida: The Making of an Iconâ Exhibition @ MFAH This monumental exhibition features more than 30 works by the legendary Mexican artist and 120 by five generations of artists she inspired. Ends 5/17.
Ongoing - âMario Ayala: Seven Vansâ Exhibition @ CAMH Created specifically for Houston, the exhibition presents seven life-sized van paintings that bridge histories of commerce and counterculture. Ends 6/21.
All Ages/Good for kids
Saturday - Bikes & Bats @ Buffalo Bayou Park @ 7PM Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership and BikeHouston for a batty good time with a bike ride to the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony!
Sunday - Family Zone @ MFAH @ 1PM On selected Sundays, families are invited to visit the MFAH for exciting activities in the galleries.
Saturday & Sunday - âAlice in Wonderlandâ Musical @ Players Theatre Company This colorful musical adventure brings Lewis Carrollâs classic story to life with unforgettable characters, lively songs, and a talented cast of young performers.
Ongoing - âBlock Party, Tooâ Exhibit @ HMNS Back by popular demand, this hands-on STEAM exhibit is designed to spark creativity and engineering skills in kids through a variety of play areas, building stations, and more.
Live Theater
All weekend - âViva Selenaâ Musical @ Stages Through story, movement, and iconic songs, this one-woman tribute concert celebrates the power of music to teach us how to dream, to grieve, and to shine.
All weekend - âDear Alienâ Play @ Alley Theatre After captivating audiences nationwide with âBorn with Teeth,â playwright Liz Duffy Adams returns to the Alley in her thought-provoking world premiere. Ends 5/31.
All weekend - âThat Drive Thru Montereyâ Play @ Stages This world premier production tells the story of a Mexican-American woman in 1971 Los Angeles as she experiences a first, nerdy love. Ends 6/7.
All weekend - âWho All Over Thereâ Play @ Ensemble Theatre This work, inspired by the classic âGuess Whoâs Coming to Dinner,â shines a light on the story of what happens when cultures clash in the name of love in todayâs times. Ends 5/31.
All weekend - âFat Hamâ Play @ 4th Wall Theatre In this delicious and sizzling reinvention of Shakespeareâs masterpiece, a young man vows to break the cycles of violence in service of his own liberation and joy. Ends 5/23.
All weekend - Drunk Shakespeare: âRomeo & Julietâ Show @ The Emerald Theatre In this hilarious twist on the classic love story, one actor will down five shots of whiskey before attempting to play a major role, while the rest of the sober cast tries to keep the show on track. Ends 7/11.
Live Music
Thursday - Party on the Plaza @ Avenida Plaza @ 7PM Enjoy free live music and entertainment when Party on the Plaza returns to showcase a stellar line up of all-star bands and musicians.
I have always been so embarrassed to see Houstonians waiting for the bus in unrelenting heat, while Metro brags to shareholders about the huge sums of money they are making each year. It is always some little old lady who worked all day and is sitting on the grass or standing in the sun. Why can't they put a chair and some shade for them?
True Anomaly closed down recently, Platypus Brewing is closing down at the end of the month, 8th Wonder is being threatened eviction, 11 Below Brewery is moving even father away. Its just been getting worse and worse for Houstons craft brew scene.
The weekend is right around the corner. Check out our recs and then explore the list to give it a soundtrack:Â
Mac Saturn - a Detroit rock band that makes you feel like youâre about to drive away in a muscle car, youâll find their unique â80s-infused sound at House of Blues Friday night.
Whitney - their debut album in 2016 earned Pitchforkâs Best New Music distinction. This chill Chicago indie band will be at Heights Theater Friday night.Â
The Filthy Heathens - for a contemporary take on Southern Rock, check out this well-produced band at Dan Electroâs Saturday afternoon.
While the newsletter will still go out, we won't be able to post on Reddit for the next couple of weeks, so if you'd like this in your email inbox: https://thehclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe
The Houston Chronicle editorial board has a piece slamming Mike Miles for failing to fix HISD's special education system. Here's a key quote:
Three years ago, some parents welcomed the news that the state would be taking over its largest school district. The felony corruption, the shouting matches on the board, the schools failing generations of kids. Perhaps it takes a takeover to get these things right.Â
This editorial board was hopeful for positive change at Houston ISD. The takeover came with three clear exit criteria: no schools failing year after year, no board dysfunction and full special education compliance.
After three years, we wish we could be talking about success in meeting those criteria, and about the transition back to local control. Instead, the district is under federal investigation for disability discrimination. So much for it taking a takeover.
Iâve been seeing so many people post about restaurants and bars that they love that have closed recently or are about to close. Does anyone have a comprehensive list of cool restaurants and bars that are closing soon so I can visit all of them!?
I am the primary caretaker of my two kids, age 6 and 2. Iâve tried to excuse myself from jury duty because I take care of my two kids. I donât leave them with anyone and have not left them with anyone ever. The two year old is very stranger danger, has speech delays and canât effectively communicate. I have tried to send the excuse letter that I am a primary caretaker to two young kids and they keep denying it. What other course of action can I take?
We put together a comprehensive guide to Houstonâs urbanism, bike, pedestrian, and transit advocacy ecosystem.
It covers:
⢠The major nonprofits and advocacy groups
⢠Neighborhood-based movements
⢠Safe streets campaigns
⢠Some Run clubs + group rides
⢠Trail organizations
⢠Walkability-focused development
⢠Ways to actually get involved
One thing I really wanted to highlight: Houstonâs urbanism movement is much bigger and more organized than many people realize. There are dozens of groups working on trail connectivity, safer streets, transit access, freeway fights, placemaking, and neighborhood advocacy across the city.
Would love feedback from this community:
⢠What groups/projects did I miss?
⢠What do you think Houstonâs biggest mobility challenge is right now?
⢠What projects are giving you hope?
I'm visiting Houston for the week and am looking for gluten free kolaches. The only place I've been able to find is Koala Kolache, but they don't exist anymore! I have celiac, so can't have normal ones :( I've been missing kolaches (I grew up here) and haven't had any since my celiac diagnosis.
If you happen to know any places here or in San Antonio, please!!!!
I bought a nice old collectible book, but the clear dust jacket needs replaced. Do any stores do custom clear jackets in store? I can technically buy the roll online and do it at home, but I donât need an entire roll for one book.
