Everything You Absolutely Have to Do in Houston This Summer
Summer in Houston is extremely hot and humid, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be extremely fun. In fact, the city is awash with ways to beat the heat, and some other ways to just suck it up and deal with it (as we do). Strip down to your undies, get some A/C on a pub crawl, be dazzled by a symphony under the stars, get the meat sweats, and check out these other totally rad happenings, all summer long.
See the city’s coolest art installation
It’s your last chance to see the Cistern’s magical art and sound installation, “Rain: Magdalena Fernández.”
Strip down and sweat
This 2 mile undies run is seriously hot, and the beer after is seriously refreshing.
Pub crawl in your romper
Oh it’s happening. The rompers are coming to a Midtown bar near you.
Pig out for Father’s Day
Celebrate dad at this whole pig roast. Tickets ($25 or $30 at the door) get you pulled pork, three sides, dessert, and a drink wristband good for beer.
Show your support and celebrate Pride
Celebrate individuality and diversity at this weeklong rager, with the big event being Saturday's annual parade and citywide afterparty.
Do "the dinosaur” and grab a drink
Ever go to the HMNS and be like, “This would be way cooler if I had a drink in my hand!” Mixers & Elixirs is your chance to check out history and enjoy some adult beverages.
Listen to the symphony under the stars
ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights is a summertime tradition for a reason. Come on down and find out why.
Attend a BBQ MeatUp
It’s a meating of the minds to celebrate Texas Monthly’s barbecue bible, “The 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas.”
Grab brunch, zombie-style
Bone-in barbacoa, whole beast, and buffalo pig tails are just some of the eats at this all-you-can-eat Flesh & Bone brunch, put on by chef Richard Knight (formerly of Feast, Hunky-Dory), Southern Goods and the Houston Zombie Walk.
Attend a whiskey, beer, and tacos pairing
WhistlePig, Saint Arnold Brewing Co., and Eight Row Flint join forces for one epic pairing.
Get a #BroadwayBod
Squat, plank, and hop to your favorite Broadway tunes.
Go hang with the locals
... and enjoy some beers and music. The Local Brews, Local Grooves event brings together 20 local craft breweries, over 50 beers and rare releases, and 13 local bands.
Be dazzled by America
Fireworks, pop music, and a heaping serving of freedom!
Jump aboard a Saint Arnold pub crawl
Houston’s oldest brewer takes its famous pub crawl through the streets of Downtown.
Shop it like it’s hot
Houstonia’s Summer Pop Up Shop offers live music, food and drink, and retail therapy.
Eat a ton of fajitas
Word of professional advice: Come hungry.
Bar hop by the beach
The 3rd Annual Galveston Island Brewing Pub Crawl is the perfect reason to take a drive down to Galveston this season.
Hit up Shakespeare in the park
Catch the intoxicating comedy Twelfth Night and historical play Richard III for FREE during the Houston Shakespeare Festival.
Dine for a good cause
Pretty much the entire city gets in on Houston Restaurant Weeks (which benefits the Houston Food Bank). And you should, too.
Don your finest white linen pants for an evening
White Linen Night takes over the Heights with pop-up markets, live music, local food and drink, and an all-night fiesta at nearby bars.
Catch movies at Miller
Chill on the hill for this summer’s movie lineup, which includes Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (August 8); Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (August 9); Singin’ in the Rain (August 15); and La La Land (August 16).
Ride the Blacklight Slide
Easily the coolest way to waterslide around, this neon, glow-in-the-dark waterslide event is making its way to H-town.
Drink all the beer you responsibly can
Spend MDW on an island-style journey through beer at the BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival. Big events include the Brew-B-Que and BrewHaHa Grand Tasting.
Run a Blacklight 5K
You’ll glow from the exercise, your sweat will glow from the blacklights!
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Brooke Viggiano is a Houston-based writer who is totally into blacklight stuff this season. Find out what else she’s feeling @BrookeViggiano.