Taking care of your breast health is important. And early detection starts with your annual mammogram. That’s why Houston Methodist Breast Care Centers offer:
• Innovative imaging technology
• Board-certified breast radiologists
• Online scheduling available when you are
• 13 convenient locations across Houston
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That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.
It is finally time for one of my favorite issues of the year. Our annual foodie issue is always highly anticipated, and I am excited to share it with you. Houston is truly a food lover's paradise, and no matter the type of cuisine or price point you are looking for, the city has a dish that fits. I feel fortunate to explore many of Houston's newest restaurants, and it is rare to find one that I do not want to go back to again and again.
One of my favorite articles to write is Where to Eat & Drink Now. It spotlights the newest dishes from some of Houston’s best restaurants, and my hope is that you finish reading it with a few more places added to your must-try list.
This issue also takes you beyond Houston. You will find a foodie travel piece on Travis Street Hospitality, whose award-winning concepts in Dallas make deciding where to start the hardest part of the experience. Back at home, our latest dining guide offers suggestions on trusted favorites that continue to define the Bayou City’s food scene.
Of course, great food is about more than flavor. It is about time shared with friends and family. My hope is that this issue becomes a guide you turn to when planning your next meal out. Drop me a line—I would love to hear which spot you think should be featured next.
Jennifer Kahlden | jennifer.kahlden@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Savannah Schakett
INTERN
Antonio De la Rosa
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Diane Cowen, Allyson Straczek
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
“Maximo’s
inside the issue
Where to Eat & Drink Now
Sharing Houston’s top spots to eat, drink, and enjoy.
Will Travel For Food
Dallas’ Travis Street Hospitality offers Michelin-recommended dining with French-inspired menus and community-focused values.
Cooking Essentials Made Easy
Discover six must-have kitchen tools designed to simplify cooking and streamline daily routines.
This fall, Michelinstarred March unveils The Levant, a tasting menu spotlighting the Eastern Mediterranean’s rich flavors, history, and cultural crossroads. Cover: A playful interpretation of labneh with an Aleppo crumble topped with labneh gelato, prickly pear caramel, and a prickly pear veil.
Chefs and restaurateurs reveal their top picks for this season.
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Want to be seen in the magazine?
1: Chef Troy Guard mingling with guests at TAG Meets Top Chef fundraising dinner. 2: Chef Troy Guard and Chef Tristen Epps at TAG Meets Top Chef fundraising dinner. 3: Matthew and Thy Mitchell at Houston Restaurant Weeks opening party. 4: Courtney Zavala and Francyne Davis Jacobs at Houston Restaurant Weeks opening party. 5: Ben Berg, Katie Stone, and Arthur Mooridian at Houston Restaurant Weeks opening party.
6: Heather Shepherd, Laura Denson Glauser, Brittany Rose Wetterer at The Graduate launch party. 7: Henry Bragg, Julia Bragg, Laura Denson Glauser, Laurence Bragg at The Graduate launch party.
JULIANA WORKMAN
JOHNNY THAN
CHARLES DANTE
JOHNNY THAN
JULIANA WORKMAN
JOHNNY THAN
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Brandon Hurtado Releases New Cookbook on Tex-Mex Barbeque
In Barbacoa, pitmaster Brandon Hurtado combines traditional Texas barbecue with Mexican flourishes and flavors. The result: delicious, approachable recipes that are as innovative as they are appealing. Brandon Hurtado is one of the most celebrated practitioners of Tex-Mex barbecue around. His Dallas-area restaurant, Hurtado Barbecue, appears on Texas Monthly’s authoritative list of the top 50 barbecue joints in Texas and in Southern Living magazine’s ranking of the 50 best barbecue restaurants in the entire US South.
Original ChopShop Launches Brand New Menu
The new menu features the “Glow Up” Protein Shake, created in partnership with MaryKate Schmidt. The shake is packed with protein, blending coconut chia pudding, banana, pineapple, date, vanilla whey protein and almond milk, with a vibrant dragonfruit drizzle. The fall menu lineup also features the “Scottsdale Cobb” Salad, made with house greens, tomato, avocado, bacon, white cheddar, hard-boiled egg, croutons and a made in-Shop cilantro lime ranch dressing.
Balboa Surf Club Adds New Sunday Fish Fry & Weekend Lunch
Exclusively available on Sundays, the Fish Fry offers a Southern-inspired feast featuring two jumbo shrimp and a hearty portion of Gulf grouper. Paired with house-made hushpuppies, jalapeño coleslaw and both cocktail and tartar sauces to combine comfort with culinary craft. The new Fish Fry joins Balboa’s weekend offerings, complementing a lunch menu with global flavors, including Huevos Rancheros, French Omelette, and Donut Holes, dusted with cinnamon and sugar and paired with miso caramel for dipping.
Photography Courtesy of Brandon Hurtado
Photography courtesy of Original ChopShop
Photography Courtesy of Balboa Surf Club
BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL
Photography by Julie Soefer
Yiayia’s Pappas Greek Kitchen Now Open
Yiayia’s Greek Kitchen is a vibrant new concept from the Pappas family, inspired by their spirited matriarch, Yiayia Mary. The restaurant offers a modern take on Mediterranean home cooking, with a menu built around fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and dishes meant to be shared. Guests can enjoy a lively, art-filled space anchored by a central olive tree, a curated selection of Greek and European wines, and a cocktail program that showcases regional spirits with playful, inventive flair.
Eat & Drink WHERE TO NOW
Hachi, Hachi Oyster. Photo by Tom Qast
Houston's dining scene never sits still, with new hot spots popping up at every turn. Right now is the perfect moment to mix things up and explore new dishes and restaurants worth adding to the rotation.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
BELLY OF THE BEAST
Chef Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Old Town Spring was honored as Best Chef Texas at the 2025 James Beard Awards. He was the only Houston-area winner and shared the achievement with his wife and business partner, Elizabeth. botbfood.com
Belly of the Beast, Tagliatelle.
Photo by Thuy An Photography
MAYAHUEL
Mayahuel, the newest must-try restaurant in Autry Park, takes its name from the maguey plant. Chef Luis Richards, named Latin America's Best Pastry Chef by The World's 50 Best Restaurants, partnered with Houston-based Culinary Khancepts to launch the restaurant and cocktail bar. The menu includes oysters with caviar, tuna tostada, aguachile, tacos, and main dishes like cochinita, sea bass, and brunch plates including chilaquiles and shakshuka. mayahuelrestaurant.com
SUCCULENT
Veteran restaurateur Shawn Virene of a'Bouzy recently opened Succulent in Regent Square. The concept draws on Napa Valley influences, with menus highlighting seasonal produce from the West Coast and local farms. Executive Chef David Buckley leads the kitchen, emphasizing sustainable sourcing and classic preparation techniques. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor dining, private event spaces, and a to-go program with curated picnic baskets, charcuterie, and wine pairings for nearby Regent Park. succulentfinedining.getbento.com
BOO'S BURGERS
Boo's Burgers, founded by Joseph Boudreaux, began in 2020 as a Houston pop-up inspired by cookouts, corner joints, and cultural mashups from his upbringing. The concept quickly gained a loyal following for its focus on simple, well-executed food rooted in community. Boo's first brick-and-mortar location has opened in the East End, serving 44 Farms beef burgers, shroom sandwiches, and signature sides. The counter-service space combines old-school character with a modern edge, staying true to its Houston identity. boosburgershtx.com
BARBACANA
(facing page) Chef Christian Hernandez, who has worked in acclaimed restaurants in Houston, New York, and Mexico City, now leads Barbacana, a downtown restaurant showcasing his vision of Houston dining. The menu reflects Texas foodways, Gulf Coast ingredients, and international technique, offered through a chef tasting menu and a la carte options. Signature dishes include buttered onion tart with crab, Wagyu carpaccio with pecans and pickled strawberries, donburi with Koshihikari rice and mushrooms, and dryaged duck breast with pistachio dukkah and Medjool dates. barbacanatx.com
Succulent, Shrimp Louie. Photo by Quit Nguyen
Mayahuel, brunch. Photo by Brian Kennedy
Boo's Burgers.
Photo by Michael Anthony
Barbacana, Chicago Sausage Sandwich. Photo by Chris Furia
MILTON’S
Milton’s in Rice Village offers elevated Italian classics with handmade pastas, Josper Grill-fired meats, and shareable appetizers like Tigelle Platter and truffle garlic knots. An inviting atmosphere and a curated cocktail and wine program complement the menu items. miltonandlees.com
THE BOARD ROOM
Bringing fresh vibes to CityCentre, The Board Room blends charcuterie, wine, and culinary expertise in a bright, welcoming space. By day, it offers fresh grab-and-go meals; evenings feature full-service dining, charcuterie boards, curated wine, cocktails, and artisanal retail from local vendors. theboardroomhtx.com
LATULI
Latuli, from Allison Knight and chef Bryan Caswell, blends Texas Gulf Coast roots with global flavors in the Memorial neighborhood. The menu highlights local seafood, ranchraised beef, and globally influenced dishes, complemented by curated wines and refined cocktails. The restaurant features a warm, elevated design, and spaces for intimate or large gatherings. latuli.com
Milton's, Pork Chop. Photo by Carla Gomez
Latuli, Lemon Tart. Photo by Hasan Yousef
The Board Room, Tower.
Photo by Natalie Goff
ALORA
Alora blends Peruvian and Vietnamese cuisines, offering innovative dishes like Shaking Lomo Saltado and Aji de Gallina spring rolls. The Montrose restaurant pairs bold, global flavors with creative cocktails in a lively, vibrant atmosphere. alorahtx.com
LEE'S
Located in Rice Village, Lee's complements its neighbor Milton's with expertly crafted cocktails blending classic and modern techniques. Small, globally inspired bites by Siegel-Gardner and Chef Kent Domas echo the bar's vibrant energy and Milton's Italian American roots, creating a flavorful experience that pairs perfectly with the creative drink menu. miltonandlees.com
LEO'S RIVER OAKS
Adjacent to one of the most iconic theaters in Houston, Leo's delivers an elevated dining experience with New American cuisine, prime steaks, seafood, live music, elegant Art Deco design, curated wines, and delicious cocktails. The restaurant creates a supper club atmosphere ideal for date nights or dinner out with friends. leosriveroaks.com
Leo's River Oaks, Steak Tartare.
Photo by Brian Kennedy Alora, Casa Limena. Photo by John Mumm
Lee's, Garibaldi. Photo by Carla Gomez
MARCH
This fall, Michelin-starred March unveils The Levant, a six- or nine-course tasting menu inspired by the Eastern Mediterranean. Dishes highlight Levantine flavors, techniques, and ingredients, complemented by tailored wine pairings from the region, immersive sensory details, and March's signature Snack Tile opening ritual. marchrestaurant.com
March, Carrots. Photo by Zach Horst
Take a break and treat yourself to something delicious! Join us for lunch and unwind with unbeatable Happy Hour deals that are perfect for any day of the week. And here’s the best part—on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Happy Hour lasts all day long! Whether you're craving a midday bite or a relaxing evening drink, we’ve got the flavors and the vibes to make your day feel special. Come hungry, leave happy!
Design Smart. Build Better. Live Exceptionally.
WILL TRAVEL FOR FOOD
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECKLEY
DALLAS’S TRAVIS STREET HOSPITALITY OFFERS MICHELINRECOMMENDED DINING WITH FRENCH-INSPIRED MENUS AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED VALUES.
Houston and Dallas might have an age-old rivalry, but there are a few lauded highlights about the Bayou City’s northern neighbor worth a visit, and one of those is Travis Street Hospitality. Founder Stephan Courseau and his wife, Daniele Garcia, sit at the helm of an award-winning coterie of must-try restaurants.
The hospitality group, named for the address of its first concept, opened in 2013 and includes Michelin-recommended restaurants Knox Bistro and Georgie. Travis Street Hospitality has now added several more outposts to their repertoire in Dallas’ famed Knox-Henderson neighborhood, operating The Georgie Butcher Shop and its most recent additions, Le PasSage and Rose Café at Le PasSage. tshdallas.com
Georgie Bar.
Photo by Nicole Franzen
FRENCHIE
ROSE CAFÉ AT LE PASSAGE
Rose Café, located on the ground floor of The Terminal at Katy Trail in the Knox-Travis district, serves breakfast through dinner with dishes influenced by Asian cuisines and French techniques. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and executive chef Sotear Tep’s menu attracts an outdoor crowd as well as shoppers, families, and foodies.
Frenchie is a French brasserie from founders Stephan Courseau and Daniele Garcia with culinary director Bruno Davaillon. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu features crepes, quiche, poulet rôti, tartare de boeuf, salads, pasta, burgers, and steak frites. With a dining room, bar, and indoor-outdoor bar, Frenchie is an everyday destination for families, professionals, and shoppers.
GEORGIE
KNOX BISTRO
Just steps from the Katy Trail in KnoxHenderson, Michelin-recommended Knox Bistro serves brunch, lunch, and dinner rooted in French classics. The charming light-filled dining room makes guests feel like they are in a Paris café, with dishes like soupe à l’oignon, rillettes de poisson, fresh oysters, lapin à la moutarde, and canard à l’orange. Dessert features standouts such as a perfectly executed Paris-Brest.
Georgie, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, focuses on community values, respect for the land, and artisan traditions. The space combines retro and modern styles with warm tones, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails or curated wines at the bar. The menu highlights partnerships with local farms and ranchers, offering a la carte and tasting options, including French onion consommé, potato churros, dry-aged duck breast, and black truffle agnolotti.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls and Sotera's Daily Soup
French Onion Consomme
Escargots
Confit de Canard
Early Bird Prize Deadline: October 1
Ultimate Houston Astros & Rockets sports package, courtesy of iHeartMedia
Bonus Prize Deadline: October 22
$10,000 VISA gift card, courtesy of Dream Day Foundation
Bayou City Bonus Prize Deadline: November 5 2 CT T.W. diamond “X” bracelet in 10K gold, courtesy of Zales
Last Chance Prize Deadline: November 17 Clarity Series Balance 9 hot tub, courtesy of Master Spas
Register for free at the house for your chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree, courtesy of Living Spaces Giving
STYLISH HOSPITALITY
Gin Braverman’s innovative design taps into all of the senses.
ARTICLE BY DIANE COWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEONID FURMANSKY
When upscale Asian steakhouse Haii Keii opened in the Upper Kirby District earlier this year, guests uttered fawned over its interior design before even sampling its luscious food and drinks.
A sculptural bonsai tree hovers over the bar at Haii Keii.
“I always wanted to work in design. It was a journey, and I couldn’t ignore that it was what I needed to do, and it developed into a career and a passion.”
Those interiors are the work of hospitality visionary Gin Braverman, founder of Gin Design Group and the October honoree of the Houston Design District’s Leaders In Design program.
While her firm has done some residential work, her name is attached to some of the city’s most exciting hospitality destinations, including David Cordua’s The Lymbar, ChopnBlok, Makiin and Jun. All of these restaurants – many award winning -have been noted for their innovative interiors as well as their delicious food.
“It sounds so basic, but ‘immersive design’ considers all of the senses,” said Gin, who lived in New York’s Catskills before her family moved to Houston. “You dial in to what your client is trying to bring to the world, and then translate that through as many
mediums as possible. It’s consideration for all of the sensory components.”
Gin studied history at the University of Texas, then moved back to New York where she worked as an off-camera designer for an HGTV show. For a year and a half she lived in Taiwan, a place that influenced her style.
“I always wanted to work in design,” she said. “It was a journey, and I couldn’t ignore that it was what I needed to do, and it developed into a career and a passion.”
Current projects include 5570, a 30,000-squarefoot private wine club based in Dallas that’s expanding to Houston, and Kirkwood, a restaurant being launched in the Energy Corridor by businessman Mac Haik.
David Cordua's The Lymbar restaurant is drenched in rich materials and colors.
ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE
Cooking Essentials Made Easy
DISCOVER SIX MUST-HAVE KITCHEN TOOLS DESIGNED TO SIMPLIFY COOKING AND STREAMLINE DAILY ROUTINES.
With so many kitchen gadgets on the market, it can be tough to separate what is useful from what will gather dust. While some tools are clearly essential, others serve only one purpose and take up valuable space. Instead of filling cabinets with items that rarely get used, it makes sense to focus on multipurpose tools that truly earn their keep. From baking basics to clever storage solutions, coffee makers to cleanup helpers, we’ve rounded up six must-have items to streamline any kitchen.
When disaster strikes, we show up for each other. Flooding across Texas has uprooted lives but hope is never far when neighbors come together ity ifestyle is helping identify and support those most affected.
Nominate a family, individual, or local leader in need of care ou can help us reach those who need it most
Every element of our studio is curated to promote deep rest — from textures and tones to classes and community. But it’s not just about how it feels.
Our contrast therapy sessions combine infrared saunas, cold plunges, red light therapy, and saltwater hot tubs to support your nervous system, enhance circulation, improve recovery, and restore balance — inside and out.
Whether you’re here to relax, reset, or reconnect, we’ve created the space to do just that.
www.loylysaunalounge.com 713-533-2653 | VB 1210 W Clay St, Houston, TX
Tasty Trends & Savory Secrets
CHEFS AND RESTAURATEURS REVEAL THEIR TOP PICKS FOR THIS SEASON IN THIS HOUSTON DINING GUIDE.
ARTICLE BY ALLYSON STRACZEK
Photo by Sean Ranier
MaKiin invites guests on a journey through Thai flavors and traditions, no passport required. Owner, Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, encourages first-time diners to begin with the Appetizer Symphony, a shareable starter and tasty way to start the meal. From there, the Tom Yum soup, with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and roasted Thai chili pepper, is flavorful and fresh, while the Tom Kha galangal coconut soup is a non-spicy alternative.
Srasrisuwan suggests enjoying the meal family-style with jasmine and purple rice alongside slow-braised beef short ribs in Northern curry broth and golden turmeric
deep sea snapper served with Thai mignonette. Tamarindglazed Brussels sprouts and house-made coconut ice cream are delicious options to round out the experience.
Makiin’s regulars come back for dishes including the Majestic Ocean Medley, a glass noodle dish with scallop, lobster, calamari, and shrimp, or the Curry Carnival appetizer served with roti and three distinct curries.
“I built MaKiin with my passion to showcase Thai culture through food and artifacts,” says Srasrisuwan. This fall, the restaurant will introduce its first chef’s tasting menu, timed with MaKiin’s second anniversary.
Photo by Sean Ranier
Upper Kirby Bistro
fivecentralhouston.com
Locally owned and operated by Terry Williams and Tony Council, Upper Kirby Bistro is a dining experience where guests can enjoy a full-service restaurant, catch live performances in the music venue, sip handcrafted cocktails and tequila, relax in an intimate wine room, or unwind in the luxurious cigar lounge. First-time visitors will love the Oxtail Empanadas, Fannie Mae Fried Chicken, and Lemon Tres Leches. Smoked to perfection, the restaurant’s current seasonal dish is the Smoked Turkey Leg that combines savory, spiced dirty rice and collard greens with a falloff-the-bone turkey. Diners love sipping on The Berry Lit Cocktail during dining and live music.
Love Croissants
Owner Omar Pereney believes that croissants are the ultimate love language – indulgent, comforting, and luxurious. Made layer by layer with care and patience at Love Croissants, guests can enjoy the Texas-sized croissants with family and friends. With crisp layers on the outside and tender filling on the inside, a popular choice is the twice-baked Almond & Cardamom Croissant. It’s rich and buttery like a classic almond croissant with a soft, almond cream inside. With a second location in The Heights coming soon, customers will have more chances to enjoy the savory and sweet croissants and puff pastry pies made with passion at Love Croissants.
Photo by Popmenu
Photo by Gonzalo Picón
Jonathan’s The Rub
Zanti Cucina Italiana
Guests love the open kitchens of Jonathan’s The Rub’s multiple locations, where they will be delighted by the kitchen’s execution of Jonathan Levine’s eclectic menu. A long-time favorite is the black and blue Filet Mignon, seasoned with the Rub’s signature blend of spicy, salty, sweet, and savory spices, and paired with a crisp Sancerre. Jonathan encourages patrons to follow their hearts when choosing their meals. Those looking for a hidden gem on the menu will enjoy the Cioppino, a fisherman’s stew unlike any other. This season, delicious peaches, strawberries, lettuce, and tomatoes flavor the menu to keep diners coming back for more.
Zanti Cucina Italiana was born from a lifelong dream to not only open an Italian restaurant but to create a welcoming space that brings food, people, and community together. Both locations in The Woodlands and River Oaks focus on authentic Italian hospitality, high-quality ingredients, and the belief that dining is an experience that connects guests, staff, purveyors, and the community. Handmade pastas, carefully sourced ingredients, and dishes that balance tradition with innovation delight new and repeat customers alike. Enjoy a full Italian meal - a Charcuterie Board, Neapolitan Pizza, Black Truffle Tagliolini, Braised Lamb Ossobuco, before finishing with the classic Tiramisu. Customers still love the Truffle & Cheese Ravioli, but try the Sea Salt Branzino, a hidden menu favorite among the staff.
Photo courtesy of Zanti Cucina Italiana
Photo by Lauren Holub
Russo’s New York Pizzeria Italian Restaurant
5727 Westheimer, 77057
At Russo’s, first-time guests are encouraged to start with the large Mulberry pizza, topped with fresh ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, house-made pizza sauce, and Wisconsin mozzarella cheese.
Regulars of the pizza hot-spot come back for several menu favorites, including lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo, meat lover’s pizza, pizza by the slice, and homemade bread. Russo’s offers daily lunch specials starting at $10, weekday happy hour with small plates for $8, and free delivery. Truffle mushroom pasta with Romano cheese and arugula is one of the newest dishes on the menu and is already a crowd favorite. “We make our pasta, dough, and mozzarella fresh every day,” says owner Anthony Russo.
www.elanevents.net
Nikki Élan, founder and creative director of Élan Events, has 35 years of catering experience in Houston, including several Italian food locations. Over time, she has reduced restaurant locations and expanded into luxury event planning. Élan Events enables clients to enjoy complete event experiences that include fullscale, high-quality international cuisine and artistic lighting and décor. In homes, offices, and venues, Élan Events can recreate the elegance of fine dining and global culinary experiences with artfully presented selections, custom-designed décor, and professional service. Clients enjoy beef and chicken skewers in tomato sauce, truffle-infused mushroom risotto, or caviar with perfectly crafted beverage selections.
Photo by Roshy Photography
Photo courtesy of Russo’s New York Pizzeria Italian Restaurant
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 2ND
Original Greek Festival
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral | 5:00 PM
In 1917, a handful of Greek immigrants formed what is today one of the largest Greek Orthodox communities in the United States. The vision, foresight and dedication of those few faithful immigrants laid the groundwork for what exists today. This immersive cultural fest features authentic Greek food, dance, music, and more—a festive trip to Greece without leaving Houston.
OCTOBER 2ND
Cirque
Du Soleil OVO
Toyota Center Houston | 7:00 PM
In a vibrant neighborhood, an odd insect falls for a striking ladybug. Their love story unveils a bustling micro-world beneath us, alive with dynamic, acrobatic insect life - a realm of ceaseless activity and interaction.
OCTOBER 4TH
Southern Smoke Festival
Discovery Green | 12:00 PM
Mark your calendars for October 4, 2025, as the Southern Smoke Festival returns to Houston’s Discovery Green. This high-energy event brings together 85+ top chefs, beverage pros, and live music for one unforgettable day. More than a feast, it fuels the Southern Smoke Foundation’s mission to support food and beverage workers in crisis. Come for the flavors, stay for the cause.
OCTOBER 4TH
Houston Quilt Market & Festival
George R. Brown Convention Center | 12:00 PM
For nine days, the George R. Brown Convention Center becomes the quilting capital of the world. The doors open for the International Quilt Festival with Preview Night on October 8 and the full show October 9–12. Expect thousands of quilts—from intricate heirlooms to avant-garde textile art—and a vendor mall so big you’ll log miles exploring it.
OCTOBER 10TH
Bayou City Art Festival
Memorial Park | 12:00 PM
Houston’s largest outdoor fine art event transforms Memorial Park into an open-air gallery. Hundreds of artists from across the country set up booths, joined by live music, food trucks, and a children’s creative zone. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a refillable water bottle, and if you spot a piece you love, don’t “think about it”—the best works go fast.
OCTOBER 11TH
Texas Renaissance Festival
Todd Mission, Texas | 10:00 AM
The Texas Renaissance Festival is part immersive theater, part craft fair, and part feast. Wander a sprawling 16th-century-style village populated with jousting knights, minstrels, artisans, and an incredibly eclectic crowd—historical purists, fantasy cosplayers, and outfits that defy easy description. Each weekend has a different theme, from Oktoberfest to Heroes and Villains.
OCTOBER 17TH
Gershwin & Grimaud: Jazz Meets Symphony
Jones hall | 7:30 PM
Filled with hummable themes and sultry jazz tones, Gershwin’s crowd-pleasing Concerto in F will glisten and glow in the hands of Hélène Grimaud. Like Gershwin, Kurt Weill’s talents ranged from symphonies to Broadway and popular music (most notably, the jazz standard “Mack the Knife”), and his irresistible Symphony No. 2 showcases his effortless gift for songwriting.
OCTOBER 18TH
Wings Over Houston Airshow
Ellington Field | 10:00 AM
Ellington Field’s two-day airshow packs the skies with precision military teams, vintage warbirds, and jaw-dropping aerobatics. On the ground, you’ll find static aircraft displays and family-friendly activities. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and your longest camera lens.
OCTOBER 24TH
Houston Opera: Porgy and Bess
Wortham Theater | 7:00 PM
It’s been 50 years since HGO first presented the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, restoring the “folk opera” to its creators’ full original vision in a landmark production that earned HGO both a Tony and a Grammy. Now, audiences have the chance to again experience the cherished American classic that set HGO on its path as a trailblazer, presented in an acclaimed production from director Francesca Zambello.
