The Best Events at Houston's White Linen Night This Year
Image: Courtesy of Coryne Rich
It’s that time of year again. Houston's Heights is gearing up for White Linen Night on Saturday, August 2—the annual event that invites tens of thousands of people, all dressed in white, to 19th Street for music, drinks, shopping, and summer revelry.
From 6 to 10pm, 19th Street, between Yale and Ashland, will become a pedestrian-only zone featuring live music, local art, and pop-up vendors.
White Linen Night, which now has locations across the country, originated in New Orleans in 1994. The tradition in Houston began in 2006, thanks to a New Orleans couple who opened a shop on 19th Street after relocating following Hurricane Katrina. Inspired by the Heights’ familiar charm, they rallied local businesses to bring the event to Houston.
Coryne Rich, secretary of the 19th Street Merchants Association, says the shops chose August because it’s historically a slower month for businesses (the same reason Houston Restaurant Weeks is also hosted in August). Still, the 19th Street Merchant Association aims to keep the celebratory event affordable to attendees. Early-bird tickets, available until July 31, are $10, and regular admission will be $15 at the gate or online, which Rich says helps offset the cost of hosting White Linen Night, which comes at a considerable cost to the small business owners.
Today, White Linen Night is a Heights tradition that has grown beyond its original boundaries and generated a great deal of love and attention.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to experience the street and then come back time and time again and patronize these businesses and restaurants,” Rich says.
If you’re a fan of the Heights or White Linen Night, or simply can't wait to explore a Houston party, here's your chance. Here are Houstonia's top picks for this year's White Linen Night in Houston.
Casa Ramirez FOLKART Gallery
In its final year before closing, Casa Ramirez is bringing back live music for a fun atmosphere for those hoping to dance their way through White Linen Night. Band Bossa II will perform, with Rich Serrata on percussion, for a night of lively Latin jazz, and artist Lizbeth Ortiz is scheduled to showcase her latest works at the event. Don't forget to grab a souvenir: Casa Ramirez is selling the last of its merchandise, allowing you to purchase art, clothing, hats, home goods, books, and accessories before it says its final goodbye.
241 W 19th st
Christian's Tailgate
The White Oak location of this local watering hole will waive its cover fee and offer free parking in celebration of White Linen Night. If you'd like to be the entertainment, karaoke starts at 7pm. For the less musically inclined, there will be DJ sets, craft cocktails, beer specials, and food trucks throughout the evening.
2820 White Oak dr
Image: Courtesy of Mikah Danae
EZ's Liquor Lounge
This dive-esque bar and Heights staple will feature live music from Western Jelly from 7 to 10pm, followed by DJ EV until 12:30am, plus legendary dishes courtesy of the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation.
3302 White Oak dr
Heights & Co.
If espresso martinis are your thing, you’re in luck. This local bar and hangout is offering the caffeinated cocktail for $10 from open until 6pm. Heights & Co. will also keep its kitchen open late, serving up $12 smashburgers and fries to fuel White Linen Night–goers all night. Sounds like a party.
1343 Yale st
Image: Emily Vitek
Heights Bier Garten
Post up on the open-air patio of this neighborhood hangout starting at 11am. Heights Bier Garten will kick off the festivities with cocktails, including specials on gin and tequila drinks, and then will transition into live music held from 6 to 10pm. Come dressed to impress in your freshest white outfits: The bier garten will host a Best Dressed contest and an on-site photo booth to create memories with friends. Reservations are encouraged and available via Resy.
1433 N Shepherd Dr
M-K-T and Houston Plant Market
From 5 to 9pm, attendees can explore M-K-T’s free open-air market and make their way through over 50 indoor shops and outdoor pop-ups, including some lush greenery courtesy the Houston Plant Market. Participate in a raffle for $6,500 worth of prizes, and enjoy live performances by stilt walkers from funk and soul group Sunset Valley Music and a set by DJ Tru-skool. Pets and children are enthusiastically welcome in some areas.
600 N Shepherd st
Pizaro's Pizza
One of Houston's favorite pizzerias will sling its special pies outside its Spring Branch and Montrose locations. Choose from the $5 New York–style cheese pizza or the $6 D.U.M.B.O. made with cup pepperoni, Italian sausage, crimini mushrooms, roasted red bell peppers, and red onions. Or both. Wine will also be on offer.
Pop-Up
The Heights Theater
The beloved historic theater is ready to put on a show. For this year’s event, you can stroll down to the Heights Theater to enjoy a live DJ set from Blue Heron Yacht Club, but if you just want a cold drink, the bar will stay open all evening for attendees, with free entry with a White Linen Night ticket.
339 W 19th ST
Image: Courtesy of The Kid
The Kid
Just a three-minute drive from the action, this new cocktail bar is offering a break from the crowds with air-conditioning and drink specials on White Linen Spritzes, white tea shots, and cans of White Claw.
1815 N Durham dr
For more details on the event, including the site map, entry information, and allowed items, check out the official White Linen Night website.
