Party City: How to Throw the Perfect Houston Party

50 of the best venues, caterers, planners, cakemakers, and more Throw a celebration to remember. Plus: Our fall arts guide, fall fashion guide, and much more.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Theater

At the Alley Theatre, Making Sure Theatergoers Never Feel In the Dark

Plus, six can’t-miss shows this season.

08/26/2019 By Morgan Kinney

Visual Art

How the Menil Collection Preserves Its Artwork

Plus, six exhibits to enrich your mind and soul.

08/26/2019 By Morgan Kinney

Dance

At the Houston Ballet, Giving Dancers the Floor, and Much More

Plus, the performances we're psyched to see this season.

08/26/2019 By Morgan Kinney

Opera

At Houston Grand Opera, Ensuring There Are No Bad Hair Days

Plus, four outstanding operas to take in this fall.

08/26/2019 By Chris Gray

Comedy & Readings

The Authors and Comedians We Can't Wait to See This Fall

Jonathan Van Ness? Ta-Nehisi Coates? Yes, please.

08/26/2019 By Chris Gray

Music

At Satellite Bar, Making Houston’s Music Scene Cooler One Show at a Time

Plus, the local bands and national tours we're looking forward to this fall.

08/26/2019 By Chris Gray

Hiding In Plain Sight

UH's Incredible Public Art Collection Celebrates 50 Years

The collection includes more than 700 works over five campuses.

08/26/2019 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Last Words

Levee Confronts Existential Anxiety With Paul Otremba's Most Potent Poetry

The late Rice professor turned in his final collection of poems in the throes of stomach cancer.

08/26/2019 By Morgan Kinney

Party City

The Bands and DJs to Book for Your Next Bash

Plus, Houston's most unique entertainers for kids—and, fine, grown-ups, too.

08/26/2019 By Gwendolyn Knapp and Morgan Kinney

Fall Arts

Curtain Call: The 2019 Fall Arts Guide

Everything you need to know about the season’s must-score tickets. Plus, the ovation-deserving professionals who make it all possible.

08/26/2019 By Morgan Kinney and Chris Gray

Eat & Drink

Party City

Dinner Is Served: The Best Party Food (and Drinks!) in Houston

Caterers, cakes, and even a signature cocktail.

08/26/2019 By Timothy Malcolm

10 Great Food Trucks Rolling Through Houston

Our favorites serve everything from pizzas and fancy grilled cheeses to Pakistani kebabs and loaded burritos.

08/26/2019 By Timothy Malcolm

Pour

Where You Can Get a Frosé Altuve: Lotti Dotti

The new Montrose bar serves up only-in-H-town frozen drinks.

08/26/2019 By Timothy Malcolm

Restaurant Review

Looking for a Great Neighborhood Restaurant? Try Squable or Roma

In the Heights and Rice Village, these two restaurants fit right in.

08/26/2019 By Timothy Malcolm

Editor’s Note

Editor's Note

The Pros and Cons of Having the Party House

There are currently 27 beers in our fridge.

08/26/2019 By Catherine Matusow

Health & Wellness

Naked and Afraid

We Visited Houston's First Traditional Korean Spa, and It Was Life-Changing

"When it was all over, I was buffed and bruised and feeling ... kind of great, honestly. I’d sloughed off all my dead skin and my puritanical nudity complex to come out the other side a better, brighter, cleaner me."

08/26/2019 By Abby Ledoux

News & City Life

Mother's Helper

Everything You Need to Know About Those Egg-Like Enclosures Around Houston

Spoiler: They have mamas in mind.

08/26/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Driving Change

Think Houston Roads Are Bad Now? Unless We Face Reality, They Could Get Way Worse.

Houston is finally getting serious about public transit. Or it better be.

08/26/2019 By Dianna Wray

Perfect Party

September's Perfect Party: Who-Wants-Pickle-Cupcakes Edition

Have you heard? We're getting a pickle festival this month. And the third Democratic primary debate.

08/26/2019 By Catherine Matusow

Hitting the Books

A Primer on a Few of the New Laws Now in Effect

A roundup of the more unorthodox laws governing our lives as of this month.

08/26/2019 By Morgan Kinney

Party City

5 of the Best Parties in Houston History

These Bayou City bashes were legendary.

08/26/2019 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Party City

10 Frequently Asked Party Etiquette Questions

Local experts spill the tea on the modern rules for hosting and attending parties.

08/26/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas and Abby Ledoux

Bayougraphy

How Anna Vasquez Fought Injustice, Then Fought Some More

The Houston Forensic Science Center board member is helping prevent wrongful convictions—after battling her own.

08/26/2019 By Gwendolyn Knapp

True Colors

Where to Root for Your (Former) Home's Football Team

Whether you’re a Newstonian looking to cheer your old team, or you just want to take every opportunity to root against the Cowboys, we’ve got the perfect bar for you.

08/26/2019 By Timothy Malcolm

Style & Shopping

Essay

A Life, in Parties

The parties we throw become snapshots we carry with us forever, monuments to moments big and small.

08/26/2019 By Abby Ledoux

Party City

These Party Must-Haves Are at the Top of Our List

From agate cheese boards to giant confetti balloons, these goodies will instantly upgrade any party you throw.

08/26/2019 By Abby Ledoux

Party City

5 Out-of-the-Box Themes for Your Next Celebration

Plus, all the ingredients you need for the most Houston photobooth of all time.

08/26/2019 By Abby Ledoux

Bayou City Bash

Party City: How to Throw the Perfect Celebration in Houston

We at Houstonia decided to do the leg work for you with this guide, even asking local pros to share their secrets. All that’s left to do? Find an excuse to host one. Given how much Houstonians love a good party, we’re sure you’ll think of something.

08/26/2019 Edited by Abby Ledoux

Party City

5 Pro Tips for Throwing the Best Party Ever

“No matter what time of year it is, have an extra bag of ice in your freezer, because you will always run out. It’s Texas. Just do it.”

08/26/2019 By Abby Ledoux

Party City

10 Amazing Spots for a Next-Level Get-Together

These venues will wow your guests.

08/26/2019 By Laura Furr Mericas

Fashion

Fall Fashion Is Going Full Throttle

This season’s looks are all gas, no brakes. Shift into high gear with graphic prints and bold, primary colors paired with sleek and edgy accessories and—most importantly—an attitude befitting the winner’s circle.

08/26/2019 Edited by Abby Ledoux Photography by Cody Bess

Travel & Outdoors

Open Road

Experiencing the Wonders of Harvest Season in Sonoma County

Come for the wine, stay ... also for the wine.

08/26/2019 By Mai Pham