UNDER the leadership of Mayor Sylvester Turner, the core of Houston's government is located in Downtown Civic Center.  City Hall moved from Market Square to their new location in 1939. A reflection pool in Hermann Square faces the entrance to City Hall and is home to many events and festivals. Houston Public Library's Central Library is located next door which includes the historic Julia Ideson wing, home to the well-known Texas Room. You will also find Houston’s only outdoor museum, curated by the Heritage Society, which includes nine historic structures dating from 1823 to 1905.

Tours

Bayou City Bike Tours

Bayou City Bike Tours was founded by three proud Houstonians who are strong advocates for a more bike-friendly, healthy, and service-oriented Houston. Experience the central city on a leisurely 3-hour ride ...
Sights + Attractions

Central Library

The Central Library has just completed an amazing transformation with a new kids/teens section, Inversion Coffee Cafe and programming galore-- from book clubs duing lunch hour to toddlers time to ...
Tours

Houston Bike Bar Tours

Houston Bike Bar Tours is the new way of going out on the town in style! Party Bikes are 100% pedal powered vehicles that serve those looking for a different and ...

Bayou City Bike Tours

Bayou City Bike Tours was founded by three proud Houstonians who are strong advocates for a more bike-friendly, healthy, and service-oriented Houston. Experience the central city on a leisurely 3-hour ride through Downtown Houston and nearby neighborhoods.
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Meet Downtown

Meet Alex Navarro

Alex Navarro recently returned to his native city of Houston after almost 20 years working in Los Angeles and New York City. He is serving as resident music supervisor for ...
Our Holiday Theater Favorites

While we’re fans of the theater year-round, the holiday season is absolutely our favorite when it comes to the performances held throughout Downtown’s Theater District. If it’s been a while ...
Love Is In The Air

It’s the season of love. Whether you’re on the lookout for a special Valentine’s Day date idea, or somewhere to take your S.O. after a long week of work, we’ve ...
Above and Beyond:

Whether you’re an architecture nut or a casual admirer of Houston’s marquee buildings, such as Pennzoil Place, One Shell Plaza and Williams Tower, you have the Houston heat to thank ...
Carbloading Done Right

All right, marathon runners. Much like animals gather and store food before the winter, it’s key to fill up those glycogen stores prior to such strenuous activity, or else risk ...
Allen's Rising

Anyone looking for further evidence of Downtown Houston’s lifestyle evolution need look no further than Exhibit A. As in Allen Center. The iconic complex that towers over Smith and Dallas ...
Spotlight On Wardrobe Teams

The 2019-2020 season is underway in the Theater District and no one is more excited than the wardrobe teams for the Alley Theatre, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet and Theater ...
Astros Postseason Fever

The Astros 2019 Postseason has arrived and if you’re half as excited as we are, you’ve either secured your tickets to the nearly SOLD OUT home games or you’re already ...
Let’s #GetFit2020

Helllllloooo January! The month where we all start fresh and set resolutions that fall by the wayside come summer, right? Maybe it’s just me, but setting New Year’s resolutions has ...
New Years Eve 2019

The holiday season is in full swing and New Years Eve will be here before we know it. You don’t want to be left out of the plans, right? Right. ...
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Upcoming Events

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Education
Wed March 11 2020

SAT Test Prep for All

Central Library

Students in Houston can now take advantage of free SAT test preparation classes that start February 5th.  The live classes follow curricula that are proven to help students improve their test performance and will ...
Tours
Wed Feb. 26 2020

Heritage Society Historic Homes Tour

Heritage Society

Nestled among 19 acres in the heart of downtown Houston, the Heritage Society boasts eight historic structures dating from 1823 to 1905. Each historic structure is authentically restored to reflect ...
Education
Thu March 12 2020

Conversational Spanish

Central Library

Whether you are learning Spanish or just want to brush up, head to the Central Library to practice your conversational skills in a relaxed setting.
Education
Thu March 05 2020

English Class

Central Library

Learn English with your fellow Houstonians at the Library. With HPL’s Living English Lessons, you learn to read, write, and speak English that connects to your everyday life in Houston. ...
Fitness
Sun March 15 2020

Tour de Houston

City Hall/Hermann Square

Tour de Houston Presented by Apache Corporation, the annual fundraising bike ride which offers Houstonians and visitors a unique way to view the city with routes winding through Houston’s historic ...
Education
Mon March 16 2020

Little Explorers

Central Library

The world is your child's oyster! Join us as we discover new worlds together, with STEAM-based and sensory activities designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for ...
Art, Exhibits
Tue March 17 2020

Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors

Julia Ideson Library

The exhibit is a collection of portraits by President George W. Bush and is on loan from the Ambassador and Mrs. George L. Arygros Collection of Presidential Art at the ...
Education, Family Friendly
Tue March 17 2020

Toddler Storytime

Central Library

Toddle around with us for stories, songs, and activities that will help develop your toddler’s social, motor, and literacy skills. Intended for children ages 18-36 months and their caregivers.
Family Friendly, Parades
Sat Feb. 29 2020

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade

City Hall/Hermann Square

Bring the family Downtown and enjoy the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade which is now in its 81st year! The parade starts at 10 am and will include decorative floats, local celebrities, marching bands, and ...
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