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.

Shops + Services

Houston Public Library Passport Office

Houston Public Library (Central) joins the U.S. Department of State’s Houston Passport Agency to provide passport services for U.S. citizens in Houston. Passport applications are processed Monday – Saturday. Customers are ...
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 ...
Parks

Sam Houston Park

In 1900, Mayor Sam Brashier purchased the Kellem-Noble land and house on the edge of town and created the city’s first park. The 19-acre Sam Houston Park has been the ...

Houston Public Library Passport Office

Houston Public Library (Central) joins the U.S. Department of State’s Houston Passport Agency to provide passport services for U.S. citizens in Houston. Passport applications are processed Monday – Saturday. Customers are required to make an appointment. for more information visit their website. 
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We Are Downtown

Cool Off Downtown

Where to find sweet, cold treats in Downtown Houston The sweltering, sticky days of summer have officially arrived. If we’re sure about anything, it’s that the temperature isn’t dropping any ...
Hop Downtown this Easter!

Easter is one of the most popular brunch days of the year. This particular #SundayFunday is about coming together with family and friends, dressing up and treating yourself to fancy ...
Looking Ahead

It’s a homecoming of sorts. When Loren J. Blanchard took over as president of the University of Houston Downtown in March, he wasn’t exactly a stranger to Houston. Throughout his ...
FALL Into Downtown Events

It’s the time we’ve all be waiting for – Fall is here! And with cooler weather, comes even cooler events and activities to explore. GET ENERGIZED  Let the stadium energy ...
Here Comes Santa Claus

Santa at the Green Mountain Energy Ice December 9, 16 & 23 | 7:00-8:00PM Visit Discovery Green every Thursday to glide with Mr. Claus. Find Santa on the ice and ...
Holiday Treasure Hunting

McCoy’s Fine Cigars | 900 Capitol  A Downtown staple since 1993, you’ll find a variety of cigars and accessories such as Arturo Fuente, Oliva, Montecristo and much more. What we ...
Dine Downtown: Patio Season

The sun is shining; birds are chirping — you know what that means? Time to hit the patios! One of the best perks of living in a subtropical climate is ...
Summer in the City

Summer is synonymous with music festivals and outdoor activities, and Downtown is officially open for business (aka fun). With vaccines increasing and restrictions decreasing, it’s time to slather on the ...
Just Look Around

Houston’s Museum District has some of the greatest collections of art in the country. Walk the streets of Downtown, however, and you’ll also be surrounded by art. From sculptures on ...
Winter Wanderland on Bagby

With Winter Wanderland on Bagby Street, you're invited to stroll through 100,000+ lights and discover the best and jolliest the season has to offer, right in your very own Downtown. ...
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Upcoming Events

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Art, Exhibits, Theater
Mon Feb. 14 2022

Alley Theatre Exhibit

Heritage Society Museum

Over the course of its first 75 years, the Alley Theatre has grown, struggled, persevered, and triumphed. At times stretching its capabilities, it has always exceeded expectations. From its humble ...
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