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.

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

SONGS ON THE WATER

Saturday evenings in Oct, tour Buffalo Bayou via pontoon boat while being serenaded by the melodic voices of Houston Grand Opera
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 ...

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 wii competitions.   
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We Are Downtown

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 ...
It’s what’s for dinner

Steak night. When we hear those two words we think of affordable, juicy, beautifully seasoned pieces of beef and can often name the best versions we’ve had around the city. ...
A Downtown for Dogs

Now that we’ve spent a year at home with our pups, it’s going to be extra difficult to go back to sneaking out of the house and leaving our four-legged ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out!

Spring in Houston is one of the best times of the year! It’s getting warmer out, but it’s not too hot [yet], and everything is starting to bloom. Now more ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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Upcoming Events

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Education, Family Friendly
Sat Sept. 18 2021

Outdoor Family Storytime

Central Library

Join HPL for a socially distanced, outdoor storytime where we’ll read stories and sing songs together. Registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen, and wear a hat ...
Tours
Fri Sept. 17 2021

National Hispanic Heritage Month Bus Tour

Heritage Society

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with the the Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park.  Take a bus tour with Mister McKinney and explore Houston’s east end neighborhood or enjoy the ...
Art, Dance, Family Friendly, Live Music
Sat Sept. 18 2021

Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta

Central Library

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the brand new Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza at the Downtown Central Library! Explore Hispanic culture through the generations as we enjoy dance performances, fun crafts, ...
Art, Festivals
Sat Oct. 09 2021

Bayou City Art Festival

Sam Houston Park

This fall, Bayou City Art Festival welcomes artists, art lovers and supporters back to an in-person festival with live music, food trucks and beverage stations along with a Budweiser entertainment ...
Education, Family Friendly
Tue Sept. 28 2021

Nature Walk Storytime

Central Library

It's time to learn, explore, and sing all about the flowers and critters found in the Houston area! Storytime may include short walks across the street to the reflection pool ...
Art
Fri Sept. 17 2021

PARK(ing) DAY

City Hall/Hermann Square

The free, global event re-purposes street parking into places of art, play, or rest. The City will provide 36 parking spaces along Prairie Street between Travis & Fannin Streets for the community to transform ...
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