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 fill you up as the ‘Stros face the Athletics [Oct 1-3] at MMP to end their season. Cheer on the Houston Dynamo [Oct 31] and Dash [Oct 17] as they round out their season at BBVA Stadium. Of course, as one chapter ends another begins, which means the start of basketball season at the Toyota Center. Catch the Home Opening Night for the Houston Rockets as they face OKC Thunder [Oct 20]. If that’s not enough action for you, head to Market Square Park for Doomsday Wrestling [Oct 30] for an entertaining show filled with head slams and smackdowns.  

If you’re looking for a more filling form of energy, here are some awesome fall foodie finds to keep your belly full as you take on a day of discoveries. Comfort level 2.0 is here with a delicious pumpkin-flavored latte from Minuti Coffee, savory waffles from the exciting new coffee bar, 3 Fibs or a toasty and tasty bowl of chili or lentil soup from Phoenicia’s fresh market. In the mood for something a little more dazzling? This fall, indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine from IXÍM in Bravery Hall or the Cuban sandwich from the long-awaited Georgia James Tavern.  

ENTERTAINMENT STARTS HERE 

*In our best Maximus from Gladiator voice,* “Are you not entertained!?” Well, with theater making its grand return, movie nights throughout Downtown and so much more, the answer should be a resounding, YES!  

After more than a year away, your favorite ballet performances, Broadway shows, musicals and orchestra performances are taking over the Theater District once again. Grab tickets to shows like Sweat [Oct 2-24] and 72 Miles to Go [Oct 15 – Nov 14] at the Alley Theatre. Enjoy a girl’s night out to see musicals My Fair Lady [Sep 14-19] and FRIENDS! The Musical Parody [Oct 1-3] at the Hobby Center. Upgrade your date nights with passionate opera shows like Carmen [Oct 22 – Nov 7] at the Wortham Theater Center and lose yourself in the talents of dance at the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance [Sep 30 - Oct 3]. From the sounds of Houston Symphony to the laughs from award-winning shows, inspiring performances are back to fill Downtown’s streets with music, song, and energy that will make us cheer, “Encore!” 

If you prefer a different type of theater, save your money from overpriced movie snacks and lay out on the lawn to enjoy screenings of films like Slumdog Millionaire [Sep 10] and The Greatest Showman [Nov 17] at Market Square Park for Movies Under the Stars, or more family-friendly films like Hocus Pocus [Sep 24] and Soul [Oct 16] at Discovery Green’s Bank of America Screen on the Green. 

After a night of fun events, keep the energy going by stopping by bars throughout the neighborhood for drinks and amazing food. Be sure to mark your calendar for A Night at Market Square [Oct 16] for a Tex-Orleans block party that is THE event to be at this season.   

THE SHOWS KEEP GOING 

Make plans to catch live performances from Jack Harlow [Oct 30] at the House of Blues, Luke Combs [Oct 23] and Enrique Iglesias with Ricky Martin [Nov 5] at the Toyota Center and Chris Lane [Nov 19] at Bayou Music Center! For an even more exciting live music experience, head to the highly anticipated venue, 713 Music Hall opening this fall in POST Houston to catch Willie Nelson and friends [Nov 17] and Whiskey Myers [Nov 20].  

If you prefer a more intimate live music scene, check out Jazz Nights at Day 6 Coffee Co. or break up your workday with Tuesday Tunes at Greenstreet. Or take the music outdoors with Jazzy Sundays at Discovery Green throughout October and at The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park in November, featuring artists like Marlon Simon and The Nagual Spirits [Oct 3] Jewel Brown [Nov 14].  

“TIS THE SEASON 

As fall approaches, ‘tis the season for family gatherings and holiday cheer. Downtown has you covered on all your holiday shopping needs. Spend Thursday evenings at Saint Arnold Brewing Company browsing through local vendors while sipping on a cool craft beer. If that’s not your speed, head over to the All Access Art Experience [Sep 17] to take your pick from local artwork to gift for your friends… or add to your personal collection! Last, but certainly not least, Heartmade Harvest Art Market [Nov 6] is back, this time in Market Square Park! Explore more than 40 regional artists, crafters and creatives as you listen to live music, indulge in delicious food trucks and more!    

Once your holiday shopping plans are squared away, keep the party going with festivities all season long. Dress in your best costume for Haunted Houston Halloween [Oct 30] at Sam Houston Park to win spooky scavenger hunt prizes, tour and learn about ghost sightings throughout Downtown and of course trick-or-treat to your heart’s content. Before you spend the day grubbing on your Thanksgiving feast, experience the 71st Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade [Nov 25] in the heart of Downtown Houston. Ditch traditional Black Friday shopping and hit the streets for the perfect Friday night block party, Thing-A-Ma-Jingle on Main Street [Nov 26]. With vendors, carol-oke, photo-ops with hipster Santa and more, grab your family and let them experience H-town in the best way possible.