Houston Theater District
Houston, Texas
Discover Houston’s vibrant theater district, a global hub for culture enthusiasts. Whatever your interest—ballet, music, theater, opera—world-class artists bring their talent live onstage with performances by permanent, professional companies. The district spans a 17 block area of Houston and ranks second in the United States for the number of theater seats in its concentrated downtown area.
The Theater District is home to Houston’s nine professional performing arts organizations. Pair a matinee or evening performance with the district’s variety of dining options, just steps away from the shows. The Alley Theatre, a beloved Houston, presents contemporary plays, as well as reimagined classics. The Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet both perform in the Wortham Theater Center. Other top venues include the Hobby Center, which hosts touring Broadway shows, and the Bayou Music Center (formerly called Revention), where live bands and stand-up comedians appear.
Private city tours often include routes through the Houston Theater District, so if you don’t have time to see a show, you can still get a feel for the neighborhood with a guide.
Stretch your legs before or after a show by visiting the district’s parks, fountains, and bayou trails.
Post HTX is a former post office turned entertainment hot spot, with food, shopping, and special events.
The eclectic Bayou Place Entertainment Complex is the place to catch an arthouse film, listen to live music, or play billiards, depending on your mood.
The 17-block area offers venues that are within walking distance of each other. From central or downtown Houston, jump on a metro or light rail service to the Houston Theater District. The Green and Purple Line services stop at Theater District Station, and the Red Line stop at Central Station Main also is walkable to the district.
February to April and September to November offer the most pleasant temperatures to take in what Houston has to offer. The summer months can be uncomfortably hot, often reaching 95°F (35°C). At this time, an indoor venue’s air conditioning can provide a respite from the heat. The district also is particularly popular during the holiday season when many live performances have a festive theme.
Go deeper into the Houston opera scene with the Wortham Theater Center’s Opera Insights program. Arrive 45 minutes early to any performance by the Houston Grand Opera to attend a free presentation that offers insights into that evening’s performance. The company’s schedule typically runs from October through May and features classics like Don Giovanni alongside more contemporary productions.
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