We Stayed Up Past Our Bedtime to Find the 10 Best Things to Do in Downtown Houston at Night
- Watch a Show at Alley Theater
- Catch a Movie or Visit the Flea Market at Discovery Green
- Catch a Night Game of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park
- Catch a Soccer Game at Shell Energy Stadium
- Enjoy Live Music at Last Concert Cafe
- Have Dinner at the Market and Stroll in the Skylawn at POST Houston
- Catch a Concert at Houston Symphony Jones Hall
- Watch an NBA Game or Concert at Toyota Center
- Have Beer at 8th Wonder Brewery + Cannabis
- Experience Award-Winning Dining at Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse
When night falls in Houston, the city lights up with fun things to do! And in Downtown Houston, there’s a lot to enjoy.
I worked in the area for a few years, so this place holds a special spot in my heart. After a long day, I looked forward to watching an Astros game or having drinks with friends. It was nice to have so many fun places close by, making it easy to relax and explore.
So if you’re looking for things to do in Downtown Houston at night, I’ve got you covered. From sports events to great dining spots and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Watch a Show at Alley Theater
Media Credit: alleytheatre
Website: https://www.alleytheatre.org/
Address: 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 228-1111
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Ticket prices start at $33
Alley Theatre is a Tony-award winning theater company and one of the oldest professional theater companies in the country, so catching one of their shows is a must-do when in downtown Houston.
With a seating capacity of more than 800, the ticket prices cater to a large audience so you can watch a world-class show without breaking the bank.
The theater hosts a diverse range of productions, from original comedies to contemporary adaptations of well-loved books and Pulitzer-winning stories, so every audience member will find something that resonates with them.
Pro Tip:
The Alley Theatre announces its productions months in advance, so mark your calendars for the shows that strike your interest!
Catch a Movie or Visit the Flea Market at Discovery Green
Media Credit: discoverygreen
Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 400-7336
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Free
Discovery Green is right in the heart of downtown Houston so there’s always something going on there, day or night.
This beautiful urban space regularly hosts free movie nights at Bank of America’s Screen on the Green. Catch family-friendly movies with the sparkling lights of Houston’s skyline in the background!
Guests can bring their own picnic blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating. Food, beer, and wine are also sold nearby so guests can have a picnic under the stars!
There’s also Flea by Night, a monthly night market where visitors can hunt for special vintage items, handmade crafts, recycled goods, and local products while enjoying live music and the amazing food from participating food trucks.
Pro Tip:
Outside alcoholic beverages and glass containers are strictly prohibited during Screen on the Green, so plan ahead accordingly!
Catch a Night Game of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park
Media Credit: minutemaidpark
Website: https://www.mlb.com/astros
Address: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 259-8000
Admission Costs: Single game tickets start at $37
Pro Tip:
For first time visitors to the Minute Maid Park, pre-game park tours are available on game days! Game day and public tour tickets (sold separately) are required.
Catch a Soccer Game at Shell Energy Stadium
Media Credit: shellenergystadium
Website: https://www.houstondynamofc.com/shell-energy-stadium/
Address: 2200 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 547-3000
Admission Costs: Single game tickets start at $7
Shell Energy Stadium is the first major soccer stadium built in any metropolitan city in the country and it’s home to two major sports teams: the Houston Dynamo FC and the Houston Dash.
As Houston Dynamo FC matches are usually held in the evening, fans get to enjoy watching in the cool night air as lights flood the pitch of the stadium.
And don’t worry about where to get dinner–some of Houston’s most loved food spots can be found inside the stadium, so there’s plenty of excellent choices for food and drink.
The popular local food truck Williams Smokehouse BBQ and Blue has opened a store inside the stadium, together with EaDo favorite Vinny’s Pizza, the long-time Houston staple Taquerias Arandas, and Trill Burgers, owned by H-town rapper Bun B.
Pro Tip:
If you sit on the left side of the stadium, you’ll have a view of the Houston skyline just above the stands!
Enjoy Live Music at Last Concert Cafe
Media Credit: lastconcertcafe
Website: https://lastconcert.com/
Address: 1403 Nance St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 226-8563
Admission Costs: Tickets start at $15
Last Concert Cafe has been entertaining people in Houston since 1949–that’s 75 years of business!
If you’re in downtown and in the mood for some live music with a chill atmosphere, Last Concert Cafe is a great bet. They’ve got a unique mix of local, regional, and international artists that play at their Backyard Amphitheater regularly.
(Check their calendar because you never know when your favorite musical act will perform there!)
Aside from being a live music venue, this local gem is also a Tex-Mex cafe! Right now, only those who have concert tickets can order from their menu, but they do make awesome frozen margaritas, tacos, and quesadillas!
Pro Tip:
Since the concert venue is outdoors, make sure to dress accordingly especially during winter. The Last Concert Cafe is considerate enough to provide heaters, but that may not be enough to fight the cold!
Have Dinner at the Market and Stroll in the Skylawn at POST Houston
Media Credit: posthtx
Website: https://www.posthtx.com/
Address: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 999-2550
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
The Market at the Post is probably one of the best looking food courts out there. The neon lights against the white and grays give the place a futuristic vibe, like a scene in a sci-fi movie.
But is the food as good as it looks? Of course! The food court has every cuisine possible–Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and even Filipino. There are bars too for those who’d like to have a drink after a long day.
Desserts? They have those too! There’s boba, ice cream, and crepes too!
After dinner, head up to the Skylawn where you’ll find one of the best views of the Houston skyline! The walking paths are wide so even when there’s plenty of people it doesn’t feel crowded. If you feel tired, feel free to sit on the well-manicured lawns.
Pro Tip:
Every Wednesday, Houstonians can join the Open Farm Days at Skyfarm (found on the Post’s rooftop) for free as long as you RSVP.
Catch a Concert at Houston Symphony Jones Hall
Media Credit: housymphony
Website: https://houstonsymphony.org/
Address: 615 Louisiana St #102, Houston, TX (inside Jones Hall for the Performing Arts)
Contact Details: (713) 224-7575
Admission Costs: Seat prices start at $52
The Grammy-winning Houston Symphony is one of the country’s leading orchestras, so watching one of their concerts should be on the to-do lists of every music-living Houstonian.
With a history that goes back to 1913, the symphony plays everything from classic pieces to modern works, making each concert special. It’s not surprising they’d have a Motown-themed show one night and then dedicate the following evening to Dvořák.
The fantastic acoustics at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts enhance the concert experience. Every note sounds clear and full, allowing you to fully enjoy the orchestra’s music, no matter where you sit.
Houston Symphony concerts are usually in the evening, making them a great way to relax after a long day. Music is a wonderful escape from daily worries, and the symphony delivers it beautifully.
Pro Tip:
Do you want to watch the Houston Symphony but can’t physically attend their concert in Jones Hall? Sign up for their Livestream Packages so you can watch their concert wherever you are.
Watch an NBA Game or Concert at Toyota Center
Media Credit: toyotacenter
Website: https://www.toyotacenter.com/
Address: 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 758-7200
Admission Costs:
- Regular season tickets for a Houston Rockets game starts at $24;
- Concert tickets may start from $30 depending on the artist
It’s been almost 30 years since the Houston Rockets last won an NBA championship, but they remained as one of the most competitive and exciting teams to watch in the Western Conference in the many years that followed.
For loyal fans of the Rockets, an evening of basketball at their home base in the Toyota Center will surely be a blast–especially when they win! (The team has been rebuilding in recent seasons, but let’s hope things pick up soon.)
When there’s no NBA game, the Toyota Center hosts concerts by big-name artists. This year, you can catch performances from Weezer, Sabrina Carpenter, Usher, and Justin Timberlake, among others.
Catching a concert at the Toyota Center is the perfect evening plan for fans looking to enjoy fun nights filled with music from their favorite artists.
Pro Tip:
For Houston Rockets fans watching in the Toyota Center for the first time, drop by the Rockets Shop official Rockets merchandise, as well as the Legend Lockers featuring some of the team’s all-time greats.
Have Beer at 8th Wonder Brewery + Cannabis
Media Credit: hazytxn
Address: 2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
For those looking to spend their evening listening to live music, playing arcade or board games while chugging a pint of craft beer, the 8th Wonder Brewery may just be the answer to what you need.
This brewery is known for its excellent selection of beer on tap and their refreshing THC-infused drinks (the Peach Mango THC Seltzer is a crowd favorite).
There’s a laid back atmosphere in this place that makes it easy for guests to unwind after a long day. Play chess or Jenga with a companion, or simply listen to the live band performing.
For those who might get hungry, there’s a food truck just outside the brewery, where picnic tables are also set up. There are some lawn games too, so enjoy a game of cornhole after a meal.
Pro Tip:
The 8th Wonder Brewery + Cannabis is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along!
Experience Award-Winning Dining at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
Media Credit: vicandanthonys
Website: https://www.vicandanthonys.com/location/houston/
Address: 1510 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 228-1111
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Admission Costs: Prices per person may cost $100+
Downtown is a business hub so it’s not surprising to find upscale restaurants such as Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse in the area. This place is perfect for romantic date nights or celebrating special milestones!
Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse is an award-winning restaurant, often voted as Houston’s best steakhouse or restaurant in Downtown, and it’s easy to understand why.
Their perfectly-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth steaks made them famous, but their appetizers are also wildly popular. Try the Roasted Bacon and the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes–you won’t be disappointed!
Their side dishes pair perfectly with their steak too! Try their Mashed Potato, Potato Au Gratin, Mac & Cheese, and the Brussel Sprouts for a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Besides the delicious food, this restaurant offers excellent customer service and live music each night in their lounge. For those looking for an upscale dining experience with great dishes, service, and a lively but cozy atmosphere, this spot is a must-try.
Pro Tip:
Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse maintains a strict upscale dress code, so be sure to wear your finest attire when dining here!
