The Houston Theatre District is a cultural hub full of amazing venues. As one of only five cities in the country with permanent professional resident companies in ballet, opera, symphony and theater productions, Houston has made itself a destination to not be missed when it comes to the arts. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about Houston’s venues, as well as where to eat and stay nearby.
About the Houston Theatre District
Houston’s downtown vibrant Theatre District spans 17 blocks and is located in the heart of downtown Houston. The internationally acclaimed district features nine world-renowned performing arts companies that host a unique blend of entertainment. When it comes to shows in Houston, the entertainment is bound to be top notch and leave you coming back for more.
Iconic Theaters in the District
Houston’s Theatre District reflects over 150 years of regional theatre history. European immigrants who landed in Texas during the mid-19th century brought their love of the performing arts with them and began hosting various forms of entertainment on their stages—orchestra, dance, drama and vaudeville. Venues came and went, but rest assured, the city’s theatre scene only grew more and more vibrant. Now, theatergoers from all over the nation come to Houston to enjoy a show in the city’s famed Hobby Center, or the versatile performance space of the Jones Hall.
The Hobby Center
800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
Since 2002, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts has been one of Houston’s premiere entertainment venues. The campus houses two theaters, including the 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall and the 500-seat Zilkha Hall, as well as the local restaurant, Diana American Grill. The Hobby Center is home to a full season of musical theatre, produced by Principal Resident Company Theatre Under the Stars, as well as a variety of diverse performances from both Houston-based and touring artists and companies. Education, accessibility and supporting the local community are all central pillars of the Hobby Center’s mission; it can be seen hosting programs such as The ExxonMobil Discovery Series, which welcomes thousands of students to performances every season.
Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
615 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002
The majesty of Jones Hall spans an entire city block; being a striking facet of Houston’s unique architectural landscape. Visitors can pay homage to Houston’s role in space exploration by viewing the Gemini II sculpture hovering below the lobby’s ceiling before they step into the theatre space to witness the performance of a lifetime. Built to accommodate several art forms, Jones Hall regularly hosts musicals, symphonies, touring musicians, ballets and more.
Alley Theatre
615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Founded in 1947, the Alley Theatre is one of America’s leading non-profit theatres. Principally a home for plays, the Alley Theatre sees 16 productions on its stage annually, with the shows ranging from contemporary works and reimagined classics. The Alley has been awarded the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for one of its premieres, and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley All New Festival for new plays is a recognized national leader in the field and its world premiere plays have been produced across the country.
Wortham Theater Center
501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is a three-venue complex comprising Diana Wortham Theatre, Tina McGuire Theatre and Henry LaBrun Studio.
The Wortham Center is currently home to the Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera, among other performances that grace its grand stages. The Wortham Center’s ever-popular annual season of national and international touring artists, Wortham Presents, offers audiences live and virtual performances, bringing the best in music, dance and theatre to the center.
Dining and Accommodations
Equally as compelling to the Houston Theatre District’s performance spaces are the area’s dining options. With a broad range of different cuisines scattered throughout the district, visitors are sure to satisfy their cravings. Guests can turn their visits into extended stays by taking advantage of the luxurious hotels and entertainment options in the area, basking in the city’s vibrant energy and rejuvenating setting.
Where to Eat Near the Houston Theatre District
Birraporetti’s
Birraporetti’s, located in the heart of the Theater District at 500 Louisiana Street, is a short walk from the theaters and Main Street. Poised as the perfect spot for late-night dining or a pre-show dinner, this location exudes classic Italian charm. Offering award-winning pizza, seafood and Italian cuisine, Birraporetti’s is an ideal spot for guests to enjoy classic Italian flavorings with a contemporary twist.
Kokoro
Housed in Bravery Chef Hall at 409 Travis St #366, Kokoro is an innovative Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi and yakitori in an easygoing counter-service. With a menu curated by Chef Patrick Pham and Chef Daniel Lee, Kokoro brings authentic Japanese flavorings to Houston, blending traditional techniques with contemporary flavors.
Nancy’s Hustle
Nancy’s Hustle is a modern bistro on Houston’s east side at 2704 Polk St A. With immense knowledge of what flourishes make a dish shine, the chefs at Nancy’s Hustle make every plate a unique flavor experience. Along with their dishes, the expansive drink menu offers a plethora of cocktails, wines, ciders, beers and non-alcoholic beverages for guests to indulge in during their stay.
Where to Stay Near the Houston Theatre District
The Lancaster Hotel
The Lancaster Hotel is a small historic luxury hotel in the city’s vibrant Theater District, located at 701 Texas Ave. This landmark hotel enjoys a legacy of nearly 100 years of providing exceptional service and hospitality. Constructed during the “Roaring Twenties,” in which flappers, the radio and the Art Deco movement defined the age, The Lancaster has retained much of its original charm, even after various renovations. The establishment boasts 93 guest rooms and suites, each with its own unique piece of contemporary art, as well as an extensive list of complimentary amenities, daily buffet breakfast, shoe-shine services, a welcome glass of Champagne and wifi.
Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown
Centrally located in downtown Houston’s business hub at 1200 Louisiana St, the Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown is right in the middle of all of the city’s action. Featuring modern décor and breathtaking downtown views, as well as luxury bathrooms and a plethora of complimentary perks, a stay at the Hyatt is one to be remembered and enjoyed. Guests can satisfy any craving with the Hyatt’s exquisite on-site restaurant, Shula’s Steak House, and Lobbibar in the atrium lobby.
JW Marriott Houston Downtown
The JW Marriott Houston Downtown is located in the heart of the city, in the historic Samuel F. Carter skyscraper at 806 Main St. As an ardent supporter of Houston’s art scene, the Marriott showcases paintings and sculptures created by local artists. With pet-friendly accommodations, state-of-the-art amenities and impeccable service — as well as an in-house restaurant (Main Kitchen) and an on-site Spa by JW, guests can plan on a thoroughly relaxing stay.
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