Thresher’s guide to arts and entertainment in Houston

By Arman Saxena     8/26/25 10:17pm

New to the city? Unsure how to spend your time procrastinating on homework? You’re in luck — Houston is a playground if you know where to look, and most of it is an easy metro ride or short commute from campus. Here’s a starter pack of spots that deliver fresh air, brain food and the occasional “wait, this is in Houston?” moment.

Hermann Park & Buffalo Bayou Park

Hermann is your closest cheat code: pack a picnic, hop the miniature train and catch a free show at Miller Outdoor Theatre when the weather cooperates. When you want skyline views and room to wander, head to Buffalo Bayou Park. Miles of trails, bridges and water-level overlooks make it a go-to for sunrise runs, golden-hour photos and clearing your head after a long Fondren session. The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is gorgeous, especially around sunset.

---

---

POST Houston

Part food hall, part culture hub, part “wow, that view.” Inside you’ll find stalls from across the globe — ChòpnBlok is a standout — plus rotating pop-ups and events. Take your haul to the rooftop for one of the best panoramas of downtown.

Meow Wolf Radio Tave

If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a music video, this is your portal. Radio Tave is Meow Wolf’s immersive, choose-your-own-adventure interactive exhibit — wildly creative, a little pricey and the kind of sensory overload you won’t forget. Go with friends, split up, compare what you each discovered and accept that you each noticed something mind-blowing that someone else completely overlooked. That’s half the fun.

The Orange Show sites

The original Orange Show folk-art maze is temporarily closed for restoration through 2025, but the folks behind it still run three Houston gems. Smither Park is a living mosaic garden where artists add tiles and trinkets week after week. The Beer Can House is exactly what it sounds like — a house that looks like it’s made of its owners’ drink of choice. And every April, the legendary Art Car Parade rolls out: lowriders, hot glue, glitter and joy. Mark your calendars.

The Menil Collection

Free for Rice students and one of the city’s crown jewels, the Menil Collection jumps from Picasso to Matisse without feeling stuffy. The modernist-style galleries make museum time feel human-sized. Walk a block to the Rothko Chapel when you’re ready to turn down the volume — it’s a quiet, contemplative space that resets your brain between college crashouts.

Houston Botanic Garden

Yes, it’s a bit of a drive — around 20-30 minutes east of campus — but it’s worth it for a full-on plant escape. Meandering paths, themed gardens and enough shade to make August bearable. Bring a camera, a friend and a water bottle. Wander the arid beds, culinary plots and boardwalk loops, then hang for golden hour when everything glows. 

The Houston restaurant scene

Houston has one of the best food scenes in the nation, and there’s so much to try. Some favorites of Rice foodies include Aga’s (Indian-Pakistani), Nua (Thai), Oishii (Japanese), Bahel (Ethiopian), Cooking Girl (Chinese), Sushi by Hidden (Sushi), Mensho (Japanese),  Rosie Cannonball (Italian) and Traveler’s Table (Global). Consider this a starter list — grab friends, pick a neighborhood and eat your way across the city over your four years here.

---