Spring has sprung! Looking for ways to take advantage of the better weather? Here are SpotHero’s top nine things to do in Houston this spring.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta
Date: March 23, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: The race begins at 7700 San Felipe St., and ends at Allen’s Landing, 1001 Commerce St., Houston.
Price: Free to watch! Individual registration starts at $55. Boat rentals available for a fee. Learn more and register here.
Details: Join the largest canoe and kayak race in Texas! Celebrating its 52nd year,
Don’t feel like racing? Spectators are welcome to line the bayou and cheer, then take part in the finish line festivities at Allen’s Landing! Learn more here.
Hermann Park Conservancy Kite Festival
Date: April 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Miller Hill and Jones Reflection Pool, Hermann Park, Houston
Price: Free!
Details: The annual kite festival returns for a day of fun and kite flying. Kite fliers and spectators alike can enjoy a spring day flying kites and enjoying live music, interactive games, face painting and more! Learn more here.
Visit Levy Park
Dates: Visit any time!
Location: 3801 Eastside St., Houston
Price: Free!
Details: Whether you’re looking for something fun to do or you simply want to spend a spring day outdoors, Levy Park is a place not to miss. If a nice day at the park is not enough of an incentive, there are daily events and activities that are sure to be a fun experience for all! Check here for a full list of their upcoming events.
Houston Art Car Festival & Parade
Dates: Festival runs April 11-14. Parade begins Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. Full list of events here.
Location: Various locations throughout Houston. Parade runs along Allen Parkway & Smith St.
Price: Free! Special events and VIP tickets available for a fee. Details here.
Details: The Orange Show’s annual event allows attendees to experience folk and visual arts in a way they never expected. Enjoy ten days of events, culminating in the 36th Annual Art Car Parade, in which participants showcase their “art cars,” cars that have been modified to fully showcase their owners’ interests, personalities, or aesthetics. You will never look at a personal vehicle the same way! Learn more here.
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
Dates: April 12-14
Location: Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands
Price: Tickets start at $15, learn more and purchase here.
Details: Spend a beautiful April afternoon at one of the best fine arts festivals in the country. Festival attendees can enjoy live performances, art from almost 200 juried artists from across the U.S., food and family-friendly activities. Click here to learn more.
Japanese Festival of Houston
Dates: TBA
Location: Hermann Park, 6001 Fannin St, Houston
Price: Free!
Details: Hit up Hermann Park for a celebration of Japanese culture with live performances, food, demonstrations, activities, and much more. Be sure to plan ahead for parking; the Japanese festival of Houston is one of the most widely attended events of its type in the United States! Learn more about the event here.
Comicpalooza
Dates: May 24-26, hours vary, click here for full event list.
Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston
Price: Adult tickets start at $43, learn more and purchase here.
Details: Texas’ largest pop culture festival returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center on Memorial Day Weekend. Check out panels, attend parties and activities, show and cosplay to your heart’s content! Learn more here.
Cheer on the Astros
Dates: The Astros home opener is Thursday, March 28. Full schedule available here.
Location: Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford St., Houston
Price: Varies depending on opponent. Check rates and purchase tickets here.
Details: Nothing says spring quite like a day at the ballpark! When the weather is nice, grab your friends and head over to Minute Maid Park to root for the home team.
Jet off on Spring Break
If you’re heading out of town for spring break, we wouldn’t hold it against you. Catching a flight? Just remember to reserve your airport parking spot in advance!
Transportation Tips and Tricks
Downtown Houston has many metered parking spots, which are enforced 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Free parking is available at metered spots on official city holidays, as well as in evenings and on Sundays, except where otherwise noted on pay stations. Pay careful attention to posted signs, select spots may be subject to a tow during high traffic times. Failure to pay for a metered spot could result in a ticket or a boot.
All pay stations accept cash and credit or debit cards. We’d recommend downloading the ParkHouston App, which allows drivers to pay for parking and extend their time at a meter directly from their mobile device!
Houston also has many garages and lots that are available for a fee. You can use SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance and park with ease!
Public Transportation
Public buses and light rails are available in Houston for a fee. If you’re going to a large event, consider parking further away in a less busy area and taking public transit to save time. You can view an interactive map of the Metro system here.
Happy Spring!