THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO GO

Greater Southwest Houston
Chamber of Commerce Special Events
For information on these events, call (713) 666-1521.

Golf Tournament

Held on Monday, May 8, this event gets bigger and better each year.  Start with lunch, sponsored Lopez Restaurant, driving range, locker room privileges, 18 holes for $150.00 per player ($600.00 for a foursome) at beautiful River Bend Country Club. While playing, participate in on-course contests and mulligans which  add to the fun. A steak dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse and live and silent auctions follow for golfers and non-golfers.

Bellaire Fall Arts Festival
and Spring Faire in Bellaire

These events draw nearly 5000 visitors each April and October. More than 200 artists and artisans display their handmade items near the trolley in the 5000 block of Bellaire Boulevard. Delicious food adds to these free fun family outings. This spring the event is being held on Saturday, April 19th.  Please call if you would like to be an art vendor, craft vendor, or food vendor.
(713) 662-3020

Best Taste in Town

Scheduled for Thursday, April 24th, the Tenth annual Best Taste in Houston showcases more than 40 restaurants, from the area.  This $30 per person casual dine-around event is open to all. Come and enjoy the food, music and entertainment this year at the Grand Plaza Hotel (across from Reliant Park).   We are looking forward to more than 1200 attendants this year.

Citizen of the Year Luncheon

This annual event honors outstanding volunteers from the neighborhoods served by the Chamber. It is a great opportunity to recognize those who are making Southwest Houston an ever better place to live and work.

Hometown Heroes Luncheon

Each year the Chamber recognizes firefighters and police officers that serve Southwest Houston. It is always a lovely event that pays tribute to those who rarely get thanked for their daily sacrifices and the services they provide.

Southwest Shakers
Women’s Recognition Event

This November luncheon recognizes young women who are rising stars in their professional fields. It also bestows Community Impact Awards on women who have done outstanding philanthropic work.

Other Exciting Events

Bayou City Art Festivals
In the fall, the Bayou City Art Festival is held downtown, while the spring show is located at Memorial Park. Both feature over 300 artists of various media in juried shows. Music, food, and drink add to the festivities. (713) 521-0133, www.bayoucityartfestival.com

Holiday in the Park - Bellaire

Santa’s official arrival in Bellaire is the highlight of this celebration sponsored by the Bellaire Parks and Recreation Department. Held the first Thursday in December, Bellaire Park, 7008 South Rice (behind City Hall), is converted into a winter wonderland. Children can give Santa their wish lists and have their pictures made with him. (713) 662-8280, www.ci.bellaire.tx.us

Houston International Festival

Sam Houston Park and the surrounding area is the scene of the city’s celebration of the performing and visual arts. The Houston International Festival provides entertainment for ten days each spring when the streets of downtown bustle with music, a juried arts and crafts exhibition, dance performances, street performances, fireworks and exotic international foods. More than 2,000 artists participate. Each year a different country is highlighted, but the emphasis of the event remains on promoting Houston’s indigenous art community. (713) 654-8808, www.ifest.org

Azalea Trail

The Azalea Trail, Houston’s elegant showcase of Southern culture, winds through beautifully landscaped yards and gardens in the River Oaks area each March for two weekends. The River Oaks Garden Club at Westheimer and Kirby is the headquarters for the event. Trail-goers can
visit the club’s gardens and buy tickets to visit various private residences. (713) 523-2483, www.riveroaksgardenclub.org

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, scheduled in March, 2009, offers entertainment and activities for all Houstonians, as well as an international audience that comes to town especially for this event. The main purpose of the show, which began in 1932, is for young farmers to show their stock in competition and gain financial support for their continuing education. Every year civic-minded Houstonians bid enormous amounts of money for the winning animals to support scholarship funds for participating youngsters. The event is held in Reliant Stadium and Reliant Center. Country and Western stars, as well as rock singers and other outstanding groups, perform throughout the rodeo. The Livestock Show features cattle, chickens, sheep, and other animals among the 28,000 entries. Held at Reliant Park, 8400 Kirby at Loop 610. (832) 667-1000, www.rodeohouston.com

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a holiday unique to Texas. It celebrates June 19, the day in 1863 when word finally reached Texas that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation, legally freeing all slaves. Blues and jazz performers entertain at Miller Outdoor Theatre and at other venues the weekend closest to June 19. (713) 520-3290

Thanksgiving Day Parade

A favorite with children, the Thanksgiving Day Parade winds through the streets of downtown Houston with floats, marching bands, baton twirlers, majorettes, drummers and, of course, Santa Claus. It officially kicks off the holiday season.

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