COMMUNITY

How the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo went from 2,000 people to millions of visitors in less than a century
by Sierra Rozen

The best movies filmed in Houston, according to an award-winning filmmaker
Boyhood | CULTURE | HTX | HTX-hardgate | movies | Paris | Pearl Harbor | Reality Bites | Shane Andries | Terms of Endearment | TEXAS | Tin Cup | Urban Cowboy

How a railroad changed everything: Exploring the history of Houston’s Asiatown
by Sierra Rozen
asian American | asiatown | chinatown | Community | CULTURE | food & drink | food and drink | HARDGATE | HOUSTON LEAD STORY | HTX | IMMIGRATION | LIFESTYLE

Get ready to Empty the Shelters in Houston at BARC Animal Shelter
by Sierra Rozen
| September 30, 2025
That’s what BARC Animal Shelter hopes will happen at the Empty the Shelters event. From Oct. 1-15, BARC Animal Shelter, along with 300+ shelters across 38 states, will be offering reduced adoptions fees through a partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation.

8 creepy facts about Texas that textbooks leave out
by Joey Held
| September 30, 2025
animals | austin | CULTURE | DFW | DFW EVENTS | dfw history | HARDGATE | houston history | HTX | LIFESTYLE | murder | North Texas | old texas | politics | recreation | SATX | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY | true crime
From unsolved murders to unsettling origins of town names, these creepy facts about Texas will make your skin crawl.

12 Houston events to help you fall into October
by Sierra Rozen
| September 29, 2025
It’s every fall lover's favorite month! And while Houston is still enjoying (or sweating in) hotter weather for the season, there are still plenty of upcoming events to help get you in the spooky and autumnal spirit. Keep reading for just a few of the festivals and other events we’re looking forward to.

Houston’s Southern Smoke Festival returns with its biggest lineup yet
| September 29, 2025
2025 southern smoke festival | Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | food and drink | HARDGATE | HOUSTON LEAD STORY | HTX | LIFESTYLE | southern smoke festival | tourism
Sample bites from 85+ top chefs, sip signature cocktails, and enjoy live music at Houston’s biggest culinary block party on October 4.

New sports-themed gay bar set to open in the heart of Montrose
by Sierra Rozen
| September 25, 2025
It has to be said: While Texas might not always be viewed as a state where queer people can thrive, the city of Houston has always had a vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, including its own “gayborhood” in Montrose.

The 23 most Instagrammable spots in Houston
| September 25, 2025
Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | HARDGATE | HTX | instagrammable spots | LIFESTYLE | social media game | TEXAS | THINGS TO DO
If you’re looking for an eye-catching shot to up your social media game, we’ve got you covered with this list of picture-perfect spots around Houston.

Whataburger, Houston Food Bank, and Houston Texans team up to fight child hunger
by Sierra Rozen
| September 24, 2025
Through Oct. 12, Whataburger and the Houston Texans are partnering with the Houston Food Bank to donate a portion of the restaurant’s revenue to the nonprofit.

Go behind the scenes on 9 fun factory tours in Texas
by Joey Held
| September 24, 2025
blue bell creameries | blue bell ice cream | Community | CULTURE | DALLAS | DFW | ENTERTAINMENT | food | food & drink | food and drink | fun | HARDGATE | HTX | ice cream | LIFESTYLE | local | local business | Local news | outdoors | recreation | SATX | SPORTS | TEXAS | TEXAS HISTORY | THINGS TO DO | tourism
These Texas factory tours offer a glimpse into the production of some of our favorite products, including cheese, money, and baseball gloves.

Taste America: Houston brings culinary delights to the city
by Sierra Rozen
| September 23, 2025
Community | CULTURE | ENTERTAINMENT | food and drink | HARDGATE | HOUSTON LEAD STORY | HTX | LIFESTYLE | THINGS TO DO
Like most Houstonians my age, getting the chance or funds to splurge on a seasonal, chef-driven meal is pretty rare. (Not in this economy, am I right?)
But the upcoming Taste of America event, which aims to showcase some of the city's expansive culinary scene, might just be worth the spend.

Spot the purple ‘The Giving Pumps’ at Shell gas stations for a chance to give back in Houston
by Sierra Rozen
| September 22, 2025
The new Shell pumps are part of a charity campaign called “The Giving Pump,” running now through the end of October. Customers will have the chance to donate a portion of every gas purchase towards two children’s charities: the Children’s Medical Foundation of Houston and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.

5 degrees of live music: A local’s guide to the best music venues in Houston
by Sierra Rozen
| September 19, 2025
While other Americans are starting to pull out their chunky knits and warming their hands over a blazing fire, fall looks a little bit different for those of us living in Houston.

Lina Hidalgo won’t seek third term as Harris County chief executive
| September 18, 2025
Harris County voters will choose a new county judge in 2026, as Lina Hidalgo announced she won’t seek a third term.






