About Houston
Houston, located in the state of Texas, is a bustling city and the largest in the state. It is home to over two million people and is known for its diverse population and culture. With a climate that typically sees hot summers and mild winters, it is often called “the city with no limits” due to its many attractions, such as professional sports teams, world-class dining and entertainment, and beautiful parks. Houston also has an important role in history as it was the site of NASA's Johnson Space Center and served as the base for America's first manned space mission.
Due to its strong cultural heritage and wide range of available entertainment venues, Houston is an ideal location for Gothic events. Gothic-style events are popular across many cities in the United States but they can often be hard to find in some locations. However, Houston has a variety of unique venues that make it ideal for hosting these kinds of events—from abandoned churches to spooky cemeteries. What’s more, the city’s vibrant music community means there are plenty of talented performers who are perfect for providing entertainment on such occasions.
The combination of Houston's expansive range of available venues and its thriving music scene makes it an excellent choice for those looking to host Gothic-themed events or celebrations.
Gothic Event Options in Houston
- Decorators
Houston has many professional decorators that can help create the perfect atmosphere for a Gothic event. They can provide a range of services, from setting up elegant draping and themed accents to providing intricate props like candelabras and statues. Decorators can also customize their work to match the desired aesthetic of the event, helping to create an unforgettable experience.
- Photographers
If you're looking to document a special Gothic event in Houston, then look no further! Experienced photographers are here to capture all the details and create beautiful images of your gathering. Specialized equipment paired with creative lighting techniques produces vivid pictures that truly bring out the unique atmosphere of your occasion. Not only this, but these professionals have post-processing software at their disposal so they can customize photos according to clients' wishes.
- Entertainment
There are many excellent options for entertainment at a Gothic event in Houston—from traditional musical performances to more unusual acts like psychics or fortune tellers. These entertainers often come with their stage setups and lighting arrangements, creating an atmosphere that is truly unique and captivating. Additionally, they can provide energy and excitement throughout the night by engaging guests with interactive activities or performances, ensuring every attendee is thoroughly entertained throughout the evening’s festivities.
Gothic Event Vendors in Houston
- The House of Goth
The House of Goth is a shop in Houston that carries all things Gothic, punk, alternative, and more. Their large inventory of unique items is perfect for those looking for Gothic-themed costumes and decor. Costumes for men (such as black waistcoat vests) and women (such as Gothic long gowns, dresses, and corsets) are all available at the shop. They also offer various jewelry, headwear, footwear, and decor such as royal chairs, gargoyle statues, skeleton figurines, and coffin bookcases.
- Mango Punch!
The band Mango Punch! has won the Houston Press Music Award for six years in a row. Walter Suhr, a successful songwriter, founded the group. They pride themselves on providing musical entertainment that is of high quality and authenticity. Mango Punch!'s repertoire is incredibly diverse, spanning genres like R&B, country, salsa, cumbia, Top 40, swing, disco, merengue, vallenato, and more. This makes them ideal for any type of event or concert. They have shared the stage with many prominent international artists including Elvis Crespo, Kumbia Kings, and Gloria Trevi.
- Matthew Rood Photography
Matthew Rood is a freelance photographer based in Houston, Texas. He specializes in portrait and event photography and has worked with corporate clients such as Nike, Uber, Mountain Dew, GrubHub, and Microsoft. His work has been featured in numerous publications, and he is available for both on-location and in-studio shoots. Matthew's goal is to capture natural moments and create photographs that are both beautiful and honest.
Pros and Cons of Gothic Locations in Houston
When planning your event, there are a few essential elements to bear in mind before picking a Gothic venue. If you're curious if this type of location is the right fit for you and your guests, here's what you should consider:
Advantages
- Many Gothic locations in Houston are historic buildings that have been around for many years. This provides a sense of history and culture to events hosted there.
- Gothic locations can be used to create an eerie or spooky atmosphere for events, which can be fun for guests (depending on the theme).
- Many Gothic locations in Houston are located in downtown areas, which can make them convenient for guests to get to.
Disadvantages
- Certain Gothic venues in Houston may require restoration, posing potential obstacles to hosting events.
- To ensure all guests feel welcome, it is essential to select a venue that meshes with the Gothic theme of your event.
- Some Gothic locations in Houston may be located in busy areas, which could make parking difficult for guests.
Tips on How to Organize Events at Gothic Locations in Houston
Gothic locations in Houston can be a fantastic choice for events if you are looking for something unique and historic. However, there are some things you should keep in mind. If you do your research and plan ahead, you can be sure to host a successful affair that people won’t forget soon:
- Plan ahead: Make sure you have everything you need as Gothic buildings can be tricky to organize events in. It is important to have a plan and make sure you have everything you need before your event starts.
- Research venues: Do some research on the location beforehand to make sure it is appropriate for the event you are planning. Make sure the building is in good repair and that there are no safety concerns.
- Prioritize convenience: Consider the location of the Gothic space concerning where guests will be coming from. Also, don’t forget to check for parking—make sure there is adequate parking available for guests.
- Consider the theme of the event: To utilize the natural architectural elements of a Gothic location, choose a theme that matches the interior’s atmosphere. Occasions such as Halloween parties, glam parties, and masquerade weddings would make great use of these buildings.
- Decorate accordingly: To complete the look of the event, you should incorporate decorative elements and furniture pieces that reflect the Gothic aesthetic. You’ll find specialized shops in Houston that offer these items for rent. You can also use the services of an event designer to assist you if you don’t know where to start.
Famous Locations in Houston
- Mecom Rockwell Colonnade (Museum District Fountain)
The Museum District Fountain is one of Houston's hidden gems. Sitting in the heart of the Museum District, this fountain has a simple design that makes it unique, with columns that add a touch of elegance. The best part about the fountain is its location—it's close to many of Houston's museums, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. The Museum District Fountain is a quiet spot to enjoy the outdoors and is worth a visit.
- The Wortham Theater Center
The Wortham Theater Center is a much-needed addition to the cultural scene of downtown Houston. Funded privately, this $66-million state-of-the-art facility was designed by prominent architect Eugene Aubry of Morris Architects. On May 9, 1987, the Wortham Theater Center was officially opened with Tango Argentino in the Brown Theatre as its inaugural performance. The Knee Plays, a musical by Robert Wilson and lead vocalist David Byrne of The Talking Heads, was also performed at the theater. Today, the Wortham Theater Center continues to entertain Houstonians with high-quality shows.
- St. Martin's Episcopal Church
St. Martin's Episcopal Church is a sanctuary for both prayer and appreciation of nature's majesty. Worship at St. Martin's is characterized by beautiful liturgy and high-quality music, allowing people to express their gratitude and adoration for God. If you're visiting Houston, St. Martin's Episcopal Church is a must-see stop. The church features a mix of Gothic and modern architecture, giving it a truly unique look that reminds visitors of the middle ages. Some of the most extraordinary features of the church include its stunning stained glass windows, its 188-ft high spires, and authentic medieval art spread throughout the building. The church is also home to many beautiful needlepoint works created by parishioners. A visit to St. Martin's will be sure to leave you in wonderment.