About Houston
Located in Southeastern Texas on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is one of the most populous cities in all of the United States. Known for the Houston Rodeo and as the headquarters of NASA, the city offers a dynamic mix of urban attractions and Texan culture and beautiful scenery.
Downtown Houston features modern architecture and a mix of fascinating museums, while the sprawling suburbs are home to unique shopping districts, gorgeous parks, and golf courses. Houston is also home to multiple professional sports teams, including an NBA, MLB, and NFL team. Needless to say, there is no shortage of sporting events to enjoy in this city!
If you're interested in hosting an event in Houston, you'll find an eclectic mix of venues and service providers who can help you put together a function to remember.
Function Space Options in Houston
Choosing your function venue is only the first step in planning your Houston event. Once the location is selected, it's time to tackle the finer details of planning your event. Fortunately, Houston is home to many talented service providers who can help.
- Caterer
Food is an essential part of any function. Whether you're planning to provide small bites or a full meal, a local caterer will help you select menu items that suit the style and theme of your event. Houston is home to many talented caterers specializing in all different kinds of cuisine, so you'll have no trouble finding the perfect match.
- Photographer
Help your function guests stay present in the moment by hiring a professional photographer to document the event. You could choose to set up a photo booth with props for guests to stage their own portraits or have a photographer circulate and capture candid shots of your guests. Either way, your function attendees are sure to cherish the memories for years to come.
- Equipment Rental
You're sure to need some furniture and equipment to bring your function space to life. A Houston equipment rental service can help you source anything you need for your event, from dining tables and decorations to lighting arrays and sound systems.
- Event Planner
Planning a function is a tedious task, so why not outsource some of the responsibilities to a professional event planner? That way, you can relax knowing that all details are accounted for. Houston is home to many experienced party and event planners who can help bring your function to life.
- Entertainment
The entertainment you hire is an excellent way to keep your guests engaged with the event. Whether you're on the hunt for a vocalist, a full band, or an instrumentalist, a comedian, or something else, you'll have no trouble finding the right person in Houston.
Function Space Companies in Houston
Putting on a function is no small feat, so you're likely to want some help coordinating your event. Fortunately, countless talented service providers in Houston would be happy to lend a hand.
- Elias Events
This award-winning event planning company has been serving customers in the Houston area since 1998. They assist in planning social, corporate, non-profit, and government events and would be happy to add yours to their calendar. Elias Events has planned and coordinated everything from birthdays and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to golf tournaments and political fundraisers. Their work has been featured in publications like the Houston Chronicle, CultureMap, and The Bump Magazine.
- Avalon Event Rentals
Avalon Event Rentals specializes in providing high-quality tent and party rentals to customers in the Houston area. They can assist you in designing your party space and selecting the products that will bring your function to the next level of perfection. They also offer delivery and pick-up services.
- The Heights Catering
This boutique event catering service specializes in designing personalized, innovative menus for clients. The Heights provides full-service catering, but they also have food trucks you can hire, depending on the style of your function! They offer several pre-set menu options but will happily work with you to create a bespoke menu tailored to the needs of your event.
Pros and Cons of Function Spaces in Houston
Overall, Houston is a great place to host an event, but before you get too far into planning your function, make sure to consider the city's pros and cons.
Advantages
- Lots to do
Houston has attractions suitable for everyone. You'll find museums, excellent restaurants, shopping, sports events, performances, parks, and much more.
- Green spaces
The is no shortage of nature in Houston. You'll find several beautiful green spaces, including Buffalo Bayou Park, Eleanor Tinsley Park, and Memorial Park, among others.
- Climate
Overall, the climate in Houston is quite pleasant, with mild winters and hot summers.
- Airport
Houston's international airport makes it easy to reach the city from anywhere in the world.
- Affordable
Houston has a very affordable cost of living compared to other cities of its size.
Disadvantages
- Poor public transportation
Houston's public transportation system is as extensive as it needs to be to rely on. You'll have an easier time navigating the city in your own vehicle.
- Traffic
Houston is a car-centric city, and the traffic can be very congested, particularly around rush hour.
- Crime
Like any big city, certain areas of Houston are prone to crime. Research your venue carefully before you commit.
- Humidity
Houston is known for its high humidity levels, particularly in the summer months.
- Hurricanes
Houston is on the gulf coast of Texas, and, unfortunately, hurricanes are common.
Famous Locations in Houston
- Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center. There are two levels of exhibits to explore. The first level includes many interactive exhibits that appeal to families with children. The second level includes more traditional museum displays like a mock-up of the International Space Station and space memorabilia, like spacesuits. You can take a ride on a simulator and see what astronauts experience when they travel to Mars via 3D projection screens. Secure a function venue near the Space Center so you and your guests can visit this incredible attraction! These include the Rocket Park, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the Flight Operations Area.
- Buffalo Bayou Park
This 160-acre park lies to the west of downtown Houston. It is a beautiful place for a picnic or to indulge in some outdoor recreation. Visitors can take advantage of miles of walking and cycling trails for a scenic stroll or a jog. If you prefer to get out on the water, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the bayou. One of the most popular sites within Buffalo Bayou Park is The Water Works pavilion, a reclaimed water system site that occupies 4 acres at the park's entrance. A stunning grassy lawn has been created on top of the partially-buried water reservoir, creating a pleasant setting to enjoy downtown views.
- Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo occupies 55-acres just south of downtown Houston. The organization is committed to protecting and conserving wild animals and their habitats. Visitors can observe over 6,000 animals through exhibits such as Elephant Encounter, African Forest, World of Primates, and Reptile Garden. Other attractions include an aviary house, an aquarium exhibit featuring marine animals, and an animal nursery where visitors can see baby animals feed or play.
