About Houston
The city of Houston is big, diverse and economically successful with a young population and impressive culture. An estimated 2.3 million people call this town home, with one out of four inhabitants born in foreign countries and choosing to move here. Some famous people that you may know like the popular singer Beyonce grew up here, and this city is also where you can find a NASA space center and more than 500 art institutions.
Houston is a place full of attractions, many of which can be found in the downtown district where there are museums, theaters, restaurants and some of the biggest festivals in the world. It doesn’t get too cold here even in the winter, which lets you enjoy the hundreds of parks and greenspaces found around the town at any time. This is the perfect place to go if you want to shop, try new foods, attend an opera or host a gala location in Houston.
Gala Location Options in Houston
Your Houston gala location will be a big hit if you plan everything out and set it up right. Consider the points listed below for your event, and be sure to make a budget and give yourself time to prepare before the day of your gala.
- Entertainment
Most galas have some form of live entertainment, whether it's a live band, comedian or other performing artist. In a city like Houston you will have a variety of acts to choose from, so decide on one that suits the theme of your event.
- Food
Food is another great addition to your gala, and people will enjoy snacking as they mingle and watch the live entertainment. Houston is a city that is well known for its food, and with so many restaurants found nearby, you’ll have no trouble finding a suitable caterer.
- Decor
Galas are sophisticated events and you will want your venue to be grand and beautiful. You can make the space look however you want with the right decorations and detail, and your guests will be impressed by the fancy setting.
Gala Location Companies in Houston
Your Houston Gala location will most likely attract a lot of visitors, and you will need to be sure that everything is set up properly. There are a lot of businesses in Houston that can help you make a great event, so consider working with them.
- Gulf Coast Entertainment
Gulf Coast Entertainment is an agency with more than 40 years of experience working at both nearby and international venues. This company will set you up with live music and entertainment suitable for your budget and needs. They can help plan weddings, private parties, corporate gatherings and galas too.
- Melange Catering & Special Events
This company has been in the business of offering fine dining and elegant catering services since 1985. Known as one of the top catering companies in Houston, Melange Catering & Special Events is a great choice for providing food, wine or other beverages to weddings, parties or social gatherings.
- The Perfect Touch
Beginning in 2002 as a linen rental company, The Perfect Touch has since expanded to become a successful business that helps to design event venues. With a large inventory of decor and furniture as well as a floral specialist on the team, this company can help you make the most of your gala location in Houston.
Pros and Cons of Gala Locations in Houston
As you get ready to set up your Houston gala location, make sure that you are familiar with the city and all of the pros and cons associated with it. There are good and bad points that you should make sure to know before your fancy event begins.
Advantages
- Diversity
The diversity of people and cultures found in Houston is impressive, and with so many people from around the world, everyone can fit in. This makes it a great place for you to experience different cultures and ways of life.
- Top tier cuisine
One of Houston’s biggest pros has to be its food. The city is made of so many cultures and ethnicities that it has become one of the leading places for trying new foods from all around the globe. The locals are known to eat out more often here than almost anywhere else, which will be of no surprise when you discover that the city has over 11,000 restaurants.
- Entertainment options
With a young and busy city like Houston, it makes sense that a big chunk of space would be dedicated towards parks, zoos, museums, shops and other recreational activities. There are so many fun things to do here and there are lots of tourist attractions, so if you have free time be sure to explore.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
Houston is a big city with a lot of people, both citizens and tourists. The public transportation sector is said to be lacking, which only adds to the traffic problem. It can be hard to get around the city because of this, so be aware some of your guests could have a hard time getting to your venue.
- High chance of crime
The crime rate in Houston is significantly higher than the average of other Texas cities for both violent crime and property damage. In general, you will experience about 28 crimes per square mile in the rest of Texas, and a whopping average of 206 crimes per square mile in this city.
- Mosquitoes
Houston has a warm climate and stays hot all year round. Unfortunately, this makes it a great place for mosquitoes to live, and with mild winters there is no escaping them all year. This is something to consider if you are planning your gala outdoors, as they may make an appearance.
Famous Locations in Houston
- Houston Children’s Museum
The Houston Children’s Museum is one of the best places for a family outing. There are many fun activities for everyone to enjoy, with hands-on exhibits that help you to learn through experience and experimentation. Some of the best things to do here include the SECRETS Spy Game, How Does It Work exhibit and FlowWorks zone.
- Houston Zoo
The famous Houston Zoo is a popular place for both locals and citizens, and it houses over 6,000 creatures from near and far. Some exhibits include land mammals like giraffes or water creatures such as otters and sea lions in the aquarium. You can learn about all the animals found here in the education center. The whole establishment is 55 acres large, so there is a lot to explore.
- Miller Outdoor Theater
At the Miller Outdoor Theater, you can watch plays, shows, dances and concerts suitable for people of all ages. This space often has a daytime children’s program and an active theater from mid-March to November. It is located on 7.5 acres of land in Hermann Park, so you can spend some time outside while enjoying the performances.