Sounds of Summer in Houston {Best Venues & Upcoming Shows}

One of my favorite things about Houston is all of the great spots for live music and the variety of shows that roll through town – especially in the summer.  I even interned and worked in radio for a bit because I loved the access to the local music scene both in Houston and Dallas.  Granted, I haven’t been to very many shows since having a baby.  I went from at least one a month to a few a year…if I’m lucky. Hopefully, you are able to get out more than me and listen to some great music.  It will make a fun date night or special girls night out.

My favorite venues in Houston, tips, and great shows coming to town are below…

HoustonSummerConcerts

Bayou Music Center

Don’t miss :: The Neighborhood {7/17}, Counting Crows {7/29 – I’ll see you at this one!}

Tips for this venue :: Love this place!  Park in the garage directly below the venue.  Valet is always tempting, but it’s a nightmare after the show.  Wear comfy shoes since you will most likely be standing, and go hands free with a light, crossbody bag.  The wait at Hard Rock next door is always ridiculous before a show, so either get there very early or eat somewhere else.  A Purifoy family tradition after a show at Bayou Center is to have pizza and a “nightcap” at Birraporetti’s before heading home – always with a designated driver!

Cynthia Woodlands Mitchell Pavilion

Take me with you :: John Legend {7/23}, Fall Out Boy/Paramore {8/1}, Tim McGraw {8/9}, One Republic {8/22}, Aerosmith {8/25}, Linkin Park/30 Seconds to Mars {9/5}

Tips for this venue :: Dress for the weather since it’s rain or shine!  {Right dad?!?!?! …who suffered through a very wet and muddy No Doubt concert with me back in the day!}  I used to love “the hill” when I was younger and would go to shows with a huge group of people.  These days, I appreciate the covered, reserved section a lot more.  If you do opt for the lawn, bring a blanket to sit on and maybe skip the short skirt.  I recommend parking at The Woodlands mall and making the walk since this option is free and easy to remember where you parked, but you can also purchase VIP parking tickets when buying your tickets.

House of Blues Houston

Mark your calendars :: The Airborne Toxic Event {9/25}, Sam Smith {10/4}, Fitz & The Tantrums {10/6}

Tips for this venue :: Arrive early to eat at one of the great restaurants near the House of Blues.  Wear comfy shoes since most tickets are general admission, bring cash, and dress appropriately – it gets hot and crowded in there fast!  It you want a seat, you need to purchase up on the balcony…that is what I prefer!

The Toyota Center

Save your money for :: Tom Petty {9/25}, Katy Perry {10/10-11}, The Black Keys {11/15}, Justin Timberlake {12/1}, Fleetwood Mac {12/15}

Tips for this venue :: Manage your expectations!  This venue is huge.  It’s not going to be the best sound or view of your life, and you will likely spend a pretty penny on your ticket {and your beer!}, but it pulls in the hottest artists that we all know and love.  I’ve seen so many great shows at the Toyota Center – Coldplay takes the cake as my fave.  If you love the artist enough, you can get over the fact that you are sharing the experience with thousands of others.  On the plus side, there are so many people there, you will probably run into someone you know.  Strangely, I do every time!  Bring cash for the parking lots too.

Other Concert Tips for Attending a Show in Houston ::

  • My biggest tip for attending a show in Houston is to dress comfortably for the venue and the {hot} weather, NOT to impress.  The most miserable concert I’ve ever attended was surprisingly not the one in which I was dropped while crowd-surfing {it was back in high school, okay} but the concert that I wore heels to.  Never again.
  • If you are at an outdoor venue like The Woodlands Pavilion, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate…with WATER.  If you are drinking alcohol, practice the every other rule.
  • When purchasing tickets to a popular show, if  you aren’t happy with the seat availability – try using Stub Hub.  I’ve had great luck with them in the past, and they have an awesome rewards program if you purchase tickets often.
  • If you want to purchase merchandise like a concert tee while at the show, avoid the lines by getting this stuff during one of your not-so-favorite songs of the performer.  Otherwise, have fun camping out in line.  Same goes for bathroom breaks. {wink.}
  • If you want a more intimate concert experience, my favorite place is McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, but there are TONS of live music options out there for you based on your tastes and locations {aren’t we lucky Houston}.  Just get out there and try something new!

Now your turn – Who are you most excited to see and/or what was your favorite concert experience in Houston?

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Chelsea P
Chelsea is a native Houstonian now residing in Sugar Land. She is married to Jason who she met at the Houston Rodeo of all places! Together they have two boys, Jack {May 2013} and Colin {October 2015} along with their puppy brother, a Chihuahua named Tucker. Chelsea spends Monday through Friday working full-time in the healthcare industry in marketing and business development in order to keep up with her online shopping and Starbucks addiction. She can win any pop-culture game you throw her way, enjoys long strolls through Target and Sephora, and believes that anything can and should be monogrammed. You can follow Chelsea’s daily adventures over at The Perfect Catch Blog or on Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest as @ChelseaPurifoy.

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