Start the year by exploring one of the city’s most culturally significant neighborhoods. Forget about traditional sightseeing from the confines of a bus—Houston Asiatown Tours is all about indoor and outdoor exploration. Knowledgeable guides will lead you into the area’s rich tapestry, uncovering off-the-beaten-path treasures that even some locals may not know about. You’ll savor everything from dim sum to traditional Indian and Pakistani cuisine along the way, but the tour also delves into history, art, and the fascinating people who have shaped this vibrant community. Themed tours are offered throughout the year, and January’s is a special Lunar New Year tour.

If you’ve lived in Space City for a while, you’ve likely heard all about the rodeo. But if you’ve never checked it out, this is your sign. The annual extravaganza, running from February 27 to March 17 in 2024, is a true Houston tradition that combines education, entertainment, and western heritage. Think you’ve been there, done that? Head to the pre-rodeo festivities beginning on February 18, like the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, Go Texan Day, the Rodeo Run, and the Downtown Rodeo Parade. And don’t forget to don those cowboy boots—it’s tradition.

On March 23, take full advantage of the early spring vibes at the largest canoe and kayak race in Texas, which will make its 52nd showing along Buffalo Bayou in 2024. If you’re up for the challenge, you can compete in solo or tandem boating activities along an 8.5-mile stretch. While you have to pay to participate in the games, you can watch them for free. Come ready with your lawn chairs and picnic basket, or lace up your hiking boots and go on a fun walk along the bayou while cheering on the racers.

Imagine a line of cars transformed into rolling masterpieces of art, each a testament to the boundless imagination of its creator. From hand-painted designs to welded sculptures, these cars defy convention and redefine automotive artistry. On April 13, the streets of downtown Houston and Allen Parkway will come alive with a spectacle of quirky rolling creativity. Stunning views of the Houston skyline create a picturesque backdrop, and don’t forget the pre- and post-parade events like the Main Street Drag (April 11), the Legendary Art Car Ball (April 12), and the Art Car Awards Ceremony (April 14).

Did you know that Pasadena was once heralded as the Strawberry Capital of the South? This four-day extravaganza, held May 16–19 in 2024, celebrates the history of the area with attractions like the “World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake” and a strawberry-themed parade. The festival also hosts a barbecue cook-off, a mud volleyball competition with over 130 teams getting down and dirty, a car show, a charming baby float parade for the little ones, exciting amusement rides and games for adrenaline junkies, and a Mutton Bustin’ competition sure to delight rodeo fans.

Before it gets too hot out, visit Traders Village, a sprawling 100-acre haven where bargain hunters, treasure seekers, and adventure enthusiasts unite. The marketplace, open every Saturday and Sunday, features dealers offering everything from childhood nostalgia to practical necessities. Take a weekend stroll through countless shops where you can wheel and deal directly with the shop owners. But there’s more to this place than just shopping: Traders Village offers an array of family-friendly rides that cater to all ages, from heart-pounding heights to gentler mini-thrills.

Mark midsummer with one of the city’s most beloved treasures, the Houston Dash, which joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2014 as its first-ever expansion team. Since then, the Dash has become a force to be reckoned with, seizing their first title, the NWSL Challenge Cup, in 2020. Join the team’s ever-so-loyal supporters as they create an electric atmosphere in the Shell Energy Stadium stands with cheers, camaraderie, and unbridled enthusiasm that will make you an instant fan, too. The NWSL season usually runs March through October.

Escape the scorching Texas summer heat by diving into an underground marvel. This colossal reservoir, built in 1926, once stored 15 million gallons of drinking water for the city. After being decommissioned in 2007 due to an irreparable leak, it remained largely forgotten until the Buffalo Bayou Partnership restored it and opened it to visitors in 2016. The Buffalo Bayou Cistern offers a range of experiences, from partially guided tours that let you explore at your own pace to fully guided history tours. You can even immerse yourself in a sound healing meditation session within its echo-filled chambers.

This community-driven tradition welcomes participants of all fitness levels and ages to explore the city’s diverse and vibrant landscapes on a cycling excursion. Founded by Dr. Veon McReynolds in 2003 (read more about him in “Third Ward Revival,” p. 62), the nonprofit is dedicated to promoting physical and mental well-being through outdoor activities. Journey to places even longtime residents haven’t seen. You don’t need to bring anything but your enthusiasm: Tour de Hood provides bikes, helmets, water, and even fresh fruit to keep you energized along the way. The rides take place every Wednesday at 7 p.m., starting at 2305 Wheeler Ave. If cycling isn’t your thing, the team also offers kayaking as a fun alternative.

Put a spin on Halloween festivities with a trip to the National Museum of Funeral History, home to the largest collection of authentic historical funeral service items in the United States. Its exhibits touch on everything surrounding burials from the evolution of caskets and coffins to the fascinating history of hearses. The exhibits also delve into the funerals of presidents, popes, celebrities, and more. This educational gem, founded in 1992, offers a captivating and eye-opening experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Inaugurated in 2004, this traditional Hindu mandir’s construction was a remarkable feat accomplished in just 18 months, with 1.3 million volunteer hours. November visitors can witness the grandeur of Diwali celebrations, when families gather to commemorate the festival with delectable vegetarian cuisine, cultural performances, and traditional entertainment. At any time of the year, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir offers an immersion in the hospitality of the Hindu community, whether you’re honoring your own spiritual traditions or seeking a new and awe-inspiring experience.

End your bucket-list year by visiting this urban oasis where lush greenery meets artistry. The Houston Botanic Garden, unveiled in 2020, is a 132-acre living museum housing a collection of tropical, subtropical, and arid plants from around the world, including many Texas natives. Every year, the garden hosts a captivating wonderland of holiday lights, which typically features plenty of twinkling, music, and stunning immersive installations. Whether you’re warming up by firepits, indulging in s’mores, or capturing Instagram-worthy moments against dramatic backdrops, these special holiday exhibits are sure to leave you ending your year on a happy tone.