Houston

Pup

Weekend

2024

City of Houston Informational Brochure & Houston Pup Weekend Schedule of Events

Houston Pup Weekend

Schedule of Events

Friday

 Event Check-In

9/13/24 @ 6:30PM at Ripcord

Check-In at Ripcord starting at 6:30PM for our event filled weekend. Day of Registration available at Check-In.

Balls to the Walls - Meet & Mosh

9/13/24 @ 7:30PM at Ripcord

A social event at Ripcord where you can meet our community partners, engage in our pup mosh, take part in our silent auction, and enjoy gourmet bites.

Houston Night Life

9/13/24 @ 10:00PM

Get out and see what Houston's vibrant nightlife has to offer. Explore Montrose at your own pace.

Saturday

Barq-B-Que Luncheon

9/14/24 @ 12:00PM at Ripcord

Enjoy lunch with the pups on the Ripcord patio. Serving up your favorite grilled K-9 cuisine.

Explore Houston

9/14/24 @ 2:00PM

You've seen the nightlife, now see what else Houston has to offer you. Museums, parks, and more await you in this self-guided tour of Houston.

Pup of Montrose Contest

9/14/24 @ 7:00PM at Ripcord

Watch as we celebrate 2023's Pup of Montrose's contributions and select the 2024 Pup of Montrose in this exciting competition at Ripcord including performances from members of the First Family of Montrose.

Bayou City Pups Bar Night

9/14/24 @ 10:00PM at Ripcord

The Bayou City Pups host their monthly Jell-o Shot Night at Ripcord and celebrate their 10th Anniversary to raise money for their charity of choice, The Montrose Center.

Sunday

Victory Brunch & Drag Show

9/15/24 @ 12:00PM at Ripcord

Celebrate the new Pup of Montrose at Ripcord during the victory brunch featuring performances from a selection of Houston's finest LGBTQ+ performers and the Bayou City Pups honor the community in an awards ceremony.

Things To Do

Houston has no shortage of attractions to offer with many budget-friendly or free options. In fact, with so many things to do in Houston, you may have a hard time choosing just what to experience.

Houston Zoo – 6200 Hermann Park Dr 

Serving as a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Houston, the Houston Zoo is home to wildlife from all corners of the globe. Gorillas, giraffes, elephants, storks, tortoises and many more species are waiting to teach you something you did not know about animals.

Hermann Park – 6001 Fannin St

Located minutes from downtown Houston, Hermann Park is a cultural and recreational hub surrounded by the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, the Museum District, and various residential neighborhoods. General Sam Houston points in, towards the park, leading you in the direction of its many amenities.

Museum of Natural Science – 555 Herman Park Dr

The Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of the most heavily attended museums in the U.S., features the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center, permanent exhibit halls and traveling exhibitions.

Memorial Park – 6501 ½ Memorial Dr

Dubbed “the largest urban park in Texas,” Houston's Memorial Park, just inside Loop 610 at Woodway, includes facilities for tennis, softball, swimming, track, croquet, volleyball, in-line skating, cycling, and a popular three-mile running course. The park is also host to Houston's annual Bayou City Art Festival.

Downtown Aquarium – 410 Bagby St

The 500,000-gallon Downtown Aquarium complex is a multi-functional destination boasting a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, Shark Voyage, White Tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple, Rainforest, and Shipwreck exhibits.

Houston Botanic Garden – 410 Bagby St

Drift away amid exotic and native plants, flowers and trees complimented by butterflies, birds and other wildlife that make up the Houston Botanic Garden. It is easy to discover and connect with the beauty and splendor of nature in the Garden’s 132 acres surrounded by Sims Bayou in what once was a public golf course.

Space Center Houston – 1601 NASA Parkway

Discover the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human spaceflight program set among the largest collection of space artifacts in the southwestern United States.

Puppy Favorites

Explore Houston

America's fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination, filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping, and nightlife. Take a stroll through the historic Heights, spend the afternoon exploring the Museum District, or head down to Space Center Houston. Later, grab a bite in one of dozens of award-winning restaurants, or head for a drink in Montrose, Houston’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

Dining

Affectionately called the Culinary Capital of the South, Houston doesn’t fail to deliver. From hole-in-the-wall must-haves to exquisite fine dining Houston has you covered.

Barnaby’s Café - 604 Fairview St

The centrally located branch of the popular budget-minded cafe is a popular choice in Montrose. Lunch and dinner menus both feature the ultimate in comfort food, with Barnaby's famed chopped chef salad or the more adventurous grass-fed Texas buffalo burger.

Katz’s Deli & Bar – 616 Westheimer Rd

Craving blintzes at midnight or corned beef and cabbage at sunrise? Well, “Katz’s Never Kloses”. Don’t miss out on this all-hours New York-style eatery in the heart of Montrose with a city-slick atmosphere.

Niko Niko’s – 2520 Montrose Blvd

Gyros don't get much better than this: Moist, aromatic lamb slices are blanketed by a warm, plushy pita with sweet onions and creamy cucumber-garlic tzatziki sauce. Stop by the zany-looking converted service stations bustling counter to place your order.

Riva’s – 1117 Missouri St

A more intimate, twinkle-light-adorned eatery serves fresh and satisfying Italian classics that have made it a staple in Montrose. Dine on the wraparound porch or be seated in the charmingly lit dining area for a more intimate get-together.

Midtown Bar & Grill – 415 W Gray St

Indulge in Midtown Bar & Grill, founded in 2013, they offer a diverse menu featuring American, Mediterranean, and Mexican delights. The menu is a fusion of flavors crafted with passion and expertise, ensuring a delightful dining experience for every palate.

Nightlife

There's never a dull moment when it comes to Houston's nightlife scene. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance clubs or Texas honky tonks, sports pubs or to indulge your kinky side, there's something for every taste.

Ripcord – 715 Fairview St

The second oldest gay bar in Texas and the state's oldest leather bar. An iconic staple in the Montrose community, it’s a popular spot for various groups in the gay community, including Bears, Cubs, Daddies, Chasers, Twinks, & Leather. With its large patio, it is a great place to enjoy a beer or a cocktail on a nice Houston evening.

J.R.’s Bar & Grill –808 Pacific St

J.R.'s, like its sister bars in Dallas and Denver, is a gay hangout with attractive Southwestern-inspired decor and a fabulous patio. The Montrose-set spot is an H-Town staple among the gay crowd, offering cheap drinks, quick services, and a good mix of music and videos.

Houston Eagle – 611 Hyde Park Blvd

Located in the heart of the Montrose district, and recently renovated, this neighborhood hotspot includes a dual-level outdoor patio, dance floor, and an upstairs bar. A go-to for the bear, jock, and leather community, although all are welcome and seen enjoying the carefree ambiance.

South Beach – 6501 ½ Memorial Dr

Scenesters flock to Montrose’s South Beach club for wild, dance-filled nights and potent drinks. The 10,000-square-foot spot is known for its sexy staff, state-of-the-art laser light system, high-energy music and spacious dance floor, featuring a liquid nitrogen cooling system.

Barcode – 817 Fairview St

Nestled deep in the Montrose neighborhood, enjoy a cocktail at this little shack with an outside patio and an indoor stage. This bar is off the beaten path in Montrose, but it isn’t any less special and is well worth a visit.

George Country Sports Bar – 617 Fairview

One of the most laid-back establishments in Montrose. Cheap drink specials and a friendly atmosphere have kept patrons coming back since its opening. The casual come-as-you-are dress code makes this a relaxing hotspot on the weekends.

Pearl Bar– 4216 Washington Ave

Since its opening, Pearl Bar has been a welcoming space that caters to Houston's queer community and has become a staple of the Houston lesbian scene, hosting various events such as karaoke nights, drag shows, and fundraisers. With a friendly atmosphere, excellent drinks, and spacious patio area it provides a place for people to come together, celebrate, and be themselves.

Nightlife – Continued

Michael’s Outpost – 1419 Richmond Ave

This bar offers a quaint, convivial atmosphere for regulars and those looking for a little something different. Set up cabaret style with small tables gathered around a grand piano that is alive nightly Wednesday through Sunday with a series of talented musicians at the keys.

Buddy’s – 2409 Grant St STE A

A modern gay bar with events as diverse as Houston featuring cocktails, beer, karaoke, pool, DJs, and more. EveryBUDDY'S welcome.

Crocker Bar – 2312 Crocker St.

Known for its no-frills attitude and fun crowd. The friendly atmosphere and relaxing vibe make it a frequent stop for Sunday Fundays. Hang out inside and listen to today’s hits and throwbacks or chill on the wrap-around outdoor patio.

Tony’s Corner Pocket – 817 W. Dallas St

A friendly neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome. Tony’s features an amazing staff, sexy male dancers, and saucy showgirls guaranteed to keep you entertained.

Shopping

Houston is arguably the style capital of the South. It's home to a Project Runway-winner and more than a dozen distinct shopping areas, with retail that runs the gamut from vintage to high-end designer.

Sir Rat – 711 Fairview St

Whether you like the feel of a harness buckled tightly around your shoulders and chest or some tight leather chaps that leave little to the imagination, it’s always leather weather in Houston. Check out Sir Rat for leather, apparel, and more.

Hollywood Super Center – 2409 Grant St. STE C

For all you brightly colored gay novelties, head to Hollywood Super Center and you find yourself to be a gay kid in a very gay candy store.

The Galleria – 5085 Westheimer Rd STE 4850

An international shopping destination that hosts more than 24 million visitors annually, offers world-class shopping with more than 375 stores, 30 restaurants, two hotels, and a full-sized ice rink. The Galleria is home to a who’s who list of designers, including Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, and Ralph Lauren, among many others, adding up to more than 2 million square feet of shopping thrills.