Every city has an Irish bar and Houston is no exception. This is a regular, no-frills, friendly pub with a mix of regulars, visitors, hippies and yuppies. Pop in to enjoy a quiet drink on the small terrace, play a game of darts or try something from the small selection of snacks available, including thin-crust pizzas.

A recent arrival on the Washington Strip scene, this is a laidback bar serving a great selection of draft and bottled beers. Housed in a converted filling station, with an open-air terrace, it has a big screen in the main bar for sporting events. If you get peckish then grab a snack from the food truck that's parked outside most nights.

Lit by a room full of Tiffany lamps, the Nouveau Antique Art Bar in Midtown is a great place to catch the cool scene. Relax with friends in the sophisticated art nouveau-styled bar which is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks in its very inviting atmosphere. Take your drinks out to the large terrace. Happy Hour, Monday to Friday, lasts until 2100.

This bar is not for the shy and retiring. Come here for a fun night out and join in the singalong and clap along. The two piano players perform high energy favourites from Elvis to Sinatra and Abba to ZZ Top. Even the waiting and bar staff get in on the act. The entertainers are happy to take requests and a small cash tip helps things along.

Numbers seems to have been around forever and is still going strong. A vast progressive video dance club, it also features international live bands. Huge video screens project dance videos throughout the club. Fridays is 80s night with draft beer just 50c. If it all gets too much, go upstairs to the small seating area overlooking the dance floor. Open Friday and Saturday, but check website for other nights.

The Drake is a popular spot on the super-hot Washington stretch of nightspots, catering to an eclectic mix of club goers, with a posh speakeasy vibe, sexy banquettes, groovy dance music, and bottle service. Located in a former warehouse space with exposed brick, lots of mirrors, warm candlelight and elegant chandeliers this multi-room club, boasting three bars, caters to the urban and hip hop crowd.

This is one of the best venues for acoustic music and features a variety of local and national folk, blues and country acts with Irish music sessions every Wednesday night. Occasionally a big-time artist puts on a show. There is a fun open-mic night on Mondays for lesser-known singers with the odd appearance from would-be comedians and poets.

This is the place to catch alternative rock, blues, rockabilly and country music acts. The club has a retro feel with vintage neon lights and a red velvet-curtained stage. It is a small, cosy venue with a back-room bar, an outdoor patio and pool tables. Check their website for upcoming bands as occasionally there are big-name acts appearing.

The Houston Ballet puts on lavish dance productions at the Wortham Theater Center. It is the fourth largest dance company in the USA, with international acclaim following several overseas tours. The company performs classics, as well as cutting edge works by some of the world's exciting young dance makers.

This is one of the oldest resident professional theatre companies in the country. It began its life literally in an alley in 1947. It puts on performances of new plays, classics, the rediscovered and the rarely performed with an emphasis on new American works. A small, intimate venue, with two theatres, with all seats having good views and where the audience almost feels it is part of the performance.

A state-of-the-art complex which is home to the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), a company which performs musicals here as well as a free series in the Miller Outdoor Theatre. There are two performing spaces, the larger Serafim Hall and the small Zilkha Hall which is home to the Uniquely Houston programme which showcases small Houston performing arts organisations.

800 Bagby

The Miller is an outdoor amphitheatre which presents free performances - including ballet, Shakespeare, musicals, jazz, classic films and the Houston Symphony Orchestra from March until October. The audience is encouraged to make an evening of it and bring a picnic to enjoy on the hillside. There is some undercover seating available and tickets for this area are free, but are given out at the box office in person on the day of the performance between 1030 and 1300.