Houston, TX

What rhymes with orange? Like the word, the Orange Show Monument is truly one of a kind. The folk-art piece of sculptural mazes and rooms was built single-handedly from 1956 until 1979 by Houston postal worker Jefferson Davis McKissack.=

Address: 2402 Munger St., Houston TX 77023 - MAP
Phone: (713) 926-6368
Web: www.orangeshow.org

Experience the magic of ballet at the annual performance of "The Nutcracker" by the Houston Ballet, the troupe regularly debuts new works throughout its season.

Address: 501 Texas Ave., Houston TX 77002 - MAP
Phone: (713) 523-6300
Web: www.houstonballet.org

Enjoy thoroughbred racing at is finest at Sam Houston Race Park. Watch the ponies run at the track, or view simulcast racing most evenings.

Address: 7575 N Sam Houston Pkwy., Houston TX 77064 - MAP
Phone: (281) 807-7223
Web: www.shrp.com

Enjoy outdoor entertainment under the stars at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Whether you catch a children's flick like "Monsters vs. Aliens" or watch a ballet folklorico recital, there's something for everyone here. Learn More...

Address: 6000 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030 - MAP
Phone: (713) 284-8351
Web: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

Enter and move through art at the Rice University Art Gallery, where artists are commissioned to create an installation specifically throughout the space. The nationally recognized contemporary art space is recognized as being an artist's art gallery among a crowd of mostly commercialized endeavors.

Address: 6100 Main St., Houston TX 77005 - MAP
Phone: (713) 348-6069
Web: www.ricegallery.org

There's always something exciting to see at the Wortham Theater. The facility is home to the Houston Ballet, the Houston Grand Opera, and Da Camera of Houston, a group that performs chamber and jazz music. Learn More...

Address: 501 Texas Ave., Houston TX 77002 - MAP
Phone:(713) 237-1439
Web: www.houstontx.gov

Catch one of your favorite musicians or bands at the Arena Theater, a legend in Houston's music scene. The revolving stage and intimate theater has hosted notables like Aretha Franklin, REO Speedwagon and Foreigner. Learn More...

Address: 7326 Southwest Fwy., Houston TX 77074 - MAP
Phone: (713) 268-6224
Web: www.arenahouston.com

Enjoy performances and exhibits by Talento Bilingue de Houston, which has evolved into a cultural arts center that includes workshops, a summer arts camp for children, and school touring productions.

Address: 333 S. Jensen Dr.., Houston TX 77003 - MAP
Phone: (713) 222-1213
Web: www.tbhcenter.org

Radio Music Theatre is a study in controlled chaos, with an hefty dose of entertainment and hilarious antics. The performance trio combines sketch comedy and full-length plays, musical numbers and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Learn More...

Address: 2623 Colquitt St., Houston TX 77098 - MAP
Phone: (713) 522-7722
Web: www.radiomusictheatre.com

Capture a moment in time at the Houston Center for Photography, which exhibits work by emerging and established photographers. You'll find evolving exhibits and plenty of spur-of-the-moment workshops to brush up on your photography skills.

Address: 1441 W Alabama St., Houston TX 77006 - MAP
Phone: (713) 529-4755
Web: www.hcponline.org

Catch a show at Stages Reperatory Theatre, where the plays push the boundaries of everyday theater. A talented troupe, guest performers and a penchant for putting a modern spin on classics define this popular playhouse. Learn More...

Address: 3201 Allen Pkwy., Houston TX 77019 - MAP
Phone: (713) 527-0220
Web: www.stagestheatre.com

Explore the works of artists-in-residence at the Art Palace. The works are presented through exhibitions on site, art fairs, publications and special projects.

Address: 3913 Main St., Houston TX 77002 - MAP
Phone: (281) 501-2964
Web: www.artpalacegallery.com

It was once the little theater that could. Today, Theatre Southwest continues its passion for performance with six productions, a Festival of Originals and monthly workshops. The stage showcases seasoned performers and break-out talent. Learn More...

Address: 8944 Clarkcrest St., Houston TX 77063 - MAP
Phone: (713) 661-9505
Web: www.theatresouthwest.org

Learn about the the historical, linguistic, scientific and artistic influence of Hispanic culture in the United States at the Institute of Hispanic Culture. Events include Fridays at the Movies, Day of the Hispanic World and the Mexican Film Festival.

Address: 3315 Sul Ross St., Houston TX 77098 - MAP
Phone: (713) 528-6358
Web: www.ihch.org

Explore the adventurous exhibits at the Downtown Aquarium, featuring interactive displays with themes like the Louisiana Swamp, Shipwreck, Rainforest and Sunken Temple.

Address: 410 Bagby St., Houston TX 77002 - MAP
Phone: (713) 223-3474
Web: www.aquariumrestaurants.com