Fall fun arrives at north Houston’s City Place in October, where an exciting lineup of new and recurring programming awaits, including the unveiling the Luminous Labyrinth installation, the third annual Día de los Muertos weekend celebration, Houston City Place Marriott’s fifth anniversary kick-off party, ExxonMobil’s family-friendly car show benefitting United Way Greater Houston, a Piano on The Plaza Musical Chairs edition and a refreshing late afternoon to early evening timeslot for Your Neighborhood Farmers Market. The mostly complimentary programming takes place on and around The Plaza, the community’s central gathering place at 1250 Lake Plaza Drive – Spring, TX 77389.
Houston City Place Marriott Five-Year Anniversary Kick-Off and Luminous Labyrinth Unveiling
Celebrating a milestone birthday in October, the Houston City Place Marriott will host a five-year anniversary kick-off party on October 5 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Guests will enjoy live music by popular Beatles and 60s tribute band, The Fab 5, plus a cash bar with $5 bites and adult beverages. They will also be among the first to explore the Luminous Labyrinth installation, which will be on display through November 3. Designed by Houston-based artist, Reginald Adams and overlooking waterfront City Place Park, the immersive exhibit will lead visitors through glowing pathways into a center destination, evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity as each new twist and turn reveals a new color, pattern and shape. Both the labyrinth and party are open to the public and free to attend.
As part of the hotel’s fifth anniversary, City Place visitors can look forward to special activations each month for a year with a calendar of themed activities, events and perks that will take place on the 5th of each month through September 2024. Upcoming highlights include A Christmas Tail, a holiday cocktail mixer and gingerbread doghouse auction benefiting area rescue group Operation Pets Alive.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
The third annual Día de los Muertos weekend celebration returns October 27-29, featuring three days of spirited festivities. The evening of October 27 will showcase the ticketed Art of the Spirit cocktail reception, featuring food stations spotlighting authentic Mexican fare, along with tequila tastings, plus intricate calaca (skull) face painting, floral crown creations, cigar rolling, plus live music and a DJ. Guests will also have the opportunity to recognize their departed loved ones during the ceremonial unveiling of and procession to the Día de los Muertos altar, located at the center of the Luminous Labyrinth installation. Art of the Spirit tickets are priced at $85 per person and available on EventBrite.
On October 28, guest can shop the Mercado from noon to 5 pm. Open to the public and free to attend, the market will highlight more than 20, curated Latin folk-art vendors and artisans, live music including a mariachi band, performances by Dance Houston and children’s activities. The experience carries into the evening with Calacas & Cocktails from 6-9 pm. Also free to attend, the event will offer altar access, face painting, caricature drawings, live music, plus a cash bar and a variety of food trucks.
The programming concludes on October 29 with Día de los Muertos Cinema, a free, alfresco movie night featuring the film Coco. Kids activities plus meet and greets with Coco characters will begin at 6 pm, followed by the film at 7 pm.
Those looking to stay on site for all or part of the weekend can take advantage of the Houston City Place Marriott’s Día de los Muertos Package, available Friday through Sunday. In addition to putting visitors in the midst of the action, the overnight package includes stylish accommodations, daily breakfast for two at SwitcHouse Plates & Pours, two welcome cocktails, self-parking and a 1 pm late checkout. Use booking code SPE when reserving.
Car Care Thru the Ages Car Show
Add some horsepower to your weekend on October 14 from 9 am until noon as ExxonMobil’s Car Care Through the Ages returns to the Start Cinema Grill parking lot. Showcasing 49, dynamic entries – everything from cars and bikes to classics and custom projects – the family-focused event benefits United Way Greater Houston. Additional highlights include car care trivia and a scavenger hunt for the kids, both with prizes for winners. Tickets are priced at $35 per household and available for purchase at https://go.rallyup.com/15c48f/Campaign/Details.
Reoccurring Programming
Perfectly in tune with cooler October temperatures, guests can enjoy live music performances in The Plaza during Sunday Sounds on October 1 and 15 from 2-4 pm. Showcasing a piano player and singer duo, Piano on the Plaza also returns with Friday evening performances on October 6 and 20, starting at 6:30 pm. In partnership with Common Desk City Place, the October 20 edition promises some fun surprises with a ticketed musical chairs experience benefitting a local non-profit and featuring prizes.
Popular children’s sports camp, Soccer Shots is back on The Plaza every Wednesday – October 4, 11, 18 and 25. The engaging sessions focus on building standout soccer skills and character. Ages 2-3 years start at 4:30 pm, followed classes for children aged 3-5 at 5:10 pm. Online registration is required and available via https://woodlands.soccershots.com/search?txt=City%20Place.
It’s kids’ night out for Children’s Storytime on October 12 at 5:30 pm, where little ones will embark on an adventurous story reading led by life-sized characters from popular genres.
Now slotted into a new day and time for the fall season, Your Neighborhood Farmers Market will take over The Plaza on Thursday, October 19 from 4-7 pm. Visitors can network with the community while shopping organic, locally grown produce, grass-fed meats, pasture-raised eggs, artisan cheese, fresh baked goods and juices, specialty prepared food, plants, natural pet treats and more.
Those looking to expand their photography skills can learn more about composition basics during the complimentary Houston Center of Photography workshop on October 28 at 10 am. This month’s iteration focuses on learning the foundation of powerful compositions by incorporating line, shape and texture to create outstanding images. All camera types are suitable for this workshop, and sports can be reserved at https://hcponline.org/education/cityplace-photography-workshop/.
It’s a fitness-focused fall with a variety of group fitness classes offered on the Plaza. Fit4Mom, a 60-minute toddler and stroller-incorporated session, takes place every Wednesday – October 4, 11, 18 and 25 – at 9:30 am. Camp Gladiator offers cardio and strength classes every Saturday – October 7, 14, 21 and 28 – at 8:30 am, followed by Yoga at the Plaza at 10 am. Both Fit4Mom and Camp Gladiator offer a complimentary first class with membership options following, while yoga is always complimentary.
