Houston Grand Opera
Wortham theatre center, 510 preston st., 713-228-6737. (http://www.houstongrandop...). world-class opera in the heart of downtown's theatre district.
Mercury Baroque
Cullen theatre, wortham center, 510 preston st., 713-533-0080. baroque music for the historical purist.
Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)
Hobby center for the performing arts, 800 bagby, 713-558-tuts. broadway style big theatre productions in one of houston's newest downtown arts venues.
Houston Symphony Orchestra
Jones hall, 615 louisiana ave. (http://www.houstonsymphony.org). concerts throughout the year including both a classical series and a pops series.
Events & festivals
Bayou City Art Festival
(http://www.bayoucityartfe...) built on an 8/10 mile asphalt loop surrounded by lush trees, foliage, and picnic areas, the annual fine art event boasts a stress-free outdoor gallery brimming with 300 artists working in 19 artistic media.
FotoFest
(http://www.fotofest.org/) exhibitions and art installations, film and video programs, lectures and forums.
Houston Children's Festival
(http://houstonchildrensfe...) is the largest celebration for children in the united states. the houston children's festival offers over 350 events packed into a couple of hectic days.
The Houston International Festival
aka ifest (http://www.ifest.org/) annual international festival featuring juried arts, crafts, food, music, games and events for adults and children.
Latino Book & Family Festival
(http://www.latinobookfest...) hosts a world class array of panels, authors, celebrities and entertainment for your enjoyment and enlightenment.