Don’t make the mistake of thinking Houston is only about cowboys and country music. Sure, you can grab your best dancing boots and find a partner and a place to do the two-step any night of the week. From the Armadillo Palace to Whiskey River, there are dozens of country clubs in Houston. Award-winning Blanco’s Bar & Grill has been a country music institution in Houston for over 20 years. Country aside, Houston hums with music from hip hop to high-brow.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, cars are prohibited on the stretch of Main Street between Congress and Capitol transforming the area into “The Main Event!” From sultry jazz at the Red Cat, lively Cajun, an Irish jig or rock and roll, dine and dance the night away by strolling the club-heavy blocks. Trendy Verizon Wireless Theater hosts over 100 annual concerts and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillon presents performances from Bach to rock in an outdoor amphitheater setting. Looking for still more sophisticated musical fare? Houston Grand Opera has a long list of accolades and awards for its performances, world premieres, television appearances and recordings.