The traditional five year anniversary gift is wood, conveying strength and longevity, and while both words fit CultureMap just fine, we decided to take our five-year celebration on Friday, Oct. 10, in a more festive direction. Think rock the night.
There will be delicious bites from Houston’s best restaurants and a drink selection befitting a true milestone event.
As in multiple dance-tastic bands, the creation of artwork while you watch, the chance to win fab prizes, delicious bites from Houston’s best restaurants and a drink selection befitting a true milestone event.
Yep, five is looking good, and why shouldn’t it? Party central is the entire gallery level of the new JW Marriott Houston Downtown, giving us plenty of room to birthday it up in style. Get your tickets here.
Every party needs a soundtrack and the five-year playlist from the Cadillac Music Series Stage features the IDT Band, DJ Bizonee, Sonic Boom and Fly Boys. Art and music go hand-in-hand, so while the music plays, artists David Hardaker, Kelley Devine, Lee Wright and Tra Slaughter will be creating live artwork based on what Houston means to them.
And since we know Houston is all about generosity, 50 percent of the sale of their artwork is being donated to Casa de Esperanza, CultureMap’s beneficiary. A portion of the $25 ticket price will also be given to the organization that provides assistance to children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV.
CultureMap readers know just how important dining and libations are no matter what day or event, so we’ve lined up quite an array of food from the JW Marriott’s Erin Smith, Crave Cupcakes, Green Plate Foods, The Grove, Kiran’s, Nara, Springbok and Los Tios, which just happens to be celebrating its 44th anniversary.
We have a few party tricks up our sleeve too. Be on the lookout for the Truth Booth for an honest, cheeky and anonymous evaluation of your style.
There’s certainly no shortage of salutatory beverages at our five-year fete. Grey Goose, Bacardi, El Sueno “Tinto de Tejas,” Saint Arnold, Karbach, Bud Light, Ziegenbock and Stella are all on tap. Like a generous pour? Don’t miss Bitter Creek Chardonnay, Lambert Bridge Merlot, Vanishing Creek Pinot Grigio and Wire Ridge Cabernet on the wine menu and you can rehydrate with Acqua Panna, San Pellegrino and San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages.
We have a few party tricks up our sleeve too. Be on the lookout for the Truth Booth for an honest, cheeky and anonymous evaluation of your style, so dress to impress. Pop by the Smilebooth to capture your attendance because as we all know, if it’s not on Instagram, it didn’t happen. While you’re at it, Kendra Scott’s Swag Station is another social spot. The first 100 partiers to pop by, take a pic and tag themselves on Instagram and Twitter with #CMbdaybash win prizes from the Texas jewelry designer.
Not that we’re expecting any awkward silences, but Yellow Cab and some of Houston’s most iconic locales have teamed up with us to bring you a match game sure to get you mingling. Hold onto the colorful card you get when checking in, and then look for someone else with the same card. Meet up, match and score prizes from West Ave, Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, BBVA Compass/Home of the Houston Dynamo, Warehouse Live, House of Blues, MFAH and Hermann Park.
What else? Well, you of course. Our five years wouldn’t be what they are without our CultureMap readers. You’ve made us your homepage, commented on stories, attended our events, supported local charities near and dear to us and for that, we thank you.
Now, who’s ready to party?
The IDT Band is just one of the musical performers at CultureMap's Birthday Bash.
