Game on

CultureMap's ultimate sports bash The Tailgate returns with early-bird tickets for an MVP experience

Haley Fahrenthold Jackie Heston Grace Ryan Peyton Ross

Haley Fahrenthold, Jackie Heston, Grace Ryan, and Peyton Ross at the 2022 Tailgate event.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

As anyone who’s rolled up to NRG Stadium before dawn with brisket, beer, and gameday gear ready to go knows, Houston tailgating isn’t for rookies.

With that in mind, CultureMap and SportsMap are teaming up to celebrate the return of the big fall sports season with The Tailgate, our all-out party devoted to our favorite sports pastime, which debuted as a smash-hit event last year.

It all goes down on Wednesday, October 25, at Silver Street Studios, and tickets are already on sale.

Tailgaters can look forward to sports-inspired bites from favorite local restaurants, premium cocktails, coveted memorabilia from Texas legends, and plenty of game-day fun at this signature event, which shows major-league love for the MVP fans who cheer them on.

Favorite Houston restaurants and chefs will create tailgate-inspired dishes for you to sample and vote for your favorite. Participants include (with more restaurants to be announced):

FM Kitchen
Wild Concepts
Aiko
Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen
Cobos
Twin Peaks
Quad HTX
Patterson Park
Maple Leaf Pub
The Phoenix on Westheimer
Rockhouse Southern Kitchen
The Waffle Bus
d'Alba Craft Kitchen and Cocktails

As a new twist this year, readers will get to vote for their favorite local sports bar in our Ultimate Sports Bar Showdown. Think of this as sort of like the Sweet 16, where local champs face off in an online tournament. The winner will be revealed at the party.

The event also will shine a spotlight on sports-related nonprofits and give you the chance to pitch in and make a difference for the causes they champion. You'll get to learn more about Dynamo and Dash Charities, Houston Texans Foundation, and more nonprofit partners to be announced.

We'll keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $35 for general admission (regularly $50) and $60 for VIP (regularly $75).

All tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets get you one-hour early entry, a dedicated VIP bar, and more perks for an elevated experience.

Head here to buy your tickets now.

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The Tailgate is sponsored by Bud Light, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, Cutwater Spirits, 1800 Tequila, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and more to be announced.

event-planner sports charity chefs sports bar

James T Kirk News

William Shatner's new Star Trek tour boldly goes to downtown Houston

Photo courtesy of William Shatner.

William Shatner comes to Dallas on Wednesday, July 30.

Actor William Shatner, aka Captain James T. Kirk from the original Star Trek series and ensuing movie franchise, will bring nostalgia to fans around the country with a U.S. tour in summer 2025, including a stop at the House of Blues in Houston on Thursday, July 31.

At each stop, there will be a screening of the classic Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, followed by an appearance by Shatner, who will take the stage to share behind-the-scenes stories from his life and career and answer audience questions.

For now, the tour consists of four stops in the summer (including Dallas on July 30) and four more in November. If that doesn't seem like very many, remember that Shatner will turn 94 on March 22, making any appearances worthy of celebration.

Appearing alongside a screening of The Wrath of Khan is a semi-regular occurrence for Shatner; most recently, he put on shows in Austin and Sugar Land in 2023.

The appetite for Star Trek never seems to dim. In a recent interview, Shatner revealed that he's frequently been asked to come back as Kirk, including one promising pitch that prompted Shatner to tweet, "I’ve been approached to resurrect Kirk. It’s all still up in the air (or is it buried under some rocks?) Whichever the case I’m waiting to hear what the folks at Paramount have to say."

Meanwhile, a popular themed cruise called Star Trek: The Cruise IX, will set sail for the ninth time, this year celebrating the 60th anniversary of the series, featuring stars on board such as Shatner and Walter Koenig, who played Ensign Pavel Chekov.

Tickets for this event go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 7 at Livenation.com. VIP tickets are available, which include a post-show photo opportunity with Shatner.

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