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Houstonians score a ton of fun at CultureMap's first-ever Tailgate party

Houston’s biggest sports fans partied overtime at CultureMap's newest signature event, The Tailgate.

Recently held at Silver Street Studios, the celebration of all things sports attracted a crowd ready to have some game day fun.

And they certainly didn't go hungry. Past Tastemaker Awards winners and nominees brought snacks galore, from Thai sausage to pizza bites to brisket sliders and more.

Guests could vote for their favorite munchies via QR code, leading to d’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails taking home the trophy for their Falcon Lakes Bolognese. J-Bar-M Barbecue’s cochinita pibil sausage wraps also earned raves. Drool over a full list of the snacks here.

Those looking to scoop up ideas for their next watch party could sample catering from Whole Foods Market, then walk away with a stadium-approved clear backpack filled with snacks, samples, and coupons for future purchases.

No one's cup ran dry, thanks to bars stocked with 11 Below Brewing Company beers, Austin Cocktails, and specialty drinks featuring Dripping Springs Vodka and 1800 Tequila, the official tequila of the Houston Texans.

Speaking of sips, five local bars competed to create the best vodka cocktail with Dripping Springs vodka. In the end, Loch Bar’s Lavender Rose cocktail was the big winner.

In between bites and sips, guests browsed a silent auction stuffed with valuable sports memorabilia, with a portion of proceeds benefitting our nonprofit partners. The first bidder for each item scored a special reward: a glittering replica of a championship ring (which we can confirm were appropriately heavy).

Attendees could also learn more about and donate to each of the event's nonprofit partners. The Sugar Land Space Cowboys and their mascot Orion represented The Astros Foundation, which harnesses the passion of baseball fans to support youth baseball and softball programs, the recognition/honor of our nation's military, childhood cancer awareness, and efforts to reduce homelessness.

Former safety Eric Brown and former offensive lineman Fred Weary joined the Texans mascot Toro and the Texans cheerleaders on behalf of the Houston Texans Foundation, which serves children in the Houston area through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Texans Teen Club, the Houston Texans YMCA in the Third Ward, the Houston Food Bank, and more. Other key programs include disaster response efforts, youth football, support for members of the military, veterans, and their families, as well as funding social justice efforts in Houston.

Houston Dynamo mascot Diesel represented Dynamo Charities, which leverages the passion of their players, staff, and fans to provide resources and education that positively impact lives in the community. Those who stopped by could show off their kicking skills at a giant inflatable goal.

Spotted among the sea of jerseys were Leisa Holland-Nelson, David Gow, Brittany Campbell, Isabel Protomartir, Murray Manley, Deets Hoffman, Leon Barileva, Jeff Solomon. Filiz Elshani, Hera Olsson, Natalie Lyles, Allie Marin, Savannah Sullivan, Austin Lyles, Christen Fobbs, Isley Maglalang, Sandra Panesso, and Stephen Pinkney.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

11 Below turned it up.

fundraisers sports promoted

No passport required

Houston's Japanese culture festival returns with ramen, rides, and celebs

A car with a custom, anime-inspired warp at Tokyo X

Photo provided by Hyper Growth IQ

Tricked out cars, ramen, and more at Tokyo X

Tokyo X, one of Houston's premiere celebrations of Japanese culture, returns to NRG Center for two days in June, promising, celebrities, food, martial arts, anime, and more.

“Tokyo X is where Houston and Japan connect — through culture, community, and pure creativity,” publicist Christina Truong said in a statement. “This is more than a fan event. It’s a full sensory experience rooted in food, fashion, tradition, and fandom.”

The event takes place June 14 and 15. Tickets are available at TokyoNightFest.com.

Gearheads especially should mark their calendars because Tokyo X features the return of the internationally acclaimed car show series Hot Import Nights (HIN). Japan is renowned for its customized car and street racing scenes, and more than two dozen builds have been chosen to show off what Japanese car prodigies can do. From highly elaborate wraps that honor legendary anime to mechanical marvels built for speed, it's a chance for Houston car buffs to see a whole different style of tricked out rides.

“Hot Import Nights’ long-awaited return to Houston makes this event incredibly special — and teaming up with Tokyo X takes it to an entirely new level," said Michael Munar, executive Producer for Hot Import Nights. "Together, we’re merging the best of car culture and Japanese pop culture into one unforgettable experience. From customized imports to anime, food, music, art, and cosplay — this is the kind of energy our fans have been waiting for.”

Another big hit will be the ramen showdown. It's not a Houston festival without some fantastic food, and Tokyo X will host a variety of culinary experiences. The most dynamic will be the Ramen Rush: The Ultimate Bowl Battle, presented by Yelp. Food bloggers will race to devour two bowls of Tsujita Houston's ramen in front of a cheering crowd to win a year's supply of free ramen from Tsujita and all the prestige that comes from being a champion.

“Tokyo X Fest is all about pushing the boundaries of food, fun, and competition,” said event owner Naoki Yoshida. “Ramen Rush is set to be a fan-favorite, showcasing Tsujita’s incredible ramen and delivering an unforgettable experience for food lovers.”

Of course, the event will also feature plenty of offerings for anime fans. Tokyo X is hosting the usual anime panels, cosplay contests, and appearances from voice actors. Headlining the festival are Devora Wilde, who voiced Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3, and Toshihiko Seki, whose credits include Demon Slayer, Naruto, and Gundam Wing. Both will be available for photos, signings, and Q&A sessions.

Additional activities include a samurai martial arts demonstration, musical performance by AISHA, and more than 400 vendors.

Courtesy of Tokyo X

Hot Import Nights will display tricked-out Japanese rides.

festivals tokyo x convention