One of the hottest events in the hottest month of the year — in one of Houston's hottest neighborhoods — is back. White Linen Night, the annual outdoor bash that brings tens of thousands to main drags in the Heights — 19th Street and White Oak Drive — returns Saturday, August 5.

Heights-area officials tells us they expect 20,000 to even 30,000 revelers this year, which could eclipse the pre-pandemic era days.

Consider 19th Street the central gathering spot for most revelers; the street will be closed to vehicle traffic from the 200 to 300 block. Partiers on 19th street can stroll and check out white tents filled with local artisanal offerings, alongside food trucks an live music stages.

Skip driving and Alto FTW

Parking, is, well, insane, and as plenty will be driving in and getting tipsy, we recommend using a rideshare service. Fortunately, upscale rideshare service ALTO is a title sponsor and is offering a generous promo code. Enter code WLN2023 for $10 off two rides.

While things officially kick off at 6 pm, this is still August in Houston. Stay hydrated (plenty of free drinks will be on hand) with plenty of water before sipping cocktails, which should make for more liberal spending at all the participating Heights stores.

The totally pedestrian event takes visitors along 19th Street and White Oak Drive, where nearly every shop, bar, and restaurant will throw a themed party or event. Be sure to bring cash and get ready to tap and swipe those cards for food, drink, and discounted finds.

Dress hot

What to wear? Just look to the name of the event, which is a nod to the original celebration that started in New Orleans as locals donned white linen (perfect for the hot, humid NOLA weather) and celebrated the city's vibrant cultural and arts scenes. After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the thousands of transplants who relocated to our area launched a Heights version of their beloved festival in 2006 as a way to toast the eclectic Heights neighborhood charm and support local small businesses.

So, think thin white tops, tanks, or T-shirts and light linen pants or shorts, and shoes or sandals made for serious walking — and the occasional dancing. This is a party, after all.

Where to go

We've rounded up a list of participating bars, restaurants, and stores along 19th Street and White Oak Drive, but much of the charm — just like a visit to the Heights — is in strolling and discovering.

Heights & Co. will be serving up live music alongside delicious cocktails and a to-die-for summer dining menu. Enjoy spritzes, martinis, and refreshing seasonal cocktails. Noon.

Christian’s Tailgate will feature a food truck, a margarita truck, several local vendor pop-up tents, a DJ on the patio, a photo booth and, of course, free swag. 4 pm.

Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina will include live music, limited-time street tacos of either barbacoa or pork carnitas and pint sized to-go margaritas, palomas, and Ranch Waters. 4 pm.

I Know the Owner will celebrate White Linen Night for the first time. They will have DJs, drink specials, giveaways, and a lot of fun. The kitchen will be open until 2 am. 4 pm.

M-K-T will have a White Linen Market. Get ready for a pet-friendly, outdoor family event filled with amazing local makers, growers, and sellers. 4 pm.

Casa Ramirez FOLKART Gallery will have art from Lizbeth Ortiz, music from BOSSA ll, Jesus and Maria Lozano & percussionist Stephen Araujo, and light refreshments, 5 pm.

Little Woodrow’s Heights will get in the spirit with a White Linen Glow Party. They will have DJ sets all night (starting at 6 pm), drink specials and more. 5 pm.

EZ’s Liquor Lounge will have live music from Western Jelly. There will also be drink specials, and the Tacos Tierras Calientes food truck will be in the parking lot. 6 pm.

Feges BBQ will get all smoky and meaty on this White Linen occasion. They will be serving bbq sandwiches, housemade sausage and more on 19th Street. 6 pm.

Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace will have a DJ spinning the hottest tracks. There will also be a photo booth to capture the fun-filled moments. 6 pm.

The Heights Theater will have a White Linen shindig, with music from DJ Aidan Kennedy. Enjoy local shopping, live music, great local eateries, and more along 19th Street. 6 pm.

Manready Mercantile, a Heights favorite, will let visitors make their own limited-edition White Linen Night leather coasters via a letter press from Manready Mercantile's production facility. The store will give away prizes and host a raffle for a year’s supply of soy wax candles, two tickets to a candle making class or a specially curated Whiskey Kits. 6 pm.

Moonshine Deck is gearing up to throw the biggest, White Linen party of the year, complete with an air-conditioned tent that will take over the entire lot. 6 pm.

Openair Company will get its White Linen on over at 19th and Ashland. More than 30 vendors will be on the premises, while C4 Energy Drink and Topo Chico will have free drinks. 6 pm.

The Whimsy Artisan Boutique is planning to have a “whimsy” White Linen shindig. Head over there for some of the best local art/music/drinks/fun Houston has to offer. 6 pm.

Eight Row Flint will have great drink and shot specials, as well as an outdoor disco bar with a DJ and a little to-go station set up so you can take the party home. 8 pm.

Onion Creek Cafe will have its annual White Linen Trash Disco. Denverado’s Movers & Shakers and DJ Melodic are scheduled to bring the noise. 8:30 pm.