get your swim on

Adults-only swim club-pool bar in Second Ward makes a splash with big return and 2023 opening date

One of Houston’s favorite ways to beat the summer heat returns for 2023 with an enhanced offering to keep the party going.

Second Ward pool bar El Segundo Swim Club opens for the season on Saturday, April 29. Located in the Second Ward at 5180 Avenue L, El Segundo is owner Matthew Healey’s option for adults who lack regular access to a pool (21-plus only). The 15,000-square-foot venue features a 1,400-square-foot pool as well as hammocks, lounge chairs, and a changing area.

To access the facility, customers simply purchase a day pass via the Tock reservation platform. Priced at $35 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday, admission includes towels and sunscreen.

On eight Sundays throughout the summer, the bar will host Sound Waves. The 90-120 minute DJ sets will feature top talent such as members of The Faint, Disko Cowboy, and Fat Tony (see full lineup below).

Those who want a to entertain a group of friends can rent one of the property’s six cabanas. Sized for groups of 10-15 people, prices range from $100-300 plus day passes. They rise to $300 each on Sound Waves Sundays.

While there, people can snack on food from food trucks and sip a selection of wine, grower champagne, beer, and cocktails created by Chris Frankel, an Anvil alum who’s consulted for resulting including the Heights location of Mala Sichuan.

Both Mala and El Segundo also feature design by local firm Gin Design Group. The pool bar takes some of its inspiration from artist Roberto Burle Marx and features a retro, Brazilian-inspired design that includes lots of plants “and a bit of kitsch,” according to the firm’s website.

“El Segundo Swim Club has become the premier destination for those seeking a fun and unpretentious, yet sophisticated pool club in Houston,” Healey said in a statement. “We’re very excited to introduce our new Sound Waves event series this season, where we’ve lined up a mix of sought-after indie DJs from around the country to play sets at our pool club in the Second Ward.”

Sound Waves Dates:

May 7 — The Faint
May 28 — Ed Droste (Grizzly Bear)
Jun. 4 — Disko Cowboy
Jun. 25 — Neon Indian
Jul. 23 — Washed Out
Aug. 27 — Fat Tony
Sept. 17 — Twin Shadow
Sept. 24 — Them Jeans

Photo by Becca Wright

El Segundo returns April 29.

Pool Bar cocktails openings

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife

get your swim on

Adults-only swim club-pool bar in Second Ward makes a splash with big return and 2023 opening date

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Broadcaster Frank Billingsley finds second act at Houston radio station

Houston steakhouse reboots as a more affordable neighborhood restaurant

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

get your swim on

Adults-only swim club-pool bar in Second Ward makes a splash with big return and 2023 opening date

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Broadcaster Frank Billingsley finds second act at Houston radio station

Houston steakhouse reboots as a more affordable neighborhood restaurant

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

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