5 Hottest Young Professionals

The five hottest young professionals groups for Houstonians with an arty edge

Houston grand opera O.N. YP organization

Revelers at the Houston Grand Opera's Opera Ball After Party. Opening Night members receive a special discount on tickets..

HGO's O.N. / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/186816419975/photos/a.10150754991599976.466356.186816419975/10152326485814976/?type=1&theater]

If you're one of Houston's many young professionals, you probably want to get involved in one of the city's various groups made especially for you. With so many options, where do you start?

Well, we've made a cheat sheet for some of the best fine arts organizations for young professionals. Whether you're into opera, theater or ballet, CultureMap's got you covered.

Ballet Barre

What do they do? This group helps young professionals become more involved with the Houston Ballet through performance attendance, volunteer opportunities and special events.
Perks: Tickets to four different productions throughout the year, invitations to social events (including parties attended by the dancers, closed rehearsals and backstage tours) and wine receptions in the Wortham Center's Brown Alcove during first intermissions.
Upcoming event:2014 Season Kickoff Party on Aug. 25 at Prohibition Supperclub & Bar.
Cost: $75

Houston Grand Opera's O.N. (Opening Night)

What do they do? As Houston's largest young professional group for the arts, O.N. offers young professionals the opportunity network while getting up-close and personal with the Houston Grand Opera.
Perks: Private intermission mixers with complimentary hors d'oeuvres, post-performance gatherings, as well as special pricing for the Opening Night Dinner Celebration and Houston Grand Opera Ball.
Upcoming events: Othello on Oct. 24
Cost: $140 and up

Houston Symphony Young Professionals Backstage

What do they do? This arts-oriented group for Houston's young professionals mixes networking opportunities with behind-the-scenes access to the Houston Symphony.
Perks: Discounts on tickets and free drinks and parking at Jones Hall, not to mention up-close contact with members of the symphony following the performances.
Upcoming event:Beethoven's Fifth Symphony on Nov.14
Cost: $126 and up

Ars Lyrica Young Professionals Society

What do they do? Professionals aged 21 to 50 can connect with Houston's lively arts scene, focusing on historically-informed performances, through Ars Lyrica's Young Professionals Society.
Perks: Mixer events, tickets to three performances, free drinks before each concert and exclusive access to dress rehearsals and post-concert receptions, as well as discounts on tickets to Ars Lyrica's New Year's Eve concert and gala.
Upcoming event:Young Professionals Bottle Share at D&T Drive Inn on Sept. 4
Cost: $105

Scene: Alley Theatre Young Professionals

What do they do? Scene brings young professionals together to engage with the Alley Theatre through attending performances, social events and exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Perks: Three performances, pre-show happy hours and post-show Q&A sessions with Alley performers.
Upcoming event:Dracula on Oct. 9
Cost: $189

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Time to Tailgate

Houston sports fans score great food and fun at CultureMap's Tailgate

Photo by Daniel Fernandez

Chris Lueking, Bailey Murphy

It's rare to get a Houston evening with low humidity, crisp air, and cool breezes, but the stars aligned for The Tailgate presented by Verizon, CultureMap's third annual signature event, on November 11. The weather was absolutely perfect.

Held at 8th Wonder Brewing, the (mostly) outdoor event offered about 500 guests plenty of space to mingle, eat, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of sports-themed fun. Houston pride shone brightly with attendees donning their best Astros, Texans, Rockets, and Dynamo gear.

VIP admission gave guests access to a special meet-and-greet with two of the Houston Texans' most popular alumni — defensive stars Brian Cushing and Travis Johnson, courtesy of presenting sponsor Verizon. The players handed out their autographs and snapped photos with fans to kick off the evening.

Of course, no tailgate is complete without delicious food. Guests gobbled up generous samples from some of Houston's favorite restaurants, including:

Adobo beef tacos from 1891 American Eatery & Bar
White wings, gold fever wings, crawdaddy and mango habanero wings, and signature onion rings from Big City Wings
Comfort Foodies' signature empanadas in four flavors: oxtail, beef and cheese, chicken and cheese, and spinach and cheese
Shrimp ceviche shooters and brisket on a croissant from The Halal Guys
St. Louis ribs with Comeback Sauce from Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition
Spicy and regular Layne's chicken fingers with dipping sauce
Smoked salmon handroll from Kokoro
Loro's smoked brisket tostadas with shishito salsa
Ramen Frito pie from Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Lobster rolls, corn and crab bisque, lobster bisque, and whoopie pies from Mainely Sandwiches
Smoked pulled pork bahn mi pizza from Pizarro's Pizza
House made bratwurst on a challah roll with sauerkraut and amber ale mustard from Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Jerk lamb chops from Southern Jerks
Spicy ranch wings from Taste Kitchen + Bar
Laab chicken sandwiches with tortilla chips from Thai Tail
The Waffle Bus' Hot Mess Fries: seasoned waffle fries topped with spicy buttermilk fried chicken bites, white cheddar mac and cheese, and Thunder Sauce
72-hour sous vide wagyu short rib from Uchi
Wagyu meatballs and edamame fritters from Uchiko Houston

With virtually no wait time for drinks, the bars served up signature cocktails by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Weber Ranch Vodka. Guests sipped memorable espresso martinis made with Shipley Do-Nuts cold brew, along with THC seltzers from Howdy and 8th Wonder beers.

Big City Wings beat out 15 other competitors in a bracket-style tournament to take home the title as winner of the Ultimate Wing Showdown. And The Waffle Bus scored a repeat win as attendees' favorite dish of the night; they also took home the title in 2023.

Sponsor East River 9 offered more delicious food at their booth.

Local sports organizations were well represented, with the Texans raffling off a coveted CJ Stroud-signed White Panel Football. The Astros showed off their Shooting Stars dancers, plus the 2017 and 2022 World Series Trophies. And Houston soccer stars the Dynamo and Dash raffled off team-signed jerseys.

Julia Morales showcased with her custom apparel line, Shop Baseball, Y'all. Attendees could also shop the great apparel selection from Mizzen + Main.

No sports-themed event would be complete without some friendly competition and awards to take home. Guests could putt putt for prizes, courtesy of Holey Moley. And the night wound down with a spirited kolache-eating contest sponsored by Shipley Do-Nuts; the lucky winner received free doughnuts for a year.

At the end of the night, there was only one complaint to be made for The Tailgate: It had to come to an end for another season.

The Tailgate was presented by Verizon and sponsored by 8th Wonder, HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen + Main, Shipley Do-nuts, and East River 9.