The Houston Heights Association (HHA) is a 501(c)(3) organization which receives yearly audits of its financial records, along with tax and risk advisory services, by a well-respected CPA firm that specializes in nonprofit organizations.  The HHA promotes several major events throughout each year along with other association activities.  All of these events are organized in a highly professional manner, are extremely well attended, and receive extensive amounts of publicity and community awareness.  Proceeds from these events are used to maintain Marmion and Donovan Parks on Heights Boulevard, and to build, plant, and/or maintain jogging trails, flowerbeds, gazebos, sprinkler systems, the rose garden, the brick entrance, water fountains, and hundreds of trees on the Boulevard esplanade.   In 2009, the HHA proudly purchased the historic Heights Fire Station at 12th and Yale—which it had leased from the City for many years—to ensure its continued role as the heartbeat of our civic activities and its important historic significance for the neighborhood.  The HHA also supports local schools with thousands of dollars each year, and partners with the Heights Rotary Club to fill hundreds of food baskets around the holidays for the needy.

Houston Heights Home & Garden Tour, Candlelight Dinner & Auction

Make plans early to attend these greatly anticipated annual events that take place in the charming neighborhood of Houston Heights, known for maintaining its small-town feel as it sits just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Houston.

The Home & Garden Tour—

is generally held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April of each year (check website for exact dates which may fluctuate due to other Holidays and events) from noon to 6 pm each day, and  consists of six spectacular homes and gardens—a mixture of historic and newly-constructed—each reflecting the unique character and architecture of one of Houston’s most cherished and eclectic neighborhoods. Luxury Bus Shuttles start and stop at the Houston Heights Fire Station, where there is ample parking, and stop at each of the home tour homes. Buy your tickets early at sales locations to be announced or online at www.houstonheights.org for $20 each. Tickets are also available at the Fire Station and at each home tour home during the tour for $25 each. Special pricing for blocks of 10 tickets (before the tour only) are $175.  Stay and Play—While in the neighborhood, visitors will enjoy exploring the charming Houston Heights area, rich in antique shops, art galleries, clothing and jewelry boutiques, home furnishings and décor, outdoor cafes, and world-class restaurants.  (See HHA business listings for more information.)

The Candlelight Dinner & Auction—

is held on the Friday before the weekend tour at a fabulous locale (more information is available at the Candlelight Dinner web page). Often referred to as the Houston Heights’ social event of the year, this evening begins with a casual tour of homes from 5 to 7 pm and a fun evening of fine dining, open bar, a spectacular live and silent auction, and other special entertainment from 7 to 11 pm.  Invitations are mailed out for this popular sell-out event in March 2011 and are available on a first-come first-served basis up to 500. Tickets are available approximately March 1 of each year at www.houstonheights.org.

Heights Fun Run—

one of Houston’s most popular small runs—the Heights Fun Run, held on the first Saturday in June, is a fast out-and-back 5K course is held on the beautiful scenic and historic Heights Boulevard—starting and finishing at Marmion Park—including a 5K Fun Run, a 5K Walk, and a Kids 1K.  Then, celebrate your victory at the Post Race Party and Awards Ceremony, with entertainment, fabulous door prizes, and great refreshments, including tacos, fresh fruit, bagels, water, coffee, and more!

The 5K course is certified and disposable Chip Timing is conducted by Run Wild Sports Timing. Each entrant receives a 100% cotton commemorative t-shirt.

Heights Bike Rally and Scavenger Hunt—

Held the first Saturday in October each year, the Houston Heights Association’s Bicycle Rally & Scavenger Hunt is open to riders of all ages and designed as a casual self-paced ride, participants bicycle a course through the Heights and surrounding areas.  Riders can choose between the basic 20-mile ride and scavenger hunt, or a shorter 5-mile ride and scavenger hunt for families—OR DO BOTH—starting and finishing at Marmion Park.  Each rider receives a rally map, rally card and scavenger hunt clue list, and prizes are awarded to the riders who correctly identify the most mystery sights along the route.  There is a Post Ride Party and Awards Ceremony afterward in Marmion Park, with entertainment, fabulous door prizes, and great refreshments, including picnic fare, beverages and more!  There is also a 5-mile Family Ride which begins at 2:00 p.m., and all Kids riding the 5-mile course receive an award.

Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour and Patron Party—

The Houston Heights is the fabulous and festive destination choice of the season!

The Home Tour—

www.heightsfirstsaturday.com and First Saturday Arts Market on 19^th Street www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com. 

The Patron Party—

This annual festivity takes place the Thursday before the tour at locations to be announced.  The evening kicks off with a VIP tour of homes from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. followed by the Patron Party at 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., which includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and adult refreshments.

HHA’s Volunteer Appreciation and Community Improvement Awards Dinner—

Held each year on the last Sunday in February, this fun evening is held in recognition of past and present volunteers, including prestigious awards for the previous year’s Citizen of the Year, Corporate Citizen of the Year, and Marcella Perry Award, among a few other surprises.  Results are also announced for the 2010 Community Improvement Awards, consisting of Residential Renovation, Commercial Renovation, Residential New Construction, and Commercial New Construction.  A seated dinner and refreshments are provided and guests may bring their own adult beverages to enjoy.