Nothing quite kills the vibe than coming back to the parking lot from a night out to find your car in the middle of being towed.

My near-miss at Shady Acres a few weeks ago at a lot that's been previously free was just the latest reminder of how Houston's nightlife is being quietly strangled by parking monetization. A couple months ago at POST we also caught a show at Art Club as members, only to return to a $40 parking ticket after just two and a half hours. They'd recently jacked up their pricing without much warning.

@onthehousehtx

our car *almost* got towed last night at the previously free parking lot across shady acres saloon on 19th. we saw two other tow trucks t... See more

The irony is rich: Houston has always been "just a massive parking lot," yet we're now facing more artificial scarcity through monetization. Parking pains are nothing new in the city, but Reddit posts about Houston's worst parking lots and out of control valet parking capture our growing frustration with a city where parking costs are fundamentally changing nightlife economics and daily life, and there seems to be no end in sight.

We asked readers about their worst horror stories. Got one? Hit reply and let us know.

@regginator86: Wife went to the address with her cousins and they got towed to a yard in 5th ward and I had to drive from magnolia, $300+ in fees when the person who called didn’t own the house they was just being nosey.

@maxthephotog: Ugh prob being towed from my own apartment in the space I paid for.

@_c_hayden_: Getting towed during a hurricane. Basically everyone went to where there was still power, so parking was crazy. Tow trucks came and took everyone’s car that wasn’t registered even though service was out so you couldn’t register anyone’s car. Apartment office acted like the tow truck drivers just forced their way onto the property to do it, tow truck driver said he had a gate remote that the apartments gave them to do it.

@unapologetically.jai: Babyyyyyy don’t ever invite me to partake in Houston’s nightlife activitiesssssss. Here are my few grievances: You have to pay to park on the establishments business! Honorable mention, paying for parking and still having your car towed or broken into.

This week’s drinks are on us! That means 3 winners will receive a $15 card to Gaspachos at Levy Park. In fact, Sunset Bingo is this Friday! All you have to do is click on this link and you’ll be entered to win.

Winners will be randomly selected and emailed tomorrow morning.

Want to sponsor a future issue and treat readers to a local coffee spot on you? Hit reply.

LATELY IN HOUSTON

We love a bookstore that looks good. Read good and look good. No, we’re not talking about us, but about a Third Ward bookstore. Recently, a Houston designer helped create the playful atmosphere in Kindred Stories. Bookstores are essential third places in our communities.

And that’s jazz, baby. Paul Cornish, a Houston pianist, is busy shaping 21st-century jazz. After touring with Haim, participating in opening for Taylor Swift, and working as a pianist for Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir, his new debut album is coming out on August 22nd. Its title: You’re Exaggerating!.

Free beer, pizza, and music? Yes, please. Listening to music doesn’t have to be a solo act and honestly, it shouldn’t. ICYMI, don’t sleep on Cactus Music listening parties.

“Born and raised, never ever knew about this.” Someone commented on a recent tiktok on the underground downtown tunnels in Houston. While our professional opinion (because we work downtown) is it isn’t necessarily worth going out of your way to visit, if you happen to be in the area definitely stop by The Understory for a cool, underground (literally) Houston moment.

WEEKEND EVENTS

@onthehousehtx

Do not miss SUNSET BINGO at Levy Park! Every second Saturday of the month. Low stakes, high vibes. Next sunset bingos: - Fri, August 8 - ... See more

Don’t miss Sunset Bingo at Levy Park on Friday. Highly recommend!

Thursday, 8/7

6:30pm-7:30pm, Art Panel | Hear unfiltered perspectives from Houston’s creative leaders in a powerful panel on what’s shaping the city’s art scene. Moderated by Tony Evans. Free with RSVP.

8pm-Late, DJ | Welcome Maria Chavez to Echoes as their newest seasonal resident DJ. “Born in Lima, Peru and based in NYC, Maria Chavez is best known as an abstract turntablist, sound artist and DJ.” Free.

Friday, 8/8

6pm, Bingo | Sunset Bingo at Levy Park is back with DJ Del Sur, prizes, and local eats. $10 for 8 games (cash only). All proceeds support Levy Park’s free community events.

6:30pm-9:30pm, Piano Bar | Experience an Andrea Bocelli tribute night with @ciera.alba & @jeremyjoseph_music at The Kennedy. RSVP.

Saturday, 8/9

4pm-10pm, Reggae Fest | Feel the island energy at the Houston Reggae Fest Block Party! International DJs, food trucks, vendors, and nonstop summer vibes take over Hermann Square. GA $24.

11am-2pm, Bingo Party | Bar Boheme is having a Big Into BINGO day with drag, drinks, food, and Labubu giveaways!

11am-4pm, Pop-Up Market | Shop, trade, and connect at the Baddies & Blind Boxes Market—a free one-day collectibles pop-up with 30+ vendors, matcha, Labubu finds, and giveaways. Free. RSVP required.

1pm-4pm, Crafts | Experience Postcard Prompts at CAMH. “Use prompts inspired by themes in our current exhibitions, Tomashi Jackson: Across the Universe and Teen Council 14th biennial exhibition, OUT OF STOCK, to write a letter to your future self.“ Free.

5pm-8pm, Open Mic | It's Palestine Solidarity Open Mic Night at AvantGarden. Join for music, community, and support for Gaza families. $5 suggested donation. All proceeds go to families in need.

5pm-10pm, Block Party | Fam Jam is back! Meet your FAM and jam out with DJ Mr Rogers & Saynt Chris at Around The Corner in East Downtown. Early arrival and rideshare suggested. Sold Out.

12pm-5pm, Open Studios | Soak up the final days of summer at Sawyer Yards’ Second Saturday! Explore 100+ open studios, meet local artists, and support Houston’s creative community. Free.

6pm, Museum Night | Night at the MFAH returns with live music, art, and film highlights from Cannes Film Festival shared by curator Marian Luntz. First drink’s free. $40 or free for members.

10am-6pm, Bookstore | Celebrate National Romance Bookstore Day at Mossrose Bookshop! Rom-coms, snack packs, raffles, and all the love stories you can carry. Free.

Sunday, 8/10

1pm, Album Club | Inside the Groove returns with a deep dive into Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall at McGovern Centennial Gardens. Join the track-by-track breakdown of lyrics and production. Join the discussion group.

Plan your month. For upcoming August events click here and scroll down.

ON THE HOU(S)E Concierge

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