Whether you’re looking to learn a new subject, fill an evening with fun, or take home new skills, these Houston classes and workshops fit every interest and personality.
Now that the yellow school buses are rolling once again and school supplies are dominating store shelves, it just puts you in the Back to School spirit, right?
But why should kids do all the learnin’? Studies show that adults who challenge themselves with hands-on hobbies, take classes to expand their knowledge, and spend time with people who share similar interests stay sharp and live longer than those who don’t.
That’s reason enough to check out the many classes and workshops offered in and around Houston. The fact that they are also fun and may spark a lifelong passion makes them even more important to your overall happiness.
While Houston boasts some fantastic outdoor classes, all of the classes below are held indoors. Whether it’s a one-time cooking class that changes the way you think about food or an improv comedy workshop that finally puts you behind a mic, these classes are guaranteed to liven up your week and introduce you to future friends.
Pour your own candle at Candle Bar at Manready Mercantile
Location: 321 W 19th St Ste B, The Heights
Cost: $48 per person
Manready Mercantile was already considered one of the coolest stores in The Heights, but it got a whole lot cooler when it added its popular Candle Bar.
This intimate venue seats no more than four students, so you get a lot of personal attention in the art of candle making. Choose from a wide variety of scents, then combine your favorites to create your own unique blend. You’ll learn to mix and pour your candle, give it a fitting name, and create your own label.
The next day, your long-lasting candle is ready for pickup, and every time you inhale its customized sweet smell, you’ll be reminded that you were the artist behind it.
Expand your horizons at Harris County Public Library
Location: 5749 S. Loop East Hwy., Southeast Houston
Cost: Free
It’s truly astounding how much you can learn at your local library, and Harris County Public Library is a font of wisdom across a wide range of interests.
Classes are hands-on and include an introduction to crocheting, tai chi, watercolor painting, computer classes for all levels, adult crafting, and even a 3D printing orientation. Basically, if it can be learned in a library, Harris County Public Library offers a class in it.
Just check the online event calendar for classes for all ages, abilities, and interests.
Blow a one-of-a-kind glass object at Juggernaut Glass
Location: 1710 Burnett St., Suite E-2, Northside Village
Cost: $65 – $150 per class
You’ve probably seen someone blow glass and wondered how in the world they turned hot liquid into something so beautiful. Now is your chance to use your breath to create magic, and Juggernaut Glass is the best place to get started.
Holiday ornaments, stemless wine glasses, paperweights, pendants, beads, and decorative icicles are just a few of the colorful creations you can craft as a beginner. Then work your way up to hummingbird feeders, planters, and intricate jewelry.
You’ll do everything from blowing the glass to molding it, with instructors guiding you along the way.
Learn virtually any skill at TXRX Labs
Location: 6501 Navigation Blvd.
Cost: Varies by class, but ranges from about $45 to $250
A non-profit maker space, TXRX Labs offers some of the widest range of classes you’ll find anywhere, including jewelry making, ceramics, laser cutting, screen printing, welding, kitchen knife skills, and herb growing. Get the picture?
If you want to learn it, you can probably find it here. From woodworking to electronics to arts and crafts, you’ll join fellow hobbyists or workers looking to hone their skills through hands-on learning and education.
It may be a one-time class you’ve always wanted to take, or it may turn into a second career. That’s the beauty of TXRX.
Become a top chef at Central Market Cooking School
Location: 3815 Westheimer Rd., Afton Oaks/River Oaks
Cost: Free to $100+
Whether you want to sit in on a demonstration class or get your hands right into that Beef Wellington, Central Market Cooking School has you covered.
Houstonians love their local HEB, and HEB’s Central Market brand is a favorite for cooks. Now you can take your cheffing to the next level in classes of 12 to 20 students that teach you how to make everything from doughnuts to fresh pasta to a Texas favorite, tamales.
You’ll feel just like a celebrity chef since everything you’ll need for the class is provided, including aprons, ingredients, and cookware. Just show up, follow your teacher’s guidance, and walk out with new recipes, new skills, and a desire to sign up for another class.
Make custom candy at Papabubble
Location: 927 Studewood St., The Heights
Cost: $25-65 per class
Kids, party groups, adults, and families come together at Papabubble with one thing in common—their love for candy.
Take your pick from crafting your own lollipop to discovering the science behind making marshmallows to decorating candies that get you in the mood for the holidays. Show your love of Houston with your own H-Town-designed candies, and create custom gifts for friends and family.
This is a great class for multigenerational families to take together, so grab the kids and grandparents and head this way.
Dance your way to happiness at Houston Met Dance
Location: 4916 Main St., Downtown
Cost: Adult classes start at $112 a session
Even if you’ve never pirouetted in your life, Houston Met Dance welcomes you. Serving beginners all the way up to experienced dancers, this organization is all about the love of dance.
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn ballet, or you’ve mastered the introduction and are working on your pointe, you can grow right along with the classes. Take two or more ballet classes a week, and you are eligible to join the adult ballet ensemble, where you learn choreography, rehearse, perform, and spend time with other dance-lovers.
Houston Met Dance also offers classes for kids, including dance discovery and creative ballet, so no need for a babysitter—dance together as a family!
Make them laugh at Station Theater Live Improv and Sketch Comedy
Location: 2000 Nance St., Suite A-100
Cost: Free first improv class; $250 for a 9-week course
If you love “Saturday Night Live” or get caught up in “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” it may just be time for you to step up on stage and try your hand at comedy.
Station Theater Live Improv and Sketch Comedy classes allow you to do just that among a supportive crew of fellow budding comedians and instructors who have been around the comedy block for years.
It’s easy to get started. Station Theater makes your first improv class free, and it includes a free ticket to that night’s performance and discounts off future class purchases and packages. Aspiring sketch writers, actors, and producers will love the sketch comedy classes that teach you everything you need to get started in a new hobby or an entertaining career path.
Improve your wine knowledge at Texas Wine School
Location: 2302 Norfolk Street near Kirby & Richmond
Cost: $95 for a wine and cheese pairing class
Have you always questioned the proper way to taste wine? Struggled to identify the notes that everyone else seems to smell and taste? Well, the struggle is over once you’ve taken a few classes at Texas Wine School.
Learn just enough to know how to choose a bottle from a wine list, or work your way up to a Level 4 wine expert who can taste a wine and know exactly where it’s from. Take one class in how to pair wine and cheese, or sign up for a course that will earn you a special wine certification. The choices are up to you, but either way, you’ll walk out knowing much more about wine than you knew when you walked in.
Houston classes and workshops are there for the taking, so start with this list and expand your horizons from there.
