From the debut of several new hotels to the opening of a massive new Islamic cultural center, 2025 brought multiple new experiences to Houston—many that benefit our dynamic hospitality landscape. And despite some headwinds experienced by U.S. destinations, millions of visitors flocked to Houston over the last year for major events, conventions and simply to experience the city’s unique flavors and vibe. 2026 looks to be an even bigger year with global events and several new openings on the horizon. Here’s a look at some of what we’re tracking for the year ahead.
International Gateway
The international arrival and departure experience through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is expected to get a lot easier come February. That’s when the final phase of the airport’s new International Central Processor (ICP) will be complete, following the first phase that was completed in February 2025. The ICP replaces both the old Terminal E Ticketing Lobby and the current Terminal D Ticketing Lobby, creating one seamless and functional experience for international passengers coming into and departing Houston. By February, all foreign flag carriers will relocate from the current Terminal D Ticketing Lobby and a new baggage handling system and concession options will open. The opening of ICP marks the completion of IAH’s new International Terminal. Elsewhere at the airport, United’s $2.5 billion Terminal B Transformation project is expected to be complete before the end of 2026. The new terminal will span 765,000 square feet with 22 dedicated gates.
New Entrance to Uptown
One of Houston’s most visible hotel properties is being reimagined for a modern clientele. Originally opened in 2002 at the corner of Westheimer and I-610, Hotel Derek closed in 2024, and news came last spring that the 299-room hotel would be renovated by Dallas-hospitality firm Makeready. The new Greenleigh is set to open its doors in summer 2026 complete with a resort-style pool and a “nature inspired” reimagination of public spaces as well as guest rooms. The property will also have a new restaurant led by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval and a rooftop bar overlooking the bustling Uptown district.
Growing Cultural Center
Nearly a decade after Emancipation Park reopened to the public following a large-scale renovation, a new $18.5 million project aims to add a state-of-the-art performance stage as well as improvements to the park’s Cultural Center. The historic park broke ground on the project in fall 2025, and leaders hope it will be finished in time for 2026 Juneteenth celebrations. Emancipation Park has become a popular spot for concerts and live events serving the Third Ward community. Plans for the Art Performance Stage include a new outdoor stage, green rooms, climate-controlled storage and a dedicated A/V tech room. Meanwhile, the park’s Cultural Center will get new AV capabilities and other amenities designed to accommodate rentals in addition to retail space. In 1872, a group of former slaves purchased property and opened Emancipation Park as a place of celebration. Following years of underutilization, a $33 million initiative led by the Kinder Foundation brought a new recreation center, pool, playground equipment and more to the park in 2017.
Historic Accommodations
A major expansion of the JW Marriott Houston Downtown is slated for completion in early 2026, adding guest rooms, event space and a lounge and restaurant to the luxury property. The hotel that originally opened in 2014 in a historic building at the corner of Main and Rusk streets more recently purchased the adjacent Battelstein’s Building. That former department store is now being transformed into a modern hospitality oasis, complete with a rooftop pool and restaurant dubbed The Perch, luxury ground-floor lounge and an additional 10,000 square feet of event space. Together with the original structure, the new hotel will boast an impressive 384 guest rooms. Houston-based firm Rottet Studio is leading the design for the project that aims to realize a vision inspired by art and fashion with details that honor Houston’s cultural and architectural heritage. The renovations are being steered by Los Angeles-based Cole Martinez Curtis & Associates.
Urban Outdoor Environment
Main Street has long been the spine of Downtown Houston and at times has served as the epicenter of nightlife and hospitality in the district. Officials at Downtown Houston+ aim to restore the vibrancy of the corridor through the Main Street Promenade initiative. Covering seven blocks of Main from Dallas Street on the south end to Allen’s Landing on the north, the project establishes a pedestrian promenade that will make the corridor a more accessible and enjoyable space to walk and explore. Plans include lush greenery and shade with new trees and plants, a series of “outdoor rooms” designed for people to gather, new public art and placemaking elements such as murals, and expanded storefront opportunities that encourage businesses to use outdoor space for dining and activations that enhance the streetscape. The Promenade project is part of a larger Public Realm Action Plan being implemented by Downtown Houston+ to create a more active and richer environment in the district.
City of Competition
2026 will go down in history as the year of sports in Houston. In a city that has hosted multiple major sporting events over the years, from Super Bowls to Final Fours, never before has the metro held multiple events stacked in timeframe of just a few months—and certainly never has Houston hosted FIFA World Cup games. It all starts in late February when the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) brings its All-Star National Championship—and an estimated 65,000 competitors and spectators—to the George R. Brown Convention Center and Toyota Center. A week later in March, baseball fans from around the globe descend on the city for the World Baseball Classic. The Houston Astros will host a total of eight games of the Classic at Daikin Park featuring teams including USA, Mexico, Great Britain and Italy. At the end of March, Toyota Center will host two NCAA Sweet 16 games, which are expected to draw thousands of fans from competing universities. And of course, the first FIFA World Cup match will be held in Houston June 14 pitting Germany against Curacao. The city will host a total of seven matches including five in the group stage and one each in the Round of 32 and Round of 16. The soccer powerhouse of Portugal will play in Houston twice in the group stage. Organizers expect hundreds of thousands to flock to Houston for the World Cup games.
A Military Tribute
Originally planned for November 2025, the inaugural Fleet Week Houston was postponed to 2026 due to the federal government shutdown. While firm dates are still in the works, organizers believe it will take place sometime in the spring. Fleet Week is an initiative of the U.S. Navy in collaboration with the Marines and Coast Guard. Together the sea services of these military branches bring vessels, equipment, and active-duty personnel to a given city for a series of events and experiences designed to showcase opportunities for young people and engage the community while allowing the city to show service members their appreciation. With the postponement, Fleet Week Houston will now take place during America 250, the official year-long celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary with events planned nationwide. The City of Houston is hosting Fleet Week Houston in collaboration with local partner organizations and sponsors.
Artistic Legacy
In recent years, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has brought a consistent stream of treasured art and artifacts from across time and around the world to its halls. A new blockbuster exhibit debuting in January focuses not so much on the art of the legendary Frida Kahlo but on what made the artist who she was and how she influenced other creators in turn. “Frida: The Making of an Icon attempts to separate Frida Kahlo the artist from Frida Kahlo the phenomenon,” says Mari Carmen Ramírez, Wortham Curator of Latin American Art at the MFAH and founding director of the Museum’s International Center for the Arts of the Americas. “The exhibition reveals how the different facets of Kahlo’s complex persona[lity], which she so carefully crafted and projected, were adapted again and again over her decades-long transformation into an icon.” The exhibit includes a selection of Kahlo’s masterworks as well as memorabilia and documents from her archives. Perhaps even more intriguing, the exhibit features works from other artists across generations who were inspired by Kahlo.
Unique Culinary Experience
A singular restaurant or retail shop might not seem like a destination worthy of this list. But anyone who’s been to an Eataly location in another city will understand this isn’t just a restaurant or shop, it’s a revelation. The celebrated chain of Italian food halls that began in Turin, Italy and now includes locations in Chicago and New York City plans to open its latest outpost in the Centre at Post Oak at 5000 Westheimer in Uptown. Local media reports citing construction filings put the size of Eataly Houston at roughly 20,000 square feet, and if the company follows the model of other locations, that will include multiple restaurant concepts and a spectrum of imported foods from across Italy. Construction is expected to wrap up on the buildout in late summer or early fall 2026, so we can hope that the project opens in time for the 2026 holiday season.
Written by A.J. Mistretta
