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713 Day celebrates Houston’s constellation of food trucks, basslines, art shows and block parties in the bayou humidity.
Photo by: Jeremy Perez
Houston is more than a city - it’s a living, breathing constellation of food trucks, basslines, art shows and block parties in the bayou humidity. To celebrate our city each year, what better than to throw a city-wide party? Enter 713 Day (or Houston area code day) in Houston.
Every year on July 13, events and celebrations take place. Houstonians gather en masse at their favorite local spots to pay tribute to the OG area code. From food and drink specials to art exhibits and music showcases, there’s plenty to explore for Houstonians and tourists alike. So whether you’re in town for a summer trip, or you’re a Houston resident looking to get the down-low on this year’s activities, we’ve put together a list of a few things you won’t want to miss this year. Check ‘em out:
Houstonians take 713 Day seriously, which means you’ll find breakfast, lunch, and dinner options during the celebration. Since 713 Day coincides with Latin Restaurant week this year, you’ll find special menu items and prices at all kinds of Latin-inspired joints. From the OG Tex-Mex at Ninfa’s to the street food offerings of Urbe, there’s plenty to enjoy.
From the neon fanfare at Meow Wolf, Houston, to classic pieces on display at local galleries, 713 Day (or Houston area code day) is a great opportunity to see all the city has to offer. Enjoy a pleasant air-conditioned stroll through galleries, exhibitions and more at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
713 Day in Houston is typically host to all sorts of musical shenanigans. From the We Heart HOU Music series full of local artists to DJ sets and festivals, music lovers of all types will find something that resonates with them.
If you’re a sports family, the Astros and the Rockets typically events to commemorate the big day in Houston. This year, you can watch the Astros take on the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park. In past years, the Rockets have organized basketball camps and clinics for their “713 Day of Basketball.”
713 Day Houston events tend to be family-friendly affairs. Scattered throughout the city, you’ll also find pop-ups, markets, and block parties open to all.
What is 713 Day in Houston?
713 Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on July 13 that honors Houston’s original area code and celebrates local culture, community, and pride.
Each year on July 13 (7/13), Houstonians celebrate their beloved city with festivals, food specials, concerts, and events showcasing everything unique about H-Town. From live music and pop-up markets to sports promotions and neighborhood block parties, 713 Day has become a local tradition rooted in love for the Bayou city’s culture, diversity, and resilience. It's a day when the city wears its heart (and area code) on its sleeve.
Why is Houston called the 713?
Houston is the 713 because it was the city’s original area code, assigned in 1947.
As one of Texas’s first four area codes, 713 became synonymous with Houstonian identity long before mobile phones and Instagram handles. Even after new area codes like 281 and 832 came along, 713 remained a badge of honor—a nostalgic callback to H-Town’s roots. It's more than a number; it symbolizes legacy, community pride, and a time when landlines were life.
What does 713 through the 281 mean?
You may have heard “713 through the 281” in Travis Scott’s “Goosebumps.” It refers to the rapper riding through the city and calls attention to Houston’s expansive size.
Originally, Houston only had the 713 area code. In fact, it was H-Town’s only area code for almost fifty years. But as the city expanded, new codes like 281, 832, and 346 were introduced to keep up with population growth. When people say "713 through the 281," they’re nodding to all parts of Houston—from the inner loop to the far suburbs, and maybe even Radio Tave.
What part of Houston is 713?
The 713 area code primarily covers Central Houston, including the inner loop and older neighborhoods.
This includes iconic areas like Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, the Heights, and parts of the Museum District. As one of the original codes, 713 is typically associated with Houston’s historic core. While newer codes like 281 and 832 have spread to the suburbs and outlying areas, 713 remains the heart of the city—and the center of 713 Day.
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