Rentals & Permits
Rentals &
Permits
Host your next event along Buffalo Bayou! Unique venues and beautiful sites are available for gatherings large and small. Indoor and outdoor spaces include picnic pavilions, expansive lawns, and event spaces in Buffalo Bayou Park, the downtown Sunset Coffee Building, and several east of downtown. Options range from venues for large-scale festivals to al fresco galas to intimate cocktail parties and corporate events.
BBP’s Sunset Coffee Building at Allen’s Landing has breathtaking views of downtown Houston and the Buffalo/White Oak Bayou confluence. This raw, industrial building, constructed in 1910 and renovated in 2016, is a venue guests will remember. Host an intimate cocktail party on the rooftop, utilize the indoor space and balcony for a seated dinner, or tent the large plaza area for an al fresco banquet.
To learn more about renting the Sunset Coffee Building or for a tour, contact info@buffalobayou.org or 713.752.0314 ext. 101.
The Sunset Coffee Building is a project of Buffalo Bayou Partnership supported by Houston First Corporation and the City of Houston.
Indoor and outdoor spaces
Capacity: 80 seated / 125 standing
Outdoors, partially covered
Fitted with permanent anchors for two tents
Capacity: 150 seated / 225 standing
Indoors with covered balcony
Capacity: 300 seated / 500 for concerts/festivals
Outdoors, partially covered
The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park is the perfect venue for a cocktail reception, birthday party, wedding, or festival. Atop a decommissioned water reservoir known as the Cistern is The Brown Foundation Lawn, a grassy plateau framed by trees with a stunning view of the downtown skyline. This elevated site is popular for performances and events with the Hobby Family Pavilion. The Wortham Insurance Visitor Center has restrooms and a bike rental facility on the weekends.
For questions, please email visitorcenter@buffalobayou.org or contact by phone at 713.752.0314 ext. 301.
Dimensions: 401’ x 204’
Max Capacity: 3,480
Outdoors, partially covered
Dimensions: 250’ x 151’
Max Capacity: 3,145
Outdoors, uncovered
Dimensions: 71’ x 20’
Max Capacity: 115
Outdoors, covered
Dimensions: 80’x33’
Max Capacity: 220
Outdoors, covered
Named in honor of the late City Councilmember and civic activist, Eleanor Tinsley, this park is one of Houston’s most popular outdoor spaces for recreation and relaxation. Recent improvements include the signature Bud Light Amphitheater lawn, the open-air Nau Family Pavilion, and a trail providing a direct connection to Sabine Promenade. Other points of interest are: sand volleyball court , Eleanor Tinsley Garden and Jane Gregory Garden.
For questions, please email visitorcenter@buffalobayou.org or contact by phone at 713.752.0314 ext. 301.
Min Capacity: 15,000
Max Capacity: 45,000
Outdoor venue that includes lawn, pavilion, and meadow
Near The Water Works and the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark, the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion is one of the park’s most popular destinations. Designed to inspire a love of nature within children, features of the play area include: a boulder rock scramble, a rolling lawn, a stream and waterfall, climbing logs and stones, and a 33-foot slide. The most compelling component is a tri-level tree house/boat deck with climbing net. You can rent the picnic pavilion for children’s birthday parties and celebrations (6 picnic tables accommodate 40 guests).
Please note bookings are non-refundable.
Permits
Buffalo Bayou Park is the ideal location for your exercise group, picnic event, or marriage proposal. Just be sure to obtain a permit before your plans begin! Permits can be obtained at The Water Works Visitor Center at 105-B Sabine Street or via email at permits@buffalobayou.org.
A permit is required for any commercial, professional, or university-level photo or film shoot in the park. Personal-use films and photoshoots do not require a permit.
Please complete the Film and Photography Permit Application and email it to permits@buffalobayou.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE CISTERN
Any professional photography or filming inside of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern requires a permit to be completed and approved by our Visitor Services team.
Please complete the Cistern Film and Photography Permit Application and email it to permits@buffalobayou.org.
Commercial group exercise classes (groups/classes that charge a class or program fee, classes that use park exercise equipment or bring their own equipment, are publicly advertised, or have more than 9 people) are required to have a contract and permit to operate in Buffalo Bayou Park.
Please complete the Group Exercise Permit Application in advance and email it to permits@buffalobayou.org.
Any gathering of more than nine (9) people for a proposal event or wedding ceremony requires a permit to take place in the park.
Special Use permits are required for activities other than those defined in this section.
Any event of any size which intends to use props or structures (such as tents and tables) requires a permit.
Special Use Permit applications and Wedding Ceremony Permit applications may be emailed to permits@buffalobayou.org. Please send at least three days prior to the planned event to ensure review and approval in advance.
A picnic of more than nine (9) people or intending to use props or structures such as tents and/or tables requires a permit to take place in the park.
Picnic Vendor Permit applications may be emailed to permits@buffalobayou.org. Please send at least three days prior to the planned event to ensure review and approval in advance.
Operating a food truck or food vendor pushcart at Buffalo Bayou Park requires a contract and a valid permit.
Permit applications are required to be emailed to permits@buffalobayou.org and approved not less than 30 days prior to the planned start date.