If you’re like me, you’re super excited about the Super Bowl coming to Houston. I don’t even care what teams are coming to play—I’m just excited about the volunteer opportunities, free concerts, parties, potential celeb sightings, and all the national press that my hometown deserves! If you’re also like me, you may be a touch overwhelmed with all the activities and events and free things and not-free things that are all suddenly vying for your attention on Super Bowl weekend. *deep breath*

Here’s a curated breakdown of all the exciting events that are going on in Downtown Houston leading up to the big game. Downtown and the surrounding areas are definitely the place to be. Plan to uber or take the METRO Rail (here are some tips!) as parking is going to be the worst / non-existent. Also check out this guide to navigating downtown –provides great tips on parking, rail line times, and city maps!

This post is sponsored in part by the Greater Houston Partnership and Verizon. All opinions are my own.

Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon, Discovery Green, January 28 – February 5

You can catch me volunteering here leading up to the big event. I’ll be rocking my NFL credentials and helping the event run smoothly. Super Bowl LIVE is open from January 28 – February 5 and will have concerts Super Bowl Weekend featuring big names like ZZ Top and Houston favorite’s like The Suffers.

Verizon will have a special spot to try out virtual reality experiences—like a trip to Mars, charge your phone, and hang out on a rooftop deck. If you’re looking to learn something about the future of technology, they’ll also be showcasing their “Smart Community” technology that’s the next big thing in powering cities. In addition to all the entertainment, there will also be a whole host of food trucks to nosh on, and exhibits from the companies that sponsored the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee. The best part of it all? It’s totally free!

For more information on Super Bowl LIVE, click here.

NFL Experience, George R. Brown Convention Center, January 28 – February 5

George R. Brown Convention Center is another hub for football fanatics. It’s open January 28 – February 5. As Houston locals, I’d recommend hitting up this spot earlier rather than later to avoid some of the crowds traveling in for the game. This event came to Houston way back in 2004 when we previously hosted the Super Bowl and is essential a football “theme park” filled with games, clinics, shopping, autograph sessions and more. Tickets range from $35 (adults) to $25 (kids), with an option for an NFLXtra Fast Pass for $55—just like Disneyland! To read more about all the games exhibits present for the NFL Experience, click here. To purchase tickets, head to Ticketmaster.

#TEAMHOUSTON Party, Partnership Tower, January 31, 5:00-8:00pm

Kick off Super Bowl week with a party at the Houston House. If you’ve never been, this building is ideally located in Downtown Houston adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center on Avenida de las Americas. I’ll be there repping the #HoustonNoLimits campaign and expect to see other young professionals and corporate leaders who also love championing Houston. The party will announce the #TeamHouston photo contest winners, have a DJ and cocktails and appetizers specially prepared by local Houston chefs. Tickets cost $50 and you can get them here!

The Lounge, Partnership Tower, February 1 – February 4

The Lounge at the Houston House will offer a multi-day VIP hospitality venue for you to rest up and relax while enjoying all the craziness Downtown. Purchase a pass that’s valid for four days leading up to the Super Bowl and enjoy access to snacks, beverages, and a fantastic terrace view over Discovery Green (you might even be able to hear some of the concerts from here!). This is the ideal resource for someone who’d like a space to hang out between concerts with access to clean bathrooms, a spot to charge your phone, and enjoy some AC/Heat (you really never know what Houston weather might bring). To register for passes, click here.

EaDo #TEAMHOUSTON Mural, 2102 Commerce St, Forever

You know we love some good murals here at It’s Not Hou—especially ones that just ooze city pride! This new spot was just painted earlier this month by OG Houston Artist Wiley Robertson in conjunction with the Greater Houston Partnership’s #TeamHouston Campaign. If you’re looking to take a break from the Downtown madness, walk a few blocks over to EaDo, grab a coffee at Tout Suite, show your hometown pride and snap a pic at this new wall. If you drive, be careful about not parking across the street-it’s private property and the owner is less than welcoming.

For really good coverage of all the parties going on in Houston, check out this article by Houstonia–they’re apparently updating it regularly as new events get announced!

BONUS! Verizon has been working overtime for the past two years to get the city of Houston in tip-top shape for cell phone coverage during the big game. They’re celebrating their recent win in becoming #1 network in the Houston area and throwing a party–ie FREE FOOD at the HCC Building in Midtown (2811 Travis Street)on January 25 from 11am – 2pm. Choose lunch from five of Houston’s finest food trucks! Also, they’re giving away a Google Pixel Phone. Anyone who attends the event and publishes something public on Twitter or Instagram with their hashtag #ItsOnVerizon will be entered to win!