“The creation of the district is necessary to promote, develop, encourage, and maintain employment, commerce, transportation, housing, tourism, recreation, the arts, entertainment, economic development, safety, and the public welfare in the north side of the city of Houston.” With those words (codified in Chapter 3812 Texas Special Districts Local Laws Code), the Greater Northside Management District (GNMD) was created during the 77th Texas Legislative session. 

At 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, GNMD will celebrate the decades that have passed since that important legislation, as well as the many good deeds done in the interim, with the 10th Annual Tour de Northside Bike Ride and the Second Annual Northside Festival. These events are a great opportunity to celebrate the Northside community and its many diverse businesses, organizations, and residents.

The Tour de Northside Bike Ride is a 10-mile ride through the streets of the Northside. The ride begins at Saint Arnold Brewing Company (2000 Lyons Street) and ends at the College of Sciences and Technology Building (315 N. Main St). Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the ride begins at 9 a.m. Participants can register in advance or on the day of the event, and the cost is $15 and includes a commemorative shirt. Oh, and don't forget your helmets and closed-toe shoes—they're required!

At the Tour de Northside finish line is the The Northside Festival, a free event from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.  featuring performances from the Texas Salsa Congress, food trucks and tastings, and activities for all ages. During the event, a bicycle sculpture designed by Art Uniti and funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance will be unveiled. In addition, a dance troupe will perform “Migration Thru Northside,” a creation by choreographer Adam Castanada. Blues musician Jonn Del Toro Richardson and the Zentono Spirit band also will perform.

We hope to see you at the Northside Festival on Oct. 7, 2023!