There was a bit of confusion last year when organizers of White Linen Night began charging admission. Members of the Houston Heights Merchants Association decided to start selling tickets in 2024 to offset some of the staging, planning and execution costs. Before that, the party on the 200-300 blocks of W. 19th Street was free for everyone except the small business owners, who paid out of pocket for security, trash pickup, portable restrooms and on-site medical services each year.
Last year, lines outside of the new, chain-link fencing were hundreds of people deep. Attendees had questions like, Could they pay in cash? Cellular coverage was spotty, so online transactions at the gate were challenging. And ticket-holders needed to produce a confirmation QR code in exchange for a white wristband.
This year, everyone seemed to know the drill. There were dedicated cash-only lanes on Saturday; they moved fastest. Younger folks queued patiently, ready to display their QR codes on request. At the main gate, at Ashland and 19th St., event organizer Coryne Rich had a WiFi hotspot created. Other gates, such as Rutland, had virtually no lines at all.
In total, more than 14,500 attended. The crowd number slightly exceeded the organizers’ goal, which was to match last year’s attendance of 14,000. Funds benefit the 19th Street Market Association, a nonprofit founded by the small business owners to help manage upkeep.
One man entered with his pet rabbit on a leash. More than a few young women dressed in white paused to gush over the duo. “He’s famous around Houston!” the bunny’s owner told fans…