Howell is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 9,232. It is the county seat of Livingston County and is located mostly within Howell Township, but is politically independent. The city is part of the South Lyon-Howell-Brighton Urban Area. Howell is home to the balloonfest that the city hosts. The city is also the site of the Howell Melon Festival, an annual celebration of the Howell melon, a juicy hybrid cantaloupe known to grow only in the surrounding area. The three day festival, held in mid-August, draws approximately 50,000 visitors each year. Howell is also home to the Livingston Arts Council (LAC), founded in 1989, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of quality arts and cultural programs and events such as Halloween parties and Weddings for the enjoyment of the community and is centered at the renovated Howell Opera House. Built in 1881, the renovated first floor is used by the organization and community for a variety of public and private activities. The original theatre resides on the upper floors and has not been touched for 80 years. Today the theatre is available only for tours, with the hope of restoration in the years ahead.