The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion will open its gates for a free Halloween-themed Houston Symphony concert on Friday, Oct. 23.
"Hocus Pocus Pops" starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive. Gates open at 6 p.m. No ticket is required.
The concert is part of the Pavilion's 2026 Performing Arts Season, a free series that has featured live music, film, dance and family programming throughout the year. The Pavilion described the show as a family-friendly evening of Halloween favorites and playful surprises, according to Hello Woodlands.
Before the music starts, families can explore the plazas for trick-or-treating and Halloween activities. Costumes are welcome. The event description lists "witches, skeletons, superheroes, Sanderson Sisters and everything in between" as fair game.
The show follows several other free Performing Arts Season concerts this year, including "The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John" on July 21, "When Instruments Roamed the Earth" on Sept. 9 and "Dead Symphony: The Music of Grateful Dead and More" with The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 29.
The next free show after Hocus Pocus Pops is "Holly Jolly Jingle Featuring CISD Student Musicians" on Thursday, Dec. 3. The Pavilion also hosts a ticketed MercyMe concert with Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley on Saturday, Oct. 31.
More details are available at the Pavilion's 2026 season page.
Upcoming at the Pavilion
- Friday, Oct. 23 — "Hocus Pocus Pops" with the Houston Symphony. Free, no ticket required. Gates at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 31 — MercyMe with Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley. Ticketed.
- Thursday, Dec. 3 — "Holly Jolly Jingle Featuring CISD Student Musicians." Free, no ticket required.
