The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra will perform a free Grateful Dead concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

"Dead Symphony: The Music of Grateful Dead and More" begins at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and no ticket is required. The Pavilion is at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive.

The evening starts with the Woodstock 1969 era. The orchestra will play instrumental versions of songs by The Who, Jefferson Airplane and Jimi Hendrix, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The main set features composer Lee Johnson's symphonic reimagining of Grateful Dead melodies across multiple movements and meters. Johnson, who wrote and arranged the suite, will lead the orchestra as guest conductor.

Fans of the Dead will hear orchestral takes on "Blues for Allah," "Sugar Magnolia," "China Doll" and more, according to the WSO's website.

The concert also serves as a tribute to Grateful Dead co-founder and guitarist Bob Weir, who died Jan. 10 at age 78.

Darryl Bayer, artistic director of The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, said the concert invites audiences to experience the music in a new way. "By recreating these melodies within the context of a symphony orchestra, we honor that legacy with a palette of new colors, textures, and emotional depth …" Bayer said.

The WSO, established in 2013, brings together professional musicians, amateur enthusiasts and rising young talent from The Woodlands. The orchestra describes itself as "100% Homegrown," with musicians who live and work in communities surrounding The Woodlands.

The WSO's Season 13 lineup carries the tagline "Expect the Unexpected," announced on social media on July 13.

The Sept. 29 performance is part of The Pavilion’s 2026 Performing Arts season, which includes several free events.