The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion President and CEO Jerry McDonald announces upcoming performances at the pavilion during The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Media Conference, at 24 Waterway Avenue 5th floor conference room, announcing events planned for spring and summer in The Woodlands. Photo by David HopperWith warmer weather finally returning to Texas, The Woodlands has a lineup of hot events planned for the spring and summer.

This season’s offerings in the community include music, movies, arts, fireworks, parades and festivals for the whole family to enjoy.

“As always, we have an amazing lineup of fun things to do, see and participate in,” said Nelda Luce Blair, chairwoman of the township and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Not only does it bring in visitors, but it is something the residents get to enjoy too.”

Live at Night

The season kicks off March 24 with “Live a Night,” a weekly music series held every Wednesday through April 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Waterway Square. The spring session will include everything from TX Blues Brothers Tribute and Show Band to rock and roll music. Picnics, coolers, chairs and blankets are all welcome at the free event.

Concert in the Park

The Concert in the Park Series will return to Northshore Park for the free spring series from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Sunday from March 28 through April 25 and again for summer concerts from June 6 through July 4. Among this season’s performers are Cold Shot on March 28; Jimmy Needham on April 4; Kyle Hutton Band on April 11; Toast and Jam on April 18 and the Nigel Edison Bank on April 25.

The summer series will include the Level One Band on June 6; Miss Leslie and her Juke Jointers on June 13; Fab 5 on June 20; Patricia Vonne on June 28 and Troy Hess& Texas Heartbreakers on July 4/

Woodlands Waterway Art Festival

The 5th Annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will be held on April 10 and 11 in Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway. It will feature more than 200 national and regional artists.

The festival also includes interactive art activities for kids, student art exhibits from public and private schools in the area, two stages of entertainment and food from local restaurants. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12. A two-day pass is $15. For more information, visit www.woodlandsartfestival.com

Pavilion Education/Community Events

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion will host several community and educational outreach programs this spring and summer. On April 29, it’s the “Hat’s Off to Reading Celebration,” a free family literacy event which includes storybook characters, a book walk, hat making, face painting and a color contest. Activities take place from 5:30 to 7: 15 p.m.

On May 4, 6,000 students are scheduled to attend Musical Scores at the pavilion, an incentive program where sixth to ninth grade student are invited to participate based on academic performances, including attendance, book reading, behavior or test scores. Students are treated to musical performances, lunch and free-t-shirts.

Fourth grade students from Conroe Independent School District also will visit the pavilion on May 18 for Fine Arts Education, an opportunity for students to be exposed to orchestral music. The student programs are not open to the general public.

Movie Night

A free movie night will debut at Waterway Square on May 15 every Saturday through June 12. Families can enjoy a feature film under the stars from 8 to 10 p.m. Among the showings are “Up” on May 15; “Ratatouille” on May 22; “Freaky Friday” on May 29; “Little Rascals” on June 5 and “Beethoven” on June 12.

Waterway Nights

Also at Waterway Square will be “Waterway Nights” beginning July 2 and running through Aug 27 every Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a variety of free activities, which include live musicians, face painters, balloonists, magicians and caricaturists.

4th of July

Nick Wolda talks about Waterway Square events and The Red, Hot & Blue Festival during The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau media conference announcing special events planned for the spring and summer in The Woodlands. Photo by David HopperA traditional 4th of July festival, complete with fireworks and watermelon-eating contests, will take place on Independence Day. The 13th Annual Red, Hot and Blue Festival will feature two stages of live entertainment, a hot-dog eating contest, face painting, caricatures, inflatables, strolling entertainers and vendors. The best place to view fireworks this year will be at Waterway Square. For more information, visit www.redhotblue.org.

“The Woodlands continues to be a great destination for events and festivals,” said Nick Wolda, president of the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are excited that there is a great lineup scheduled at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion as well as major festivals including Earth Day, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, Cinco de Mayo and the 4th of July.”

Community Calendar
For more information on all Woodlands offerings, visit the new community calendar at www.thewoodlandscvb.com.