The Miller Outdoor Theatre, inside Hermann Park, is a staple of Houston’s entertainment scene. Did you know the outdoor amphitheater has been around for more than 100 years? As the theater celebrates its 101st year, let me give you the inside scoop on what to expect from the summer season.
How Did It Begin?
The
Miller Outdoor Theatre is named after Jesse Wright Miller, a cotton broker and mining engineer. He left his estate to the City of Houston, but they deemed it unusable. The city sold the land to his sister and then used the $50,000 to create a concert pavilion inside Hermann Park. On May 19, 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre (originally Miller Memorial Theater) opened with a pageant called “Springtimes of Our Nation.” In 1943, the Summer Symphony Series began and has been ongoing ever since.
What Can You Expect?
Starting in March, Miller Outdoor offers free performances over eight months. Be prepared for plays, concerts, and live music reflecting the diversity of Houston. Every summer, the amphitheater also hosts the Houston Shakespeare Festival in partnership with the University of Houston.
What’s Happening This Season?
- In honor of Juneteenth, check out concerts this weekend celebrating the evolution of Black music, with sounds of classic R&B, blues, and hip-hop.
- Jimi Hendrix fans can honor him at this tribute concert on Friday, June 21.
- Celebrate the Fourth of July with music from the Houston Symphony and a dazzling fireworks show.
- Enjoy Houston’s annual Summer Symphony Nights in July featuring rising orchestra stars.
- Check out the Houston Shakespeare Festival in August for performances of “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
