Celebrate America at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Annual Star-Spangled Salute

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Kick off America’s birthday celebration at Star-Spangled Salute as the Houston Symphony takes the Main Stage, Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. This free Independence Eve spectacular, which has been a tradition at The Pavilion for 26 years, features the Houston Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites, presented by The Woodlands Development Company. Tickets are not required. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

The symphony will perform a variety of patriotic favorites led by conductor Steven Reineke whose boundless enthusiasm and exceptional artistry have made him one of the nation’s most sought-after pops conductors, composers and arrangers. Featured artists include Broadway husband and wife duo Kristine Reese and Billy Tighe.

Fourth of July picnics are a quintessential American experience. Star-Spangled Salute has become a treasured tradition for families since it first was performed at The Pavilion. This year a new tradition begins with #PavilionPicnic. Show off your love of America and build the ultimate patriotic picnic with red, white, and blue eats and sweets. At the show unpack on the hill and snap a picture. Post all the fun on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #PavilionPicnic and at intermission you may find your picnic featured on the big screen. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free for this event.

Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m. in the North and South Plazas. Activities include The Pavilion Partners arts & crafts booth and Instrument Petting Zoo as well as activities by Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands, Visit South Walton, Woodforest National Bank, Renewel by Andersen and Century 21.

Tickets are not required for free seating. Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $10 per vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion's 2016 Performing Arts Season is sponsored by Huntsman, Live Nation, Texas Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands, The Wortham Foundation, The Woodlands Development Company, Mercedes Benz of The Woodlands, South Walton, United Airlines, official airline of The Pavilion and The Pavilion Partners. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion acknowledges the financial support of The Woodlands Township that is generated by the Event Admissions Tax for its performing arts and educational outreach programs.

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org. Look for The Pavilion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, or download The Pavilion’s iOS or Android app.