Photo: The CKP Group

Houston’s historic Miller Outdoor Theatre (MOT) is in its second century and there’re plenty more free performances coming up this year.

This largest free program of its kind in the country, run by the Miller Theatre Advisory Board (MTAB), sponsors performing arts in various disciplines including, this year, everything from African dancing to accordion music.

“Although this season is shorter due to the many improvements happening at Miller, the lineup reflects the exceptional art experiences that our audiences love,” said Claudia de Vasco, MTAB Managing Director. “We welcome Houstonians and visitors alike to make memories at the new plaza and on the Hill, and to experience the best of the arts, always free of charge.”

With the almost $2 million in renovations and upgrades basically finished, the season kicked off in June but still to come are some of the biggest events of the season. October starts off with the three-day 47^th Annual Chicano Festival followed by the 37^th Annual Accordion Kings and Queens Festival and performances from Young Audiences celebrating Africa and Mexico. It’s a trip around the world before settling into the spooky season.

Celebrate Halloween on Oct. 30 with Dancin’ in the Street… Thriller on the Hill, a wild R&B party with singers, musicians, DJs, and audience participation. Come dressed as your favorite R&B artist or in your genre inspired Halloween costume! Follow that the next night with a showing of the 2023 Haunted Mansion starring Rosario Dawson and Owen Wilson. It will be fun for the whole family.

One of the highlights of November looks to be Houston’s Got Bollywood – Bombay Express. It starts at 10:00 a.m. November 6 and you can livestream it here in your own home. But seeing it in person, with the colorful costumes and sets, is an experience and a real education about Indian culture as seen through the eyes of the nation’s film industry. As the show claims: Bombay Express isn’t just a dance show. It’s a full-scale, high-energy celebration packed with dazzling costumes, infectious music, and electric performances that will have you smiling from the moment it starts — and it’s completely free at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Nestled in the heart of Hermann Park, Miller’s 7.5 acres holds an outdoor state-of-the-art stage, complete with new AC and electrical updates, some covered seating, and a lush hillside where patrons can throw down a blanket or folding chairs and watch some of the best family friendly entertainment in town. For more on what to bring, where to sit, and other information, click here.

Miller Outdoor Theatre is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and this season’s performances are presented by H-E-B.

The Rest of the MOT Season…

• 47th Annual Festival Chicano Produced by Festival Chicano October 1, 2, & 3, 7 p.m.
• Polynesian Storytelling Presented by Young Audiences of Houston October 6, 11 a.m.
• Stars, Stripes, & Spurs Presented by Young Audiences of Houston October 7, 11 a.m.
• Midnight in Blue: Samba, Strings, & Tango Produced by Aperio Music of the Americas October 9, 7:30 p.m.
• 37th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert Produced by Texas Folklife October 10, 7 p.m.
• Cinderfella Produced by Ensemble Theatre October 13 & 14, 11 a.m.
• Neon Nostalgic: 80s Music Television October 16, 7:30 p.m.
• Asia To the World Produced by Dance of Asian America October 17, 7:30 p.m.
• Panto U.S.A. Presents Cinderella October 20 & 21, 11 a.m.
• UNITE Produced by Houston Contemporary Dance Company & Vitacca Ballet October 23, 7:30 p.m.
• 3rd Annual Louisiana in Texas Produced by Full Gallop October 24, 7:30 p.m.
• Pan African Passport Presented by Young Audiences of Houston October 27, 11 a.m.
• Essence of Mexico Presented by Young Audiences of Houston October 28, 11 a.m.
• Dancin’ in the Street… Thriller on the Hill October 30, 7:30 p.m.
• Movies At Miller: Haunted Mansion October 31, 7:30 p.m.
• Joey’s Popup Party Produced by Diaz Music Institute November 3, 11 a.m.
• Why You Like It: Decoding Musical Taste — Live Experience November 6, 7:30 p.m.
• Houston’s Got Bollywood – Bombay Express Produced by Moksh Community Arts November 7, 7:30 p.m.
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream Produced by Open Dance Project November 13, 7:30 p.m.
• Cirque Kalabante: Afrique November 14, 7:30 p.m.

by Marene Gustin