We work hard to beat the heat here in Texas, but one advantage to living in a state where the snow doesn’t fall means that year round, we can enjoy entertainment at outdoor venues.

From family outdoor concerts to live music by local and international artists at world class amphitheaters, we share our favorite spots to relax and spend a night or afternoon at Texas’ best outdoor venues.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Sometimes referred to as The Woodlands Pavilion, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is a concert amphitheater located in the woodsy developed suburb of The Woodlands, north of Houston. It plays host to contemporary entertainment, performing arts events, and educational outreach.

Your favorite band is likely to make their stop here, where ticket buyers can either choose to sit in seats in front of the stage, or in a more relaxed way by lounging hill side. The venue can hold up to 16,500 people. From kid friendly performances to concerts more suited for those 21 and up, the annual calendar is richly diverse.

The Houston Symphony offers free concerts here throughout the year, too, so keep your eye out for that.

Location:
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

Zilker Hillside Theatre

Located in Austin’s beautiful Zilker park and just a stone’s throw away from Barton Springs, Zilker Hillside Theater provides free, award-winning live musical theatre performances for its local and out of town audiences.

There’s an annual tradition that the Theatre produces a summertime musical for the family. Bring a blanket and meet under the stars to make a magical summer night memory.

Location:
Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater
2206 William Barton Drive, Austin

Panther Island Pavilion

Beautifully positioned on the Trinity River, Panther Island Pavilion is Dallas-Fort Worth’s go-to venue for exciting outdoor concerts, festivals, and adventure runs.

This is also Fort Worth’s water sports hub, where water lovers can rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and canoes. There is also a beach on site that’s open seven days a week to everyone.

Check out their Rockin’ the River series in the summertime where folks lounge in tubes, and kick back on the water listening to live music. Sunday’s in the summer is Sunday Sunday! There’s music, fun-in-the-sun- activities, beer and of course, tubing. The season starts June 25th and ends September 3rd.

Location:
Panther Island Pavilion
395 Purvey Street, Fort Worth

Miller Outdoor Theater

Located in the heart of Houston, inside Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theater is Houston’s place to gather on a balmy summer night to take in a live, free concert. It is the largest “always free” kind of program in the country.

In operation for 94 years, the theatre offers daytime children’s productions, and evening concerts and plays for the whole family. Seating is provided for 1,705 patrons and 20 wheelchair spaces, plus a sloping lawn that can accommodate 4,500 on lawn chairs or blankets.

With it’s central location nestled between the Medical District, the Museum District, and Rice University, the theatre is accessible by light rail, making it easy to get to without having to hassle with parking.

Tickets are released for the seats in the front, which requires patrons to line up for them the day of the performances.

Location:
Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park
6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston

Austin 360 Amphitheater

Austin 360 Amphitheater is a world-class, sweeping open air amphitheater, located on the 1,500 acres sports and entertainment complex of the Circuit Of The Americas. With capacity for up to 14,000 guests, reserved seating for 6,700, and a spacious lawn, it’s perfect for soaking in a night of live entertainment, and has become the go-to place to see the biggest stars in the Live Music Capitol of the World.

With the largest permanent outdoor state in the Central Texas region, Austin 360 hosts multi-day music festivals, speakers, sporting events, and comedians.

Location:
Austin 360 Amphitheater
9201 Circuit Of The Americas Boulevard, Austin

Pioneer Amphitheater

In the far flung stunning locale of Palo Duro Canyon in West Texas, the Pioneer Amphitheater is carved out of and nestled into a natural basin in the majestic canyon itself. The Pioneer is only open in the summer where every year, you can see the Official Play of the State of Texas, which has been successfully running for over 50 years.

For those that aren’t aware, the Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States besides the Grand Canyon.

Location:
Pioneer Amphitheater
1514 5th Avenue, Canyon

Did we miss your favorite place to see live entertainment in Texas? Let us know in the comments!