Step into a world of wonder and enchantment on September 18, 2024, as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra present "Once Upon a Symphony." This magical, family-friendly concert promises to transport you to realms of fantasy and adventure, featuring beloved musical selections from timeless tales such as *Sleeping Beauty*, *The Chronicles of Narnia*, *Disney’s Tangled*, *Lord of the Rings*, *The Wizard of Oz*, and more.

Mark your calendars because this is an event you won't want to miss! Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. performance, and the best part? No tickets are required—this enchanting evening is completely free!

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“We are thrilled to return to The Woodlands Pavilion Main Stage to kick off our ‘Storybook Season,’” said WSO Artistic Director Darryl Bayer. “Fairy tales aren’t just for children; they’re a source of inspiration for all ages. We invite our community to join the Woodlands Symphony on a magical journey that will ignite your imagination and stir your soul.”

The magic begins even before the first note is played. Starting at 5:30 p.m., The Pavilion will host its "Hats Off to Reading" celebration in partnership with Conroe Independent School District. This lively literacy event encourages young minds to dive into the world of books through games, crafts, and storytelling sessions. The little ones will even get to take home a free book! And as a special treat, Princess Belle from *Beauty and the Beast* will grace the stage with her storybook theater.

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As you stroll through the North Plaza starting at 6:30 p.m., you'll find an array of pre-performance activities designed to delight guests of all ages. Let your creativity soar with fairy-tale themed crafts and games, or try your hand at playing different instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo. And don't forget to check out the sponsor activations that add an extra layer of fun to the evening.

Hungry? Feel free to bring along your favorite picnic to enjoy during the show. Whether you pack it yourself or pick up something from a local restaurant, just be sure to comply with The Pavilion’s bag size restrictions, and remember that beverages cannot be brought in.

Families looking to make the most of their performing arts experience should check out the Mini Pavilion Maestros program—a free initiative that makes the arts accessible and fun for children of all ages. By signing up, your kids will receive a special membership lanyard and badge, free reserved seating at all performing arts events, early entry to select shows, a free ticket to the Children’s Festival, and more exciting perks throughout the season. Registration is available at any Pavilion arts event or online at www.woodlandscenter.org/mini-maestros.

For those looking to elevate their experience, The Pavilion offers the Stage Lighters program—an exclusive arts membership that unlocks the best of what The Pavilion has to offer. As a Stage Lighter, you'll enjoy reserved seating, access to the Woodforest Bank Club, reserved parking, invitations to members-only events, Pavilion swag, and more, all while supporting the arts in our community. More details can be found at http://www.woodlandscenter.org/stage-lighters.

This September 18th, gather your family, pack a picnic, and get ready to be swept away by the magic of "Once Upon a Symphony." For more information on this event and all things Pavilion, visit http://www.woodlandscenter.org.

Let the symphony of stories begin!