FAQs

Those in the know are headed to the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Since 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has been one of Houston’s most beloved cultural treasures, a gathering place for the community and the site of thousands of memorable free performances. That’s 98 years of memories! Miller is unique in the United States, offering an eight month season of professional, artistically-excellent and culturally diverse entertainment completely FREE of charge to the public. This is the largest “always free” program of its kind in the country and it attracts hundreds of thousands each season. From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of classical music, jazz, world music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, popular concert artists, films and more, Miller Outdoor Theatre is Houston’s best entertainment value.

Leave the neckties and heels at home. Expect quality entertainment from around the world without the daunting dress code of a traditional theater. Miller Outdoor Theatre offers audiences a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy one another’s company as well as a great performance.

It’s free!

Take a family vote on where you’d like to sit to enjoy the performance. Hillside seating is not reserved. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Please note that lawn chairs must be placed on the left side of the hill. Sit on the right side of the hill if you prefer to sit on a blanket. Or, you may prefer to sit in the covered seating area.

Approximately 1,700 new seats were installed under the canopy in 2009.  Admission is free for all performances, but some evening shows require tickets for covered seating.  For those performances, assigned seat tickets are available online, on a first-come basis and while supplies last.   A maximum of four tickets per person over age 16 is allowed.

TICKETS MAY NOT BE RESERVED BY PHONE.

Unclaimed seats may be released 5 after the show is scheduled to begin upon management’s discretion. We encourage all patrons to be in their seats 15 minutes before show time to insure that their seat will not be released. Again, there is NO charge for tickets.

Please note: At management’s discretion, all unoccupied seats may be released at any time for any reason.  

The Daytime Children’s Series offers teachers and parents alike an excellent opportunity to expose youngsters to the delights of the performing arts with a series of productions designed especially for children. Performances begin at 11 a.m. and last approximately 1 hour.  No tickets are necessary; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

You choose. But, definitely NO glass containers of any kind are allowed.

Miller Theatre’s concession stand offers refreshments and other supplies for picnics. Purchasing concessions at Miller Theatre supports the free performances.

Decisions, decisions… there are so many choices. Pack a picnic basket with fried chicken or caviar, it’s up to you. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Definitely bring the whole family.  Yes, you may even pack alcohol.  But please, leave the glass containers at home.

Photos and/or videos of performances are NOT permitted without the express written consent of the City of Houston.  Cell phones, cameras…put ’em away! Please be polite to those around you. Everyone is here to enjoy the performance, not watch you text or shoot photos and video throughout the entire production.

Smoking is prohibited in Hermann Park and at Miller Outdoor Theatre, including the hill.

Sorry, animals are not allowed at the theatre.  As a matter of courtesy to those who are not pet lovers and those who are afraid of dogs of any size, we ask that you leave pets at home during performances.

Listening devices are available for the hearing-impaired at the Miller Theatre Security Desk one hour prior to curtain time. A valid Texas Driver’s License or state issued ID card is required for deposit.  Please check the calendar for performances marked as audio described.