Catch some of the city’s most exciting upcoming performances, happening all month long, with our roundup of live theater and performing arts productions in July 2024.
Summer traditions fill the performing arts calendar in Houston this month—including Symphony concerts at Miller Outdoor and Tamarie Cooper’s annual summer show—plus an extended run for one of the most popular Broadway shows of all time.
From classical music and regional play premieres to musicals and dance, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Top Performing Arts & Theater Shows in Houston: July 2024
Opening This Month
- Houston Symphony presents Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Thursday, July 4 | FREE – Celebrate our nation’s birthday with this annual favorite, a concert of patriotic music, followed by an epic fireworks show. This family-friendly performance is a summer Houston tradition. 8:30pm.
- Broadway Across America presents The Lion King at Hobby Center | Thursday, July 11 | Ongoing – See this beloved Disney classic like you’ve never seen it before. The characters of Pride Rock are brought to life with an incredible mash-up of puppetry and live action, and the musical retains all the songs you love, from “Circle of Life” to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” This production runs through Sunday, August 4. $35 and up. Showtimes vary.
- Summer Symphony Nights with Houston Symphony at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday, July 12 to Saturday, July 20 | FREE – The Houston Symphony’s annual concert returns with four free performances under the stars at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. The family-friendly concert experience showcases the classical repertoire with works from beloved composers like Beethoven, Tchaikosvsky, and Dvořák paired with contemporary pieces reflecting symphonic music’s diversity. 8:30pm.
- The Wizard of Oz at Queensbury Theatre | Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 28 – Using the score from the beloved 1939 movie, this musical follows the adventures of Dorothy, who travels over the rainbow from Kansas to Oz. There, she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, and together they follow the yellow brick road to see the all powerful wizard, who can hopefully help Dorothy return home. $30 and up. Showtimes vary.
- On the Verge Theatre presents A Life in the Theatre at Alta Arts | Thursday, July 18 | Ongoing – This 90-minute, gender-bending, quick changing, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the Gothic classic is billed as a comedy of errors. You may never look at Dracula the same way again. This production runs through Sunday, August 4. Tickets and showtimes TBD.
- Head Over Heels at Island Etc. | Friday, July 19 | Ongoing – Powered by the music of the Go-Gos, this exuberant musical follows a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction. Musical selections include “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation” and more. This production runs through Saturday, August 17. $35 and up. Showtimes vary.
- Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None at Alley Theatre | Friday, July 19 | Ongoing – On a secluded island, 10 strangers are trapped in a deadly game of survival. As the body count continues to rise, who will be spared—and can you figure out who the killer is? This production runs through Sunday, August 25. $31 and up. Showtimes vary.
- 4th Wall Theatre Co presents 1536 at Spring Street Studios | Saturday, July 20 | FREE – Be among the first to hear this Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winning play at a one night–only play reading. Set in the summer of 1536, it showcases the capricious nature of Henry VIII’s England and the place women held in it. Free; donations welcome. 7:30pm.
- Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston presents Ruddigore at UH Cullen Performance Hall | Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, July 28 – This Gothic and not-so-scary comic opera is a send-up of traditional melodramas. There’s a maiden torn between a handsome young man and a cad, paintings come to life, a villain reforms, and so much more—all of it set to the incomparable music of this 19th century duo. $49 and up. Saturdays 7pm; Sundays 2:30pm.
- Houston Symphony presents Batman at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | Friday, July 26 | FREE – Celebrating 85 years of the caped crusader, the Symphony performs Danny Elfman’s score to the 1989 Batman movie starring Michael Keaton, while the film plays on a giant screen. Dressing up as your favorite DC Comics character is encouraged. 8pm.
- Next to Normal at Hobby Center | Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28 – This deeply moving musical with a pulsing pop score explores how one household copes with mental illness and a mother battling bi-polar disorder. Winner of three Tony Awards, it’s a powerful show about life and love. Recommended for ages 13 and older. $32.50 and up. Showtimes vary.
- Catastrophic Theatre presents Tamarie’s Texas Toast! at MATCH | All Month Long | Ongoing – It’s not summer without the annual chaos from the mind of Tamarie Cooper. This year’s show finds Cooper and her merry maniacs delivering a production as big as the Lone Star State. Expect references to high school football, gas station beavers, flag parades, giant roaches, tons of guns, the glory of Whataburger, and more. This production runs through Saturday, August 3. Pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
Closing This Month
- Betrayal at Rec Room Arts | Through Saturday, July 6 – Harold Pinter’s play about a love triangle unfolds backwards. We meet the lovers at the end of their illicit affair, and watch it return to its origin, exploring power dynamics, love and friendship. $40; Wednesday shows are $5. 7:30pm.
- Main Street Theater Theater presents Fancy Nancy at MATCH | Through Sunday, July 28 – Fancy Nancy and her best friend Bree are excited for their dance performance, a show that’s all about mermaids. Will their exuberance get the better of them? This show is recommended for ages kindergarten and up. $24 and up. Showtimes vary.
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