Performing Arts Houston today announced its 2025-26 season — a season, it says, that will bring the best and most influential entertainers from across the globe as well as home-grown talent to stages across the Bayou City.
The season also brings with it blockbuster partnerships with well-known names, expansive offerings to extend arts beyond the stage and into the community and unique ways to see the inner workings and behind-the-scenes action of the creative community.
“It is a very large season, and one of the things we are so proud of at Performing Arts Houston is our ability to find different audiences and expand the number of performances we are offering,” said Meg Booth, Performing Arts president and CEO. “It’s a very diverse, broad, big program with lots of great artists and companies coming from all over the world.”
Performing Arts Houston welcomes six days of Solange Knowles’s Eldorado Ballroom Houston. It started working with Knowles several years ago for this project, but COVID-19 had other plans that sidetracked the work. As such, Knowles formed the Eldorado Ballroom series at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2023, followed by a stint in Los Angeles.
“The focus is on Black creators and Black creativity, both honoring the past and looking forward to the future. We are thrilled to be working with her to bring that home,” Booth said.
Another addition to the upcoming season is “Every Tenth Seat,” a first-of-its-kind commitment to arts access, allocating 10 percent of the entire season’s tickets to students, veterans and community partners.
“We know Performing Arts Houston is very fortunate that we sell about 75 percent of our capacity on average over the course of a season, but that means that we still have capacity in our houses that goes unused,” Booth said. “We’ve decided to take 10 percent of our overall capacity of the season and make those seats available to people who otherwise would not come to performances. We are working to make the arts more accessible for these people because we have such an extraordinary platform and ability to celebrate the best of the human spirit and the arts. If we’re not using our unused inventory to help change lives and bring people to the arts, then we’re not using our platform well and we’re not doing all we can to share the arts with the world.”
The organization also will continue its New/Now commissioning series, which has created a unique pathway to the stage for new works by professional and emerging Houston creatives. Applications for the 2025-26 New/Now awards are open now and close on June 15, which will include promotional asset development, marketing, public relations, technical support and a full presentation onstage at Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater.
In addition to bringing talent from across the globe to Houston, Performing Arts Houston extends performances into the community through its education and community programs. Programs include extensive residences with leading dance companies, Step Afrika!, Hung Dance and Ballet Hispánico; artist creative chats with main stage artists and special guests; masterclasses; workshops; open rehearsals and dozens of opportunities for local student and professional performers to share their artistry before main stage events.
“Performing Arts Houston was the first arts organization in the theater district to commit a department to education and community engagement programs,” Booth said. “We work with the community and the artists to pair up both the artists and various audiences for additional enrichment off the stage.”
Arts fans will have a chance to see what all goes into making these works before the performers even take the stage in front of an audience.
“One of the most beautiful things about the arts is its ability to change your life and just make you feel better, so we have partnered with CLICKON, which is an international production house that really knows how to capture that story, and we’ve worked with them to interview a number of the members of our community that experienced the arts in different ways and to share those stories,” Booth said. “We have a series of short films that we will distribute throughout the course of the year, and we’re excited to use the platform and the talent that CLICKON brought to the table to help share these stories with people, because they really do make you feel good.”
To access these performances, audiences can purchase tickets individually, but a membership program starting at $25 that unlocks a bevy of other benefits.
“Performing Arts Houston has a range of arts that is so broad. We have many different audiences, and sometimes the subscription model doesn’t make sense for a variety of reasons. We are a nonprofit organization, and we do have to raise considerable amounts of money to bring the artists onto our stages, and what the membership model does is it combines subscriber benefits with philanthropy,” Booth said. “It also is a tiered program, so the more you give, the more benefits that you might be able to get like valet parking, entrance to the Green Room and invitations to cast parties and open rehearsals.”
Performing Arts Houston’s 2025-26 season:
On Dissonance (An Evening of Classical, Symphonic, and Opera Works)
Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Featuring works by Julia Perry, Tania León, and Solange Knowles. With performances by musicians of the Houston Symphony conducted by Jeri Lynne Johnson and soprano Zoie Reams. Part of Eldorado Ballroom Houston, Curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron.
Type of Guest (A Night of Experimental Performance Art)
Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Eldorado Ballroom
Performances by Liv.e and Autumn Night. Part of Eldorado Ballroom Houston, Curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron.
Monuments Are Here (An Evening of Film)
Thursday, June 12 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Series of short films surrounding object constellations, Black domesticity, and the art of collecting. Curated by Noutama Bodomo and Solange Knowles. Part of Eldorado Ballroom Houston, Curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron.
Paper In My Shoe (A Night of Zydeco & Folk Music)
Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Eldorado Ballroom
Performances by Rosie Ledet and Kara Jackson. Part of Eldorado Ballroom Houston, Curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron.
Glory to Glory (A Revival for Spiritual and Devotional Art)
Sunday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. Jones Hall
Featuring Twinkie Clark and The Clark Sisters and the works of Mary Lou Williams conducted by Malcolm Meriweather, Director of the New York Philharmonic Chorus. With performances by Artina McCain, Angélla Christie and Dominique Johnson. Part of Eldorado Ballroom Houston, Curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron.
Go Slow (Past and Present Futures From Alief to Abuja)
Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Venue and Tickets to be Announced
Featuring Crystallmess, HYPERFEMME, OG Ron C, Big Ace, and DJ Slim K. With a special installation by Dozie Kanu. Part of Eldorado Ballroom Houston, Curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron.
Mariachi Imperial De America
Friday, August 22 at 7 p.m.
Brown Theater, Wortham Center
Featuring Mariachi Imperial de America plus Mexico en Danzas Grupo Folklórico, University of Houston Mariachi Pumas, and the Mariachi High School All-Star Group. Part of the Houston Mariachi Festival.
Mariachi 7 Leguas
Saturday, August 23 at 7 p.m.
Brown Theater, Wortham Center
Featuring Mariachi 7 Leguas plus University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Ballet Folklórico, and special guest Mateo Lopez. Part of the Houston Mariachi Festival.
Mariachi Mariposas
Sunday, August 24 at 3 p.m.
Brown Theater, Wortham Center
Latina night, featuring Mariachi Mariposas, Ballet Folklórico South Texas College, Winners of the National Youth Mariachi Vocal Competition, and Houston-area high school mariachi groups. Part of the Houston Mariachi Festival.
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Sunday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Sarofim Hall, Hobby Center
Actor Jeff Goldblum, currently co-starring as The Wizard of Oz in the box office smash Wicked, plays classic jazz with his band.
Concert Truck
October 1-12
Locations and times to be announced
Pianists Nick Luby and Susan Zhang will drive their 16-foot mobile concert hall to twelve locations around Houston. More details announced this summer.
2025 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist
Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Performing Arts Houston presents the first prize winner of the Seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, to be announced from Fort Worth in June.
An Evening with Samin Nosrat
Wednesday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Samin Nosrat, bestselling author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, shares stories, recipes, and culinary rituals behind her new book, Good Things.
Mokoomba
Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Mokoomba, an explosively talented six-man crew from the Victoria Falls, is hailed as one of the most exciting African bands of the 21st century and the future of Afro sound.
An Evening with Jane Fonda
Monday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Join the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, activist — and fitness guru — for an inspiring evening of stories and discussion.
Lila Downs: Día de los Muertos
Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winner Lila Downs sings of traditions from both sides of the border. All attendees are invited to honor loved ones at our community ofrenda.
TwoSet Violin
Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Australian violinists Brett Yang and Eddy Chen entertain millions around the globe with fun-loving humor, fantastic musicianship — and fearless hot takes.
An Evening with David Sedaris
Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Spend an unforgettable evening with David Sedaris, one of America’s preeminent humor writers. Enjoy readings from his new and unpublished works, followed by a book signing for all attendees.
Mariza
Wednesday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
One of the greatest voices in fado — a style of Portuguese blues, meaning fate — Mariza captures audiences worldwide with a voice that soothes the soul, even as it breaks your heart.
Step Afrika!: The Migration
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s iconic paintings, Step Afrika! frames a transformative American movement with bold brush strokes and an irresistible beat.
Hung Dance: Birdy
Friday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Taiwan’s Hung Dance makes its Houston debut with a visually stunning new work. Birdy explores the wild creativity forged by constraints and a burning desire to break free.
A Time For Three Holiday
Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Grammy winners Time For Three play holiday favorites with a genre-bending blend of classical and popular styles, astonishing skill, and effortless charm.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Tuesday, December 23 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 24 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Jones Hall
Cirque’s longest-running holiday show features brilliant theatrical design, contemporary circus acts, and fresh takes on music favorites of the season — a high-flying tradition for all ages.
Ballet Hispánico: CARMEN.maquia
Friday, January 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bizet’s all-time epic with Picasso-inspired set design and Ballet Hispánico’s signature fusion of ballet and Latin styles.
Chris Thile
Tuesday, January 22, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Four-time Grammy Award-winning mandolinist and songwriter Chris Thile, founding member of the bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, shares music from his latest solo album.
Blade Runner Live
Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Experience Ridley Scott’s stylish noir classic, Blade Runner (2007 Final Cut) while Vangelis’ synthesizer-led cult score is performed live by The Avex Ensemble to the 1982 multi-Academy Award-nominated motion picture.
Gazillion Bubble Show
Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Jones Hall
Bubble magic and lasers turn Jones Hall into the Madison Square Garden of family fun. NYC’s longest running off-Broadway family show brings dazzling excitement and way more bubbles than you can count.
Mnozil Brass: Strau$$
Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
For their latest show, Austria’s beloved brass septet cranks up the fun (and decibels) on the Waltz King’s greatest hits.
Alexander Malofeev, Piano
Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Since winning the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians at age thirteen, Alexander Malofeev has performed in many of the most prestigious concert halls and with many of the most acclaimed orchestras in the world. Now in his early twenties, he makes his Houston recital debut at newly-renovated Jones Hall.
Program:
Jean Sibelius 5 Pieces, Op. 75, The Trees
Edvard Grieg Holberg Suite, Op. 40
Einojuhani Routavaara Sonata No 2, Op. 64, The Fire Sermon
Sergei Prokofiev Sonata No. 2 in D minor, Op. 14
Aleksandr Scriabin Valse, Op. 38
Igor Stravinsky Symphonies of Wind Instruments, K036 (arr. Arthur Lourié)
Arthur Lourié 5 Préludes fragiles, Op. 1
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Friday, March 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Jones Hall
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has the power to touch the soul. Each performance features groundbreaking new works, contemporary favorites, and Ailey’s must-see masterpiece, Revelations.
Lúnasa
Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
A dream team of Irish musical talent arrives for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, bringing the freshest folk sounds and toe-tapping jigs of the Emerald Isle.
Mrs. Krishnan’s Party, New Zealand’s Indian Ink Theatre Company
Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Asia Society Texas Center
When unexpected guests arrive, Mrs. K has no choice but to throw the dinner party of her life. Truly a party, with audience members as the guests, tickets are available with varying degrees of participation, from seats at the head table to wallflowers. Unique flavors are cooked live onstage at every performance for all to enjoy.
New/Now: The Houston Artist Commissioning Project
Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Performing Arts Houston’s New/Now project is the first multi-disciplinary new works initiative of its kind. We ask Houston artists to dream big. Together, we make it real. Join us for an evening of cutting-edge exploration that feels like home.
Blue Man Group: Bluevolution World Tour
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Get ready to experience a whole new beat with Bluevolution, the new World Tour from Blue Man Group, blending art, invention, and mind-bending curiosity.
Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies
Thursday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Neil deGrasse Tyson leads a review of science as portrayed in blockbuster films like The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, 2001: A Space Odyssey, the Harry Potter films, A Bug’s Life and more.
Rhiannon Giddens
Friday, May 1, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens, Artistic Director of Silkroad Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma, makes her Houston debut.
Cameron Carpenter, Organ
Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
The Church of St. John the Divine
Program:
J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
J.S. Bach Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major, BWV 552
Modest Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
Ballets Jazz Montréal: Dance Me, Music by Leonard Cohen
Friday, June 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
The internationally renowned contemporary dance company pays tribute to Montreal poet, artist and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. An exclusive work approved by Cohen in his lifetime.
Riverdance: 30th Anniversary World Tour
Fri, June 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Jones Hall
Riverdance celebrates 30 years with new choreography, costumes, and stage design. The Irish company’s Houston leg of their new World Tour coincides with Houston’s 2026 World Cup games.
Performing Arts Houston’s 2025-26 season memberships are available now. Call 713-227-4772 or visit performingartshouston.org for more information.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.
