Perhaps unsurprisingly, Houston has a broad variety of locations for viewing the performing arts.  Whether you're in the mood for theater, opera, symphony, or ballet; you'll find a great selection in many locations.  Here are just a few of the more widely known locations:
 
The Houston Symphony is Houston's longest running performing arts group, founded in 1913. One of America's finest orchestras, its programming spans the great symphonic classics to a vibrant pops series and quality and entertaining family and educational concerts for young people. The Symphony performs in the retro-stylish Jones Hall, as well as Miller Outdoor Theatre in June, and the Woodlands Pavilion from April to October.
 
Houston Grand Opera - Founded in 1955, the HGO (as its known in Houston) continues to be one of the premier spots for Opera in the world.  Receiving numerous awards as well as presenting a large number of world premieres, each season brings old favorites and new shows to entertain you.
 
Houston Ballet - Just across the street from the HGO is the Houston Ballet (also founded in 1955).  The ballet troupe here is noted in the New York Times as one of the nation's best.
 
Verizon Wireless Theater - Changing from the more formal ballet and opera you com to the spot for downtown concerts.  Depending on the schedule, you'll be able to see Broadway tunes, a top 40 pop band, musicals, hard rock, or folk music... or something you've never heard of!
 
The Woodlands - A long drive from downtown Houston (about 30-40 minutes) is the Woodlands Pavilion.  This massive concert hall hosts many concerts for top stars coming on tours with stops in Houston.  Lawn seating is cheaper then the covered section (which also has chairs), but part of the fun of a concert can be the mingling you can only get when you share the same patch of grass with another fan.
 
Alley Theatre - From the pop world to one of the finest theaters in the city you've got a theater that actually started in an alley in 1947.  One of the oldest resident professional theater companies in the country, the Alley Theatre offers diverse plays by current dramatists.  There's always a fine show to be seen here.
 
Theatre Under The Stars - Also known as TUTS, this nonprofit producer of musicals brings all the glory and shine of world class musicals - both premiers and classic favorites.  Yes, the name is right; you'll enjoy the show while sitting under the stars.  Enjoy!