Woodlands plans big bash for its 50th
The Woodlands’ yearlong 50th anniversary celebrations will culminate in a week of October events including a free festival and Lyle Lovett concert.
A week of festivities will end with a performance from Lovett, who lives on his family farm in nearby Klein, Oct. 18, followed by a drone and fireworks show a day after, developer Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township announced Wednesday.
On that date in 1974, Mitchell founded The Woodlands with an idea to “build a town in the forest,” Mitchell’s son, Grant Mitchell, said at the 50th anniversary kickoff event in October 2023.
“Given that both Lyle Lovett and Hayes Carll have personal connections to The Woodlands, this 50th anniversary concert holds an extra layer of significance,” Howard Hughes’ Houston region president Jim Carman said in a release.
Celebrating community
Events will start Oct. 14, as local, regional and state officials make proclamations and create a time capsule for the anniversary. As The Woodlands’ first nonprofit organization, Interfaith of The Woodlands will announce volunteer opportunities planned for Oct. 15 early in the fall.
On the following day, a 1,000 gallon hardwood tree will be planted at Northshore Park. Each of The Woodlands’ nine village associations will also dedicate a 100-gallon tree to represent the township’s commitment to nature.
The Woodlands Arts Council will select a local artist to unveil a new mural along The Woodlands Waterway Oct. 17.
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band will take the stage in a free concert Oct. 18 at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
Hayes Carll, a native of The Woodlands, will perform as the opening act.
Fireworks and fun
For The Woodlands’ 50th birthday, the week will culminate in a “grand public extravaganza” at Northshore Park, the Hughes Landing Band Shell and Town Green Park. Produced by The Woodlands Township, the free, familyfriendly event will end with a drone and fireworks show above Lake Woodlands.
“As we mark the 50th anniversary of The Woodlands, we express profound gratitude for the dream and vision of George Mitchell,” Ann Snyder, chairman of The Woodlands Township’s board of directors, said in a release. “Residents and businesses alike exemplify a spirit of generosity that enriches The Woodlands, fostering opportunities to live, work, learn, pray and play.”
Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township are working together on The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Committee to put on the weeklong birthday celebration. Committee members include township board members Brad Bailey, Cindy Heiser and Linda Nelson as well as Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township team members.
The Woodlands-based companies Woodforest Bank and Waste Connections will put on the drone and fireworks show. Other sponsors include Entergy Texas, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, SVN/J Beard Real Estate and The John Cooper School, among others.