Photo credit: Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

What to watch: The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center rolls into October with some Halloween festivities, including a cult-classic movie screening and spooky symphony sounds. The month also brings several music genres, clean comedy, a Spanish-language comedy show and a free patriotic concert. Here are the key upcoming shows:

  • West Texas Symphony – Pines of Rome — Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. (all ages)
    The West Texas Symphony opens the month with Manuel de Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat Suite No. 2, a Spanish dance piece, Jean Sibelius’s Violin Concerto with guest soloist Rinat Erlichman, and Ottorino Respighi’s cinematic Pines of Rome.
  • Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour — Sunday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. (all ages)
    Clean-comedy favorite Henry Cho brings his latest stand-up tour to Midland. Cho delivers sharp, family-friendly observations on life, parenting, and the empty-nest years.
  • Crowder Live! — Saturday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. (all ages)
    Contemporary Christian musician Crowder returns to Midland with his genre-blending sound that mixes folk, rock, electronic, and urban elements. Expect banjo and beats, big choruses, and songs from his hit records, including The Exile.
  • Franco Escamilla – “El Juicio” Tour — Friday, Oct. 16, 8:30 p.m. (Mostly in Spanish, recommended for ages 16+)
    Popular Mexican comedian Franco Escamilla presents his new show “El Juicio” (“The Trial”). The personal stories, secrets, and crowd-pleasing humor frame his stories like a courtroom.
  • Cinema Under the Stars – Hocus Pocus — Saturday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. (all ages, features Halloween themes)
    The popular indoor movie series returns with a Halloween edition of the classic film Hocus Pocus. Those who come in costume can join a parade on stage at 6:45 p.m., free popcorn is provided, and food trucks will be on site starting at 5:30 p.m.
  • That Arena Rock Show — Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. (recommended for ages 12+)
    This high-energy tribute celebrates the classic rock anthems of the ’70s and ’80s, covering legendary acts including Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and Guns N’ Roses.
  • West Texas Symphony – Haunting Halloween Harmonies — Saturday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. (all ages)
    The symphony delivers a spook-tacular evening of Halloween-themed orchestral music. Costumes are welcome for an extra festive experience.
  • UTPB Symphonic Winds – The Stars & Stripes Forever: America at 250 — Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. (all ages)
    The UTPB Music Program presents a free-to-the-public patriotic concert celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The program features works by Sousa, Day, Dunton, Sheldon, Bass, and more.

What’s next: Tickets and additional details for all events are available through the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center’s box office and official website.

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