The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (top photo) dons red, white and blue on Sunday, July 3 for the return of the Star-Spangled Salute. This free Independence Eve spectacular features the Houston Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites under the direction of Michael Krajewski. This free concert is generously sponsored by The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC). TWDC has been a sponsor of the Star-Spangled Salute since its inception in 1990.

At the concert, the world-renowned Houston Symphony performs a variety of classic American numbers complete with cannons blasting from the top of the hill during Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture".

Picnics are welcome (no beverages); lawn chairs are available for free; and tickets are not required. Gates open at 6:30 pm. Pre-concert activities include meeting lovable mascot of The Woodlands, Puffy Pine Cone (pictured, posing with the Fellman Family), Uncle Sam, Betsy Ross, dancing and singing with Radio Disney and more. For more information, visit www.woodlandscenter.org.