If you have a fifth-grader in the Greater North Houston area, get ready to cheer—because the ExxonMobil Discovery Series at the Hobby Center is back with a blockbuster lineup of live performances designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. Even better? This free series is doubling its reach in 2025–26, welcoming up to 40,000 local fifth-grade students from 13 school districts across Houston!
That’s twice the students, twice the access, and a whole lot more opportunities for kids to experience the wonder of the performing arts.
What Is the ExxonMobil Discovery Series?
This unique program brings professional, curriculum-connected performances to Houston-area fifth-graders free of charge during the school day. For many students, it’s their very first experience in a real theater, and the memories they make stay with them for years.
Thanks to generous support from ExxonMobil and community partners, the series helps bridge classroom learning with live storytelling, boosting creativity, literacy, and cultural awareness along the way.
Big News: It’s Doubling in Size!
After reaching 20,000 students this year, the Discovery Series will expand to 40,000 students in the 2025–26 school year. By using both the 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall and the 500-seat Zilkha Hall, the Hobby Center is opening its doors to even more bright young minds.
The program will serve students from these 13 Houston-area districts:
- Aldine ISD
- Alief ISD
- Dickinson ISD
- Fort Bend ISD
- Galena Park ISD
- Houston ISD
- Humble ISD
- Klein ISD
- Pasadena ISD
- Sheldon ISD
- Spring ISD
- Texas City ISD
- YES Prep
2025–26 Performance Lineup
Here’s a look at the exciting season of performances your child may get to experience through the ExxonMobil Discovery Series:
- Sept. 24–26, 2025
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Presented by Open Dance Project
A magical dance-theater adaptation of the beloved classic to celebrate its 125th anniversary. - Oct. 6–9, 2025
Orígenes: Voice and Percussion Through the Ages
Presented by Ars Lyrica Houston
A bilingual (English/Spanish) exploration of musical roots curated by Cecilia Duarte & Jesus Pacheco. - Oct. 21–24, 2025
Don’t Worry Willy
Presented by The Ensemble Theatre
A powerful original production tackling courage and community. - Oct. 28–30, 2025
My Posse’s on Broadway
Presented by YUNGCHRIS & Sonkiss’d Dance Concepts
A high-energy dance production originally commissioned by Performing Arts Houston. - Nov. 11–13, 2025
TILT!
Presented by Cirque Mechanics
A thrilling, acrobatic show that fuses circus and science in an unforgettable way. - Nov. 18–20, 2025
Female Expression
Presented by Houston Contemporary Dance Company
A moving celebration of womanhood through contemporary dance. - Jan. 20–22, 2026
Free Rein
Presented by Musiqa & NobleMotion
An innovative performance that blends live music and modern dance. - Feb. 4–6, 2026
Mozart: Cats and Mice
Presented by Mercury Chamber Orchestra
A fun and lively musical experience that introduces kids to the world of classical music. - Feb. 17–19 & 23–26, 2026
Colored Carnegie
Presented by Urban Souls Dance Company
A powerful original work, originally commissioned by Performing Arts Houston, exploring culture and history. - Mar. 24–26, 2026
Dance to Connect
Presented by Chapman Dance
A vibrant performance highlighting connection, movement, and community.
Why Families Love It
Students who’ve attended the Discovery Series return to their schools energized and inspired. Some ask to check out books like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, while others draw connections to current movies, build confidence, and even begin to dream of taking the stage themselves.
As Hirsch Elementary Principal LaToya Patterson shared, “Our students felt seen, heard, and inspired.”
Want to Learn More?
To explore this incredible program and see what else is happening at the Hobby Center, visit TheHobbyCenter.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes updates, show photos, and more.
Bonus for Parents: Even though the performances are during school hours, many of these incredible arts groups perform public shows too. Keep your eye out for family-friendly performances that you can attend together!
Stay in the Know on Family Fun!
Want more kid-friendly events like these delivered to your inbox?
➡️ Subscribe to Macaroni KID The Woodlands - Montgomery’s FREE Weekend Guide!
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
Macaroni KID is a free local calendar, weekly newsletter and website focused on family-friendly events and information for The Woodlands - Montgomery areas. We gather all the local family-friendly events and activities we can find and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more!
Subscribe so you don't miss out on any of the fun!
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |
