Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Bag Policy and Entry Rules

Clear bags, what to bring and what stays home

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion lawn and stage during a concert
Check mark for allowed items and a Not Permitted sign

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion has a clear bag policy, and every guest is searched at the gate. These are the venue’s posted rules (checked October 2026). Rules can change for a show, even on the day of the event, so check the event listing before heading out.

Bag policy

  • Clear bags up to 12 x 12 inches are allowed.
  • Non-clear handheld clutches up to 4.5 x 6.5 inches are allowed.
  • Tinted bags and bags with printed patterns are turned away.
  • Medical equipment bags, diaper bags (with an infant or toddler) and nursing or pumping bags are allowed and searched. Medication and other small items still go in a bag that meets the clear bag rule.
  • The info booths don’t hold bags, and bags left unattended inside or outside the gates are removed.

What you can bring

At most shows, guests can bring:

  • small blankets or tarps (a carrying case has to be permanently attached to the blanket)
  • small umbrellas and rain jackets
  • empty reusable bottles or cups; chilled water fountains and bottle fillers are inside (some artists require lids off or disposable bottles only)
  • food: one one-gallon zip-top bag per person at Live Nation concerts, with no limit at performing arts shows (symphony, ballet, opera)
  • cameras without a detachable lens
  • signs 8.5 x 11 inches or smaller
  • small handheld or neck fans

What you can’t bring

  • drinks of any kind, including water
  • outside lawn chairs (The Pavilion rents its own lawn chairs at most Live Nation shows for $10, and they’re free at performing arts events)
  • ice chests, grills, tents, sun shades and large umbrellas
  • detachable-lens cameras, audio or video recording equipment, laptops, tablets and e-readers
  • glass of any kind (perfume bottles included), aerosol cans such as sunscreen or bug spray, and vape liquid
  • medication in unmarked containers and non-medical masks
  • laser pointers, selfie sticks, fireworks, pocket knives and other weapons; guns are not allowed even though Texas permits open and concealed carry
  • animals, except service animals
  • play pens; strollers can stay in the plaza areas but not under the tent or on the lawn

At the gate and in your seat

  • Guests who refuse the search aren’t let in, and there’s no re-entry once you leave.
  • Reserved seating needs a ticket stub or the live mobile ticket (screenshots don’t work), so transfer a ticket to each person in your group.
  • No smoking or vaping in the reserved seating areas.
  • Stand or dance in front of your seat, not on it or in the aisles.
  • No tailgating at The Pavilion or in the surrounding parking lots, and no drones over the property.

Questions

The Pavilion answers rules questions at 281-364-3010 or info@woodlandscenter.org. Its full list is on the Pavilion Rules page. For getting there, see Pavilion parking and the seating chart.

What can I bring?
Check mark for allowed items and a Not Permitted sign

The Pavilion has a clear bag policy: clear bags up to 12 x 12 inches or a small clutch. Outside drinks, lawn chairs and ice chests stay home, but small blankets and one gallon bag of food per person are fine at most concerts. See the entry rules and bag policy.

Pavilion Parking
Where are the Woodlands Pavilion parking areas?

Parking is free in the Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue and White lots off Timberloch Place (set GPS to 2203 Timberloch Place), a short walk from the gates. Lots open 30 minutes before the gates. Paid Gold Lot parking at 9809 Six Pines Drive is usually $45 ($15 for performing arts shows), and accessible parking there is free, first come, first served. See the Pavilion parking guide.

Get to The Pavilion
Where is the Woodlands Pavilion

From Houston, take I-45 or the Hardy Toll Road north and exit Woodlands Parkway. From Conroe, take I-45 south, exit Research Forest Drive and follow Grogan’s Mill Road to Timberloch Place. Other good routes: FM 1488 from Hempstead, FM 2978 from Tomball, and Fish Creek Thoroughfare or McCaleb Road from State Highway 105 near Lake Conroe. Directions.

Sections & Seating
Section map and seating chart for the woodlands pavilion

The Pavilion opened April 27, 1990, with 3,000 reserved seats and room for 7,000 on the lawn. A 1995 expansion took it to about 13,000, and the rebuild after Hurricane Ike in 2008 raised covered seating to more than 6,000. Capacity today is listed at 16,500. See the seating chart.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Woodlands Pavilion

The Pavilion is owned and run by The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit set up by George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell. Concert tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, the venue’s official ticket seller. About The Pavilion · Concert tickets

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