HAYS SYMPHONY
The Hays Symphony will continue its 2026–27 season with the annual "Children's Halloween Concert: Pictures at an Exhibition," a free, family-oriented performance scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center inside Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park St.
Prior to the concert, families are invited to attend festive Halloween pre-concert activities beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the lobby.
The afternoon program features Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s masterwork, "Pictures at an Exhibition," guiding audiences on an imaginative musical tour filled with haunt, whimsy, and mischief.
Attendees of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and participate in hands-on arts and crafts, musical storytime, an instrumental petting zoo, and a Halloween costume parade.
Following the performance, complimentary trick-or-treat bags will be distributed to the first 250 children in attendance.
"The Children’s Halloween Concert is one of our favorite traditions because it brings families together to experience the magic of live orchestral music in a fun, interactive environment," said Joan Crull, president of the Hays Symphony Guild.
"From the instrument petting zoo and lobby activities to the concert itself, the afternoon is designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of music lovers. We are deeply thankful to our sponsors and community partners whose ongoing generosity keeps our performances and family programming free and accessible for all."
This concert and the post-concert trick-or-treat bags are sponsored by a donation from Werth Wealth Management. The Hays Symphony’s entire 2026–27 concert season is supported by an anonymous Ellis County family.
"Mussorgsky’s 'Pictures at an Exhibition' is a timeless masterwork that brings vivid characters and imaginative scenes to life, making it an ideal centerpiece for our annual family Halloween concert," said Benjamin Cline, music director of the Hays Symphony. "Whether children are hearing an orchestra for the first time or exploring instruments in the lobby before the show, this event offers an engaging afternoon for audiences of all ages. Community support is an invaluable gift to the cultural life of Hays, and we look forward to sharing this musical adventure with our region."
The 113th season is built around milestone commemorations, including America’s 250th anniversary, Fort Hays State University’s 125th anniversary, and the 50th anniversary of "Star Wars."
Upcoming performances in the remainder of the 2026–27 season lineup include:
· Dec. 4, 2026 – Poinsettia Pops: The annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center hosted by emcee Ken Windholz, featuring seasonal favorites, festive arrangements, and an audience sing-along.
· Feb. 20, 2027 – The Hero's Journey: A classical exploration of heroism at 7:30 p.m. at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, featuring works by Ludwig van Beethoven and Florence Price, and highlighted by John Williams’ "Star Wars Suite" with special guest Brad Will in honor of the franchise's 50th anniversary.
· May 1, 2027 – Inspiration Strikes: The season finale at 7:30 p.m. at Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center celebrating FHSU’s 125th anniversary, featuring Carl Nielsen’s "Helios Overture" and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s "Piano Concerto No. 2" with guest pianist Irena Ravitskaya.
Admission to the "Children's Halloween Concert: Pictures at an Exhibition" is free. Attendees are not required to present tickets at the door, but free ticket reservations are encouraged online at hayssymphony.org to assist organizers in planning for the pre-concert lobby activities and post-concert trick-or-treat bags. For more information regarding concert details and season programming, visit hayssymphony.org or email hayssymphony@gmail.com.