Arts and Entertainment in Midland and Odessa

Midland and Odessa offer a genuinely varied arts and entertainment scene, from world-class performing arts to local galleries, outdoor festivals, and live music that spans jazz to rock to classical. For residents at Manor Park and anyone exploring what West Texas has to offer, here is a look at what the area brings to the table.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

The Wagner Noël in Midland is the anchor of the region’s performing arts scene. The 1,800-seat concert hall has hosted Broadway productions, Cirque du Soleil, and a long list of internationally recognized performers across comedy, music, and theater. The center is also home to the West Texas Symphony and the University of Texas Permian Basin’s music department, which means the calendar stays active year-round with everything from symphony performances and recital series to major touring acts.

Museum of the Southwest

One of Midland’s most distinctive cultural destinations, the Museum of the Southwest earns that description through sheer range. The campus brings together the Turner Memorial Art Museum, a sculpture garden, the Durham Children’s Museum, and the Blakemore Planetarium under one institutional umbrella. Rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh, and programming extends well beyond gallery hours with events like Summer Sunday Lawn Concerts, Septemberfest Art Fair, Sci-Fridays, and Star Parties. Admission is free every Sunday, thanks to Coterra Energy. The museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.

Ellen Noel Art Museum

In Odessa, the Ellen Noel Art Museum serves as a dedicated space for visual arts in the region. The museum presents rotating exhibitions drawing from both regional and national artists, with programming designed to engage visitors across a range of interests and backgrounds.

Midland Arts Association

The Midland Arts Association has been a cornerstone of regional arts culture since 1978. The organization’s annual Spring Juried Exhibition, hosted in partnership with the Museum of the Southwest, celebrates contemporary artwork from artists across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The association also supports ongoing exhibition opportunities at community spaces around Midland throughout the year.

Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum goes far beyond industry history to offer exhibits that are genuinely experiential, including the Permian Reef walkthrough and the world’s largest collection of antique oil drilling equipment. The Chaparral Racecar Gallery adds an unexpected dimension for automotive enthusiasts. For anyone who wants to understand what built this region, it is an essential stop.

Odessa Arts

Odessa Arts coordinates events and programming that keeps the creative scene moving across the region, from live music and gallery shows to community celebrations. Both cities maintain active calendars throughout the year, with annual highlights including the West Texas Jazz Party, the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, and seasonal festivals that bring the broader community together.

A Full Cultural Calendar, Right Outside the Door

For residents at Manor Park, all of this is within easy reach. As a Life Plan Community in Midland, Manor Park sits close to the best the Twin Cities have to offer — so whether the plan is a symphony evening at Wagner Noël or a Sunday afternoon at the Museum of the Southwest, getting there is never a long trip.

To learn more about independent living at Manor Park or to schedule a visit, contact the team.