Free Labor Day Weekend Fun: Pops in the Park by The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

Calling music lovers of all ages! Looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy music, tire out the kids, and celebrate Labor Day?

Well, tune up your ears because Pops in the Park is back! Here’s everything you need to know to make the holiday weekend event a hit. 

The 5 Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why

Pops in the Park is a concert series by The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) taking place at two parks in Anne Arundel County. 

Saturday, August 30 at 11:30 am – Downs Park, Pasadena, Maryland

Sunday, August 31 at 5:30 pm – Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, Maryland

Rain Date: Monday, September 1 at 5:30 pm– Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, Maryland

The Downs Park performance will be held at the pavilion, on the waterfront side of the park. The Quiet Waters Park performance will be held on the Concert Stage in the southeast corner of the park.

“This joyful, free outdoor concert is one of my favorite ways to connect with our community,” said José-Luis Novo, the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. “For many, especially the younger ones, Pops in the Park is their first experience hearing a live orchestra—and that moment of discovery is truly powerful. This year’s program offers something for everyone: uplifting and celebratory music, blockbuster soundtracks, and a few surprises, all set in the beautiful surroundings of Downs Park and Quiet Waters Park. It’s a festive prelude to our upcoming season, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—a true celebration of the diversity and spirit of our society.”

The orchestra will perform selections from Season 64, light classics, and songs sure to get the whole family moving and grooving. The ASO presents Pops in the Park annually to bring people together and make world-class music easy to access. Its mission is “to inspire, educate, and enrich lives near and far by creating extraordinary musical experiences with uncompromising artistic excellence.”

Price and Parking

If you’re looking for an affordable outing for the family, it doesn’t get any cheaper than free! You can bring the whole family for a good time at no cost. Parking is free as well. Please arrive after 10:30 AM for free entry into Downs Park. If you arrive before 10:30 AM, you will be charged $6 per car ($5 for handicapped vehicles). If you are attending the Quiet Waters Park show, please do not park on the grass.

While tickets are not required to attend this event, registering in advance gives you a chance to win great prizes, including tickets to our 2025-26 season concerts. Please click here to register.

Pops in the Park performances are made possible by the Anne Arundel County Arts Council and Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks.

What to (and not to) Bring

Bring all the things you need to make your family comfortable for the show! 

Items you may want to bring include:

Blankets

Chairs

Hats

Sunscreen

Picnic supplies 

Snacks

Strollers

Pets on a leash

Portable Chargers

Mini fan

Mosquito repellent

Alcohol is prohibited.

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You won’t want to miss the awesome sound of over 70 professional musicians harmonizing through the parks and echoing over the Chesapeake! For details on Pops at the Park and other ASO events, visit annapolissymphony.org/events.