Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Announces Summer Pops 2026 Presented by Novant Health
A Four-Week Celebration of America 250 at Symphony Park
American Classics, Best of Broadway, Hollywood Hits, and Celebrate America
June 7–28, 2026
Summer Pops Is the Final Major Event at Symphony Park Before Planned Renovations
WBTV First Alert Weather Returns as Official Weather Partner
March 19, 2026 | Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s beloved Summer Pops series, presented by Novant Health, returns to Symphony Park June 7–28, 2026, for a four-week celebration of America 250. Led by Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees, this year’s Sunday evening concerts spotlight American Classics, the Best of Broadway, Hollywood Hits, and the annual Celebrate America finale with fireworks — honoring the rich musical traditions that have shaped our nation’s cultural landscape.
Now in its 43rd year, Summer Pops brings thousands together to share food, great music, and fireworks under the stars with family and friends. This season will also mark the final major events presented at Symphony Park before planned renovations to the venue begin.
“Summer Pops is always a highlight of the season for us,” said Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees. “As we mark America 250, these programs celebrate how creativity, hope, and the spirit of imagination have shaped one, inclusive American story — from the concert hall to Broadway and the big screen.”
"The city of Charlotte comes to life in the summer months, and that's evident at the Charlotte Symphony's Summer Pops series. Novant Health is proud to support this perennial community treasure.” said Dr. Sid Fletcher, senior vice president and president of Novant Health’s Charlotte region. “Supporting experiences like Summer Pops means that we get to pursue meaningful, whole-person health outside of our clinic doors. Partnering with the Charlotte Symphony allows us to celebrate the power of live music to uplift, heal, connect, and inspire our entire community."
The Charlotte Symphony will welcome back WBTV First Alert Weather as the official weather partner for Summer Pops, helping audiences stay informed of any weather-related updates.
Summer Pops 2026 Lineup
American Classics
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Summer Pops kicks off with a tribute to America’s distinctive musical voice featuring popular works by composers from across the United States. For the second half, the CSO is joined by the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra for a side-by-side performance, showcasing the next generation of orchestral talent.
Best of Broadway
Sunday, June 14, 2026
From beloved showstoppers of the Golden Age of Broadway to the smash hits of today, this program brings the best music to hit America’s famous stages to Symphony Park.
Hollywood Hits
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Cinematic scores from iconic movies take us right into the action of our favorite moments in American film. Hear the music that underscored moments of wonder and heart-pounding adventure, including the music of legendary composers like John Williams.
Celebrate America
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with a rousing evening of American music that reflects the hopes, dreams, and traditions that shape the American experience. Family and friends will love this beloved annual tradition that brings Summer Pops to a spectacular close with a thrilling fireworks finale.
General Information
Each concert will feature a prelude performance by local musicians beginning at 7:00 p.m., a variety of food trucks from across the Charlotte area, and a local personality as emcee. The Charlotte Symphony takes the stage at 8:15 p.m. Concerts are held at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall (440 Sharon Road). Gates open at 5:00 p.m. Parking is free. Visit our FAQ page for details about what to bring, parking, accessibility, and more.
Tickets
Tickets for Summer Pops will go on sale at 11:00 a.m. on March 19 at charlottesymphony.org. Pre-purchased general admission tickets for American Classics, Best of Broadway, and Hollywood Hits are $15 for adults and $5 for youth (Ages 13–18). Celebrate America is $18 for adults and $5 for youth. Children 12 and under are free, but will need a ticket to attend. Prices increase for day-of purchases. Subscriptions to all four Summer Pops concerts are available and include premium reserved spaces on the lawn.
For press tickets, contact Deirdre Roddin at droddin@charlottesymphony.org or 704.714.5112.
About the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas. As Charlotte's most active performing arts group, the CSO presents around 175 concerts each season, reaching more than 160,000 music lovers. The CSO is committed to its mission of igniting the human spirit through the passion and unifying power of live symphonic music. Led by Grammy Award-winning Music Director Kwamé Ryan, the CSO employs 65 professional full-time orchestra musicians, fosters four youth orchestras, and offers significant educational support aimed at serving the under-resourced areas of our community. Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony plays a leading cultural role in the Charlotte area and serves the community as a civic leader, reflecting and uniting our region through the transformative power of live music.
All Programs and Artists are Subject to Change
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Summer Pops at Symphony Park is presented by Novant Health
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WBTV is the official weather partner of Summer Pops 2026
Hi-res photography is available in the Charlotte Symphony’s photo gallery or by contacting Deirdre Roddin at droddin@charlottesymphony.org.
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