POPS IN THE PARK AT DOWNS PARK
September 5, 2026 | 11:30 AM
Grab a pal and a picnic and head to Downs Park in Pasadena, Maryland for Pops in the Park, a FREE concert perfect for everyone.
The program, inspired by the spirit of America250, celebrates the diverse musical traditions and voices that have shaped our nation artistically. Featuring works by American composers, this free outdoor concert offers something for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong concertgoer or discovering the orchestra for the first time, you will enjoy this unforgettable concert.
Don’t miss a special appearance by Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion, whose work explores history, identity, and the stories that connect communities. Lady Brion will perform Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland, a work for narrator and orchestra featuring President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address alongside excerpts from other historic speeches. She will also perform selections of her own original poetry.
DETAILS
Cost: FREE!
Raffle Registration: A ticket is not required to attend this event. However, when you register in advance, you can win great prizes like tickets to our 2026-27 season concerts. Please click here to register for the raffle. The button to sign up says “buy”. Please note, no purchase is necessary.
- Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends.
- Please plan to arrive and park early in order to avoid traffic.
- Access to the parks is free, as is parking.
- Food trucks will be available.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Anne Arundel County Parks.
- Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed at these events.
Music Program:
John Stafford Smith Star Spangled Banner
Adolphus Hailstork Fanfare on “Amazing Grace”
Charles Ives Variations on “America”
Louis W. Ballard Blood and War, from Incident at Wounded Knee
Aaron Copland Lincoln Portrait, Lady Brion, narrator
Gabriela Lena Frank The Mestizo Waltz, from Three Latin American Dances
George Gershwin Overture to Crazy for You
John Philip Sousa Hands Across the Sea
Leonard Bernstein Overture to West Side Story
John Williams Harry’s Wondrous World from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Samuel A. Ward America, the Beautiful
THANK YOU
The Labor Day weekend Pops in the Park concerts are intended for music lovers of all ages and are made possible by the Anne Arundel County Arts Council and Anne Arundel County Department Of Recreation and Parks.