POPS IN THE PARK AT QUIET WATERS PARK
Celebrating America250
September 5, 2026 at at 11:30 AM at Downs Park
September 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM at Quiet Waters Park
September 7, 2026 at 5:00 at Quiet Waters Park (rain date)
Grab a pal and a picnic and head to Quiet Waters Park for Pops in the Park, a FREE concert perfect for the entire family.
DETAILS
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will launch its milestone 65th season with Pops in the Park, two free outdoor concerts celebrating America250 and the power of live music.
The program will feature a special appearance by Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion, whose work explores history, identity, and the shared stories that connect communities. Lady Brion will perform Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland, a work for narrator and orchestra that incorporates parts of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and includes excerpts from other iconic speeches by Lincoln. She will also perform two of her own poems. Lady Brion will perform at both events. Other pieces in the program will include music the entire family will recognize and enjoy, including pieces from Broadway and Hollywood and high-energy symphonic hits.
The concert at Quiet Waters Park will open with a performance by Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra under the baton of ASA Director of Artistic Operations Heather Haughn. The ASA will host a community dance-off with The Talent Machine, highlighting the joyful and accessible fun to be had for all participants, young and old.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends. 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.
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.
Parking: FREE! Plan to arrive a little early as parking near the concert shell fills up fast. DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS
Pets: Pets are allowed, but must be leashed. You know your best friend: most dogs love music, but if they don’t like crowds or warm weather, this may not be the best event for them. There is a dog park and there are quiet walking trails near the concert areas.
Picnic: This concert is a great opportunity to show off your picnic plan! Food trucks will be on hand. Cellular service is not strong in the park, so you may want to bring cash. Remember to be responsible, use the available trash bins, or carry out what you carry in. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in Anne Arundel County parks.
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.