FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2025
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra presents Pops in the Park: The Ultimate End-of-Summer Bash
Two FREE Outdoor Concerts | Danceable Tunes | Family-Friendly Fun
Labor Day Weekend at Downs Park and Quiet Waters Park
Annapolis, MD – This Labor Day weekend, bring your friends, family, favorite date to Anne Arundel County’s best-loved end-of-summer tradition: Pops in the Park with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra! The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra presents two free concerts: Saturday, August 30 at 11:30AM at Downs Park in Pasadena, Maryland, and Sunday, August 31 at 5:30 PM at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Maryland. Parking is free at both concerts.
Pops in the Park
As the oldest and largest performing arts organizations in Anne Arundel County, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra looks forward to Pops in the Park year after year. Two free outdoor concerts full of energy, movie music, patriotic favorites, and unexpected surprises are the perfect way to end summer right.
“This joyful, free outdoor concert is one of my favorite ways to connect with our community,” said José-Luis Novo, 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.”
IMPORTANT KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Both Concerts are Totally FREE, including parking.
- Bring a blanket, bring your crew — relax, dance, clap your hands and tap your feet while you picnic in the park. Food trucks will be on site.
- Open to all ages — children, adults, and seniors will find many things to love at these concerts! Gather a group of your family, friends and neighbors, and make the event an unforgettable end-of-summer tradition you can cherish.
- Laid-back vibes — The weather is warm and the music is hot, so dress for a backyard party or come in your shorts. The ASO isn’t fussy, and neither are these events.
- Bring strollers, lawn chairs, picnic blankets, picnics and snacks! (No alcohol permitted.)
Be a Part of It
These performances are more than just fun — they’re part of the Annapolis Symphony’s commitment to our community. The ASO presents Pops in the Park annually to bring people together and make world-class music easy to access. The concert draws thousands of audience members of all backgrounds and ages each year. In addition to the lighthearted music selections performed by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, guests can experience the incomparable scenery of Quiet Waters Park and Downs Park.
🌳 The Quiet Waters Park performance will be held on the Concert Stage in the southeast corner of the park.
🌳 The Downs Park performance will be held on the pavilion on the waterfront side of the park. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. Concessions from food trucks will be available. Alcohol is prohibited. Pets must be leashed.
Two chances to catch Pops in the Park:
- Saturday, August 30 at 11:30 AM — Downs Park, Pasadena. Please arrive after 10:30 AM for free entry into the park. If you arrive before 10:30 AM, you will be charged $6 per car ($5 per handicapped).
- Sunday, August 31 at 5:30 PM — Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis. Plan to arrive early as close-in parking fills up fast. Do not park on the grass!
- Rain Date: Monday, September 1 at 5:30 PM — Quiet Water Park, Annapolis
Free Music, Real Impact
Visitors to Pops in the Park should expect to experience classical music, pieces from Broadway and Hollywood, and high-energy symphonic hits that will get the body moving and feet tapping. The concert opens with a performance by Annapolis Symphony Academy Rion Youth Orchestra and Aries Youth Chamber Orchestra performing under the baton of Heather Haughn. Ms. Haughn always presents fun and innovative programming that especially appeals to young people in the crowd, like an audience-wide choreographed dance with The Talent Machine to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. What will Mrs. Haughn present this year? You’ll have to come to find out! Maestro Novo continues the excitement, including fun surprises like showcasing his talent on the harmonica alongside the orchestra. The hometown spirit and wholesome vibe of the entire orchestra makes this a unique event. The powerful sound of 70+ professional musicians reverberating across the parks and over the Chesapeake is something not to be missed!
“This concert is joyful,” Novo said. “It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s free. For many in the audience, Pops in the Park is the first time hearing a live orchestra. That moment of discovery is powerful. Whether you’re bringing your parents, your kids, or a date to these concerts, you will find something to enjoy and inspire you.”
About the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a nonprofit performing arts organization with 70+ professional, union-represented musicians led by Artistic Director José-Luis Novo. Now in its 64th season, the ASO is known for delivering extraordinary musical experiences with artistic excellence, innovative programming, and deep community engagement. The Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) is the largest educational initiative of the ASO. ASA provides students with unique opportunities to study and perform alongside ASO’s professional musicians. The Orion Youth Orchestra, ASA’s highest-level ensemble, is directed by Maestro José-Luis Novo, the ASO’s artistic director and conductor.
ASA offers free concert tickets to students for performances by their ASO mentors and provides pre-college advising and audition preparation for students pursuing music degrees. Regular workshops cover topics such as practice techniques, instrument care, goal-setting, and musician wellness. In celebration of its eighth year, ASA is offering free ensemble participation for all students with need-based scholarships available for lessons in the Virtuoso Pathway program.
To learn more or support our mission, visit: AnnapolisSymphony.org
Media Contact:
Diana Love, Director of Marketing and Communications
📧 DLove@annapolissymphony.org | ☎️ 410-267-3631