Get ready for a sensational summer experience with the Columbus Symphony’s 2024 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops, the annual outdoor concert series led by CSO Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz, taking place from June 15–July 27 at the Columbus Commons. Gates open at 6 pm, allowing you to settle in and savor the atmosphere before the performances commence at 8 pm.
Tickets are on sale now. You can secure yours either in person at the CBUSArts Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), online at PicnicWithThePops.com or CBUSArts.com, or by phone at 614-469-0939. General admission lawn tickets are priced at $36.75-$52.50 in advance or at the gate. Children aged 3-12 can join the fun for $10.50-$15.75, while those 2 and under are welcomed at no cost.
For those seeking an elevated experience, full tables and single table seats are available, ranging from $63 to $1,157. For further details call 614-469-0939.
Generation Radio
Saturday, June 15 | Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Generation Radio starring Jason Scheff, lead singer of the band Chicago and Columbus native Jay Demarcus, lead singer and keyboard player for Rascal Flats join to play their hit songs along with classic hits from Journey, Tom Petty and more!
Violent Femmes
Saturday, June 22 | Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Platinum-selling, folk rock band Violent Femmes joins the Columbus Symphony to celebrate their groundbreaking sound and cult classic hits like “Add it Up,” “Blister in the Sun,” “Kiss Off,” “Gone Daddy Gone,” “American Music,” and “Gimme the Car.”
Patriotic Pops – A Gershwin Celebration
Saturday, June 29 | Stuart Chafetz, conductor
The Columbus Symphony will celebrate the holiday with a tribute to George Gershwin’s hits including a special performance of “Rhapsody in Blue,” which marks its 100th anniversary in 2024. Enjoy your favorite patriotic melodies, an appearance by a U.S. Color Guard, a military branch recognition, and a flyover by members of the Cincinnati Warbirds all topped off with FIREWORKS!
Windborne: The Music of Led Zeppelin
Saturday, July 6 | conductor TBA
This show features a massive array of songs from the Led Zeppelin catalog, including “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Good Times, Bad Times,” “All of My Love,” and of course, “Stairway to Heaven.” It’s a rock show for rockers! Get ready to be amazed!
Nas
Saturday, July 13 | Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Nas stands tall as one of New York City’s leading rap/hip-hop voices with a self-empowered swagger that has endeared him to critics and fans alike! This summer he teams up with the Columbus Symphony to stage a symphonic rendition of Illmatic, one of the most revered albums in hip-hop history.
Cody Fry
Saturday, July 20 | Gary Fry, conductor
Grammy Award nominee and American Idol finalist Cody Fry brings his singer-songwriter talents and genre-bending music to Columbus for one night only! Fry’s popular musical fusions and orchestrations have made him a viral sensation eclipsing 200 million global streams on TikTok and attracting a devout audience and fan base.
The Ohio State University Marching Band
Friday & Saturday, July 26 & 27 | Stuart Chafetz & Dr. Christopher Hoch, conductors
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops wouldn’t be the same without the long tradition of welcoming The Best Damn Band in the Land! Our series ends with an ode to the Buckeyes and the upcoming season, featuring your favorite fight songs and battle cries topped off with fireworks.