Patriotic Pops with the Kalamazoo Symphony in Bronson Park | Free Concert

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra invites the community to celebrate Independence Day with two free Patriotic Pops concerts on July 1 (Portage) and 2 (Kalamazoo), featuring patriotic tunes, family-friendly festivities, and opportunities to come together around music. Both concerts will allow the audience to vote on a piece the orchestra will perform!

On Thursday, July 2 at 8:30 p.m. in Bronson Park as the Kalamazoo Symphony joins the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo's Summertime Live Series for a special concert commemorating America’s 250th birthday. The evening concludes with a spectacular drone show finale. Audiences are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Both concerts are free and open to the public.

"Music has a unique ability to bring people together, and that's exactly what Patriotic Pops is all about," said Amy Williams, President & CEO of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. "Whether you're joining us in Portage or downtown Kalamazoo, these concerts offer an opportunity to gather with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate community and create lasting memories together. We’re grateful to the City of Portage and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo for helping us make these performances possible.”

The concert will include music by John Philip Sousa, John Williams, Duke Ellington, Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, and Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Patriotic Pops in Kalamazoo

Bronson Park

Thursday, July 2 | 8:30 p.m.

200 S Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Parking: On-street parking is available around Bronson Park, with additional parking nearby at the South Street Parking Garage.

Weather: There is no rain site for the Kalamazoo performance. If inclement weather is expected, a cancellation decision will be made on the day of the concert. The Symphony website is the best source of up-to-date information.

Food and Activities: Scheduled food trucks include Best Coast Provisions, Cousins Maine Lobster, Hall-n-Weenies, Kona Ice, Kurbside Food Truck, Tacos y Gorditas Santos, The Lab, and The Mobile Crave. Pop City Popcorn and face painting are also scheduled. Crawlspace Theatre will have mocktails and cocktails available. Food trucks will open at 7 p.m. Face painting, the water station, and Crawlspace Theatre will open at 7:30 p.m.

Restrooms: The Civic Theatre and Crawlspace Theatre will have restrooms available for use.

For more information, visit KalamazooSymphony.com or call 269.349.7759.

About The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

For over 100 years, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra has been a part of the fabric of the community, creating transformative experiences through symphonic music, fostering music education, and connecting with the Kalamazoo community through music. Led by Music Director Julian Kuerti and President & CEO Amy Williams, the Kalamazoo Symphony performs for audiences across Kalamazoo.

A national leader in music education, the Symphony offers over 10 programs, including the groundbreaking after-school programs Kalamazoo Kids in Tune and Orchestra Rouh.