Cleveland is The Land for world-famous musical performances. And for beautiful green spaces. And for great picnicking with family and friends. This summer, Blossom Music Festival is the magical venue that combines all three for a night you won’t soon forget.
We’re lucky to be home to
The Cleveland Orchestra. Widely considered one of the best orchestras in the world, they play sell-out concerts throughout Europe, Asia and the United States, not to mention at home at
Severance Music Center. But every summer, the orchestra returns to
Blossom Music Center, one of The Land’s beloved outdoor music venues.
There is no better way to spend a balmy summer evening than with a picnic basket full of your favorite food and beverages, spread out on a blanket under the stars, while listening to world-class music.
Cleveland’s Finest Celebrate Summer
The Cleveland Orchestra’s 2023 Summer lineup will inspire you and rouse your spirit. This season opens on July 1 with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, one of the most uplifting works in classical music, ending with its famous “Ode to Joy.” True to its name, this piece has become synonymous with celebration and joy. Show your love for The Land and for our country during the “Salute to America” concerts July 2–4. The Blossom Festival Band plays a mix of patriotic marches, Broadway favorites and a special Armed Forces salute. The kids will especially love the glorious fireworks that end the evening with a bang.
If that wasn’t enough, the kids will love watching their favorite dinosaurs on the big screen in the always thrilling “Jurassic Park” as the orchestra plays the score July 7–9. Or brush up on your Elvish as the orchestra plays along to “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” July 28–30.
That’s not the only magical evening being offered. The Magic Kingdom comes to Blossom for a concert of Disney’s best-loved songs and most memorable movie moments from the House of Mouse’s first 100 years Sept. 1–3.
Make no mistake, the festival also offers world-class symphonies, concertos and guest artists –– something for which the Cleveland Orchestra has received great fame. Listen to Zlatomir Fung’s rich cello as he performs Shostakovich’s "First Cello Concerto" alongside Debussy’s “La mer” on July 22. If you want to be dazzled by virtuosity, come to hear Nikolai Lugansky play one of the most demanding piano concertos ever written, Rachmaninoff’s "Piano Concerto No. 3," on July 15. Or be delighted when Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Michael Feinstein join forces to play Gershwin songs on dueling pianos on July 23.
Pack Your Picnic Basket
Blossom Music Center’s amenities never fail to impress. The expansive, well-manicured lawn is the ideal location for your blanket or some low-legged chairs to sit on. You’ll see picnickers dine on everything from hot dogs and potato salad to wine (yes, wine), cheese, and charcuterie. But if you’d rather not pack a meal, don’t worry. There are food and dessert stands throughout the grounds or grab-and-go selections at Kulas Plaza. Blossom Grille offers a full-service restaurant and bar, as well as pre-ordered picnic baskets, which you can pick up upon arrival.
The venue is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, so you’ll have great acoustics no matter where you sit. And if being closer to the orchestra and the stage is more to your liking, there is comfortable seating inside the covered Pavilion. The Cleveland Orchestra also makes family night at Blossom very affordable. With the purchase of every regular-priced ticket, you can receive two free youth tickets. So, enjoy a concert with the whole family without breaking the bank.
With weeks of programming offering something for every musical taste and audience, there’s no reason to sit out the Blossom Music Festival this summer. So, grab your picnic basket, find your fluffiest blanket and get ready for your own orchestral summer outing.
CLICK HERE to check out the full 2023 Blossom Music Festival lineup.