This summer, bring the whole family to one of the finest outdoor music venues in the country, Blossom Music Center, for the 2025 Cleveland Orchestra's Blossom Music Festival.
Widely considered one of the best orchestras in the world, the Cleveland Orchestra plays sell-out concerts throughout Europe, Asia and the United States, not to mention at home at Severance Music Center. But every summer, they return to Blossom.
There is no better way to spend a balmy summer evening than with your picnic basket full of your favorite foods and beverages, spread out on a blanket under the stars and listening to world-class music.
For the Adventurer
Dust off your medieval cloak and awaken your inner adventurer on July 12 as The Cleveland Orchestra performs “Carmina Burana” and Sibelius’s “En Saga.” Orff’s dramatic masterpiece brings medieval poems of fate, love and nature to life with thunderous power, while En Saga weaves Nordic folklore into a mysterious musical journey.
This summer also features three highly anticipated debuts. On July 19, violinist Veronika Eberle performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, a powerful work known for its heroic spirit and emotional depth. On August 2, pianist Alessio Bax takes on Liszt’s fiery Piano Concerto No. 1, paired with Brahms’s dramatic First Symphony, a monumental work that builds from stormy tension to a triumphant resolution. On August 9, Mahler’s Titan Symphony comes to life, with its evocative themes of birdsong, folk dances and a haunting funeral march, culminating in an exhilarating finale. August 9 also includes Ravel’s "Shéhérazade," featuring German soprano Christiane Karg in her Cleveland Orchestra debut.
Nature and adventure meet on August 16 with Elgar’s Enigma Variations and a new work by Gabriella Smith, honoring 50 years of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Then on August 23, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason returns for Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony, a vibrant musical postcard from the Highlands.
For the Romantic
Blossom provides the perfect spot for a romantic date night — or six. Start your summer of love on July 16 with Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, a serene escape filled with flowing brooks, country dances and summer rainstorms. On July 27, let Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning star Cynthia Erivo sweep you off your feet with iconic songs from legendary vocalists and heartfelt originals. Then, on August 7, get lost in the dreamy jazz fusion of rising star Laufey, whose ethereal voice and emotional storytelling feel tailor-made for date night.
Imagine a warm evening, drink in hand and “Just the Way You Are” floating through the air. Yeah, we’d say that’s romantic, so on August 10, listen as Tony DeSare pays tribute to the timeless hits of Billy Joel. Prefer a little country charm? On September 7, enjoy a multimedia experience that includes Dolly Parton on screen, sharing the stories behind her beloved songs at “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony.”
And don’t miss “A Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration” on August 17, an evening of sweeping melodies, timeless love stories and pure musical magic.
For the Family
Show your love for The Land and for this country during the “Salute to America” concert on July 3-4. The Blossom Festival Band plays a mix of patriotic marches and Broadway favorites. Is someone in your family a member of the military? There is always a special recognition for our men and women in uniform with the Armed Forces Salute. And the kids will love the glorious fireworks that end the evening with a bang.
The Cleveland Orchestra isn’t just about Beethoven and Mozart — they’re also masters of cinematic sound. Step into the wizarding world with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in concert on July 5-6, where the magic of the film is elevated by the full orchestra, bringing the score to life. And don’t miss "The Lion King" live in concert on August 29-31, a beloved classic reimagined with breathtaking visuals and a powerful live score that captivates audiences of all ages.
Pack Your Picnic Basket
Blossom Music Center offers more than just great music. The spacious Lawn is perfect for picnics, whether you’re enjoying casual snacks or gourmet charcuterie. No meal? No problem. Grab food, desserts, or drinks from various stands, or dine at Blossom Grille, which also offers pre-ordered picnic baskets.
The state-of-the-art sound system ensures fantastic acoustics wherever you sit, or opt for comfortable seating in the covered Pavilion for a closer view. Blossom is also budget-friendly — buy one regular-priced ticket and get two free youth tickets.
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.