11 free Charlotte Symphony community concerts

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Charlotte Symphony’s Summer Pops concerts, at Symphony Park at SouthPark, are a highlight of the summer for many people. Some Summer Pops concerts also take place at other locations.

Ticket prices vary. Find ticket prices and details here.

Here’s the Summer Pops schedule for 2022:

June 12th, 8:15 p.m.: Swing Into Summer (Symphony Park)
June 19th, 8:15 p.m.: Hooray for Hollywood (Symphony Park)
June 22nd, 8:15 p.m. Celebrate America! (followed by fireworks) (Truist Field)
June 25th, 7:30 p.m.: Jurassic Park in Concert (Ovens Auditorium)
June 26th, 8:15 p.m.: Opera Masterpieces (Symphony Park)
July 2nd, 7:30 p.m.: The Music of the Rolling Stones (Belk Theater)

But did you know that Charlotte Symphony also brings its musicians to the community in free programs? Some of these concerts are full orchestra concerts, sometimes with food trucks and pre-concert performances and activities. Others feature a smaller ensemble made up of members of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

FREE Charlotte Symphony Community Concerts

Neighborhood Spring Concert – String Quartet
Saturday, May 7th, 2022
5 p.m.
Amity Presbyterian Church
2831 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte
Free, but follow above link to reserve your spots

Neighborhood Spring Concert – String Quartet
Sunday, May 8th, 2022
5 p.m.
Five Points Plaza
1803 West Trade Street, Charlotte
Free

Neighborhood Spring Concert – Low Strings Trio + Flute
Sunday, May 22nd, 2022
6 p.m.
Five Points Plaza
1803 West Trade Street, Charlotte
Free

Neighborhood Spring Concert – Jazz Combo
Sunday, June 5th, 2022
6 p.m.
Five Points Plaza
1803 West Trade Street, Charlotte
Free

Community Concert at Little Rock AME Zion Church
Wednesday, June 8th, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Little Rock AME Zion Church
401 N McDowell Street, Charlotte
Free
Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees leads an inspiring program of classical and pops favorites in this debut performance.

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at Stumptown Park
Friday, June 10th, 2022
8:30 p.m.
Stumptown Park
120 S. Trade Street, Matthews
Prelude act at 7 p.m. CSO at 8:15 p.m. Food trucks will be on site.

Neighborhood Spring Concert – Jazz Combo
Saturday, June 11th, 2022
12 p.m.
Amity Presbyterian Church
2831 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte
Free

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at McGuire Nuclear Station
Friday, June 17th, 2022
8:30 p.m.
McGuire Nuclear Station
13225 McGuire Nuclear Station Rd, Huntersville, NC
More info
Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees leads a program of big-band era jazzy favorites from Geroge Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and more, at this annual community performance at Lake Norman. Please feel free to pack a picnic and bring a blanket. Boaters may anchor in the EnergyExplorium’s cove at the southern tip of Lake Norman. The EnergyExplorium is located off Highway 73 in Huntersville. Follow the directional signs. Come early for a good spot. No pets, please.

Neighborhood Spring Concert – Low Strings Trio + Flute
Saturday, June 25th, 2022
12 p.m.
Amity Presbyterian Church
2831 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte
Free

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at Pineville Lake Park
Thursday, June 30th, 2022
7 p.m.
Pineville Lake Park
909 Lakeview Drive, Pineville
Conductor Christopher James Lees leads a program of classical and pops favorites as part of Pineville’s annual Rockin’ & Reelin’ movie and music series.

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at Village Park in Kannapolis
Friday, July 1st, 2022
7 p.m.
Village Park
700 West C Street, Kannapolis, NC
Enjoy an evening of patriotic favorites led by Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees, followed by an exciting fireworks display.