Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra celebrates the 20th annual Concerts in the Garden Summer Music Festival with music and fireworks in the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens through July 4.

The summer tradition of an outdoor concert carries on with a line-up of performances by the Fort Worth Symphony and featured artists like the M-80s and Riders In The Sky. The symphony has put together a variety of themed tributes and shows including: a performance of music by Queen on June 11, music of The Eagles on June 12, a Beatles tribute on June 18, an Elvis tribute on June 19, a swing and big bands tribute on June 20, and a night of music from Woodstock on June 26. All the shows conclude with a special fireworks display.

The series’ signature and most popular shows also return this year:

- The Old-Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic shows run July 2-4, featuring the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra with conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Possibly the best Independence Day fireworks display in the Metroplex set to performances of patriotic songs, it is one hot ticket. So, organizers advise patrons to order a reserved table or general admission lawn tickets as soon as possible at fwsymphony.org or by calling (817) 665-6000.

- As a prelude to the Independence Day shows, on June 27, Andrés Franco will conduct a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture choreographed with a truly explosive fireworks display.

- Another series favorite also returns this year—Star Wars and Beyond: A Laser Light Spectacular on June 25. A big hit with kids and young families, this concert features popular music from Harry Potter and Star Wars choreographed to a laser light show and fireworks.

Every outdoor performance is in a casual setting with some sections designated for blankets and lawn chairs or tables. Patrons are encouraged to bring a picnic and relax on their blanket or lawns chairs under the stars or reserve a patio-style table and chairs. At the show, lawn chairs are also available to rent.

The Botanic Garden’s gates open at 6:30 p.m. for all shows and performances begin at 8 p.m.

Lawn seat tickets are $16 in advance and $20 at the gate day of show. Kids 10 and younger get in to the lawn free if accompanied by an adult.

Patrons can buy tickets for seats at large patio-style tables. Adult seat tickets range from $23 to $43 in advance ($26-$46 at the gate) for all concerts. Children’s table tickets range from $11-$43 in advance and $11-$46 at the gate.

According to event organizers, many patrons “set” their tables with tablecloths, plates, glasses and flowers they bring along.

As for refreshments, conveniently located concession stands sell snacks and drinks at the shows, including beer and wine. But patrons can also pack their own picnics, including wine and beer.

This series sees about 45,000 patrons a year visiting from more than 25 states around the region. So, getting tickets in advance is a good idea.

Tickets can be purchased at fwsymphony.org, by phone at (817) 665-6000, or in person at 330 E. Fourth Street, Suite 200, in downtown Fort Worth. Ticket office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

HelloMetro Tip: The cheapest parking option is $10 cash per car at Farrington Athletic Field, at the intersection of University Drive and Lancaster Avenue. There is a free shuttle from the remote parking lot to the Botanic Garden starting at 5:30 p.m. the night of a show and running continuously throughout the concert. This parking option does not require advance purchase of a parking pass.

- by Jenn Emerson, Fort Worth Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jenn Emerson

A veteran of the advertising world, chances are you bought, drank or drove something because of Jenn’s ad copy. Not one to stagnate in one discipline, Jenn also keeps up her writing Jones for short stories, scripts and features. She really digs working for HelloMetro while exploring new places and meeting new people along the way.