Alabama Symphony Orchestra takes you on a musical picnic in the gardens this September + more shows to plan for now

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September kicks off the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) 2024-25 season, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Plan now for what’s ahead like a picnic-themed Symphony in the Gardens event, an epic Back to the 80s concert and more.

1. Barber + Saint-Saëns

The ASO is opening the 2024-25 season with a lively celebration.

The first in the trio of pieces features Shostakovich’s Festive Overture with a bright brass fanfare.

Award-winning organist Patrick Scott will also make his debut highlighting musical arrangements by Samuel Barber and Saint-Saëns.

BONUS: Each show ticket includes free admission to Conductor’s Comments with Maestro Carlos Izcaray. Taking place before the concert, you’ll learn about specific selections performed during the show.

• When: Saturday, September 27 + Sunday, September 28 | 7PM
• Where: UAB’s Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294
• Cost: $15-$76
• Tickets

2. Symphony in the Gardens

Grab the fam and head to the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Sunday, September 29 for one of our city’s most beloved events—Symphony in the Gardens. This will be the 27th year this gathering will bring even more magic to one of Birmingham’s most enchanted places. 

During the evening, you’ll dine picnic-style on food sold by Symphony30, followed by a free concert by the talented ASO.

Each picnic ticket includes a boxed meal from Urban Cookhouse, water, tea, wine and beer. Juice boxes are available for kids. Food must be ordered in advance. 

All proceeds from the event support the ASO’s education and outreach programs.

• When: Sunday, September 29 | Picnic 4PM, Concert 5PM
• Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Cost: 
  • ASO Concert: Free
  • Picnic Meal Ticket (available now-Thursday, Sept. 26):
    • Adult meal $30 | Children’s Meal $20 | Unlimited beverage (no meal) $20

3. Explorer Concert—Peter and the Wolf—(Grades K-3)

Kids in Kindergarten through third grade will love the Explorer Concert taking place this October. It’s called Peter and the Wolf and offers young children a unique learning experience. 

In this spirited concert, the ASO and Birmingham Children’s Theatre join together to combine music and acting. 

The story follows a young boy’s adventure with his grandfather and animal friends.

What’s especially fun about the show? Kids in the audience will discover how instruments play a significant role in helping tell a story.

• When: 
  • Saturday, October 5 | 10AM
  • Sunday, October 6 (Spanish-language performance) | 10AM
  • Saturday, October 12 | 10AM
• Where: Birmingham Children’s Theatre, 2130 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $12
• Tickets

4. Back to the ’80s

This October, the ASO is bringing Birmingham back to the generation of leg warmers and too much hair spray—the ‘80s! We hope you saved your Aqua Net—big hair is a must for this show. 

For one night only, you’ll hear our incredible orchestra play all your favorite hits.

Trust me, this list of artists will have you missing that rad cassette collection you once had.

Here are some songs to get excited for:

• Addicted to Love–Robert Palmer
• I Wanna Dance with Somebody–Whitney Houston
• Material Girl–Madonna
• Sweet Dreams Are Made of This–Eurythmics
• Time After Time–Cyndi Lauper

Psst, Gen Zers! You’ll know most of these classics, so grab that fabulous Gen X-er you love and get your tickets now. 

• When: Friday, October 18 | 7PM
• Where: BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: $25+
• Tickets

ASO in 2025

The ASO already has its 2025 season planned, and you’ll want to experience it. Here are a few shows to look forward to:

• Birmingham Does Broadway @ UAB’s Alys Stephens Center
  • When: February 14, 2025 | 8PM

• ARETHA: Song & Symphony | A Tribute to a Legend @ BJCC Concert Hall
  • When: Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 8PM

For more ways to enjoy the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, check out their 2024-25 events now.

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