Asheville Symphony’s Free “Symphony in the Park”

The Asheville Symphony’s beloved Symphony in the Park returns to downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Sunday, August 31 at 7 p.m.

Presented by Givens Communities and part of Boomtown FestAVL, this free community concert welcomes thousands of music lovers for a joyful evening and serves as the official opening event of the Symphony’s 2025–2026 season.

Symphony in the Park marks the Asheville debut of Dr. Brian Allen as the Symphony’s new First Concertmaster. A seasoned orchestral musician and educator, Allen currently serves as Principal Second Violinist of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, and recently held a one-year contract with the St. Louis Symphony. He holds a Doctorate in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan, where he studied with David Halen. Allen earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with Jaime Laredo and William Preucil.

Led by Asheville Symphony Music Director Darko Butorac, this year the Asheville Symphony’s Symphony in the Park program offers something for everyone: blending classical, film favorites, opera, Broadway hits, and pop hits.

Two special guest artists join the Asheville Symphony for featured sets. Internationally acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Baldwin, winner of the 2024 American Traditions Vocal Competition, will perform a number of songs that showcase her “ferociously talented” voice (San Francisco Examiner). The first half will also include a lively, family-friendly collaboration with Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, known for his imaginative, genre-blending performances. Skidoo and the Symphony have a long history of collaboration, including their 2017 children’s album, “Mozartistic.”

Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL

For the second year, Symphony in the Park is part of Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL, which commemorates Asheville’s historical resilience and celebrates its vibrant cultural heritage. By bringing together artists, storytellers, musicians, and community organizations, the festival provides enriching experiences that honor the past while strengthening the present and shaping the future.

Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL is a three-day, family-friendly festival that will offer a dynamic lineup of musical performances, heritage trail tours, wellness activities, interactive workshops, and local artisans, all aimed at highlighting and preserving Asheville’s unique cultural tapestry.

Find more details at ashevillesymphony.org/event/symphony-in-the-park-2025.