KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Summer at Longwood Gardens is set to come alive with music, dance, and dazzling displays as the renowned destination rolls out an expansive performance series blending world-class entertainment with its iconic fountain shows.
Running alongside the Festival of Fountains season from May 8 through September 27, the Summer Performance Series invites guests to experience everything from Grammy-winning artists to contemporary dance in one of the region’s most scenic settings. Evenings at Longwood promise more than just performances, with illuminated fountains, fireworks shows, and live music transforming the gardens into a vibrant cultural hub.
“From amazing music to luminous fountains and fireworks to awe-inspiring displays, summer at Longwood Gardens unfolds as a celebration of creativity in one of the most breathtaking settings anywhere,” said Marnie Conley, Chief Experience and Brand Officer.
The series features an eclectic lineup spanning genres and generations. Highlights include Philadelphia native Musiq Soulchild, neo-soul pioneer and 13-time Grammy nominee, and BalletX, the city’s premier contemporary ballet company performing a bold program of new works. Dance fans can also experience the internationally acclaimed PHILADANCO!, while jazz enthusiasts can enjoy legendary trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and four-time Grammy winner Stanley Clarke.
Music lovers will find something for every taste, from the nostalgic sounds of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds LIVE! to the genre-blending artistry of Arooj Aftab and Silvana Estrada. Rock icon Melissa Etheridge, Americana legend Peter Rowan, and Philadelphia’s own DJ Jazzy Jeff will also take the stage, offering unforgettable performances throughout the season.
Beyond the concerts, Longwood’s popular Fireworks & Fountains Shows return for six nights of synchronized music, water, and light, including themed experiences like “Journey to Oz” and “Electric 80s.” Each show pairs choreographed fireworks with the Garden’s 1,719-jet Main Fountain Garden for a truly immersive spectacle.
Guests can enhance their evening with pre-performance dining at 1906, where seasonal menus crafted by Executive Chef George Murkowicz highlight ingredients grown on-site, creating a farm-to-table experience rooted in the Gardens themselves.
Tickets for the Summer Performance Series go on sale April 24, with early access available for members. Performance tickets include all-day admission, allowing visitors to explore the Gardens before settling in for an evening of entertainment.
Event Details
- What: Longwood Gardens Summer Performance Series
- When: May 8 – September 27, 2026 (select performance dates throughout season)
- Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Varies by performance; tickets on sale April 24 (member presales April 22)
- More Info: https://longwoodgardens.org
With a season filled with music, movement, and unforgettable visuals, Longwood Gardens once again offers a summer experience where nature and the arts come together in spectacular fashion.
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