Bayside Summer Nights returns to San Diego

If you’ve never been to a Bayside Summer Nights performance (previously called Summer Pops), it is a much more buttoned down symphony experience than when in the organization’s home base of Copley Symphony Hall. There are a variety of seat options inside the venue, but it’s not unusual to find picnicers in lawn chairs and on blankets outside the open air venue at Embarcadero Marina Park South.

The official kickoff to the Bayside Summer Nights season is Friday, Saturday and Sunday with “Star Spangled Pops” featuring a fireworks show over the bay at the end. There will a total of 33 performances between the 10-week span of June 30 to Sept. 3.

This year, some of the noteworthy shows are film-focused concerts, including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets performance on July 29 and 30, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on Aug. 11, and La La Land on Aug. 12. The series scores music to the theme of these beloved films, with live orchestra and jazz musicians.

Also of note will be Leslie Odom Jr. (of Hamilton fame) on July 7-8, Amos Lee on Aug. 25 and Ozomatli on Aug. 27.

On Friday nights, there will be a live music pre-show provided by local DJs. There is also a Bayside Brews refreshment area that features local craft beer from Coronado Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Co. and other quintessential San Diego breweries. Outside food is allowed inside the venue, so pack along a picnic and prepare for a night of magical music.

Tickets are $35-$116. For more information, including full event lineup, visit sandiegosymphony.org.

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Park Way, downtown.

Leslie Hackett contributed to this story.