It isn’t summer in Philadelphia until you’ve visited Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square—one of our favorite day trips from Philadelphia. The horticultural haven, 30 miles west of the city, announced this week that it will bring back its much-oohed-and-aahed Fireworks & Fountains spectacular for six weeks starting in May. The fireworks displays, set to both old- and new-school tunes, feature fountain choreography, including jets that send water 175 feet skyward. Here’s the Fireworks & Fountains 2018 lineup:
Sounds of Summer
Saturday, May 26
Kick off Memorial Day weekend—the unofficial start of summer—with feel-good tunes by the Beach Boys, the Go-Go’s and even recent Super Bowl performer Justin Timberlake.
Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue
Sunday, July 1
Celebrate Independence Day with songs by some of America’s greatest pop crooners, including Tom Petty, Whitney Houston, and adopted Philly son Bruce Springsteen.
Monet’s Garden
Saturday, July 21
Monet’s muse may be 3,000 miles away, but spectators can channel Giverny during this show, highlighting French composers Debussy, Dukas and Ravel.
Happy Birthday, Leonard Bernstein
Saturday, August 11
The world-renowned composer celebrates his 100th birthday in August. Remember the maestro and some of his most famous works from West Side Story, On the Town, and Candide. Then go visit an exhibition all about his life and influence he had on music at the National Museum of American Jewish History.
Be Our Guest
Saturday, September 1
Do those words have you picturing a little singing teapot? You’re memories do not mislead you. This colorful, must-do for families and kids features Disney sing-along favorites, such as the catchy ditties from Aladdin, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. “I can show you the world… ”
Solid Gold ‘70s
Saturday, September 29
Pull out those bell bottoms and puff up that afro as the Fireworks & Fountains series wraps up with disco beats from the Bee Gees, Kool and the Gang, Donna Summer and more.
The Practicals
Shows in May, July, and August begin at 9:15pm, while those in September begin at 8:15pm. Advance-only tickets are available beginning April 9 at longwoodgardens.org and include all-day gardens admission. Tickets range from $22 to $42, or you can snag reserved seating for $40 to $50. Don’t forget to BYOC (bring your own chair), because lawn seating is available. Blankets, however, are frowned upon. Save those for the beach.
GET VOCAL FOR YOUR LOCAL: Gaga over Longwood Gardens? Cast a vote for it in the 2018 Time Out Love Philadelphia Awards