Press Release: Modesto Symphony Orchestra Presents Picnic at the Pops! Country Hits: Songs from Nashville
MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Contact:
Caroline Nickel
(209) 523-4156
cnickel@modestosymphony.org
For Immediate Release: August 21, 2026
Select picture to enlarge & download.
(Pictured from left to right, top row: Modesto Symphony Orchestra at Picnic at the Pops!;; Ryan Murray, conductor;
bottom row: Sarah Darling, guest artist; Rick Brantley, guest artist)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Presents Picnic at the Pops! Country Hits: Songs from Nashville
MODESTO, CA – The Modesto Symphony Orchestra proudly presents Picnic at the Pops! Country Hits: Songs from Nashville on September 12, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. on the beautiful GALLO Grounds. Picnic at the Pops! is a family-friendly outdoor concert that brings thousands of music lovers from Modesto and neighboring communities together for an evening of music and fun beneath the stars.
This year’s Picnic at the Pops celebrates some of the greatest hits in country music. The program will showcase the exceptional talents of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, led by Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray, along with guest artists Rick Brantley and Sarah Darling. The program will feature music from artists including Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Miranda Lambert, The Chicks, Kacey Musgraves, and more.
“Picnic at the Pops is a special evening that reminds us how powerful music can be in bringing a community together,” says Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. “This year’s Picnic will celebrate your favorite Country hits, from beloved classics by Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash to today’s stars like The Chicks, and Kacey Musgraves! More than anything, we hope Picnic at the Pops gives families and friends a chance to slow down, enjoy a beautiful evening together, and make memories that last. So, bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and join us under the stars for a wonderful evening of music and community.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy all that the event has to offer. Outside alcohol is prohibited; wine and beer generously donated by GALLO and an assortment of beverages are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the MSO. Guests may also pre-order meals from Greens on Tenth and Graze Craze, or purchase food on-site from Dale’s Kettle Corn & Agua Frescas, The Sinaloense Food Truck, and Yogurt Mill. The Modesto Children’s Museum will also be on-site with activities for children and families. Full details on food offerings and event information are available at ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
Tickets for Picnic at the Pops! are on sale now through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket. General Lawn tickets start at $48 for adults and $12 for youth ages 4–17. Reserved Lawn tickets start at $75 for adults and $20 for youth. Children under age 3 are free. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 20% discount on General Lawn tickets. Picnic at the Pops tickets can also be purchased through the MSO’s official ticket outlets: the MSO Office, Carnegie Arts Center (Turlock), and all Modesto and Riverbank Save Mart Supermarkets.
Picnic at the Pops! is a true community concert, created for the community by the community. The MSO is seeking volunteers to help make Picnic at the Pops a success. Volunteer duties include setup and breakdown of the venue space, selling beverages during the concert, assisting patrons, and more. Visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnicvolunteer for more information and to sign up today.
General parking is free, with parking available beginning at 4:30 p.m. For complete event information, including parking, food, tickets, and what to bring, visit ModestoSymphony.org/picnic.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Grounds Open at 5:00 pm
Concert Starts at 7:30 pm
GALLO grounds: 600 Yosemite Boulevard, Modesto
Tickets
General Lawn Seating starting at: Adults $48 / Youth $12
Reserved Lawn Seating starting at: Adults $75 / Youth $20
Groups of 10+ save 20% on General Lawn Adult tickets.
Youth prices for ages 4 through 17, 3 & under are free.
Tickets are available online through ModestoSymphony.org, through the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office at 1000 I Street, Modesto or call (209) 338-2100, or in-person through the following ticket outlets.
Picnic at the Pops Ticket Outlets:
Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office (1000 I St., Modesto)
Modesto Symphony Orchestra Office (911 13th St., Modesto)
Carnegie Arts Center (250 N. Broadway, Turlock)
Save Mart Supermarkets (All Modesto and Riverbank locations)
Tickets must be purchased in-person at Picnic at the Pops Ticket Outlets.
Guest Artist Bios
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is a Resident Company of The Gallo Center for the Arts.
The DoubleTree Hotel is the official hotel of the MSO.
Picnic at the Pops! is generously sponsored by
Presenting Sponsor: GALLO
Founding Sponsor: Porges Family Foundation
Pops Sponsor: Boyett Petroleum
Headline Sponsor: Wille Electric Supply Company, Inc.
Concert Sponsor: Garton Tractor