The Columbus Symphony has announced its 2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops summer season, bringing a diverse roster of performers to Columbus Commons. The outdoor concert series, now in its fourth decade, runs June 13 through August 1, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and performances at 8 p.m. Tickets went on sale April 15; Nationwide Insurance continues as the series presenting sponsor.

Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi opens the season June 13 with a tribute to Dinah Washington, followed by Fugees co-founder Wyclef Jean on June 20. The lineup continues with Windborne Music’s symphonic Tom Petty tribute (June 27), indie-pop band Guster (July 11), country artist LeAnn Rimes (July 18), and the Alan Parsons Live Project (July 25). The series closes July 31 and Aug. 1 with appearances by the Ohio State University Marching Band. Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz leads most programs; Assistant Conductor Elias Miller conducts the Guster concert.

The Picnic with the Pops series has run for more than 40 years and draws broad audiences to free-gate events in the heart of downtown Columbus. Tickets and schedule details are available through the Columbus Symphony website.

Source: Columbus Today