New ‘experiences’
The annual Symphony Under the Stars event will offer two new ticket packages this year.
Fireworks explode by the moon in the sky as the Ocala Symphony Orchestra performs during Symphony Under the Stars at the Ocala Golf Club in 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
The annual Symphony Under the Stars event is quite simply one of the Ocala area’s most loved traditions.
Each year on Mother’s Day, hundreds of guests descend on the lawns of the Ocala Golf Club to enjoy picnics, games, entertainment, a performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and fireworks. This year’s event will take place on May 10.
Symphony Under the Stars is a signature fundraiser for Fine Arts For Ocala, or FAFO, and proceeds help support its mission to present the Ocala Fine Arts Festival each year in the Fall and to enrich the cultural life of Marion County.
Over the years, the format of Symphony Under the Stars has evolved to where it now includes two special ticket “experiences.”
“The board of Fine Arts for Ocala is thrilled to welcome the community back for another unforgettable Mother’s Day evening under the stars. This year, we’re especially excited to debut an elevated VIP Maestro’s Meal experience — newly reimagined with enhanced offerings including a special appearance by Maestro Matthew Wardell. Alongside that, our new Overture Oasis seating add-on offers guests a private concert experience on the driving range. It’s shaping up to be a truly special night of music and connection. We look forward to the community joining us to celebrate and help us fundraise for our signature event in the fall, the Ocala Fine Arts Festival,” said FAFO President Emily Andrews.
There will be a variety of food and beverage vendors on site for the evening, along with El Bell’s Flower Truck, Face Painting by Tonya and the city of Ocala RecMobile.
Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, chairs, tables, blankets and flashlights for exiting post-fireworks. Food, water, soft drinks, beer and wine are permitted. No tents, large umbrellas or pets allowed.
The gates will open at 3 p.m., with The Becky Baby Band performing at 5 p.m. The OSO will perform at 7 p.m., with the fireworks finale set for 9 p.m.
General admission is $25 for adults (online) and $30 at the gate; $5 for youth ages 13–17; and free for kids 12 and younger.
The Maestro’s Meal Experience package includes VIP parking, a catered dinner, reserved Adirondack chair seating, one complimentary drink ticket, access to private clubhouse restrooms and a special appearance by Maestro Matthew Wardell. The fee is $95 for adults, $40 for ages 6-12 and free for youth 5 and under.
The Overture Oasis (Outdoor Lounge Experience) offers pre-paid parking, access to a private seating area, two complimentary drink tickets with private bar access, and courtyard restrooms. The cost is $50 for adults; free for ages 12 and younger. This is a ticket add-on and does not include general admission.
Adirondack chairs are available to rent for $10 and guests are welcome to bring their own seating. Pre-paid parking is available online for $15 (limited availability). The event is rain or shine and all ticket sales are final with no refunds. The Ocala Golf Club is located at 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
FAFO is seeking volunteers and each person will receive two tickets and community service hours are available. Sign up at signup.com/go/TpaTksR
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit fafo.org/symphony-1
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