picnic at the pops — FAQs — Modesto Symphony Orchestra

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picnic at the pops

What is the Picnic at the Pops! concert?

Picnic at the Pops! presented by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra is an annual event that is held on the grounds of GALLO and has been a community favorite since it began in 1995. This family-friendly picnic concert attracts thousands of music-lovers from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of orchestral pops music, dancing, and fun beneath the stars.

Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy all that the outdoor space has to offer. Outside alcohol is prohibited; wine and an assortment of beverages are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefitting the MSO. For those not looking to pack their own picnic, patrons may pre-order meals or purchase food on-site from local food trucks and vendors.

What is the difference in seating between Reserved and General?

The Reserved Section is unassigned seating in a roped-off area directly in front of the stage that provides a bit more room to spread out (due to the fixed number of tickets sold) as well as a more direct view of the orchestra and performers. The General Section is also unassigned seating on the lawn outside the roped-off area. Click here to view grounds map.

What should I bring to the Picnic at the Pops! concert?

  • Blankets

  • Low-sand chairs (seats lower than 9”, and backs must be lower than 32” from the ground)

    • If you require a taller lawn chair, please find a seating area that won’t obstruct the view of others behind you. Please see an usher if you have any questions while setting up.

  • Cooler (for food and non-alcoholic drinks)

  • Bring a picnic dinner—as simple or elaborate as you’d like!

  • Sunscreen & Sun-protection

Golden rule: be considerate of others. We want everyone to enjoy the concert and experience.

For more information about our bag check policy, click here.

What should I leave at home?

These items are prohibited:

  • No outside alcohol. Your bags and personal items will be subject to inspection for alcohol before entering the grounds. Wine generously donated by GALLO and an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase once inside the venue, with all sales benefiting Modesto Symphony Orchestra.

  • No video and audio recording equipment. Unauthorized recordings of the artists and performance are prohibited.

  • No professional camera equipment with a detachable lens longer than two inches, tripods, or big zooms.

  • No drones.

  • No grills, other cooking devices, or anything with an open flame.

  • No pets, service animals are allowed.

  • No fireworks.

  • No firearms or weapons of any kind.

  • No sharp knives with a blade longer than four inches.

  • No large or tall tables.

  • No umbrellas or shade structures.

  • No amplified sound, bullhorns, or speakers.

  • There is no smoking inside the concert area. A smoking area is designated in the parking lot.

  • No laser pointers.

  • No items can be used to disturb the peace, endanger other patrons, and/or cause damage to people or property.

Is there a bag policy for Picnic at the Pops?

All bags entering the event area are subject to inspection. Prohibited items will not be allowed onto the GALLO grounds. To learn more about what items are prohibited, click here.

Clear bags are recommended to limit contact points and minimize lines at the gate. There is no size limit for clear bags, we ask only no hardware, branding, or décor is allowed to conceal the bag. There will be an Express Bag Check line for those with clear bags or no bags.

There is no on-site storage available.

What else do I need to know?

  • Smoking is prohibited on the lawn area. Please see the info table at the event for the designated smoking area on the grounds.

  • When traveling between the general parking lot and the lawn area please remain on the walking path at all times. The adjacent cart path must remain clear at all times for event security and staff.

  • For food & wine on-site, cash and card payments are accepted. Cash is preferred. There are no ATMs on the grounds.

How can I be involved with Picnic at the Pops!

Picnic at the Pops is a true community event, put on for the community with help from our community! If you’re interested in learning more about how to volunteer at Picnic at the Pops! and support the MSO, please visit our Volunteer page!

If you're a local business looking to support Picnic at the Pops, visit our Season Partner page to see which like-minded businesses support the MSO or email Caroline Nickel at cnickel@modestosymphony.org to learn more.