Some of my favorite summer memories don’t involve a big vacation or an expensive outing.

They’re simple.

A blanket on the lawn. A picnic basket. Great music. And my family.

We’ve been taking my daughter to the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom since she was a baby. Now she’s a teenager, and it’s still one of the things we all look forward to every summer. Somewhere along the way, it became one of our favorite family traditions.

If you’ve never been, here are a few reasons I think you’ll love it too.

It’s More Than a Concert

One of my favorite parts actually happens before the music even starts . We get there early…. there’s no rush. You have time to relax, eat your picnic dinner together, and just enjoy being outside.

Pack the Perfect Picnic

Half the fun is deciding what to bring! Here’s what usually ends up in our basket:

• Sandwiches, subs, or we bring a pizza!
• Fresh fruit
• Cheese and crackers (our favorite is Jarelsberg dip!!)
• Chips or popcorn
• Brownies or cookies
• A cozy blanket… later shows in the series do get a little chilly at night!
• A deck of cards or Uno while you wait

Bring your own folding chairs, or you can rent them there too. We love low profile chairs as the best option because we like to sit closer and find them more comfortable there.

You Don’t Have to Know Classical Music

This is probably the biggest misconception. You don’t have to be a classical music fan to enjoy Blossom…

Throughout the summer you’ll find:

• Movie music
• Broadway favorites
• Patriotic concerts
• Pops concerts
• Well-known classical pieces you’ve probably heard before

The atmosphere is relaxed and just feels like summer!!

It’s an Affordable Family Night

One of my favorite things? Kids 17 and under get FREE lawn admission to Cleveland Orchestra performances at Blossom with the purchase of an adult lawn ticket.

That’s pretty amazing these days!!

The Best Part

When I think back over all the years we’ve gone, I honestly don’t remember every piece of music we heard. I remember my daughter was a baby and we took her to the 4th of July performance…. and we’ve gone to at least a couple performances every summer since!

If You’ve Never Been…

This summer, pack a picnic. Invite your family or a few friends. Bring a picnic… Bring a blanket.

And enjoy a family wonderful summer evening!