A Community Celebration Spanning Three Decades

Picnic at the Pops has been a cornerstone of Modesto's cultural calendar since its inception in 1995. Presented by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, this annual outdoor concert has evolved into one of the region's most anticipated summer events, consistently attracting thousands of attendees who gather at the E. & J. Gallo Winery grounds for an evening of live orchestral music, dancing, and celebration beneath the stars.

The 2026 Edition: Country Hits from Nashville

The 2026 edition of Picnic at the Pops features the theme "Country Hits: Songs from Nashville," conducted by Ryan Murray. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra will perform classic and contemporary country music from legendary artists including Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, The Chicks, and Kacey Musgraves. Guest artists Rick Brantley and Sarah Darling join the orchestra to bring these Nashville classics to life in an outdoor setting.

Event Experience

The concert takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the E. & J. Gallo Winery Administration Building Lawn. Parking opens at 4:30 PM, grounds open at 5:00 PM, and the concert begins at 7:30 PM, running for approximately 105 minutes with a 20-minute intermission. Attendees can enjoy lawn seating options with both general and reserved sections available. The event is family-friendly with children under 3 admitted free.

What to Bring and Enjoy

Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, low-back lawn chairs, coolers with non-alcoholic beverages, and picnic food. On-site, the event features wine and beverages donated by Gallo, food trucks and vendor meals, activities from the Modesto Children's Museum, and merchandise sales benefiting the orchestra. The venue accommodates up to a 3/4-mile walk from parking, with multiple parking entrances and rideshare dropoff options.

Ticketing and Access

General lawn seating starts at $45 for adults and $12 for youth ages 4-17, with reserved lawn seating at $75 and $20 respectively. Online and phone orders include a $6 per-ticket handling fee. Groups of 10 or more receive a 20% discount on general lawn seating. Tickets go on sale June 1, and printed tickets are required for admission. Subscribers renewing their season subscriptions before June 1 receive a discount. The Gallo Center Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday 10 AM-6 PM and Saturday 12-6 PM, with will-call available on the day of the event.

Amenities and Policies

The venue provides prohibited items policies to maintain a safe, family-friendly environment. Clear bags are recommended, and smoking is restricted to designated parking lot areas. No outside alcohol, video recording equipment, professional cameras with detachable lenses, drones, grills, or weapons are permitted. The event is jointly sponsored by E. & J. Gallo Winery and the Porges Family Foundation, with additional partnerships from iHeartRadio, Garton Tractor, and various in-kind supporters.