Columbus Symphony Announces 2026 'Picnic with the Pops' Lineup

Nationwide-sponsored summer concert series returns to Columbus Commons with diverse musical acts.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:50am

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A striking abstract illustration featuring bold geometric shapes and high-contrast colors, conceptually representing an outdoor summer concert series with a diverse lineup of musical acts.The Columbus Symphony's annual Picnic with the Pops concert series returns to the city's downtown commons, offering a summer of diverse musical performances under the stars.Columbus Today

The Columbus Symphony has unveiled its 2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season, bringing back the beloved outdoor concert series to the Columbus Commons. The lineup features a variety of musical acts, including Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi, Fugees founder Wyclef Jean, a tribute to Tom Petty by Windborne Music, indie-pop band Guster, country star LeAnn Rimes, and the legendary Alan Parsons Live Project. The series will also feature the return of the Ohio State University Marching Band for two high-energy performances.

Why it matters

Picnic with the Pops has been a summertime tradition in Columbus for over four decades, drawing large crowds to the city's downtown commons for an evening of music, food, and community. The diverse lineup showcases the symphony's commitment to programming that appeals to a wide range of music fans, from classic rock to contemporary pop.

The details

The 2026 Picnic with the Pops season kicks off on June 13 with a performance by Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi, who will pay tribute to the music of Dinah Washington. Other highlights include a return appearance by Wyclef Jean on June 20, a symphonic tribute to Tom Petty on June 27, a concert with indie-pop band Guster on July 11, a show by country star LeAnn Rimes on July 18, and a performance by the iconic Alan Parsons Live Project on July 25. The series will conclude with two nights featuring the Ohio State University Marching Band on July 31 and August 1.

  • The 2026 Picnic with the Pops season runs from June 13 to August 1.
  • All performances take place at 8 PM, with gates opening at 6 PM.

The players

Columbus Symphony

The professional symphony orchestra based in Columbus, Ohio, which has been hosting the Picnic with the Pops summer concert series for over 40 years.

Nationwide

The insurance and financial services company that has been the title sponsor of the Picnic with the Pops series since 2009.

Stuart Chafetz

The Principal Pops Conductor for the Columbus Symphony, who will lead the orchestra for the majority of the Picnic with the Pops performances.

Elias Miller

The Assistant Conductor for the Columbus Symphony, who will lead the orchestra for the Guster concert on July 11.

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What they’re saying

“Ledisi's love for classic songs and legendary singers knows no bounds. The Grammy-winning vocalist celebrated the catalog of Nina Simone at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021, and now, on her new album For Dinah, the powerhouse pays tribute to Dinah Washington.”

— John Legend, Musician

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Picnic with the Pops season are on sale as of April 15.

The takeaway

The diverse lineup of the 2026 Picnic with the Pops series demonstrates the Columbus Symphony's commitment to programming that appeals to a wide range of music fans, from classic rock to contemporary pop. The return of this beloved summer tradition is sure to bring the Columbus community together for evenings of great music and celebration.