The Helena Symphony and Carroll College present Symphony Under the Stars as a gift to Helena and her guests. This year's concert marks the 12th year of this collaboration. Carroll College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts and pre-professional college in Montana's capital city of Helena. Carroll College has earned top national and regional awards for its academic programs, professors and extraordinary tuition value.
Crowds of well over 15,000 come to Symphony Under the Stars to enjoy the music, the outdoors, and the fireworks. Not necessarily in that order! Many come early to soak up the summer sun, enjoy a picnic dinner with friends, or to just relax and people-watch on the hillside. A crowd favorite is the spectacular fireworks display that ends the concert.
Vendors are on site providing a variety of food and drink including beer and wine. Of course you're more than welcome to bring your own! There will also be an instrument 'Petting Zoo' prior to the concert, where children of all ages can try playing many of the instruments found in the orchestra.
Seating on the lawn is free - bring your own chairs and blankets. It's recommended that you come early (no earlier than 5:00 PM on Friday) to claim your spot. By Saturday morning, most of the best areas will have been taken. It's requested that no tarps be used, nor any sort of stakes (wood, plastic or metal) be driven into the ground. Most people will bring non-perishable food to hold their blankets down then donate them to the Helena Food Share, who will be there to collect. They collected over 18,500 lbs. of goods at the 2014 concert!
There are a limited number of reserved seats available in front of the stage if you're not interested in sitting on the hillside. These seats usually sell out by the end of June. They cost $25 each.