The Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC
Save the Date!
August 5-22, 2026
The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the world’s greatest orchestras, has a keen ability to capture the hearts and imaginations of its audiences. Legendary director Eugene Ormandy designed the Saratoga Performing Arts Center amphitheater, which opened in 1966, specifically for the Orchestra. Under the baton of its dynamic Music & Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, also the Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera, the Philadelphia Orchestra continues its longstanding summer residency at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Classical Music for All
Whether you’re a dedicated classical fan or curious to attend the orchestra for the first time, there’s something for everyone during The Philadelphia Orchestra’s season at SPAC!
Family Nights
Come early, bring a picnic and enjoy some quality time together. Enjoy pre-show lawn games, activities & crafts, face painting, free Stewart’s ice cream, and more! Family Nights begin at 5:30PM and are free to ticketed attendees.
Beloved Masterpieces & New Works
Every year, The Philadelphia Orchestra brings to life iconic works by history’s greatest composers alongside exciting premieres and pieces deserving of more recognition, to create programs that both appeal to dedicated classical fans and make the orchestra accessible to curious newcomers.
Educational Experiences
Join The Philadelphia Orchestra for exciting free SPAC Education events! Practice on stage alongside members of the orchestra during our annual PlayIN (open to musicians of all ages), or introduce your child to classical music at Sound All Around.
The Perfect Summer Evening
Bring your own picnic and chairs to enjoy the performance under the stars on the SPAC lawn, or secure your seat inside the amphitheater — the choice is yours! Soak up the health benefits of the arts in our stunning natural setting and relaxed atmosphere.
Exciting Icons & Soloists
See classical music’s best and brightest perform onstage at SPAC, from world-class conductors like Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Marin Alsop, to iconic soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma, to rising stars like Randall Goosby, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and more.
Plus, catch some of your favorite pop, jazz, opera, and Broadway stars performing alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra! Past vocalists have included Jon Batiste, Laufey, John Legend, Angélique Kidjo, Audra McDonald, Renée Fleming, and more!
Film Nights
Experience your favorite films on a large high-definition screen as the score is performed live by The Philadelphia Orchestra! Popular films have included the Harry Potter™ series, Star Wars, The Princess Bride, Jurassic Park, The Lion King, and Back to the Future.
Dine with Us
Enjoy Arts Dining in the Hall of Springs prior to your event, stop by our concessions for fun fare, or bring your own picnic!
A Historic Legacy
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s legendary director Eugene Ormandy designed the Saratoga Performing Arts Center amphitheater specifically for the Orchestra.
“I believe that history was made [at The Philadelphia Orchestra Opening Night at SPAC on August 4, 1966] and I would not be surprised if arts centers all over the country — indeed all over the world — did not want to copy this incomparable amphitheater.”
— Eugene Ormandy
Ways to Save
Kids in Free
Kids 12 and under are free on the lawn and 50% off in the amphitheater (with an accompanying adult ticketholder) for performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra (excluding film nights and select premium performances, when they are 50% off on the lawn and in the amphitheater).
SPAC Member Discount
SPAC Members receive 15%-20%* on all Philadelphia Orchestra tickets! Not a member? Join today!
*Discount is tiered by membership level.
SPAC Event Ground Rules
Applicable for SPAC-produced events only, including Saratoga Jazz Festival, New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and other special events.
Permitted Items
- Food, beverages, and disposable utensils (compostable, plastic, reusable, etc.)
- Blankets and breathable ground coverings
- Umbrellas
- Please note: Only personal-sized umbrellas will be permitted on the amphitheater lawn.
- Lawn Chairs
- Please note: Lawn chairs must not exceed 43” in height when opened. Lawn chairs on the center amphitheater lawn must not exceed 26″ in height when opened.
- Tents
- Please note: Tents of any size will NOT be permitted on the Amphitheater lawn or are immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage.
*Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day*
Items Not Permitted
- Metal utensils
- Plastic tarps
- Lawn chairs over 43” in height when opened
- Tents are prohibited from the Amphitheater lawn as well as the area immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage
- Grills, cooking equipment, or any flame that uses a liquid, gas, or gel accelerant
- Laser pointers
- Drones
- Professional audio or video recording equipment
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc.
- Pets (except ADA approved service animals)
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Weapons of any kind
*Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day*
Ground Rules
- Security Procedure – To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for SPAC visitors and staff, all bags will be inspected, and all personnel will be searched via metal detectors. Bags include but are not limited to coolers, baskets, tote bags, purses, diaper bags, strollers, and other containers. Any item that is not permitted to come onto the SPAC grounds should be disposed of or returned to your vehicle.
- Smoking is permitted on the SPAC grounds in designated areas only. Please ensure that all cigarette butts are disposed of properly.
- Guests are welcome to bring items such as blankets and umbrellas but please consider others around you. If your items are disruptive to others, you may be asked to remove them.
- Reentry is permitted for SPAC-produced events. Guests must obtain a reentry wristband from staff at the gates prior to exiting the venue.
- SPAC has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and citizenship. Harassment includes but is not limited to stalking, verbal or physical intimidation, offensive verbal comments, physical assault and/or battery, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome physical attention. If you are made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please immediately report any concerns to SPAC staff or security personnel so appropriate action can be taken.
House Rules for Classical Performances
Applicable inside the amphitheater for New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra events.
- Beverages are permitted in the amphitheater, but food is not.
- As a courtesy to the performers and the audience, guests arriving after the performances begin will not be seated until the earliest appropriate opportunity in the performance at the discretion of the House Staff.
- Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the start of the program. Texting and making calls in the theater is not allowed. Should an emergency arise in which you must use a mobile device, we ask that you step outside of the theater to avoid disturbing other guests.
- Video, photography, audio, or cell phone recording during performances is prohibited.
All SPAC ground rules are subject to change. By entering the SPAC grounds, guests agree to abide by the rules listed above. Management reserves the right to modify these rules or can request to see the contents of any belongings brought on property at their discretion. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the utmost levels of safety and convenience for our guests and staff.
Thank You to our 2025 The Philadelphia Orchestra Sponsors
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2025 residency is made possible in part by support from The Adirondack Trust Company
“Kids in Free” presented by Fenimore Asset Management
