Note: For all the rest of the musical events this weekend, check out our Weekend Music Guide.
Summer Pops 2026 brings one of the region’s most beloved summer traditions back to Westerly as thousands of residents and visitors gather beneath the trees of Wilcox Park for an evening of live music, community celebration, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Presented by The Chorus of Westerly, the annual event transforms the heart of downtown Westerly into a massive outdoor concert venue, blending professional orchestral and choral performances with the relaxed atmosphere of a summer evening in the park.
This year’s performance features The Chorus of Westerly and the Pops Festival Orchestra under the direction of Andrew Howell. Audiences can expect a program that spans classical favorites, Broadway hits, patriotic selections, film music, and contemporary pop arrangements before culminating in the event’s legendary grand finale featuring fireworks, cannon fire, and church bells ringing throughout the park.
The Pre-Show Begins at 6:15 p.m.
Veteran Summer Pops attendees know the evening starts long before the main concert.
The pre-show opens at 6:15 p.m. with a lineup that combines local tradition, roots music, and nationally recognized talent. Returning favorites include The Westerly Morris Men, whose colorful English folk dancing has been part of Summer Pops since the event’s earliest years, and The Knickerbocker All Stars, a nine-piece ensemble performing blues, jazz, jump blues, and soul music inspired by Westerly’s historic Knickerbocker Café.
Joining them is acclaimed singer, songwriter, and pianist Bob Malone. Known for his electrifying performances and years as keyboardist for John Fogerty, Malone brings a blend of rock, blues, soul, jazz, and roots music that has earned him international recognition. His energetic live shows have made him a fan favorite around the world and add a national-caliber performer to this year’s pre-show lineup.
Main Concert Program
The main performance begins at 8 p.m. and features The Chorus of Westerly, the Pops Festival Orchestra, conductor Andrew Howell, and special guest tenor Brian Cheney.
The evening’s program includes:
First Half
- Taylor Swift Medley
- Stars and Stripes Forever
- Armed Forces Salute
- Homeward Bound
- Down by the Riverside
- Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark
- Broadway Musicals Medley
Intermission
Second Half
- 1980s Medley
- Una furtiva lagrima from L’Elisir d’amore
- You’ll Be Back from Hamilton
- Vesti la giubba from Pagliacci
- From Now On from The Greatest Showman
- Story of Tonight / Do You Hear the People Sing? from Hamilton and Les Misérables
The concert concludes with the traditional Summer Pops finale.
The Grand Finale
For many attendees, the highlight of Summer Pops arrives during the closing moments of the evening.
The finale combines Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, the ringing bells of Christ Church, ceremonial cannon fire from The Artillery Company of Newport, and a fireworks display by Fireworks by Grucci, one of the most recognized fireworks companies in the world. Grucci has produced displays for presidential inaugurations, national celebrations, and international events, and has been part of Summer Pops since 1983.
Organizers estimate the fireworks portion of the evening will take place between approximately 9:30 and 10:00 p.m., though timing may vary depending on weather and the pace of the performance.
Visitors should be aware that the finale includes loud cannon blasts, fireworks explosions, and church bells. Guests sensitive to loud noises should plan accordingly.
Reserving Your Spot
Summer Pops is free and open to everyone.
Guests may reserve space in Wilcox Park by placing blankets in designated seating areas beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19. Only cloth blankets or sheets are permitted. Vinyl, plastic coverings, tarps, stakes, and similar materials are prohibited and may be removed. Nothing other than blankets may be left unattended in the park.
The center meadow sections in front of the stage are reserved for blankets and low-profile sand chairs. Taller chairs should be placed in side and rear seating sections.
Parking Information
Parking is not managed by Summer Pops organizers and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Recommended parking locations include:
- Washington Trust parking garage and adjacent surface lots
- Train station parking areas
- Canal Street lot
- Downtown side streets where parking is permitted
Most parking locations are approximately a 5-15 minute walk from Wilcox Park.
Accessible parking is available in designated areas near Grove Avenue, Broad Street, Westerly Town Hall, the Westerly Library, and the Post Office, though spaces are limited and available on a first-come basis.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive early. Street closures begin at 5 p.m., and traffic delays are expected following the concert as thousands of attendees leave the area.
Know Before You Go
Summer Pops is designed as a family-friendly community event, but organizers ask attendees to keep several rules in mind:
- No pets are permitted in Wilcox Park during the event.
- Service animals are allowed.
- Smoking is prohibited in the park.
- Alcohol is not permitted.
- No bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or similar devices are allowed.
- Fireworks safety zones must be respected at all times.
- Attendees should expect loud cannon fire, fireworks, and church bells during the finale.
Whether you’re attending for the music, the fireworks, the community atmosphere, or simply a summer evening in one of New England’s most beautiful parks, Summer Pops remains one of the signature events of the season and a tradition that continues to bring generations together.
Event Details
Event: Summer Pops 2026
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Rain Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Pre-Show: 6:15 p.m.
Main Concert: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Wilcox Park, Westerly, RI
Admission: FREE
You can find other musical events this weekend by checking out our Weekend Music Guide.
Last modified: June 18, 2026
