The Boston Pops is turning Symphony Hall into a full-on star magnet this spring, rolling out a packed season from May 8 through June 6, 2026. The orchestra's 140th season kicks off with violinist Ray Chen and threads together marquee soloists, big-name debuts and family-friendly film events. On the local side, fans can expect Pride and Gospel nights, a pre-season Star Wars spectacular and evening sets from major crossover headliners.
Boston Symphony Orchestra Tees Up A Blockbuster Spring
As laid out by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the May 8 - June 6 run is built as a genre mash-up that jumps from jazz and pop to film scores and classical crossover. Conductor Keith Lockhart put it this way in the announcement: "In this year of America's 250th birthday, America's Orchestra looks forward to welcoming audiences of all ages and backgrounds to Symphony Hall for a blockbuster season."
The season announcement also calls out special programs that sit alongside the usual Pops fare, including a centennial tribute honoring Miles Davis and John Coltrane, plus several family-friendly film concerts that turn Symphony Hall into a kind of upscale movie night.
Opening Weekend And Big-Name Debuts
The Pops' 140th season opens May 8 - 9 with Ray Chen making his Boston Pops debut, pairing classical showpieces with material from his 2024 album Player 1. The Boston Globe notes that the spring stretch also ushers in Symphony Hall debuts and returns from artists such as Jacob Collier (May 27 - 28) and St. Vincent (June 4), plus a multi-night appearance by Jon Batiste in mid-May.
Ben Folds takes over on June 3, headlining a program that will also spotlight winners of the Fidelity Investments Young Artists Competition. That segment adds a homegrown mentorship angle to a season otherwise stacked with national names.
Film Scores, Pride Spotlight And Gospel Finale
Movie buffs get an early treat with a pre-season "Star Wars: The Story in Music" performance on May 4, followed by a two-night Film Night: Williams on Williams program on May 20 - 21, plus family shows of How to Train Your Dragon - In Concert on May 30 - 31, according to the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Pride Night lands on June 5, featuring Tony winner Alex Newell alongside the Boston Gay Men's Chorus. One night later, on June 6, the season closes with the 32nd annual Gospel Night, starring Tamela and David Mann with the Boston Pops Gospel Choir under the direction of Charles Floyd.
The BSO lineup also includes a Symphony Hall Presents centennial tribute on May 24 with Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane, a program listed as a separate presentation from the Pops season itself.
Tickets And What To Know Before You Go
Tickets went on sale in early February and can be purchased through the Boston Pops website or by phone, according to Boston.com. Depending on the night, Pops audiences can opt for cabaret-style table seating on the orchestra floor with food and beverage service or more traditional balcony seats. Groups of 20 or more may qualify for discounts.
For seating charts, accessibility information and current box office hours, check the Boston Pops box office or the organization's event pages before heading to Symphony Hall.
