The scene from an Illuminated Fountain Show at Longwood Gardens takes place in the Monet’s Garden performance. Photo by Becca Mathias
Longwood Gardens’ main fountain complex comes to life again this summer with illuminated shows choreographed to light and music as the region’s favorite attraction starts its summer schedule.
The gardens’ popular Fireworks & Fountains shows will not return until the summer of 2024, and already one new segment of the illuminated fountain shows — drones and fountains — is already sold out.
Fountain shows will run from Thursday, May 11, through Sept. 24, with performances Thursday through Sunday evenings and programs rotating through a schedule.
New this year are “Put Me In, Coach,” featuring a variety of sports-related tunes; “Rachmaninov: Power and Passion;” “Shake It Off: Taylor Swift;” “Starman: David Bowie;” “To Infinity and Beyond,” highlighting songs from animated movie favorites; and “Where the Heart Is,” a showcase of coming-home hits by the likes of Bon Jovi and Ed Sheeran.
The Illuminated Fountain Performances are included with Gardens admission. The purchase tickets, go here.
Longwood’s main fountain complex will also be dancing during daylight hours this summer. Photo by Becca Mathias
Other entertainment options at the Kennett Square, Pennsylvania attractions will include:
Longwood’s Beer Garden, offering pub fare and brews from Victory Brewing Co. They include the Longwood Seasons series brewed with ingredients grown at Longwood. Regional artists perform live instrumental music, including Hawaiian-Inspired Steel Guitar from Slowey & The Boats, Jazz Age Blues from Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society, and Traditional Cuban Son by Conjunto Philadelphia.
The return of the Wine & Jazz FestivalSept. 23. The award-winning performers include Chucho Valdés Quartet, Emmet Cohen Trio, Anat Cohen Quartet, Terell Stafford Quintet, The Dale Melton Trio, and High and Mighty Brass Band. Guests can enjoy wines from around the world, including selections from France, Spain, Argentina, South Africa and Italy, as well as domestic vintages from California, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and more. Tickets available now for $65 and $43 for designated drivers. Longwood Members receive a discount. To purchase tickets, go here.
Festive Fridays feature themed fountain performances, concessions, entertainment and more. In addition, on Festive Fridays, patrons can climb to the top of the Chimes Tower for a stunning view of Longwood’s 62-bell carillon and the surrounding landscape. The first is May 26’s “Bollywood Blockbusters,” celebrating Hindi film and featuring the Daksha Dance Troupe at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the pumphouse plaza. Others include the June 30 “Make Some Noise,” during which keyboards will be set up around the gardens for guests to play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; “It’s a Philly Thing” on July 14 highlights Victory Brewing Co. and live music from Polkadelphia; “To Infinity and Beyond” on Aug. 4 brings Philadelphia School of Circus Arts performers to the Pumphouse Plaza from 6 p.m. to 8 pm.; Sept. 15’s “I’m a Believer” theme puts The Give and Take Jugglers in the Pumphouse Plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
World Topiary Day will be celebrated the weekend of Saturday, May 13, and Sunday, May 14 as Longwood joins gardens around the world to celebrate the beauty, art and joy of World Topiary Day.
Stories and Songs with Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston takes place Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m. in the Open Air Theatre. She will perform some of her vast repertoire of stories and songs from the African and African American oral traditions using a variety of instruments.
PA Native Species Day will be Saturday, May 20, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., even though the day itself is May 18. Longwood will celebrate with a variety of walks and talks, including a Meadow Ecology Walk; Wildflower Walk; Using Native Plants in Your Home Garden Walk; and talks that Explore Our Native Ecosystems.
