A sandy symphony returns to Callaway Gardens

PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WRBL) — Back by popular demand, a unique orchestra experience is returning to Callaway Gardens. On April 27, the local attraction will host “Symphony on the Sand,” starting at 7 p.m. on the shores of Robin Lake Beach.

Callaway Gardens Marketing Manager Rachael McConnell said this event is one of her favorite opportunities hosted by the park all year.

“It’s something that’s different from what you see in our normal day-to-day experiences here at Callaway,” said McConnell. She added the setup on the shores of the beach and music are “gorgeous.”

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The theme for this year’s symphony is “Fantasy in Sound,” a play on Callaway’s annual “Fantasy in Lights,” which runs over the holiday season. McConnell explained the goal is to create a magical experience for couples, families and guests of all ages.

“This year’s theme, ‘Fantasy in Sound,’ of course, makes it extraordinary because you feature those iconic suites from ‘Star Wars’ … [and] ‘Harry Potter,’” McConnell said.

Maestro Paul Hostetter of Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music will lead the Callaway Symphony Orchestra at the event.

Tickets to attend range in price, but lawn tickets are available starting at $35 for adults and $20 for children, but do not include admission to the event. Table prices for large groups which include seating, dinner and more are higher, however those are sold out as of the morning of April 26.

Some tickets also include admission to the park for the day, or there are overnight options starting at $429. Ticket options are available for viewing via the Callaway Gardens website.

This year’s “Symphony on the Sand” will happen in a slightly different location than in previous years due to construction on Callaway Garden’s main beach entrance which began earlier this year.

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A stage is set on the north end of Robin Lake Beach, where the sun should set behind performers. According to McConnell, “there’s not a bad seat in the house.” The Callaway Marketing Manger also said the team may maintain the same location in subsequent years, after finding they liked the new setup.

The main entrance construction updates come alongside a partnership with Herschend which began in 2022. Herschend works with the likes of Dollywood and the Globetrotters.

McConnell said the partnership could mean “Symphony on the Sand” becomes an annual event soon.

This year’s event is set to include an hour of sandy symphony, finished off with a fireworks display.

McConnell said, “If you’ve never experienced a symphony event before … it really is something unique and that all ages can appreciate.”

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