The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota and Palma Sola Botanical Park Launch Groovin’ in the Gardens
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota and Palma Sola Botanical Park are coming together to host Groovin’ in the Gardens, a new outdoor music event celebrating the missions of both non-profits through live performances, natural beauty, and opportunities to gather with friends. The first of its kind for The Pops Orchestra, the event will take place at the Botanical Park on Sunday, October 18th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Guests will enjoy the scenic grounds of the Park while listening to live jazz from The Pops Orchestra’s Jazz Combo, which is sponsored by the Manatee Community Foundation.
“We are always looking for new ways to bring music into the community, and Palma Sola Botanical Park provides such a wonderful setting for this new series,” says Robyn Bell, The Pops’ Managing and Artistic Director. “Our members have been requesting this! We’re excited to welcome the public to an exciting afternoon of live music in our beautiful gardens to benefit two wonderful non-profit organizations,” says Beverly Burdette, Executive Director of Palma Sola Botanical Park.
Guests can enjoy beautiful views while listening to live music and are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Valet parking and food add-ons will also be available, as detailed below.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT:
Groovin’ in the Gardens
Presented by The Pops Orchestra & Palma Sola Botanical Park, featuring The Pops Orchestra’s Jazz Combo
WHEN:
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Palma Sola Botanical Park
9800 17th Avenue NW
Bradenton, FL 34209
TICKETS:
Early Bird Pricing through September 15:
VIP Seating - $60: Reserved seat at table and two drink tickets
Reserved Lawn Seating - $45: Chair included
General Admission - $30: Bring your own chair or blanket
Regular pricing begins September 16 - VIP: $65, Lawn Seating: $50, General Admission: $35
* Valet parking available for $10 each. Guests may also reserve a specialty box from partner Chicken Salad Chick in advance for $15.
Tickets can be purchased at https://thepopsorchestra.app.getcuebox.com/o/21NL0B8D/shows/QLF5LXY1
About The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota
Since its founding in 1975, The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota has produced critically acclaimed musical attractions for enthusiastic audiences of all ages. As one of the top performing arts groups in a unique, culturally rich community, The Pops Orchestra attracts full-time residents, Suncoast Snowbirds, and vacationers to its concerts, proving to be a cultural and economic asset to the Great Bradenton and Sarasota communities.
Directed by the dynamic conductor Robyn Bell, the 65-piece orchestra consists of many of the community’s finest professional musicians, community music makers, music educators, and high school and college music students, reflecting the diversity of its audience and patrons.
The annual concert season features a diverse range of musical genres, including patriotic, Broadway, Hollywood, jazz, big band, jukebox, Motown, and holiday selections. In addition, The Pops Orchestra performs community concerts to honor veterans, welcome international sporting events, and feature outstanding local young musicians through its annual summer camp. The Pops partners with other area arts organizations to provide concerts for special occasions in the Suncoast region. Local and national guest artists frequently join The Pops Orchestra, bringing additional energy and excitement to the stage. Each concert season is designed to entertain, invigorate, and project The Pops Orchestra’s passion and enthusiasm for popular-style music, featuring something for everyone. ThePopsOrchestra.org
About Palma Sola Botanical Park
Palma Sola Botanical Park, Manatee County’s only botanical gardens, are open free to the public 365 days/year. Established in 1993 as a grass roots effort to save the site from development, the 12-acre private non-profit gardens are located in northwest Bradenton.
Our specimens include an extensive selection of exotic rare fruit trees, rare palms, flowering trees, butterfly garden, plumeria garden, succulent garden, and a huge variety other subtropical plants. Besides being open to visitors to enjoy the beautiful grounds daily, we also offer a variety of other benefits to the community including community Spring/Fall Plant & Garden Festivals, Winter Nights Under the Lights, Garden Party Gala, Art in the Park, School Field Trips, Bright Future High School Volunteer Program, Garden Tours, Nature Classes, Event Venue Rentals, Volunteer Run Nursery, and so much more!
Our mission is to serve as a unique community resource dedicated to providing an interactive learning environment that fosters an appreciation of nature, preserves our natural resources, and promotes environmental education. You can support the park by becoming a member, volunteering, or attending one of our many classes or events. Visit our website to learn more at http://www.palmasolabp.org.
