Pops by the Sea: Hollywood Hits

August 30, 2025

Gates Open at 2:45 | Concert Begins at 4:00 PM

Avila Beach Golf Resort

Outdoor, family-friendly Symphony concert featuring fan favorites from movie, television, and video games!

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Program Details

Celebrating Hollywood’s most iconic soundtracks, from the sweeping grandeur of Ben Hur to the swashbuckling excitement of Pirates of the Caribbean:

Williams – Star Wars Medley

Badelt – Pirates of the Caribbean Suite

Williams – Themes from Harry Potter

Shore – The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Custer – Themes from 007 (James Bond)

Steiner – Casablanca Suite

Ford – Suite from Video Games Live

And More!

Guest Conductor Chris Woodruff

Emcee Marisa Waddell, KCBX Director of Programming and Content

Digital Program

Tickets

Reserved Seating

  • Full Table of 10: $800
    SOLD OUT
  • Individual seats at tables of 10: $80
    LIMITED SEATS AT TABLES REMAINING
  • New for 2025! High top table for 4 on the Clubhouse Balcony: $320
    SOLD OUT

General Admission

  • Lawn Seating, Adults: $25 
  • Lawn Seating, Youth ages 13-17: $15
  • Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult
  • Bring a lawn chair or a blanket!
Tickets

Family Friendly

Kids age 12 and under are free, don’t forget their ticket, too! Come early for complimentary face painting, balloon animals, photo booth, and to play at our Instrument Petting Zoo! Plus, a few of your favorite movie characters will make an appearance during the concert, sponsored by A Wish Your Heart Makes! Complimentary balloon animals and face painting will be available until the end of intermission.

Merch

Show your support of the SLO Symphony with our exclusive merchandise!

  • Picnic Blanket: Perfect for Pops! A water-resistant backing makes this warm fleece blanket the perfect choice for picnics and outdoor events. Attached elastic band to secure the rolled-up blanket. Dimensions: 50″ x 60″.
  • T-Shirts: Limited edition SLO Symphony t-shirts! Featuring our smiling note friends on the front pocket and stylized SLO Symphony on the back. Printed on a soft 60/40 combed ring-spun cotton/polyester made with Socially Conscious Manufacturing. 
Blankets
T-Shirts
  • The HWY 101 off ramp at Avila Beach Drive will be closed due to construction, please route your trip to Avila Beach using San Luis Bay Drive.
  • General parking is located at the intersection of Avila Beach Drive and First Street. 
  • Accessible parking and Uber/Lyft is available on Ana Bay Drive. 
  • Parking is free, and a parking pass will be distributed at the event.
  • Gates open at 2:45 PM, and the concert starts at 4:00 PM .👉Arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking, getting settled, and enjoying pre-concert activities. Early arrival leads to the best experience!
  • Tickets: Add your ticket to your smartphone wallet, take a screenshot, or print the PDF. If your group isn’t arriving together, use the “Manage Tickets” link in your confirmation email to send tickets to guests outside your party.
  • What to Bring: This is an outdoor event, so expect sunshine, ocean breezes, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere! Wear sunscreen and bring a hat. General admission ticket holders are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to sit comfortably on the grass.
  • Bring your own picnic or enjoy a selection from food trucks including Central Coast Pizza Trolley, G Brothers Kettle Corn, and Lidos.
  • Per Avila Beach Golf Resort Policy, no outside drinks are allowed. Ice chests will be inspected upon entry. 
  • Bring an empty reusable water bottle to use at our filtered water station from Five Cities Water Systems.
  • A full selection of wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks will be available for purchase from Avila Beach Golf Resort.
  • Enter to win our raffle and support the SLO Symphony! Three raffle prizes are being awarded this year by random drawing at Pops. Prizes include local trips and experiences! Find a volunteer at Pops by the Sea to buy your raffle tickets. $5 for 1 ticket, or $20 for 5 tickets!
  • SLO Symphony merchandise is on sale! Pick up your pre-ordered purchased merchandise at the merchandise booth at the event.

Youth Guest Conductor

One of the most anticipated features of this concert has been a baton auction. A live auction was held during the event, and the highest bidder would conduct a piece during the concert. Earlier this summer, the SLO Symphony sought nominations for a local youth on the Central Coast who deserves the honor of conducting the SLO Symphony orchestra – giving the entire Central Coast a chance to nominate a young person who deserves the honor of directing the SLO Symphony orchestra. Nominations for a young person (age 13-23) may include their leadership qualities, personal character, community involvement, musical background or experience, dedication to the arts, or why this opportunity would be meaningful to them. Nominations closed on August 1, 2025 and the honoree will be announced soon.