Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts Celebrates 50 Years of Great Performances in its Iconic, Reimagined Venue

2026 Season Highlights

HIGHMARK MANN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF GREAT PERFORMANCES IN ITS ICONIC, REIMAGINED VENUE

Festive Season Featuring More Than 50 Performances is Presented in Conjunction with America250 Celebrations and Kicks Off on June 4, 2026 

The Center’s Milestone Season Unveils Reconceived Campus with an Expansive New Entry Plaza, Welcome Center, Music Hall of Fame, and Cutting-Edge Technology 

Commissions and World Premieres Include BalletX’s The Four Seasons Reimagined and the Oratorio A Hundred Years On with The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Crossing

Signature Symphonic Events Include Six Performances with The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Return of the Philly Pops 

Star-Studded Lineup Showcases Sarah McLachlan, Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Khalid, Lauv, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Louis Tomlinson, The Beaches, O.A.R., Gavin DeGraw,

Lisa Loeb, Amyl and the Sniffers, TOTO, Christopher Cross, The Romantics, Death Cab for Cutie, Japanese Breakfast, Zac Brown Band, Grace Potter, Hilary Duff, Young the Giant, Jimmy Eat World, Andrew McMahon, Hey Mercedes, Thrice, and More to Come

  

Philadelphia, PA, March 5, 2026 — With all eyes on Philadelphia this summer, Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, one of the foremost outdoor music centers in the United States, celebrates the 50th anniversary of its beloved center with a wide-ranging season and a reconceived campus. Taking place at Highmark Mann’s 21-acre campus in the historic Fairmount Park from June to October, the celebrations will enrich the national festivities marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. The impressive lineup of events and artists include more than 50 performances, and the detailed season with additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks. 

“We have so much to celebrate here in Philadelphia, and we are thrilled to add to the festivities with a season of spectacular performances that continues a tradition passed down through generations of Philadelphians,” said Highmark Mann President and CEO Catherine M. Cahill. “Our current campus opened to great fanfare as America celebrated its bicentennial. Now, fifty years later, we are thrilled to reintroduce audiences—and welcome new ones—to Highmark Mann, recreated for a new generation.”

A Reimagined Campus
The landmark season will feature Highmark Mann’s revitalized campus, the largest infrastructure project the organization has undertaken since the opening of its current center 50 years ago. The ambitious project is funded by the 50th Anniversary Campaign. The $70 million campaign will transform the visitor experience with a new, expansive Plaza and Welcome Center, and the Music Hall of Fame, featuring archival displays and an interactive touchscreen jukebox that explores the venue's 50-year history and legendary performers. The Plaza will also showcase the Satell Centennial Wall East, a groundbreaking light-and-sound digital wall displaying vivid installations and historical and cultural videos. Other recent enhancements include a new permanent Skyline Stage, a complete renovation of the backstage facilities, a new ticket office, additional restrooms, expanded concessions, a new gift shop, and more. Click here to learn more about the enhancements and projects supported by the campaign.

2026 Season Highlights
Adding to the luster of this celebratory season, Highmark Mann will present a slate of world premieres, commissions, and special performances, continuing the Center’s tradition of creating innovative new works.

The season launches on June 4–5 with a world premiere featuring BalletX. Philadelphia's premier contemporary ballet company and resident at Highmark Mann will perform The Four Seasons Reimagined, co-commissioned by Highmark Mann and ArtPhilly's What Now: 2026 Festival in honor of America250. Composer and electronic music innovator Dan Deacon creates and performs a bold original score live on stage with his nine-member band. Four visionary choreographers, Morgann Runacre-Temple, Penny Saunders, Jamar Roberts, and Trey McIntyre, each bring a distinct season to life, revealing nature as the driving force at the heart of the story: fragile, fierce, and magnificently alive.

Commissioned by Highmark Mann, A Hundred Years On will celebrate the 1876 Centennial Exposition, which took place in Fairmount Park. The exposition was the first world’s fair to be held in the United States, with over 10 million visitors. The June 17 world premiere of this new oratorio by acclaimed Grammy-nominated composer Peter Boyer and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Mark Campbell features the acclaimed Grammy award-winning Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther, and Philadelphia’s multi-Grammy award-winning chamber choir The Crossing, led by Donald Nally. The work brings to life the magnitude and sweep of a single day at the Exposition, humanized by the moving and sometimes humorous stories of five fictional characters who experience it. 

On June 18, the Center and The Philadelphia Orchestra—led by celebrated Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop—will honor the magic of the opening night in 1976 with 50 Years of Music in the Park. The golden celebration features Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, which was performed on that inaugural occasion, as well as works by Ravel and Holst. 

Ticket buyers will enjoy special pricing in honor of the opening in 1976 and the 50th anniversary for A Hundred Years On, with all tickets available for just $18.76 or $50; and 50 Years of Music in the Park, with all tickets available for just $19.76 or $50, fees included.

On July 21, acclaimed guest conductor Xian Zhang leads The Philadelphia Orchestra for a  Tchaikovsky Spectacular, one of Highmark Mann’s favorite summer traditions. The event begins with Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Eric Lu, the First Prize and Gold Medal winner of the 2025 Chopin International Competition, followed by the Suite from The Sleeping Beauty. The concert concludes with the grand tradition of the 1812 Overture and an epic display of fireworks against the Philadelphia skyline. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2026 residency at Highmark Mann will offer a total of six performances and details of all concerts will be announced soon.

Spanning a vast sonic landscape, from pop and rock to jazz, folk, hip-hop and contemporary R&B, the 2026 season brings together a premier lineup of global icons, chart-topping headliners, and the industry’s most compelling rising stars. The Philly Pops return for four innovative collaboration performances, pairing them with celebrated artists.

The TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann, with seating capacity of more than 12,000 (4,500 seats under the roof, 2,000 seats on the Connelly Terrace, and room for over 6,000 on the Russ & Wendy Palmer Great Lawn), will showcase some of today’s biggest touring acts. Featured artists include Jack Johnson—whose albums have sold over 25 million copies worldwide—and his SURFILMUSIC Tour, with Ecuadorian-Swiss guitar duo Hermanos Gutiérrez (June 27); legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon performs as part of his A Quiet Celebration Tour (July 5); Sarah McLachlan, who redefined the music industry for women, performs with Allison Russell (July 7); eight-time Grammy-nominated band Death Cab for Cutie returns with Philadelphia-based band Japanese Breakfast (July 17); O.A.R. offers career-spanning favorites as part of its Three Decades Tour with special guests, singers and songwriters Gavin DeGraw and Lisa Loeb (July 25); TOTO brings nearly five decades of hits and takes the stage with Christopher Cross—whose music has garnered five Grammys, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe—and beloved rock band The Romantics (July 26); veteran singer-songwriter-pianist Andrew McMahon performs in Three Pianos with all three of his beloved bands, Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness (August 8); pop icon Hilary Duff, touring for the first time in 10 years, shares the stage with La Roux and Jade LeMac (August 9); and Zac Brown Band, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award–winning Southern rock group hits the stage with special guest Grace Potter (August 29).

The open-air, state-of-the-art Skyline Stage, offering views of the Philadelphia skyline, will showcase multi-platinum selling global superstar Khalid, who brings the 2026 It’s Always Summer Somewhere Tour, with special guest Lauv (June 7); Grammy-nominated band Amyl and The Sniffers, who recently sold-out their U.S., U.K. and European tour (June 8); chart-topping Young the Giant, with Cold War Kids and Almost Monday opening (June 14); Jimmy Eat World, one of the most successful alternative-rock bands of their generation, with Thrice and Hey Mercedes (June 19); and global sensation Louis Tomlinson—following his massive 2022 run across nearly 40 countries with sold-out arenas and stadiums—with the How Did We Get Here? World Tour (July 11). 

Highmark Mann’s presenting partner is Live Nation.

Additional Series and Special Events
Signature offerings include Downstage @ Highmark Mann, including Jazz Under the Stars, curated by Philadelphia jazz artist in residence, Gerald Veasley, which converts the stage into an intimate, open-air jazz club atmosphere offering two performances by contemporary jazz artists. 

Movies @ Highmark Mann are one-of-a-kind movie nights. As these epic films play on three giant screens, The Philadelphia Orchestra performs the iconic score live. This summer's series includes Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert (July 24), plus one more animated classic to be announced. Picnics are welcome. The Summer Picnic Series elevates the quintessential outdoor concert experience and has become a summer tradition for generations. The series allows concertgoers to bring their own picnic for select performances. 

Free Community and Education Events, and 250th Anniversary Celebrations
As part of Highmark Mann’s longstanding mission to meet the needs of its community, the Center presents a vast array of programs ensuring that the arts are accessible to all. The season will feature a wide range of events engaging and enriching all audiences. The 21-acre campus comes to life with music, culture, learning, and food on August 22 with Highmark Mann Milestone Mash Up, a free Community Expo inviting guests of all ages to celebrate the 250th  anniversary of America, the 150th anniversary of the Centennial Exposition, and the 50th anniversary of the Center and experience the new campus with live performances, hands-on demos, experiential learning, interactive KidZones, community vendors, and throwback food.

Highmark Mann’s partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia will be unveiled with a community-led mural installation, featuring the work of local West Philadelphia artists. Viewable from the street for all passersby, this vibrant mural takes inspiration from the Centennial, the community, and the music at Highmark Mann.

The Young People’s Concert Series, which engages nearly 5,000 K-12 students each season, returns in October. The series of free events provides culturally diverse performing arts programs to students and families in the TD Pavilion with performances by internationally acclaimed and rising artists.

Voices of Hope, Highmark Mann’s event in celebration of Black excellence, returns to the stage for the 2026 season (June 23). The annual ceremony honors Philadelphia trailblazers who embody a culture of compassion and positive change.

The Albert M. Greenfield All City Orchestra Summer Academy (ACOSA) is Highmark Mann’s annual summer orchestra training camp for young musicians, offering free high-quality orchestra training experience to local 6th to 12th grade students with collaborators including The Philadelphia Orchestra and the School District of Philadelphia. The camp includes three programs: orchestra, jazz, and a newly added modern band/pop week. The PlayIN will offer again this year the opportunity for musicians of all ages to join for free on stage with their instruments, play with members of The Philadelphia Orchestra, and attend the Orchestra’s Tchaikovsky Spectacular performance (July 21).

Mann Moments and A Century of Music Under the Stars
Hosted on Highmark Mann’s website, Mann Moments features a collection of inspiring video stories from more than 50 artists, insiders, and supporters, from the past 50 years. Also, the celebratory book A Century of Music Under the Stars, written by historian Jack McCarthy, reveals the fascinating inside story of Philadelphia’s two premier outdoor concert venues on the eve of the Center’s 50^th anniversary.

Additional programming for Highmark Mann Center’s 2026 season will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit HighmarkMann.org. 

Tickets Information
To purchase tickets, visit HighmarkMann.org. Highmark Mann’s Ticket Office will reopen for the season in late Spring 2026. Please check the website for details.

Dining at Highmark Mann
From buffet dinners with seasonal fare, picnics on the lawn, or delicious, freshly-prepared casual food and drink on your way to your seat, Highmark Mann offers a variety of dining and drink options, with several bars offering premium cocktails, craft beer, wine, and refreshments. The chefs incorporate organic, health-conscious, alternative ingredients, including vegan and gluten-free options. Highmark Mann’s spacious Robert and Nanette Zakian Crescendo tent provides a scenic outdoor dining experience with stunning skyline views. Guests can upgrade their visit with the Skyline Lounge @ Crescendo and with the Acclaim Lounge. For reservations and more information visit Crescendo | Highmark Mann.

About Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts
As one of the foremost outdoor music centers in the country, Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, a leading non-profit organization, has a legacy of artistic excellence as a world-class entertainment destination presenting premier artists. Each summer season features renowned symphony orchestras, dance, comedy and, through its partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the leading and rising artists in rock, hip hop, R&B, jazz, and pop. 

Highmark Mann is the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra and has presented critically acclaimed performers every decade since the 1930s. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, Highmark Mann hosts more than 400,000 visitors annually. Signature concert experiences are surrounded by Philadelphia’s stunning skyline and include seats beneath Highmark Mann’s acoustically acclaimed TD Pavilion, picnics, blankets, and music under the stars on its Great Lawn. 

The Institute of the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts serves tens of thousands of students annually via free programming across three core educational pillars. The Out-of-School Time programs are designed in partnership with schools and institutions to engage students outside of traditional school hours; the Workforce Development programs aimed at preparing individuals, particularly youth, for employment opportunities through skill-building, training, and career development initiatives; and the Community Convening/Connecting Initiatives unite people of all ages for cultural exchange and collaboration, bridging differences to foster social cohesion and strengthen community life.

For more information, visit HighmarkMann.org.

About Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park offers more than 2,000 acres of meticulously maintained greenspace, historic architecture, and world-class cultural institutions. Originally established in 1844 to safeguard the city’s water supply, the park has evolved into a premier destination for tourism, a central hub for the city’s arts and recreation sectors, and a unique intersection of environmental conservation and urban sophistication. The park’s global significance was solidified in 1876 when it served as the site of the Centennial Exposition, the first official World’s Fair held in the United States. The architectural centerpiece of that era remains the majestic Memorial Hall, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that now houses the Please Touch Museum. This historic legacy continues through a dense network of cultural organizations, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. The iconic Boathouse Row serves as a beacon for the rowing community along the Schuylkill River. Visitors can also explore the historic colonial mansions scattered throughout the grounds or traverse the Schuylkill River Trail, which connects the park's deep historical roots to the modern energy of downtown Philadelphia.

About Philadelphia
As the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States and the historic birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia stands at the epicenter of the nation’s cultural narrative. In 2026, the "City of Brotherly Love" takes its place on the global stage as the primary host for America’s Semiquincentennial (America250). From the cobblestone streets of the nation’s most historic square mile to the sprawling urban sanctuary of Fairmount Park, Philadelphia is a city of "firsts" that continues to redefine itself. It is a modern metropolis where revolutionary history meets a vibrant, diverse, and forward-looking arts scene—making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the past, present, and future of the American spirit.

Highmark Mann joins hundreds of events celebrating America's 250th anniversary in Philadelphia throughout 2026. The yearlong celebration encompasses major sporting events alongside cultural exhibitions and community programs that honor Philadelphia's role as the birthplace of American democracy. For more information about this historic milestone year, visit philly2026.com. 

Image Credits: Aerial view of TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann with the Philadelphia skyline in the distance, courtesy of Live Nation / Steve Garfinkel; The Philadelphia Orchestra performs as part of their summer residency at TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann, courtesy of Highmark Mann / Jordan August; A rendering of Highmark Mann’s South Plaza renovation, tripling the space’s footprint ahead of its 2026 season opening, courtesy of EwingCole.

A press kit with images is available here.

Press contacts:
Polskin Arts
Anna Gross / Pascal Nadon
anna.gross@finnpartners.com / pascal.nadon@finnpartners.com
(989) 751-1748 / (646) 234-7088