The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is returning to Friendship Botanic Gardens on Sunday, July 19, 2026, for a fun-filled, FREE concert for everyone’s enjoyment!

Gates open at 6pm with the concert beginning at 7pm.



Music Director, Dr. Carolyn Watson, has prepared a fan friendly program with titles such as “Eleanor Rigby”, “The Pink Panther”, “Chariots of Fire” and the “Mission: Impossible” theme. They will join composers such as Bach, Copland, Holst, and Bizet for a true Pops concert.

The setting at the John Leinweber Pavilion within Friendship Botanic Gardens will give the patrons an almost “Ravinia’ like setting for the concert that evening. The performance will be approximately 75 minutes in length.

The LCSO thanks Horizon Bank for their generous sponsorship thus allowing the Orchestra to provide this evening free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs and libations while enjoying music under the stars.



This concert is being dedicated in memory of Dr. Rima Binder, former Board Chair of Friendship Botanic Gardens as well as a Board Member of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra who passed away in January of this year. Both the Gardens and LCSO wish to honor Rima for her dedication to both organizations.

About the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra
The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the vibrant arts landscape in Northwest Indiana. The orchestra serves the 110,000 residents of La Porte County and regions beyond, including Southwest Michigan. Now in its 53rd season, the LCSO has grown from a small community orchestra into a dynamic, professional organization of 60 musicians serving audiences from seven counties. Each year, the orchestra presents four subscription concerts, in addition to the Hoosier Star, Holiday at the Pops and Children's Education concerts.