OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Hundreds of guests gathered on the greens at Ocala Golf Club Friday evening for Fine Arts for Ocala’s (FAFO) annual Symphony Under the Stars, a cherished local tradition that returned after weather postponed its original Mother’s Day date.

A woman embraces a man at a table set with wine and snacks on the lawn during the evening performance.
Two women enjoy food and drinks while seated near a picnic basket and snacks on a striped mat.
Rows of red chairs face the stage under a white tent as the orchestra performs at sunset.
A group sits around a white tablecloth enjoying food and wine under a large American flag held by cranes.
From food vendors to flag ceremonies, Symphony Under the Stars delivered a festive atmosphere for music lovers of all ages. Courtesy: Chris Youngblood/352today

Families and friends set up blankets and lawn chairs beneath the oaks, soaking in live music from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, led by Conductor Matt Wardell and Assistant Conductor Abigail Mistretta.

Conductor Matt Wardell raises his baton while leading musicians at the outdoor evening performance.
Trumpet and French horn players read sheet music and perform during the concert.
Matt Wardell conducts musicians in an outdoor concert with trees and tents in the background.
Close-up of violinists playing in the Ocala Symphony during the outdoor performance.
Abigail Mistretta gestures expressively while conducting the orchestra under the event tent.
Musicians in white shirts relax and chat behind the performance tent with instruments nearby during Symphony Under the Stars.
Conductors and musicians from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra delivered a captivating performance during Symphony Under the Stars, filling the evening with classical favorites and patriotic tunes. Courtesy: Chris Youngblood/352today

The evening opened with a performance by Becky Sinn and the Becky Baby Band, followed by a patriotic presentation of colors by Forest High School’s Air Force JROTC.

People walk across a grassy field carrying folding chairs and a picnic basket on their way to Symphony Under the Stars at Ocala Golf Club.
Forest High School Air Force JROTC cadets carry the U.S. and Florida flags past the orchestra tent during Symphony Under the Stars.
Groups of people gathered in chairs and standing on the lawn before the concert begins.
Female lead singer with pink guitar and retro mic sings with her band onstage at the event.
Ember Bateman, Christel Bateman, and Beth Butler sit in camp chairs around a picnic setup at Symphony Under the Stars.
Parents and children walk and play in the kids activity zone on the golf course during Symphony Under the Stars.
Families and friends brought their lawn chairs, coolers, and picnic spreads to enjoy the live symphony performance under the open sky. Courtesy: Chris Youngblood/352today

Attendees strolled to food trucks, lined up for pizza, and were shuttled across the course by volunteer-driven golf carts.

Parents and children gather at food trucks serving kettle corn and wood-fired pizza.
Volunteers drive golf carts across the Ocala Golf Club course, helping guests during Fine Arts for Ocala’s Symphony Under the Stars event.
Vendors stack pizza boxes while guests wait for food during the outdoor music fundraiser.
Attendees wait in line at food trucks as children sit on the grass during the evening concert.
Groups of people gathered in chairs and standing on the lawn before the concert begins.
Groups of people gathered in chairs and standing on the lawn before the concert begins.
Two adults and three children sit on the grass, watching the stage with interest.
Two people sit on a blanket watching the orchestra perform under a large white tent.
The crowd settles in with food truck fare and folding chairs as Fine Arts for Ocala’s signature event gets underway. Courtesy: Chris Youngblood/352today

As twilight fell, the night culminated in a crowd-pleasing fireworks display.

Audience members in lawn chairs look up at a red firework bursting above the concert tent at dusk.
Colorful fireworks light up the sky above a large white performance tent during the Symphony Under The Stars event in Ocala.
Multicolored fireworks illuminate the sky while guests in chairs enjoy the orchestra's performance.
Fireworks lit up the night sky to close out Symphony Under the Stars, drawing cheers from the crowd gathered at Ocala Golf Club. Courtesy: Chris Youngblood/352today

The event serves as a fundraiser for FAFO, supporting local arts initiatives and performances throughout the year.

More news that matters to you…