Symphony in the City: Free Disney concert in downtown Edmonton

A relatively new, but already much-loved musical event is returning to downtown Edmonton this Labour Day long weekend.

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra will take over Churchill Square Friday and Saturday night for its annual “ATB Symphony in the City” concert, featuring Disney’s most well-known songs.

The concert is free and in previous years has drawn thousands of people to the downtown core.

The event began in 2014, when the ESO’s traditional Symphony under the Sky in Hawrelak Park was forced to change venues due to the World Triathlon Grand Final.

The move downtown was supposed to be a temporary, one-time thing but it was so popular that representatives said making it a regular event was a no-brainer.

“It was such a big success that first year, so many people came out and filled the square, and people dressed up,” ESO Principal Trombone John McPherson said.

“It was just so much fun that everyone thought, ‘well, we just have to keep doing this.'”

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This year’s concert features a range of Disney classics, including songs from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, The Jungle Book and more.

Family activities will take place in the square leading up to the concerts, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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“There’s face painting, balloon animals, there’s an instrument petting zoo where people can come and get up close and personal with different symphonic instruments,” McPherson said.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. both nights.

Those attending are reminded to bring their own chairs or seating and low back, beach-style chairs (like those used at Folk Fest) are suggested. Those with higher chairs will be asked to sit in the back of the square as to not obstruct the view.

Blankets and tarps are also allowed, but the surface of Churchill Square is concrete and might not be comfortable to sit on.

Small coolers for food and drinks are also allowed and there will be food vendors and food trucks on site.

Check out the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s website for more information.