Symphony in the Cities & Prelude in the Park

With an “Under the Sea” theme, this year’s Symphony in the Cities includes the Children’s Musical Playground and Prelude in the Park from 4 to 7 pm followed by the concert at 7 pm. 

This year’s theme was inspired by the City’s 35th anniversary with the traditional color being coral and Mission Viejo’s rich history under the sea. Mission Viejo was once completely covered by water with the sea full of whales, sharks and assorted marine life. Thousands of years after the sea receded, mammoths, bears and a variety of land animals roamed the land. The bones and teeth of these animals were discovered during the excavation for housing tracts. In 1973, part of a fossilized whale skull was found during an excavation of Mission Viejo. It was identified as a 5-million-year-old bowhead whale - a prehistoric relative of the baleen whale. Then in 1976, the fossil became the City’s first historic monument and is currently displayed at Chrisanta Drive and La Paz Road. Plaster jackets were used to store the major fossil finds of intermingled land sea animals. The jackets are stored at museums and Saddleback College.

The City is also challenging the community to forego single-use plastic bottles. Take a simple step to help save the oceans by bringing your own reusable water bottle and filling it for free in our refilling stations. Show your reusable water bottle at the Cultural Services booth during the Prelude for a chance to win a gift certificate to Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point.

Patrons can begin placing blankets and chairs after 1 pm. 

Reserve a VIP table for up to 10 people for $150 to enjoy Pacific Symphony here.

Parking

Parking is available at the event and shuttle service will be provided from the Civic Center to the Village Green from 4 to 9 pm.

Prelude: 

• Food trucks: Burning Buns, Xclusive Taqueria Moderna, Cousins Maine Lobster, Scooter’s Italian Ice, Drizzle OC and more!
• Fossil Dig - dig in a large sand pit for real shark teeth, clam shells and other treasures to take home. Real historic fossils will also be available to view.
• Wyland Foundation’s Mobile Learning Experience - the state-of-the-art bio-diesel science museum on wheels features a 40-person multi-sensory theater and seven interactive stations to learn about water conservation and quality.
• Photo opportunities and storytime with Ariel, Sebastian the crab and Ursula.
• 360-degree camera for fun short videos. Use #undertheseamv so we can "sea!"
• Community booths, crafts, games and some surprises! 

Prelude Entertainment:

Surf City Allstars

View Pacific Symphony's program here

Thank you to our Title Sponsors: Mission Viejo Kia and Moulton Niguel Water District.