The Rochester Symphony Orchestra will perform a free outdoor concert celebrating America's 250th birthday at Rochester Municipal Park on Thursday, July 30, at 7 p.m.

Maestro Zeljko Milicevic, who has led the RSO as music director and conductor since 2014, will direct the program. The evening includes the national anthem, a musical tribute to every branch of the Armed Forces, and patriotic favorites honoring the nation's 250th anniversary.

The concert doubles as the grand finale of the Kiwanis Club's Concert in the Parks 2026 series and the RSO's kickoff to its 2026-2027 season. Admission and parking are free at the park, located at 400 6th St. in downtown Rochester.

Milicevic, a Wayne State University graduate who also holds a master's degree from the University of Michigan, has deep roots in the Rochester area. He has taught string pedagogy at Oakland University since 2005 and conducts the Oakland University Chamber Orchestra, according to his OU faculty profile.

What to bring

Attendees should pack lawn chairs or blankets. The Concert in the Parks series at Rochester Municipal Park offers popcorn and ice cream for purchase, according to The Oakland Press. For questions about the RSO performance, call 248-651-4181.

Rain plan

If weather forces the concert indoors, the performance will move to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road, Rochester, according to the RSO.