CHARLESTON Ƶ YouƵve heard of ƵChristmas in July.Ƶ How about Halloween in June?
A beloved tradition that kicks off each summer in Charleston returns this year with a spooky twist.
The West Virginia Symphony OrchestraƵs AVN Corp. Symphony Sunday will present Spooktacular Summer on Sunday, June 1, from 2-10 p.m. on the University of Charleston lawn.
General admission is free for Spooktacular Summer, which will showcase the fun of ƵHalloween in June.Ƶ Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes to participate in trick or treating across the lawn, with a costume parade for all to begin at 6 p.m. at the front of the stage. Additionally, title sponsor AVN Corp. will provide free trick or treat bags to the first 500 children under 12 years of age.
This long-time tradition on the lawn of the University of Charleston celebrates some of the communityƵs most beloved music from the AARP West Virginia Main Stage; food vendors from the Ƶ Symphony League, St. GeorgeƵs Cathedral, Dunbar LionƵs Club, and EllenƵs Ice Cream; CAMC WomenƵs & ChildrenƵs crafts; and Family Fun Zone presented by McKinley Carter Wealth Services.
The day is capped with a grand finale performance by the stateƵs premier orchestra and a fireworks display presented by Moses Auto Group that illuminates the West Virginia Capitol.
ƵWe are once again excited to kick off the summer by lending our support to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and AVN Corp. Symphony Sunday,Ƶ Steve Hedrick, AVN Corp. Chairman & CEO, said in a news release. ƵRain or shine Ƶ we look forward to being a part of our incredible community that comes together for a day of wonderful music, art and food.Ƶ
A VIP reception, sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC will be held from 6-10 p.m. and gives guests exclusive access to watch the performances from atop UCƵs rotunda and patio. Heavy hor dƵoeuvres, beer, wine and champagne will be served.
Tickets to Sunday’s VIP reception are $100 each and can be purchased by calling the ƵSO at 304-957-9876, by emailing Amanda McDonald at amcdonald@wvsymphony.org or by visiting .
AVN Corp. Symphony Sunday 2025 is made possible through support from the following: AVN Corporation, the University of Charleston, the City of Charleston, AARP West Virginia, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, Moses Auto Group, Charleston CVB, Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC, Amherst Madison, Brewer & Co., McKinley Carter, CAMC Vandalia Health, Advanced Physical Therapy, Greylock Energy, Focus Partners Wealth, Ƶ American Water, and Mike & Shelia Neal.
The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West VirginiaƵs premier performing arts organization, presenting classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently entering its 87th season, the ƵSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.AARP West Virginia Main Stage schedule
2 p.m. Kanawha Valley Community Band2:55 p.m. Brass Band of the Tri-State3:40 p.m. Charleston Metro Band4:25 p.m. womanSong5:15 p.m. Greater Huntington Symphonic Band6 p.m. Ƶ Youth Symphony Ensembles7 p.m. Kanawha Valley Pipes and Drums (in front of the stage, ground level)8 p.m. West Virginia Symphony OrchestraFireworks to follow at the conclusion of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra ConcertOther events throughout the day
Book Nook: 2-6 p.m.Food vendors: 2-9:30 p.m.ChildrenƵs Costume Parade: 6 p.m.CAMC WomenƵs & ChildrenƵs crafts: 2-8 p.m.McKinley Carter Wealth Services Family Fun Zone: 2-8 p.m.