Share this Post
Picnic like a pro at Koka Booth’s Summerfest series
If you thought Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre was just for symphonic sounds under the stars, think again. For 25 years, the North Carolina Symphony’s Summerfest series—which kicked off in May and runs weekly through July—has been home to one of the Triangle’s most delightful traditions: the themed picnic contest.
Inspired by the evening’s music—Star Wars, Broadway, A Summer Night in France, the ’70s and so on—these wildly creative setups have evolved into full-blown productions. “It’s definitely gotten grander,” says NC Symphony Assistant VP of Marketing and Sales Emma Wall, who notes the picnics have been a tradition since Koka Booth opened. “People are more into it and we see more and more creative things.”
Photos courtesy of NC Symphony
Each concert draws hundreds of picnics, with everything from Hogwarts-themed spreads showcasing butterbeer and chocolate frogs to tables draped in French flags and croissants. One Broadway night even featured film reels, VHS tapes and director chairs labeled like a movie set.
Roving judges scour the grounds to pick the top three picnics—the winner grabbing a grand prize $100 gift card to Wegmans, with two honorable mentions each scoring a $25 gift card. And, yes, “they do try to bribe the judges with their food and drinks,” jokes Wall.
She describes how picnickers pull out all the stops to win big, transforming even the humblest dish into a showstopper with a little creativity, flair—and a dash of friendly competition. “It could be like a normal everyday potato salad, but they’ve done a little something to tie it to the music being performed,” she says. Think “Susie’s Big Top Potato Salad,” complete with a circus-themed label and paper performer.
And this year’s themes are poised to offer even more inspo to let the imagination soar, from Disco Fever to Tropical Rock for 5 O’Clock Somewhere to The Catalinas. “Everybody wants to win a gift card to the grocery store,” says Wall of the competition—but assures it’s “family-friendly in a beautiful atmosphere… relaxed and fun.”
If you think you have what it takes to be crowned winner, pull out your best spreads and spread out at Koka Booth this summer. The more the merrier! boothamphitheatre.com
Related Articles
Share this Post