Frequently Asked Questions

Are your concerts appropriate for children?

You know your child better than we do, so we don’t give firm age guidelines for our concerts. If this is your child’s first symphony experience, we recommend starting with one of our “pops” concerts. The annual Holiday Spectacular is a great first concert for kids, and we offer a matinee performance, which may be preferable to an evening concert.

We do ask that if your child has trouble being quiet during the performance that you take them to the lobby, preferably between pieces. Expect each concert to last around two hours including the intermission.

When is the Independence Day concert at the medical center?

Titled “An American Salute,” this popular annual event takes place on or around Independence Day. For details including date, time, and parking information, please visit our events page.

Where can I park at the Hershey Theatre?

There is a large parking lot directly across the street from the Caracas Avenue entrance. Should that parking lot be filled, there is additional parking off Caracas Avenue, one block on your left. There is no charge to park in these lots. View full parking information here.

What is the bag/security policy at the Hershey Theatre?

The Hershey Theatre has recently updated their security protocols. The theatre prohibits large bags; hand clutches, wristlets and small purses are permitted but are subject to search and must not exceed 5″ x 8″ x 1.” You can read the full guidelines here.

Can I buy tickets in advance at the Hershey Theatre?

The Hershey Theatre does not handle our ticket sales. Purchase tickets online here or in person at the symphony table the evening of the concert. Please be advised that some of our concerts do sell out days before the performance.

Why are some concerts being held at Founders Hall at the Milton Hershey School?

Due to renovations scheduled at the Hershey Community Building, which houses the Hershey Theatre, the symphony is pleased to perform its February and March 2024 concerts in the newly-renovated Founders Hall on the campus of Milton Hershey School. The symphony also is honored to serve as “Artists in Residence” at Milton Hershey School, helping to enrich educational and cultural experiences for students. The symphony will continue occasional performances at Founders Hall when the Theatre is not available in 2024 and 2025 due to renovations.

Where can I park at the Milton Hershey School?

Please look for the square white traffic “Event Parking” signs as you arrive on campus.  Milton Hershey School will have signs (and staff) on hand to help you find your way to the closest available parking lot. As parking lots fill, they will be closed, and you will be directed to the next available lot.

Guests who need handicap parking will be directed to Lot A. You may also drop a guest off near the building before parking your vehicle.

Please arrive early and be patient during the arrival (and exiting) process.

Once you have parked, you can follow the “Event Entrance” signs along the sidewalks and paths to the nearest entry door into the venue.

After the event is concluded, we will have signs in place outside the venue exits to direct you back toward your appropriate parking location and then off campus.

When do the doors open at Founders Hall?

Founders Hall will be open starting at 6:30 p.m. and doors to the theatre will open at 7 p.m.

Is there an elevator at Founders Hall?

There is a small lift to help guests who need assistance getting to the upper levels of the auditorium.

Is there a bag policy at Founders Hall?

There is no bag policy but please note that no food or drinks are allowed in the auditorium.

May I purchase beverages and snacks during intermission at Founders Hall?

There will not be drinks or snacks sold since they are not allowed in the auditorium. There are several water fountains available to use. Please note that Milton Hershey School is a non-smoking campus.

If I have season tickets, do I need to purchase separate tickets for the concerts at Founders Hall?

No, your season ticket subscription includes tickets to all six of our regular season concerts. Please check your email for your tickets from TicketPeak. If you need assistance, please contact us at contactus@HersheySymphony.org.

When do season tickets go on sale? 

Subscriptions for the upcoming concert season go on sale by July 1 of each year here. Tickets for individual concerts go on sale August 1 of each year here.

I’m a musician and would like to play with the Hershey Symphony. How do I do that?

Please fill out this contact form and our personnel manager, Dr. Theresa Swenson, will be in touch to discuss the selection process.

Do you have performance opportunities for young people?

Hershey Festival Strings provides a wonderful opportunity for middle school strings in the greater Hershey and Harrisburg areas. Fill out the contact form here to be informed of dates and other vital information about the next Festival Strings season.

Hershey Powerhouse Strings for late elementary string players is currently on hiatus, although we hope to bring it back at some point.

Accomplished and motivated high school musicians, particularly string players, are also invited to audition for the Hershey Symphony. Please fill out the contact form here and someone will be in touch to discuss the audition process.

Do you sell gift certificates?
Absolutely! If you have a music-lover on your gift list but don’t want to choose a particular concert for them, a gift certificate is a great choice. Click here to purchase.