Photo provided by Cornelius Parks and Recreation

Cornelius Parks and Recreation will celebrate the start of summer with its annual Symphony in the Park event on Saturday, June 20, at Bailey Road Park.

The free community event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and features live music, food vendors, family activities, a drone show and a fireworks finale.

Gates and the KidsZone will open at 6 p.m. The KidsZone, located on the upper multipurpose field, will offer inflatables, face painting and children’s activities until 8 p.m.

Musician Walter Finley will perform from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., followed by a performance from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra from 8:30 to 9:45 p.m. A drone show and fireworks display will begin immediately after the orchestra’s performance.

The drone show is new this year and is part of the festivities to commemorate the Parks and Recreation Department’s 30th anniversary and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Organizers say the aerial display will feature patriotic imagery along with scenes inspired by parks and recreation programs.

More than a dozen food vendors will be on site, along with local beer and wine providers including 760 Craft Works, Eleven Lakes Brewing, Hoptown Brewing, Lost Worlds Brewing and Dover Vineyards.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Pets, smoking and vaping devices, outside alcohol, tents, open flames, glass containers and personal fireworks are prohibited.

Parking is available at Bailey Road Park, Bailey Middle School and Hough High School. Free shuttle service will be provided, and organizers encourage attendees to walk, bike or use rideshare services when possible.