May 19, 2024 @ Pioneer High School

Picnic Pops is the city-wide community event that happens each May on the front lawn of Pioneer High School. It features great music from the Ann Arbor Public School bands. Under a big tent, the various music ensembles present a "pops" style program of popular tunes. A tradition since 1961, this spring music event is a great way to celebrate the accomplishments of our student music ensembles. The concert is free, and the games are at bargain prices. Come enjoy the music, food, and fun!

Chairs are provided just outside the tent, but half the fun is bringing your own lawn chair, strollers, or blankets and making yourself at home.

In the tradition of old-fashioned socials, Picnic Pops features games and activities for all ages. There's plenty to do for younger children, and for some reason, the games featuring prizes of soda pop or whole cakes (donated by the Pioneer music community) are the most popular with the pre-teen and teenage crowd!

There's even a cake decorating contest each year. Who knew music students could also be so talented in the kitchen? The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive a cash prize. The school of the 1st place winner will have the coveted Bundt Pan Trophy to proudly display in their band room until the next Picnic Pops.

Of course, the event would not be complete without food and drinks, all of which can be enjoyed at the tables set up under the tent and outside the tent while listening to the music. Food trucks will be available and all of these vendors are donating a percentage of their sales back to the event. If the weather doesn't cooperate, Picnic Pops simply moves indoors with music in the auditorium and food & fun in the lobby.

It takes enthusiastic volunteers to make a great event like this happen. Pioneer Band Families will receive an email before the event asking for their assistance.

Picnic Pops makes for a great family outing! Plan to join us each spring!