There’s something special about a summer evening filled with music, laughter, and the sound of kids discovering their first notes. On Tuesday, August 5, the Elizabethtown Social Center (7626 US-9, Elizabethtown) invites you to wrap up the season with a night of music-making, mocktails, and memory-making at our final Lawn Concert of the summer.

The festivities begin at 5 PM, when the courtyard is transformed into a one-of-a-kind musical playground thanks to Vermont Folklife’s Instrument Petting Zoo. Imagine children shaking maracas, tapping on drums, and plucking strings on fiddles and ukuleles—some for the very first time. It’s hands-on, joyful, and wide open for exploration. Whether your child has dreams of the stage or just wants to bang on a bongo, this is a chance to jump in and try it all.

“It’s all about joy and inspiration,” says Ian Drury. “These moments are small but can have a big impact.” Children who participated in past Instrument Petting Zoos (IPZ) have left with memorable experiences and a newfound excitement for music. Some favorite quotes from the kids include:

“I’m going to ask my mom for a fiddle for Christmas!”

“THIS WAS SO FUN!”

“Sounded like a pirate song to me!”

“My favorite instrument was the guitar. I hope I can have one for my birthday.”

The IPZ aims to get youth excited to play music by allowing them to experiment with a variety of instruments.

A beautiful performance by students from the Meadowmount School of Music, kicking off their closing week of intensive study starts at 7 PM. These young musicians have spent their summer honing their craft and are eager to share their passion and talent in an intimate, open-air setting. Meadowmount’s long-standing tradition of excellence shines through every note, making this a special opportunity for music lovers of all ages to experience the joy and artistry of classical music in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

“Meadowmount is truly the most extraordinary place. For seven weeks each year, this school exists to help young musicians flourish through rigorous daily practice. It is the most inspiring experience a dedicated musician could wish for.” – Kiara Saito-Beckman

The Elizabethtown Social Center’s summer Lawn Concert series celebrates community, creativity, and the joy of music. We’re proud to partner with Vermont Folklife and Meadowmount to bring these special evenings to life, made possible thanks to the generous support of Aubuchon, Champlain National Bank, Essex County Arts Council, J.M. McDonald Foundation, and NYSCA.

For more information, please visit our website at elizabethtownsocialcenter.org. Please contact us at 518-873-6408 or news@elizabethtownsocialcenter.org with any questions.