The Boston Pops began on July 11, 1885 when the Boston Symphony Orchestra inaugurated a popular concert; the Boston Pops Orchestra began to perform under its name in 1935. The typical Pops concert begins with an opening section of light classical music. The middle section features a classical or popular soloist, and the conclusion consists of music from Broadway show tunes, film music, hits from the big-band era or patriotic favorites like the marches of Sousa. The Pops often perform their rousing programs outdoors for free, for example, playing for the Bicentennial in front of 400,000 people—the largest audience ever for an orchestral performance. Its renowned conductors of the orchestra include Arthur Fiedler and film composer John Williams.

Philadelphia, Los Angeles, CA and other cities have similar series.