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The extravaganza, performed six times throughout the summer, combines lavish fireworks, stirring music and the celebrated colorful illuminated fountains of Longwood Gardens. (Photos courtesy Longwood Gardens)

Summer nights just got more spectacular. Longwood Gardens has unveiled the 2011 schedule for Fireworks and Fountains, a multi-sensory evening series starting May 29 at its gorgeous outdoor gardens.

For six nights between May and September, fireworks and music bathe Longwood’s 1,050-acre horticultural showplace of colorful waterworks and meticulously manicured Norway maples.

The entire family will enjoy this light and sound spectacular, a summer tradition at the internationally celebrated gardens. Bring or rent a folding chair for a front-row experience of the gardens’ lights and sounds.

The fireworks and foliage are enhanced by a soundtrack that differs by the night:

• Summer Pops (May 29, July 23, Sept. 3): A night featuring American composer Leroy Anderson’s best known works, including “Blue Tango,” “The Syncopated Clock,” and “Home Stretch.”

• Celebrate America (July 3): A tapestry of patriotic favorites like Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” on the eve of Independence Day.

• Stravinsky ‘Stravaganza (June 18, Aug. 13): A celebration of the Russian composer’s “Rite of Spring,” “Firebird,” and other classics.

Fun fact: fireworks have been used at Longwood since at least 1907, the year after industrialist Pierre du Pont purchased the property. The public Fireworks and Fountains shows are now in their 29th year.

Shows are $38 for adult non-members and begin at 9:15 p.m., except for Sept. 3 (8:15 p.m.). Tickets are available online, at the Visitor Center, or by calling (610) 388-1000.

Fireworks and Fountains at Longwood Gardens
When: May 29–August 13, 9:15 p.m.; Sept. 3, 8:15 p.m.
Where: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Cost: $38, ages 16 and up; $22, ages 15 and under
More info: www.longwoodgardens.org