With travel plans on hold and local mandates and restrictions ever changing, it hasn’t quite felt like a normal summer in Southern California. But celebrate we will, because it’s safe to say that outdoor events are officially back—and not a moment too soon!

I recently had the distinct pleasure of attending an open air tribute to the musical genius better known as Mozart, in a dazzling outdoor candlelight concert atop the majestic roof of the newly minted JW Marriott in Anaheim. Presented by Fever, the Candlelight Open Air: Mozart’s Best series includes four evenings dedicated to the joy of classical music (two taking place in July and two more on August 11 and 12, which you can book HERE).

As someone who has suffered from a serious case of culture withdrawal over the past year, the promise of an al fresco moonlight serenade was (literally) music to my ears.

Just steps away from Disneyland, the ethereal experience features sweeping panoramic views of Orange County, and a magical fireworks display kicks off a sublime soirée that includes selections of some of the legendary composer’s greatest hits of the 18th century, as performed by the Metropolis Chamber Musicians string quartet. With the audience framed around the stage as a performance in the round, every angle boasts an intimate view of the instrumentalists, who are bathed in the warm glow of one thousand flickering candles.

The JW Marriott itself opened its doors in 2020, and has flourished even in a year when tourism took a major hit at the neighboring Disney theme park. The perfect spot for an impromptu staycation (or a mini getaway) the property boasts a stunning lobby featuring a sleek contemporary design that’s adorned with bold artistic features, a luxurious resort style pool studded with private cabanas, and an expansive roof that plays host to Parkestry, one of the hotel’s signature eateries. The relaxed open-air setting is the perfect primer for an evening of symphonic pleasures, with open patio seating and a full service bar to enjoy pre-concert cocktails, before moving into the garden.

“What’s unique about our garden is that it’s surrounded by citrus and bamboo that will eventually mature and grow, so you’ll feel like you’re walking into a secret garden,” says Director of Marketing Maribel Denner.

The whimsical botanical area features four quadrants, including a succulent section, a floral section, a butterfly wall comprised of 600 titanium butterflies crafted by local artisans, and a vegetation section that bears the ingredients for the seed-to-table concept dishes prepared and served by the hotel’s chefs.

“We’re also the first hotel that’s ever launched an augmented reality component,” Denner explains, referring to a revolutionary digital concept that launched roughly two months ago.

Throughout the garden you’ll see three Japanese art sculptures that are downloadable, where you’ll plant the seed of your imagination, and a butterfly will guide you to the next installation where you’ll choose and record a mantra.

“Eventually it will take you to a portal where you’ll see your tree grow,” she says. “The more you come, the more your tree will mature, and eventually you’ll live in a digital forest. Really what we want our guests to do is plant their digital roots at the hotel.”

Book your stay at the JW Marriott Anaheim and be sure to catch one of the two August performances of Candlelight Open Air: Mozart’s Best. Because nothing compares to a magical evening of music in the moonlight.

Candlelight Open Air: Mozart’s Best
JW Marriott Anaheim
August 11th and 12th
7:40 and 9:40 pm

CLICK HERE to reserve your tickets.