It’s about that time of the year when the temperatures drop, the leaves turn orange, and the smell of spices is in the air. It is also the time when all sorts of festivities begin. The Candlelight Concert Series is the perfect family activity. If you have never attended one, you will want to read this article.

The Candlelight series hosted by Fever is held at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. The new season is set to start in October with a Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics, tailored to kick off the spooky season.

What should you expect to see when you go into one of these events? Stay with me, and we will talk about it in more detail.

What is a Candlelight Concert¶

The Candlelight concert held by Fever usually revolves around a theme—A Tribute to Queen, or Taylor Swift, or Vivaldi, and so on. It is a classical concert; no one will be singing.

What makes it special are the candlelights. Thousands of electric candles will be spread throughout the venue. Before the event starts, the main lights dim, leaving only the candlelight.

All of the concerts are with a listeso string quartet. That is typically two violins, a viola, and a cello. The musicians are usually listed in the Listeso Music Group.

The Venue¶

Originally constructed in the late 1800s and completed in December 1900 as a Catholic Church, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center has since been transformed into a cultural landmark that hosts everything from art shows, concerts, to private events.

It is more than just a venue; it is a piece of living history and art. With its breathtaking architecture, stained glass windows, and ornamented vaulted ceilings, the building itself becomes part of the performance.

For the Candlelight series, the space is nearly magical. The glow of thousands of electric candles and high arches create an unmatched experience.

Upcoming Concerts this Year¶

📆 Oct 16 - A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics. This Halloween-themed concert sets the mood perfectly for your spooky season. With eerie classics like Thriller, The Exorcist theme, and Danse Macabre played by a live string quartet, the evening blends fun and fright in a setting that feels straight out of a Tim Burton film. Costumes aren’t required, but you’ll definitely feel the spirit of the season.

📆 Nov 6 - Tribute to Lauryn Hill. This is an earlier concert. Celebrate the soulful genius of Lauryn Hill in this candlelit tribute that brings her most iconic hits to life through a string quartet. From the raw emotion of Ex-Factor to the unforgettable energy of Doo Wop (That Thing) and Killing Me Softly, this concert blends hip hop, soul, and R&B in a way that feels both nostalgic and deeply moving. 

📆 Nov 6 - Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons. This concert happens at 8:45 PM. And it repeats in January. Two of the biggest names in modern alt-rock face off in a candlelit showdown. From emotional highs of Coldplay’s “Fix You” and “Viva La Vida” to the powerhouse of “Believer” and “Radioactive.”

📆 Dec 20 - A Tribute to Queen.  If you’re a fan of classic rock, this concert is a must. The powerful melodies of Queen, from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Somebody to Love,” are reimagined through the elegance of string instruments. The experience is dramatic, fun, and full of nostalgia.

📆 Dec 20 -  Christmas Carols on Strings. My personal favorite. There is something special about holiday music. And when it is in the right place and setting, it becomes pure enchantment. This concert features beloved classics like O Holy Night, Carol of the Bells, and Silent Night, transporting you straight to the heart of the season.

What to Expect¶

For starters, you should get there with enough time to park and get situated. The doors will close 5 minutes before the start, and you will not be allowed to enter after.

There is limited parking in the area, and when arriving closer to the show, you might have to park a little way away.

Despite the beautiful facilities, Sacred Heart has limited bathrooms. It is very likely you will wait in line. Keep that in mind when considering your timeline.

Ushers are at the front door to direct you with whatever you need.

Seating¶

When you purchase the ticket, you will select a zone. The seats are not assigned in that zone.

If you purchased a ticket in zone A, once you arrive, the ushers will lead you to a seat in that zone. Let’s say there are 10 rows in section A. You could be placed in any of those rows as long as their are withing section A.

When we attended the Vivaldi concert last year, the chairs were narrow and stiff. So, be prepared for that.

Can Kids Attend?¶

For the most part, the shows are family-friendly. The requirement is 8 years or older. Getting up during the sessions is highly frowned upon. They prefer any movement to be done during intermission.

Keep that in mind if your kid is a little jittery.

Concessions¶

While this is nothing like going to a concert at Evans Town Center, where food trucks are lined up and you can have a seven course meal with dessert, they do have a small concession stand.

You can expect the usual drinks—water, wine, beer, sodas, etc. They do not serve any type of food on the premises. No outside food or drink is allowed.

The Experience¶

You might find some reviews complaining that the music wasn’t excellent. As for the technical side of music, I cannot speak to that. My musical knowledge is very limited. What I can say is that I enjoyed the show.

But when the overhead lights dimmed and the thousands of little amber lights remained, glowing softly in the beautiful Sacred Heart main area—that was breathtaking. It felt like we were transported to another time, another dimension.

This concert is perfect for all ages. There is no yelling or jumping. Just people sitting and watching the spectacle.

Conclusion¶

You can see all of the concerts coming up in the next few months on the Fever website.

Heads up on this, the space is limited, and tickets fly off the shelf. If you are interested in any of the events coming up, now is the time to start purchasing your tickets.