The Symphony at Sunset series, put on by Downtown Cleveland in partnership with the City of Cleveland, returned for a one-night Autumn Encore on Oct. 11 at Voinovich Park on the shore of Lake Erie, after the regular performances concluded Aug. 30.

Due to the earlier sunsets in fall, event organizers adjusted the time for the family-friendly event which started at 3 p.m. and ran until 6:30 p.m. The first two hours featured yard games, mini pumpkin painting, and coloring crafts. Children were welcome to come dressed in Halloween costumes.

Two food trucks, Dolce by Piccolo, serving coffee and pastries, and From Philly to the Land, serving authentic cheese steaks and hoagies, kept attendees fed and warm. Nuevo, a restaurant next to the park, was also open with extended hours, and attendees could pack a picnic for the lawn.

Ensemble OPUS 216 played Halloween music throughout the event, including the Harry Potter opening theme and the Monster Mash, but started its main performance at 5 p.m. The genre-unbound mini orchestra featured classical music, hip hop, and jazz. Included in the mix were Autumn from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and selections from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

“I’m glad they came out to play one more time,” one attendee said. “I think it’s a fun way to introduce my kid to music, but in a less formal setting.”

Though this event concluded the outdoor symphony season, members of OPUS 216 play in other symphonies, including The Cleveland Orchestra. Downtown Cleveland will also continue to put on events, such as the Trucktober series, which currently is taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Public Square from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.