Candlelight Photo
Experience highlights Why you'll love it

The music of Middle-earth
Follow the Fellowship's journey through the music of the three films, played live by a string quartet in a museum lit by candles.

Surrounded by a thousand candles
Only candles illuminate the room, creating a breathtaking atmosphere that makes every Candlelight concert unforgettable.

An extraordinary setting
Experience this unique concert in a stunning candlelit setting.
Program The music that awaits you
- Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All from Lord of The RingsHoward Shore
- Concerning Hobbits from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingHoward Shore
- Amon Hen from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingHoward Shore
- The Breaking of the Fellowship (feat. "In Dreams") from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingHoward Shore
- Foundations of Stone from The Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersHoward Shore
- The Riders of Rohan from The Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersHoward Shore
- Evenstar from The Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersHoward Shore
- Gollum's Song from The Lord of the Rings: The Two TowersHoward Shore
- Minas Tirith (feat. Ben Del Maestro) from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingHoward Shore
- The Ride of the Rohirrim from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingHoward Shore
- The Return of the King First from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingHoward Shore
- Into the West from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingHoward Shore
- The Grey Havens (feat. Sir James Galway) from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the KingHoward Shore
Performers
- String quartetRange Ensemble
Gallery
In short About the concert
Hear the music of The Lord of the Rings trilogy played live by a string quartet at the San Diego Natural History Museum, surrounded by the glow of candles. Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings brings the unforgettable scores of the three films to life, with a setlist and sheet music approved by Howard Shore, the official composer of The Lord of the Rings.
© New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are ™ of Middle-earth Enterprises, LLC under license to New Line Productions, Inc.
On the day How it works

Arrive early
Doors open 45 minutes before the concert. Late entry is not permitted once the concert has started.

Find your seat
Seats are not numbered: they are taken on a first-come, first-served basis within the zone on your ticket.

Let the music take over
Enjoy 60 minutes of live music surrounded by candles.
Reviews What guests are saying
4.9/5
based on 160 reviews
Stacy M.
feb 2026
Great energy from the players
Aaron M.
feb 2026
This was my first time attending one of these events. It was very enjoyable. Would go again. Would also like to go to other themed concerts like Star Wars or Game of Thrones.
Peter B.
feb 2026
Fantastic ensemble and experience
Angelica V.
feb 2026
It was an amazing experience!!
Kristian R.
feb 2026
Literally AMAZING!!!! So special!!
Victor S.
feb 2026
Wonderful and intimate venue.
Nils V.
feb 2026
The music was incredible but it would be amazing if the background showed scenes relating to the movies and soundtrack
Helen K.
feb 2026
Wonderful experience! If you love the Lord of the Rings soundtrack, this is a must see. The musicians were so talented.
About the venueSan Diego Natural History Museum
The San Diego Society of Natural History, founded in 1874, is the oldest scientific institution in southern California and the third oldest west of the Mississippi. With 8 million specimens, award-winning exhibitions, and educational programs, we have been studying, protecting, and bringing people closer to nature for almost 150 years.
Address
1788 El Prado, San Diego, 92101
Parking
Paid parking is available in Balboa Park: $5 to $8 for verified City of San Diego residents and $10 to $16 for non-residents, depending on the lot. Valet parking is offered in front of the House of Hospitality, except on Mondays, and accessible parking is available on the east and west sides of the building.
Accessibility
The venue is fully ADA accessible: the museum provides free wheelchairs, has accessible parking spaces and offers supportive features for guests with physical or visual disabilities.
FAQs Frequently asked questions
Is parking available?
Where is the best place to park?
Is there valet parking?
Is there accessible parking?
What ticket types are there?
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Can I request a ticket for my companion or carer?
Is there an age requirement?
Where can I find my ticket?
Can I change my ticket?
Are refunds allowed?
How does the Flexible Cancellation ticket work?
Can I return a Candle 3-Pack?
Where is the concert held?
When should I arrive?
Can I leave during the performance?
How do I get there?
Is food and drink available?
Can I bring animals?
Is the venue accessible?
Is there a dress code?
Are the candles real? Are they flammable?
Can I take photos or record videos? Can I use my phone during the performance?
How are seats assigned? Can we sit together?
Links of interest
Need help?
Contact Support here.
Select date and session
Select date and session
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