Opera in the Park 2025

No. Opera in the Park is free and open to the public – just come to the park.

Opera in the Park features a mix of arias and ensembles from a broad spectrum of opera and Broadway. Every summer’s concert features selections from Madison Opera’s upcoming season, famous operas, unusual operas, operettas, zarzuelas, Broadway musicals, and more.

The concert begins at 8pm and will end around 10:15pm. There is one 20-minute intermission.

We keep a close eye on the weather in the days leading up to Opera in the Park. If we think there is a likelihood of inclement weather, we will make an announcement no later than 5:45pm on the day of the concert and post it on our website and via social media. If we must postpone the Saturday performance, the concert will take place on Sunday at 8pm.

You may lay down a tarp or blanket to claim your spot beginning at 7am on the day of the concert – but you can also arrive shortly before the concert and still find a good spot, as there isn’t a bad seat in Garner Park. The concert starts promptly at 8pm; most people arrive an hour or two before the concert to socialize and picnic.

Garner Park is located at 333 S. Rosa Rd. If you choose to drive, there is free parking for your vehicle. Just follow the signs and pay attention to our wonderful volunteers.

Garner Park is accessible via Madison Metro Transit Route A at Stop ID 0898 on the corner of Mineral Point and South Rosa Road.

There is bicycle parking at various locations surrounding the park.

For patrons with limited mobility, there is a drop-off point on Rosa Road at the Garner Park walking path. Ask the traffic officer at Rosa Road for access to the drop-off point, and they will let you through.

There is accessible parking on Rosa Road, Driftwood Ave., and South Hill Drive west of Rosa Road.

Golf carts are available to transport patrons with limited mobility before and after the performance. Ask an Opera in the Park volunteer in a red t-shirt for golf cart transport.

Yes! Pack your favorite picnic, grab some carry out, and enjoy a musical feast. There will be soft drinks, water, and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream for sale.

Yes, alcohol may be enjoyed responsibly at the event.

There will be soft drinks, water, and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream for sale.

The Prelude Dinner is another way to support Opera in the Park. Sponsors of the concert as well as individuals who purchase a ticket receive a catered dinner, wine and beer, VIP seating at the concert, light sticks, and an invitation to a reception with the artists following the concert.

Opera in the Park is free to attend but requires generous support to produce. You can help make this concert possible by making a direct donation online or in the park, by purchasing a raffle ticket, or by purchasing light sticks and t-shirts

A favorite Opera in the Park tradition takes place when the audience conducts one of the songs with light sticks. The park comes alive with an illuminated rainbow swaying in time to the music. Light sticks start at just $1, and we have an array of other glow merchandise for sale, so you can really light up the hillside!

Service animals are always welcome; all other pets must be on-lead and kept on the walking path.

Lost and found is located at the Garner Park Shelter at the top of the hill. Items unclaimed after the concert will be brought back to the Madison Opera Center and kept for a month.

The Madison Police Department have requested that you do not fly or operate drones or quadcopters in the event area.