Opera is coming together in San Francisco this September!
Thirteen Northern California opera companies and producers are joining forces for Opera Day in the Bay, a free outdoor concert celebrating the incredible range, diversity, and enduring appeal of opera.
The inaugural event takes place Sunday, September 20, at 1 p.m. in the beautiful Redwood Park at the Transamerica Pyramid Center, where audiences will enjoy an afternoon of music spanning more than three centuries—from Baroque masterpieces of the 17th century to contemporary works and newly created operas.
The participating organizations are Ars Minerva, Festival Opera, GK Works LLC, Lamplighters Music Theatre, Livermore Valley Opera, Mercury Theater, Opera Parallèle, Opera San José, Pocket Opera, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, San Francisco Opera Guild, Upspark Productions, and West Edge Opera.
Each organization will bring a selection of music that reflects its own artistic personality, offering audiences a chance to experience the remarkable breadth of opera happening throughout Northern California—all in one afternoon.
Internationally acclaimed Bay Area composer Carla Lucero will serve as the concert emcee. The event will also honor the life and legacy of beloved soprano, educator, mentor, and longtime Bay Area opera leader Erie Mills, whose artistry and dedication touched generations of singers, audiences, and colleagues both locally and around the world.
Program details, including featured singers, musicians, and repertoire, will be announced in early September.
Best of all, Opera Day in the Bay is free and open to the public. Audience members are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance through Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/OperaDay2026.
For easiest access, enter Redwood Park at 545 Sansome Street, between Washington and Clay Streets.
A Celebration Made Possible by the Opera Community
Opera Day in the Bay grew out of a simple idea: what happens when the Bay Area opera community comes together to celebrate what we all love?
The answer is an afternoon that brings artists, organizations, and audiences together in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. The event is made possible through generous support and in-kind contributions from 836M Arts Organization; Transamerica Pyramid Center; Ars Minerva (logistics); Festival Opera (piano/keyboard); Lamplighters Music Theatre (volunteers); Opera Parallèle (marketing and communications); Pocket Opera (stage management); and San Francisco Opera Guild (volunteers).
An Urban Oasis in the Heart of San Francisco
The setting for Opera Day in the Bay is almost as special as the music itself. Redwood Park at the Transamerica Pyramid Center is a tranquil half-acre oasis in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, featuring a grove of approximately 50 coastal redwoods transplanted from the Santa Cruz Mountains.
With its distinctive architecture by William Pereira and landscape design by Thomas Galli, the park offers a unique backdrop for an afternoon celebrating the artistry and community of opera.
Come spend the afternoon with some of Northern California’s most exciting opera organizations—and discover just how much opera has to offer.
Opera Day in the Bay
Sunday, September 20 | 1 p.m.
Redwood Park at the Transamerica Pyramid Center
545 Sansome Street, San Francisco
Free admission
Reserve your free tickets at tinyurl.com/OperaDay2026.