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SF Opera: Calendar of Performances for 2025 & 2026
By: Jill Loeffler • Published: May 12, 2013 • Updated: February 4, 2025
The SF Opera is the second largest company in North America. Their first performance was Tosca in 1923. Here you can see world class performances that range from dramas to comedies and everything in between.
They offer about a half a dozen performances each fall and winter. This season kicks off in September and runs through early December.
Their second, shorter season is in the summer. This season usually offers about three shows. All start in June and end in late June to early July.
The SF Opera also kicks off their Fall Season with a free performance in Golden Gate Park. This free "Opera in the Park" show is held on the Sunday before opening night in September.
Here is the full schedule for the upcoming season.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
2025 Summer Season
La Boheme
Dates: June 3, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, and 21, 2025
Tickets: Find tickets to all shows
This Giacomo Puccini work will sweep you up in the bohemian life of young artists in 19th century Paris, as you ride with them the ups and downs, the love and losses, the passion and friendship of the human experience.
2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
Idomeneo
Dates: June 14, 17, 20, 22, and 25, 2025
Masterly composed by Mozart, the score of this grand opera takes you on an epic journey as Idomeneo and his crew brave the stormy waters.
He had promised the god Neptune that if they survived, he would sacrifice the first person he sees upon arriving to shore. Little did he know that person would be his son.
3 hours and 30 minutes with two intermissions. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
Free Opera in the Park 2025
Date: September 7
Each September, the SF Opera offers one free show in Golden Gate Park to kick off their upcoming fall season. The 2025 performance will be held in Robin Williams Meadow, open to all, especially to families who want to bring a picnic for the lawn.
At this free show in the park, you will enjoy a variety of performances from the 2025-2026 Season with music by the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, led by Music Director Eun Sun Kim.
Doors open at 1:30 pm.
Fall 2025 Shows
Rigoletto
Dates: 9/5 - 9/27
Rigoletto makes his living on gossip, serving as the sharp-tongued jester to a womanizing duke. Beneath his wit, lies a deep devotion to his daughter Gilda, whom he protects fiercely.
But when a nobleman curses Rigoletto for his cruelty, his life spirals into tragedy in ways he never would have envisioned.
Verdi's masterpiece combines this gripping story with some of the most beautiful and emotional music ever composted for stage. You will also love the opulent Renaissance-inspired customs and an almost dreamlike backdrop.
Dead Man Walking
Dates: 9/14 - 9/28
Joseph De Rocher is on death row, sentences to death for murder. As his execution date looms, Sister Helen Prejean accompanies him guided by her unwavering faith.
But this journey is anything but easy for either of them.
She faces the searing anger of the victims' families, the grief of his mother, and her own struggles with justice, mercy and redemption.
During this dark time, Sister Helen forces herself to confront questions she never expected, which challenge the very core of her beliefs.
Parsifal
Dates: 10/25 - 11/13
The once-mighty Knights of the Holy Grail are fading. Their leader, Amfortas, is suffering from a wound that will not heal.
As the knight Gurnemanz remembers an old prophecy of a pure-hearted savior, he dismisses that it could be young Parsifal.
Unaware of his destiny, Parsifal heads out on a journey of discovery, transformation, and redemption.
When he returns to the knights, he is forever changed and willing to fulfill his fate.
The Monkey King
Dates: November 14 - 30
The Monkey King is bold, rebellious and on a quest for power, even if heaven is not quite ready for him.
Based on the classic Journey to the West, this exciting new opera brings Sun Wukong's tale to life with music, puppetry, and dance.
As he attempts to secure mortality for his tribe, the Monkey King defies gods and warriors alike, proving his strength at every turn.
Even as he is victorious, the respect he needs is just out of reach until he meets his greatest challenge yet.
This piece is an unforgettable fusion of tradition and modern spectacle.
Summer 2026 Shows
The Barber of Seville
Dates: May 28 - June 21
Figaro, a clever and quite-witted barber, always has a trick up his sleeve.
When he sees young lovers kept apart by the grumpy Doctor Bartolo, he creates a plan and jumps into action.
With his charm and wit, and, of course, a little mischief, he tries to help Rosina escape the Doctor's grasp so she can reunite with her true love, Count Almaviva.
But, will Figaro's schemes work?
Elektra
Dates: June 7 - 27
In a world where vengeance is delivered with an axe, Elektra is consumed by the justice for her murdered father.
Her mother, Klytamnestra, has taken his life and Elektra will stop at nothing to make her pay.
In SF Opera's new production, this classic tragedy is transformed into a gripping psychological thriller. Past and present merge together in a haunting exploration of fate, fury and the cost of revenge.
What to Wear to a Performance
The dress code in San Francisco, and in most of California, is casual. At the SF Opera, you will see attendees dressed in everything from suits and dresses to jeans.
Even though the city is casual, I recommend dressing up just a little. Smart casual (or business casual) is your best choice.
Many people come to these shows after work or a nice dinner, so most will be dressed in this manner. This will allow you to fit in, but not be over or under dressed for the show.
Before your visit, I also recommend checking out my "What to Wear" page. Here you will find recommendations on what to pack based on the weather for the season you are visiting.
Restaurant Recommendations Nearby
The best place to find a great restaurant before the show is in the nearby Hayes Valley neighborhood. This area has some of the best new and established restaurants in the city.
Here you will find everything from the upscale restaurants to the grab and go options. Discover more of my favorites in the area here.
More FAQs for the SF Opera
Do they seat late comers? The SF Opera does NOT seat those that arrive after the performance has started. You are welcome to relax in their onsite bar/restaurant and watch the performance on a TV until intermission.
At this time, you are welcome to enter and take your seat for the rest of the show.
How early should I arrive to the SF Opera performances? The doors open about 1-hour before the curtain. This is the earliest you can take your seat for the performance. However, their on-site restaurant opens 2-hours before each show.
I recommend making a reservation in advance if you plan to eat here before the performance. They also offer Pre-Show Talks, which start about 55 minutes before the show. It's a great way to learn more about what you are about to see.
Do the SF Opera shows have an intermission? Yes, almost all of the operas offer one (and sometimes two) intermissions. They usually last around 20 to 25 minutes, so you will have plenty of time to get back into the performance before it starts.
They will not seat those that return after the show has already started, so please plan ahead during intermission.
What else should I know before I arrive? I always recommend reading up on each performance before you arrive. This will allow you to get the most out of each one.
All shows not sung in English will feature subtitles, so you can follow along. This is easy to do and allows you to get the full experience.
Tips to Get Here
The War Memorial Opera House is at 301 Van Ness Avenue. Since it's right in the city center, it's easy to get to from most SF neighborhoods.
Driving: One of the most popular options is to drive. While this isn't necessary, you will find several great parking garages nearby. Many charge a $20 event fee, so make sure you are prepared for the additional charge. Here is more information on the best garages in the area.
Public Transit from Union Square
Muni buses: There are two options from Union Square that will get you close to the War Memorial Opera House:
- J, K, L, M, & N Light Rail Trains: Take any of these light rail trains from Union Square to the Van Ness Station. You can then walk up Van Ness to the show. It's about a 10 minute walk from this station.
- 5 Fulton: This bus will drop you about a half a block north of the Opera House. Get off the bus at the McAllister and Van Ness Street stop.
Public Transit from Fisherman's Wharf
49 Van Ness/Mission: This bus picks up on the western side of Fisherman's Wharf at Van Ness Avenue and Bay Street. It makes stops every two blocks. Take it nine stops to the McAllister Street stop, which will put you less than a five minute walk to the show.
>> More tips for getting around SF
Top Hotels Near the SF Opera
The SF Opera is easy to get to on SF Public transit and by car. However, you will also find some great hotels within walking distance. Here are just a few of my top recommendations.
Inn at the Opera: 3.5-star hotel, just a block from the SF Opera, 333 Fulton Street, read reviews from recent guests at it here.
BEI San Francisco Trademark Collection: 4-star hotel about 4 blocks away, centrally located near public transit and less than a block from Market Street, 50 8th Street, see what others had to stay about their stay.
More hotels in the Civic Center & Hayes Valley districts.
More About the SF Opera
The SF Opera has called the War Memorial Opera House home since October 1932. Their popular shows continue to bring in thousands of audience members to this beautiful venue every year.
They share the space with the award winning SF Ballet Company. Neither company offers year-round performances. The SF Ballet kicks off their season in December with The Nutcracker and continues offering performances from January to May.
The SF Symphony used to share this space as well, but has since built a dedicated space for their performances which is called Davies Symphony Hall.
The War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco's Civic Center District includes seating for just over 3,000 people.
More on the War Memorial Opera House
I love attending performances at the War Memorial Opera House. As I mentioned above, this gorgeous building opened in 1932. It was one of the last Beaux-Arts structures built in the US.
This 3,146-seat auditorium houses several events including all of the SF Opera and SF Ballet performances.
The minute you step into the lobby, you know you are in for a treat. Take some time walking around and admiring all of its features.
Also, make sure you step around to the sides. This is where you will find two tapestries from the 1700s. The picture below shows just one of these magnificent pieces.
The auditorium is just as beautiful. Even though it's been remodeled over the years, they did a great job in keeping its original look.
These are the fantastic finishes above and to the sides of the stage. You will find these types of finishes throughout the auditorium.
Other Pages You Might Like
Asian Art Museum: Another popular stop in this district is the Asian Art Museum. It focuses on Asian art from China, Japan, and India. It also showcases a number of gorgeous pieces from smaller Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nepal. It's one of my favorite museums in the city and must see when visiting this area.
City Hall: I also love making a stop at City Hall. From Monday to Friday, they invite the public to take a look at their magnificent structure. It's free to enter (though you will need to go through security). Make sure to visit their small museum, the photo exhibit on the lower level, and the breathtaking marble staircase.
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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