Madison Opera: 10 reasons to attend Opera in the Park
Shari Gasper
Opera in the Park returns to Garner Park on Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m., and it’s a summer tradition Madison looks forward to all year. Since 2002, this beloved community event has brought thousands together for an unforgettable evening of music under the stars. Here’s why you don’t want to miss it:
1. It’s completely free.
Yes, free! No ticket required. Just bring a blanket and claim your spot in Garner Park. With over 10,000 people attending each year, you may want to arrive early to claim your perfect spot—but there will be room for you in the park whatever time you arrive.
Free parking is available at the University Research Park lot, and Garner Park is accessible via Madison Metro Transit Route A. There is accessible parking, and golf carts to assist those with limited mobility.
2. It’s a gift to the community.
Opera in the Park is produced by Madison Opera as a gift to the community. Thanks to generous sponsors and community support, the concert, which costs over $300,000 to put on, has remained completely free for over two decades.
Want to help support the concert? Donate to the Opera in the Park Fund, purchase a raffle ticket at the concert or attend the Prelude Dinner before the concert in the tent next to the stage. You’ll enjoy dinner, wine and beer, VIP seating, glow sticks and a post-concert artist reception. Reserve your spot by Wednesday, July 2.
3. The music is phenomenal.
Enjoy a sweeping program of opera and Broadway favorites featuring soprano Renée Richardson, mezzo-soprano Emily Treigle, tenor Andrew Bidlack, baritone Benjamin Taylor, the Madison Opera Chorus and the Madison Symphony Orchestra, all led by maestro John DeMain. Opera in the Park 2025 will offer selections by Mozart, Bizet, Beethoven, Donizetti, Arlen, Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Bernstein and more.
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Katerina Burton performing at Opera in the Park 2024. -
Joshua Sanders performing at Opera in the Park 2024. -
Emily Fons performing at Opera in the Park 2024.
4. You’ll get a sneak peek at next season.
Opera in the Park offers glimpses of Madison Opera’s upcoming season, starring performers who will sing leading roles in it. You’ll enjoy selections from Puccini’s “La Bohème” and Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” which the company is performing in November 2025 and April 2026, respectively. You will also hear the world premiere of two pieces from “Everlasting Faint,” a true crime ghost story opera by Wisconsin composer Scott Gendel that is premiering next February.
5. You can bring your own picnic.
Pack your favorites—cheese and crackers, takeout or a full gourmet spread. Treat yourself to desert with Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, and Madison Water Utility’s Water Wagon will be there to refill your water bottles.
6. You’ll meet some amazing volunteers.
It takes a village to pull off Opera in the Park. It takes more than 30 vendors (a majority of which are Wisconsin companies), six city departments and seven organizations offering in-kind support to make it happen. More than 100 dedicated volunteers help set up, direct parking, offer rides in golf carts, hand out programs and clean up after the show. Many return year after year. Give them a wave and a thank-you—they’ll be in red T-shirts! Want to help out? Sign up here.
7. You’ll join in a glowing conduct-along tradition.
Everyone becomes a guest conductor for one special number! Glow sticks in hand, the audience joins Maestro John DeMain in a Madison Opera tradition that lights up the night sky and brings the crowd together in joyful harmony.
8. You can take home a memento.
Show your Madison Opera pride with this summer’s Opera in the Park T-shirt, and don’t forget to buy your glow sticks on site. It’s a fun way to remember the evening—and be ready to conduct!
9. You could win big!
Enter the Opera in the Park raffle for a chance to win great prizes, including a $2,000 grand prize. Second prize is $1,000; third prize is a subscription for two to Madison Opera’s 25/26 season. Raffle tickets are $10 each, and all proceeds benefit Opera in the Park.
10. It’s perfect for all ages.
From young children to senior citizens, Opera in the Park is for everyone. Come with your family, your friends or all on your own, and enjoy the evening. Whether it’s your first visit or your twentieth, you’ll be swept away by the music, the setting and the shared community spirit.
So, mark your calendars and gather your picnic gear. Opera in the Park is a summer evening like no other—magical, musical and full of heart. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it!
Note: Rain date is Sunday, July 20.