Visiting Us For The First Time

As you gear up to attend your opera performance, read over these frequently asked questions to help you prepare!

• What should I wear?

  
  We don't have a dress code. Some opera-goers prefer suits and gowns, others jeans. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. However, please avoid wearing strong scents. Many people (including singers) have allergies.

• Is there late seating?

   

  The Opera House opens one hour before curtain. All performances begin promptly at their scheduled times. Latecomers are seated at first intermission. Please note: not all performances have an intermission. There is no seating during the performance. Latecomers, as well as those who leave the theater during the performance, may be seated at the discretion of management. If you do arrive late, you can relax with food and drink in one of our bars and watch the performance on the monitor or in the theater in the standing room section.

   

• How should I get to the Opera House?

  
  We recommend public transit. We are conveniently located in Civic Center and BART and MUNI have stops within a 10-minute walk of the Opera House. Visit Directions and Parking for information on where to park. And to have the best experience possible, give yourself plenty of time to get here.

• What if the opera isn't in English?

   

  Don’t worry if you don’t understand Italian or French. All of our operas are performed with English supertitles projected above the stage—even the operas in English!

   

• Is there an age recommendation for attending an opera?

  
  To ensure an enjoyable and relaxed experience for everyone, we recommend that children be at least 8 years old. Programs are often more than two and a half hours long and are not always ideal for younger children. Please note that we do not allow children under 3, including babes in arms.

• How do I brush up on my opera knowledge before the show?

  
  Hear the music, see the artists, learn the story, and more on each opera's page. There are many great resources about opera online, from overviews of the genre to what to expect during a performance. Check out HuffPost’s Opera Guide for Beginners.

The curtain has fallen and we hope you've enjoyed the show! Make sure to keep in touch with us via San Francisco Opera's social media channels.

• How do I stay updated on new events?

  
  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get behind-the-scenes access and future event information. 

• How do I learn more about opera?

  
  Check out these articles, follow the performers you like on social media, and revisit an aria you enjoyed on YouTube. And of course, coming to another opera is the easiest way to learn!