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The world of opera in Northern California is getting ready for a very exciting year. If you love music and drama, the San Francisco Opera schedule 2026 has many wonderful shows for you. This season brings a mix of famous classic stories and new, bold ideas to the stage.
Located in the heart of the city, the War Memorial Opera House tickets for 2026 are now being planned for fans who want to see these big shows. From the grand opening in September to the magical shows in the winter, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
A Quick Look at the San Francisco Opera Schedule 2026
The San Francisco opera schedule 2026 is part of the company’s 104th season. It starts in September 2026 and goes through the summer of 2027. These shows happen at the War Memorial Opera House. This is a beautiful old building in San Francisco. People love going there for a night of great art.
The shows this year are a good mix. You will see sad stories, funny stories, and big music concerts. The music director is Eun Sun Kim. She is a big star in the music world. She will lead the orchestra for many of these shows.
Here are the main shows you will see from September 2026 to summer 2027.
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September 2026: The Big Opening
The season starts with a lot of fun and great music.
Opera Ball (September 12, 2026)
This is the big party to start the year. It is not just a show. It is a fancy night out. People dress up. There is dinner at City Hall. Then everyone walks to the opera house for the first show. The money from this night helps the opera company teach kids about music and art.
Simon Boccanegra (September 12 to 27, 2026)
This is the first opera of the season. It is by a famous writer named Verdi. The story is about a man who becomes a leader. He loses his daughter and finds her years later. But there is a lot of trouble with politics and enemies. The music is big and strong. It makes you feel the pain and the hope of the father.
Opera in the Park (September 13, 2026)
Do you want a free show? Go to this one. The day after the opening, the orchestra and singers go to Golden Gate Park. They perform at Robin Williams Meadow. You can bring a blanket and some food. Listen to beautiful music outside in the fresh air. It is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.
Mary, Queen of Scots (September 20 to October 4, 2026)
This is a rare show. You do not see it often. It is by a woman composer named Thea Musgrave. The story is about the young queen of Scotland. She comes back to her country, but the men around her try to take her power. She fights to keep her crown.
This opera feels modern. Even though the story is old, the music and the way they dress feel like today. Heidi Stober sings the part of Mary. She is a favorite singer in San Francisco.
October and November 2026: Love and Laughs
As the fall goes on, the shows get softer and funnier.
Manon (October 15 to November 1, 2026)
This is a love story from France. A young girl named Manon wants nice things and true love. She cannot choose between a rich man and the poor man she really loves. The music is very beautiful and sweet.
In real life, the two main singers are married. Amina Edris sings Manon. Pene Pati sings to her boyfriend, Des Grieux. They have great chemistry on stage because they know each other so well. Watching them is a real treat.
The Marriage of Figaro (October 31 to November 29, 2026)
This is a funny show by Mozart. A smart servant named Figaro wants to get married. But his boss, the Count, wants the girl for himself. Figaro and the girl work together to trick the Count. It is a game of hide-and-seek.
This story is set in America during the time of the first president, George Washington. It looks very different from other versions. It is a light, fun night at the opera. The music is some of the happiest you will ever hear.
Strauss in Concert (November 6, 2026)
Not every night at the opera is a story. Some nights are just for music. This is a concert by the orchestra. They play music by a composer named Richard Strauss. A singer named Adela Zaharia joins them. She sings very high, clear notes. This is a night for people who love the sound of a big orchestra.
A Look at the San Francisco Opera 2026-27 Season Lineup Into Next Year
The SF Opera 2026-27 season lineup does not stop in 2026. It goes all the way into the summer of 2027. These later shows are very big and exciting.
Summer 2027: Gods, Gold, and Big Dramas
The warm months bring the biggest shows of the year.
Das Rheingold (May 29 to June 22, 2027)
This is the start of a huge story called "The Ring." It is a set of four operas by Wagner. This first one is about a gold ring that gives power to whoever owns it. But the ring has a curse on it. It brings bad luck to everyone who holds it.
This show is a big deal because the opera company plans to do all four operas in 2028. So this is your chance to see the first part. The music is very famous. You might know it from movies or TV ads. Brian Mulligan sings the part of Wotan, the leader of the gods. This is a heavy, powerful role.
Tosca (June 4 to July 2, 2027)
This is a thriller. It takes place in Rome. A singer, Tosca, is in love with a painter. A bad policeman wants Tosca for himself. He tries to kill her boyfriend to steal her. The story moves fast. People get hurt.
Rachel Willis-Sørensen sings Tosca for the first time in her career. She has a big, beautiful voice that is perfect for this music. This will be a very popular show, so buy your tickets early.
Pride Concert (June 25, 2027)
The season ends with a party. This concert celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community. The music is happy and loud. After the concert, there is a dance party in the lobby. It is a fun way to end the year.
Full San Francisco Opera 2026-27 Season Lineup Dates
Here is the complete SF Opera 2026-27 season lineup in a simple list. Use this to pick your dates.
| Show Name | Dates (2026-2027) |
|---|---|
| Opera Ball | September 12 |
| Simon Boccanegra | September 12 – 27 |
| Opera in the Park | September 13 |
| Mary, Queen of Scots | September 20 – October 4 |
| Manon | October 15 – November 1 |
| Marriage of Figaro | October 31 – November 29 |
| Strauss in Concert | November 6 |
| Das Rheingold | May 29 – June 22, 2027 |
| Tosca | June 4 – July 2, 2027 |
| Pride Concert | June 25, 2027 |
Your Visit to the War Memorial Opera House
If you are planning to attend, it helps to know about the venue. The War Memorial Opera House is a historic building that opened in 1932. It is famous for its grand lobby and its beautiful gold-leaf ceiling.
Getting Tickets
When looking for War Memorial Opera House tickets in 2026, it is best to buy early. You can buy a "subscription," which gives you tickets to several shows at a lower price. If you only want to see one show, single tickets usually go on sale a few months before the opening night.
- Box Office: The main ticket office is located at 301 Van Ness Avenue.
- Online: You can choose your exact seats on the official website.
- Discounts: Look for "Opera for the Bay" tickets if you are a local resident. These are often much cheaper for people who have never been to the opera before.
What to Wear
Many people wonder what to wear to the opera. While opening night is very formal, most regular performances are more casual. You will see some people in suits and dresses, while others wear nice sweaters and slacks. The most important thing is to be comfortable so you can enjoy the music.
What Makes This Season Special
This San Francisco opera schedule 2026 is not just a list of names. It is a plan for a whole year of great art. You see new singers from around the world. You hear music written hundreds of years ago that still feels new today.
The leader of the opera, Matthew Shilvock, says it is important for people to sit together in a dark room and feel the same feelings. In a busy world, going to the opera is a way to slow down. It helps us remember what it means to be human. The stories are about love, loss, power, and hope. These are things everyone understands.
This season is also a bridge to the future. The company is getting ready to do the full "Ring" cycle in 2028. That is a huge event in the art world. By going to "Das Rheingold" in 2027, you get to see the start of that big journey.
Final Thoughts
The San Francisco opera schedule 2026 is full of wonderful nights. Whether you love the big drama of "Tosca" or the fun of "The Marriage of Figaro," there is a show for you. Use this guide to look at the SF Opera 2026-27 season lineup. Pick a date that works for you.
Get your War Memorial Opera House tickets for 2026 early. Take a friend. Make a night of it. The food, the music, the beautiful building. It all comes together for a great experience. Do not miss the chance to see world-class art right here in San Francisco.
