Spice up your summer with a night at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL), where opera becomes far more than a performance. Founded in 1976, OTSL has reimagined what a night at the opera can be, welcoming seasoned opera lovers and first-time guests alike, creating one of St. Louis’ most distinctive summer traditions.
Opera Theatre transforms each performance into a full evening that begins well before the curtain rises. Guests gather in the gardens surrounding the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts for the company’s signature pre-show garden parties. Attendees embrace the occasion in stylish garden attire to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the night. Guests can bring their own themed picnic setup, order delivery, or enjoy curated picnic spreads through OTSL partner Ces & Judy’s Catering. Drinks are available for purchase, and guests are welcome to bring their own refreshments to enjoy before performances begin around 7:30 p.m.
Once inside the intimate theater, there truly is no bad seat in the house, and audiences are treated to performances featuring both rising stars and internationally acclaimed opera talent. Accompanied by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, each production offers audiences the rare opportunity to experience the orchestra in a completely different setting outside of its traditional concert season. All performances are presented in English, with projected captions throughout the theater and select ASL-interpreted performances helping ensure that opera can be enjoyed by all audiences.
After the performance, guests return to OTSL’s iconic green-and-white tents for “cocktails with the stars under the stars.” The receptions give audience members the chance to mingle with fellow patrons, hear remarks from OTSL leadership, and meet members of the cast and artistic team. Opening nights and the closing night of the season feature complimentary Champagne toast for guests.
The 2026 season, running through June 28, features a wide variety of productions including the lively romantic comedy The Pirates of Penzance, the dreamy musical The Light in the Piazza, A Streetcar Named Desire inspired by Tennessee Williams’ iconic New Orleans-set play, and the timeless love story Romeo and Juliet. Content advisories for each production are available through OTSL’s website. Each performance also includes a detailed program featuring production notes, artist biographies, behind-the-scenes insights, and highlights that help deepen the audience’s appreciation for the work onstage.
Tickets are available through ExperienceOpera.org or by calling the box office at 314.961.0644. In addition to single-show tickets, subscription packages include benefits such as unlimited ticket exchanges, presale parking access, and discounts for additional guests.
OTSL continues its commitment to accessibility and community engagement through programs like Phyllis’ Free Seats, which provides 50 complimentary tickets for every performance through weekly lotteries. Guests ages 45 and under can also participate in the Young Friends Program, a social opera experience that includes a performance ticket, food, drinks and opportunities to connect with fellow young arts enthusiasts and OTSL staff.
Opera Theatre offers one of St. Louis’ most distinctive arts and community experiences, where artistic excellence takes center stage night after night.
This article appears in June 2026.