Attending the Santa Fe Opera in Summertime – what to know

As of early August 2024, there are 12 performances remaining in the Santa Fe Opera season for this year. Located at 301 Opera Dr, Santa Fe, New Mexico, this gorgeous live theater space is open air and elegantly beautiful.

Attending the Santa Fe Opera can be a wonderful experience! Here’s what you need to know about timing, parking, and costs:

Timing:

Arrival Time: Gates typically open 90 minutes before the performance starts. It’s a good idea to arrive early to enjoy the scenery and possibly have a pre-performance picnic on the beautiful grounds.

Performance Start Times: Performances generally start around 8:00 PM, but double-check your ticket or the Santa Fe Opera website for the exact start time of your specific performance.

Parking:

On-Site Parking: Parking is available on-site and is included in the ticket price. The parking lot opens 90 minutes before the performance.

Shuttle Service: If you prefer not to walk from the parking lot to the opera house, a complimentary shuttle service is available from the parking lot to the theater.

Costs:

Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the seating section and the specific performance. Tickets can range from around $40 for upper level seating to several hundred dollars for prime seating.

Additional Costs: While parking is included, additional costs may include food and beverages if you choose to purchase them at the opera house.

See below for more ticketing options, especially the possibility of bargain rush tickets.

Tips for a Great Experience:

• Dress Code: While there’s no strict dress code, many patrons choose to dress up a bit for the occasion.
• Weather: Santa Fe can get cool in the evenings, even in summer, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket or wrap.
• Food and Drink: You can bring your own food and beverages, including alcohol, to enjoy on the grounds before the performance. There are also on-site dining options available.

By planning ahead and arriving with enough time to enjoy the surroundings, you’ll be sure to have a memorable evening at the Santa Fe Opera.

Santa Fe Opera Dining:

Add to your experience with Preview Dinners, Tailgate Picnics or Opening Night Dinners. Attending the Santa Fe Opera offers various dining options that can enhance your experience. Here’s what you need to know about Opera Dining:

Preview Dinners:

1. Preview Dinners are elegant dining experiences held before select performances at the Santa Fe Opera.
2. Timing: Typically, Preview Dinners start a few hours before the opera performance begins.
3. Menu: The menu often features gourmet cuisine prepared by top chefs, with options for multiple courses.
4. Reservations: Reservations are required for Preview Dinners. It’s recommended to make reservations well in advance, as these events can be popular.

Opera Dining

Visit https://www.santafeopera.org/visiting/opera-dining for more information and to purchase. 

Tailgate Picnics:

Tailgate Picnics are a beloved tradition at the Santa Fe Opera, where patrons bring their own picnic spreads to enjoy before the performance.

Timing: Picnicking typically starts when the gates open, about 90 minutes before the performance.

Location: You can set up your picnic on the grounds of the Santa Fe Opera, taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

What to Bring: Bring your own food, beverages (including alcohol, if desired), picnic blankets or chairs, and any other picnic essentials.

Atmosphere: It’s a festive atmosphere with many attendees dressing up for the occasion.

Experience the fun of this Santa Fe Opera tradition! You are welcome to bring your own or enjoy one of their delicious Tailgate Picnics. Choose from a range of Sampler Tailgate Boxes and Dinner Tailgate Boxes.

Tailgate picnics must be ordered by 3 PM two days in advance. Due to seasonality of fresh ingredients, menus vary slightly. NB—Not offered on  August 11 and 18.

Seating availability on Twomey Terrace (adjacent to the Box Office) is limited and non-reserved. Tailgate picnics are prepared and presented by Masterpiece Cuisine.

Opening Night Dinners:

Opening Night Dinners are special events held to celebrate the start of the opera season.

Timing: These dinners typically precede the first performance of the season.

Exclusive Event: Opening Night Dinners often feature a special menu and may include performances or guest speakers.

Reservations: Like Preview Dinners, reservations are required for Opening Night Dinners due to high demand.

Attire: Guests often dress in formal attire for this prestigious event.

Reservations and Costs:

Reservations: It’s important to make reservations for Preview Dinners and Opening Night Dinners well in advance, as they can fill up quickly.

Costs: The cost of dining options varies depending on the event and menu selections. Preview Dinners and Opening Night Dinners are typically priced higher due to their gourmet offerings and exclusive nature.

Additional Tips:

Check the Schedule: Review the Santa Fe Opera’s schedule for specific dates and availability of dining events.

Special Dietary Needs: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, inquire in advance to ensure accommodations can be made.

Enhance Your Experience: Dining options at the opera can add to the overall enjoyment of your visit, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the opera-going experience.

By planning ahead and considering these dining options, you can make the most of your visit to the Santa Fe Opera, enjoying not only world-class performances but also exceptional culinary experiences.

Tickets

The Santa Fe Opera offers a range of ticketing options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a rundown of the main ticket options you might find:

Subscription Packages: These are multi-performance packages offering savings compared to purchasing individual tickets. Subscriptions can include a range of options, from a fixed number of performances to flexible packages allowing you to choose shows.

Single Tickets: For those who prefer to buy tickets for individual performances, these can be purchased in advance. Availability might vary depending on the popularity of the show.

Standing Room: For sold-out performances or those looking for a more budget-friendly option, standing room tickets might be available. These tickets offer a place to stand rather than a seated area.

Student and Military Discounts: Discounted tickets are often available for students and military personnel, typically requiring ID verification.

Rush Tickets: These are usually available on the day of the performance and offer a last-minute chance to get tickets, often at a discounted rate.

Group Tickets: For larger parties, the opera may offer group rates, which can provide a discount for groups of a certain size.

VIP and Premium Seats: These offer enhanced experiences, such as closer proximity to the stage or additional amenities.

Seasonal and Special Events: The opera sometimes offers special packages or pricing for events outside the regular season, such as galas or special performances.

It’s always a good idea to check the Santa Fe Opera’s official website or contact their box office for the most current information on ticket availability, prices, and specific options for the season.

Rush tickets to Santa Fe Opera 2024

For the Santa Fe Opera’s 2024 season, rush tickets typically become available on the day of the performance and can be purchased at a reduced price compared to regular tickets. The exact cost of rush tickets can vary based on the performance and availability.

Rush tickets at the Santa Fe Opera typically range from $20 to $40. However, prices and policies can change, so it’s best to check directly with the Santa Fe Opera’s box office or website for the most up-to-date details on rush ticket pricing and availability for the 2024 season.