Madison Opera

It was an incredible evening sharing music with you at Opera in the Park! Celebrating 25 years of this incredible Madison summer tradition with thousands of people gathered together in Garner Park was a truly special moment we will never forget. Thank you to all who attended as well as the amazing people who helped make this magical evening happen.

Stay tuned as we share many more wonderful OITP memories during our year-long celebration of 25 years of Opera in the Park. We invite you to share your memories, your photos, and your happiness as well as we honor the past and look forward to the future!

We’ll see you again in October for Norma!

Photos by Lisa Karr Photography

Check out this Cap Times article where Madison Opera's General Director Kathryn Smith, Director of Production Jill Krynicki, Technical Director Billy Larimore, and CEO / Founder of Full Compass Jonathan Lipp share stories from the past 25 years of Opera in the Park as well as what goes on behind the scenes to bring this incredible concert to life.

As Opera in the Park turns 25, here’s how the magic happens Madison Opera will celebrate 25 years of Opera in the Park on July 18. The event in Garner Park draws some 10,000 people to a natural amphitheater.

Opera in the Park is tonight! Swipe through for some quick tips to help make your experience more enjoyable.

Tonight's free Opera in the Park concert will proceed as scheduled at 8pm!

We encourage patrons to consider their individual health needs and comfort level when deciding to join us at Garner Park. Please use your personal discretion and take any precautions that are appropriate for you.

We look forward to a great evening of music and appreciate your understanding and support. We hope to see you tonight!

It was a beautiful evening for a rehearsal in Garner Park. We cannot wait to spend this weekend sharing stunning music with you at Opera in the Park!

Many chorus and crew members sported Opera in the Park 25th anniversary t-shirts at tonight’s rehearsal! Can you tell we’re excited? 😊🎶

Stop by the volunteer tables at the concert tomorrow to purchase your very own commemorative t-shirt!

Reminder to pack a stellar picnic for the chance to win Madison Opera tickets! 🧺🎶

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Opera in the Park, we're giving away Madison Opera gift certificates* to 4 winners with the most impressive picnics at Opera in the Park this weekend on Saturday, July 18 at 8pm in Garner Park (the rain date is Sunday, July 19 at 8pm).

We will choose our picnic contest winners from these two categories:
1. Best picnic display - set up a show-stopping picnic with delightful décor (no balloons or flames, please). Be creative and have fun!
2. Best menu - pack your picnic basket with a spread of mouth-watering food. The only limitation is your palette!

All you need to do is:
• Set up your fabulous picnic at Opera in the Park this weekend.
• Snap a few photos of it 📸
• Send your picnic photos to us via email to [email protected], or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram.

Each category will have one first place and one second place winner. First place winners will receive a Madison Opera gift certificate for 4 tickets to an opera of their choice in our 2026/27 season, and second place winners will receive a gift certificate for 2 tickets to an opera of their choice in our 2026/27 season.

Entries are due by July 22, 2026. Winners will be notified by July 30, 2026.

Disclaimer: By submitting your entry, you grant Madison Opera the right to display, publish, or share your photos publicly across our marketing channels, websites, and social media platforms.

*Gift certificates must be redeemed through Madison Opera, and must be used for a production in the 2026/27 season. Gift certificates cannot be used for past purchases. Gift certificates may not be split between two productions.

Enter the Opera in the Park Raffle and support this free concert!

1st Prize: $2,000

2nd Prize: $1,000

3rd Prize: Madison Opera 2026/27 Season Subscription for Two

Raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $25. All proceeds benefit Opera in the Park.

Raffle tickets are available to purchase during the event at program tables and from select volunteers.
The drawing will be held at the end of the concert, but you need not be present to win.

Celebrate Opera in the Park's 25th Anniversary in style with this year's commemorative t-shirt, featuring the iconic Garner Park shelter!

The shirts will be available for sale at the concert along with OITP fans, light sticks, flashing rings, glowing necklaces, headbands, and more. Be sure to grab some light sticks so you can join the audience in conducting one special number!

Our Opera in the Park artists have been hard at work rehearsing. We are very excited to share beautiful music with you (for free!) at the concert this weekend in Garner Park!