Opera at The Bay: The Merry Widow Saturday, April 25 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Sarasota Opera and The Bay partner again to present a FREE series of recorded opera screenings from Sarasota Opera’s 2026 Winter Festival. For a limited time only, these exclusive in-park screenings on the stadium-quality LED screen will feature professionally recorded versions of each opera performed inside the historic Sarasota Opera House during the recently-completed season. So bring your friends and family to the park to watch the excitement and vibrance of opera within the beauty of this “One Park for All” along Sarasota Bay. Use this as an opportunity to introduce your friends, kids and grandkids to this captivating genre of performing artistry. Come as you are… no experience required. About The Merry Widow Money, mischief and matchmaking in the 1905 Parisian society. Franz Lehár’s sparkling operetta unfolds amid money, mischief, and matchmaking in 1905 Parisian high society. The wealthy widow Hanna Glawari becomes the focus of eager aristocratic suitors, but when her past love unexpectedly reappears, comedic complications and elegant ballrooms intertwine with some of operetta’s most unforgettable melodies. Click here for a digital guide about this famous opera Special Notes You’ll Want to Know: Arrive by 6:50 PM for a fast, 5-minute Opera “Primer” led by a member of the Sarasota Opera team—an essential preview of the plot, characters, and standout arias, plus insider tips and fun facts to enhance your screening experience. Register to Win! Register for and attend this event to be entered into a raffle to win a set of free tickets to an upcoming opera performance during the 2026/27 Opera Festival. Other Opera at The Bay Events (click on each to learn more) Sat, April 18 | La bohème Sat, May 2 | Il trovatore Buon appetito! Come Hungry and Thirsty! Enjoy watching opera with delicious food and beverage (including Italian wine!) at The Nest Café. About Sarasota Opera Sarasota Opera produces impassioned opera performances true to the vision of the composer, to entertain, enrich, educate, and inspire a life-long love of opera in our diverse and growing communities. This is Sarasota Opera’s 67th Season of bringing world-class opera to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tips for an enjoyable visit: PLEASE BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIR TO ENSURE A COMFORTABLE SEAT. The Bay park address is 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota FL 34236 Free parking is located around the site and all parking lots remain open — along Blvd of the Arts and in front of the Van Wezel, Municipal Auditorium and Blue Pagoda. Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas. Construction of the new Town Square (located between the Municipal Auditorium and Art Center) is underway and affects pedestrian routes between the parking lot along N. Tamiami Trail and venues west of Van Wezel Way (incl. The Bay park, Van Wezel, and Holley Hall). Signs are posted to direct you between these lo...
