San Francisco Opera Visitor Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go.
- Updated: November 6, 2026
Planning to attend the opera in San Francisco?
Find upcoming performances, compare ticket prices, and learn about seating, dress code, parking, accessibility, and audience etiquette before your visit.
- 25 Opera Performances
- Nov 6 Next Performance
- $101 Lowest Price
- $600 Average Price
- Next opera performance:
- San Francisco Opera: Strauss In Concert
- Nov 6 · 7:30 PM · War Memorial Opera House
- View Tickets
What to Expect
Opera performances typically run two to three hours, including intermission. Formal dress isn't required, though many attendees choose smart-casual or evening attire. Doors usually open 30–60 minutes before curtain, giving time to find seats and pick up will-call tickets.
Opera First-Time Visitors
Attending the opera for the first time can be a memorable experience. Reading a brief synopsis beforehand, arriving early, and reviewing the performance program can make the production easier to follow and more enjoyable.
Plan Your Opera Visit
Simple etiquette tips to help you enjoy the performance while respecting fellow guests, performers, and the venue.
Learn the essential etiquette for attending an opera, including arrival times, mobile phone use, applause, photography, dress code, food and drinks, and audience courtesy. Following these simple guidelines helps create an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Visitor Information
Before You Go
Planning ahead helps make your opera experience more enjoyable. Before leaving, confirm your performance time, review your tickets, check the venue's policies, and allow extra time for parking, security screening, and finding your seat.
Tickets
Purchase tickets in advance whenever possible, especially for popular productions and weekend performances. Mobile tickets are accepted by most venues, but always review the delivery instructions before arriving.
Dress Code
Most opera performances in Chicago do not require formal attire. Business casual, cocktail attire, or smart casual clothing is appropriate for most evenings. Opening nights, premieres, and gala performances may be more formal.
Arrival Time
Plan to arrive approximately 30–45 minutes before the performance begins. This provides enough time for parking, security screening, finding your seat, and reading the program before the curtain rises.
Opera Ticket Buying Guide
The average ticket price for November 6, 2026 at War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, CA is $600, with the highest-priced seats reaching $351. Prices vary by seating tier and how close to the performance date you buy.
| Looking for | Date & Time | From | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest Ticket Price | Nov 10, 2026 · 7:30 PM | $101 | 21 available | Select Seats |
| Most Tickets Available | Jun 22, 2027 · 7:30 PM | $181 | 68 available | Select Seats |
| Limited Availability | Nov 7, 2026 · 7:30 PM | $451 | 11 left | Select Seats |
| Lowest Weekday Price | Nov 10, 2026 · 7:30 PM | $101 | 21 available | Select Seats |
| Lowest Weekend Price | Nov 6, 2026 · 7:30 PM | $107 | 13 available | Select Seats |
Opera Etiquette
At the Venue
Parking & Transportation
Many opera venues offer nearby parking garages, valet service, or public transportation access. Check available parking options before your visit, especially for weekend performances and special events.
Seating Guide
Opera houses typically offer Orchestra, Dress Circle, Mezzanine, Balcony, and Box seating. Seat availability and viewing angles vary by venue and production.
Accessibility
Most opera venues provide wheelchair seating, elevators, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, and other accessibility services. Contact the venue before your visit if special accommodations are needed.
Food & Drinks
Many venues offer bars, concessions, and beverages before performances and during intermission. Numerous restaurants are also located near Chicago's major performing arts venues.
San Francisco Opera Schedule 2026–2027
Browse upcoming opera performances in San Francisco, compare venues, check dates, explore seating options, and find available tickets.- Nov 06, 2026, 7:30 PM Fri — OPERA, Best Value, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Strauss In Concert at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats,
301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $107, Avg. price ~ $301, Tickets Remaining: 13. View Tickets - Nov 07, 2026, 7:30 PM Sat — OPERA, Weekend Event, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Marriage of Figaro at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $451, Avg. price ~ $529, Tickets Remaining: 11. View Tickets
- Nov 10, 2026, 7:30 PM Tue — OPERA, Best Value, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Marriage of Figaro at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $101, Avg. price ~ $738, Tickets Remaining: 21. View Tickets
- Nov 13, 2026, 7:30 PM Fri — OPERA, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Marriage of Figaro at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $451, Avg. price ~ $949, Tickets Remaining: 15. View Tickets
- Nov 15, 2026, 2:00 PM Sun — OPERA, Weekend Event, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Marriage of Figaro at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $900, Avg. price ~ $1,092, Tickets Remaining: 12. View Tickets
- Nov 18, 2026, 7:30 PM Wed — OPERA, High Demand, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Marriage of Figaro at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $232, Avg. price ~ $1,137, Tickets Available: 34. View Tickets
- Nov 21, 2026, 2:00 PM Sat — OPERA, Weekend Event, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Marriage of Figaro at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $267, Avg. price ~ $1,135, Tickets Remaining: 27. View Tickets
- Nov 27, 2026, 7:30 PM Fri — OPERA, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Marriage of Figaro at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $226, Avg. price ~ $675, Tickets Available: 40. View Tickets
- Nov 29, 2026, 2:00 PM Sun — OPERA, Weekend Event, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Marriage of Figaro at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $226, Avg. price ~ $1,126, Tickets Remaining: 27. View Tickets
- May 29, 2027, 7:30 PM Sat — OPERA, Weekend Event, Pay Later Available: San Francisco Opera: Das Rheingold at War Memorial Opera House • 3,146 seats, 301 Van Ness Avenue At Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. From $143, Avg. price ~ $643, Tickets Available: 63. View Tickets
San Francisco Opera FAQ
What should I wear to the opera in San Francisco?
Business casual or smart casual attire is appropriate for most performances. Formal attire is optional, except for certain gala events.
How early should I arrive?
Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before the performance starts.
Is there an intermission?
Many opera productions include one or more intermissions, depending on the performance.
Can I bring a bag?
Most venues allow small bags, although security policies vary. Review the venue's current guidelines before your visit.
Are children allowed?
Age recommendations vary by production. Family-friendly performances are often available throughout the season.
Can I buy tickets on the day of the performance?
Depending on availability, same-day tickets may be offered online or at the venue box office.