Opera in the Park

Presented in partnership with the Water Works Park Foundation and Iowa PBS

Event Details
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 6:30–9:00 pm
Venue: Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Address: 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines
Screening: Bizet's Carmen
Run Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Sung in: French with English captions
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

About the Event

Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets because we're taking opera to the great outdoors with Opera in the Park! This free public event invites longtime opera fans and curious newcomers alike to experience Des Moines Metro Opera's world-class productions outside of the traditional theatre. 

This year, we'll be screening our 2023 production of Bizet's Carmen, filmed for television by Iowa PBS. Originally produced for statewide broadcast, “Des Moines Metro Opera Presents Carmen” received an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® Award for Outstanding Program in Entertainment: Long Form Content. The two-and-a-half-hour presentation also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast and creative team members.

We invite attendees to arrive at Opera in the Park at 6:00 pm (30 minutes before the screening at 6:30 pm) not only to grab their seats, but also for a special opera preview. This preview will be similar to our Summer Festival, in which attendees will get additional information about the opera to enhance their experience.

What's an opera without refreshments? Opera in the Park will feature a variety of food trucks with delicious treats as well as the Des Moines Biergarten. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own drinks and picnics.

About The Opera

First performed in Paris in 1875, Carmen features some of the most recognizable music in opera. This twisting tale of romance, intrigue, and obsession follows the free-spirited Carmen, who lives boldly in her pursuit of freedom. Sparks fly when she encounters the soldier Don José, but their passionate affair takes a dangerous turn when the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo catches Carmen’s eye. 

How to Get There

Parking for Opera in the Park is free! Lots will open at 5:30 pm. Follow the signage to enter Water Works Park from Fleur Drive; an attendant will direct you to the free parking lots.

Guests requiring accessible parking may park to the south of the stage.

What to Bring

Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome on the lawn – no beach umbrellas or tents, please, as they may obstruct others’ view of the screening.

You are welcome to bring a picnic basket or a cooler to Opera in the Park. Wine and beer can be consumed on park grounds, but please take any trash with you when you leave. There will also be a wide variety of food trucks onsite selling treats.