Visit - Opera Carolina

Attending Opera

Whether you’re attending your first opera or you’ve been a lifelong opera lover, we want to you feel comfortable and have a sense of what to expect. In anticipation of your questions, we have answered a few typical ones here for you:

Will I understand what they’re singing?
- Yes! Usually, English translations of the lyrics – often Italian, sometimes French – are projected on a screen above the stage as they are sung. But most of what we’re sharing online this season will be in English. And the live (and socially distanced) performance of I Dream we’re bringing you in April 2021 is sung entirely in English.
What should I wear to the opera?
- This season, anything you want! We get this question a lot and always say that anything from casual to black-tie is appropriate. But now, you can enjoy opera in your robe and slippers.
Can I bring children?
- Please do! There’s no better time to introduce your children to opera than while we’re on pause. In fact, Opera Carolina’s education department has resources available to help families explore learning through opera.
Where do I get my tickets?
- No tickets are necessary for our online performances. If you have a device and a Wi-Fi connection, you have a ticket.
How long does the opera last?
- Usually 2½ to 3 hours. But this season, our online offerings will vary from snippets of a few minutes up to full one-hour operas.

GET DIRECTIONS AND EXPLORE

When you visit our venues we want to make sure you have a wonderful time – whether you’re in Charlotte for the weekend, or simply enjoying an evening out on the town. Learn about everything from parking to fantastic dining and lodging options.

Parking

Blumenthal Performing Arts offers a special $5 parking rate at parking garages for Opera performances. To take advantage of this offer, you must purchase a pre-paid parking pass from Blumenthal Performing Arts. Passes can be purchased when you purchase your tickets or in the theater lobby at the performance.

*The $5 rate is applicable when parked in the garage after 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. If parked in the garage before 5 p.m., the $5 rate is void. There is no time restriction on Saturday and Sunday.

Bank of America Corporate Center Parking Garage

Entrances are located both on Trade st between Brevard & College st, and East 5th st between Brevard & College streets. Overstreet walkway available to Founders Hall.

**$5* with pre-paid parking pass.**
Otherwise price may change

7th Street Station Parking

Entrances are located on 7th Street between College and Tryon Streets

**$5* with pre-paid parking pass.**
Otherwise price may change

Hearst Tower Parking Garage

Entrances are located both on 5th and 6th Streets.

$10

Commuting Options

Traveling into Center city has never been as easy. Whether you are interested in driving, taking the Opera shuttle or riding the LYNX Light Rail, there are a host of options for you to choose from.

Opera Shuttle Service

The Opera Carolina staff is currently in the process of reviewing our Shuttle Service for Thursday and Sunday performances in the 2022-2023 season. If you are interested in using this service, please contact Subscriptions@operacarolina.org or call Gail at 704-332-7177, ext 111.