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.
Seattle Opera Visitor Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go.
Planning to attend the opera in Seattle?
Find upcoming performances, compare ticket prices, and learn about seating, dress code, parking, accessibility, and audience etiquette before your visit.
What to Expect
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 October 25, 2026 at McCaw Hall in Seattle, WA is $296, with the highest-priced seats reaching $953. Prices vary by seating tier and how close to the performance date you buy.
| Looking for | Date & Time | From | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest Ticket Price | Jan 28, 2027 · 7:30 PM | $75 | 768 available | Select Seats |
| Most Tickets Available | Jan 28, 2027 · 7:30 PM | $75 | 768 available | Select Seats |
| Limited Availability | Oct 25, 2026 · 2:00 PM | $128 | 262 left | Select Seats |
| Lowest Weekday Price | Jan 28, 2027 · 7:30 PM | $75 | 768 available | Select Seats |
| Lowest Weekend Price | Jan 24, 2027 · 2:00 PM | $99 | 573 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.
Seattle Opera Schedule 2026–2027
Browse upcoming opera performances in Seattle, compare venues, check dates, explore seating options, and find available tickets.- Oct2520262:00 PMSunOPERAHigh DemandWeekend EventSeattle Opera: SalomeMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $128Avg. price ~ $296Tickets Available: 262View Tickets - Oct2820267:30 PMWedOPERASeattle Opera: SalomeMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $99Avg. price ~ $191Tickets Available: 642View Tickets - Oct3120267:30 PMSatOPERAWeekend EventSeattle Opera: SalomeMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $99Avg. price ~ $198Tickets Available: 605View Tickets - Jan1620277:30 PMSatOPERAWeekend EventSeattle Opera: El Ultimo Sueno de Frida y DiegoMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $99Avg. price ~ $213Tickets Available: 558View Tickets - Jan2020277:30 PMWedOPERABest ValueSeattle Opera: El Ultimo Sueno de Frida y DiegoMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $75Avg. price ~ $186Tickets Available: 742View Tickets - Jan2420272:00 PMSunOPERAWeekend EventSeattle Opera: El Ultimo Sueno de Frida y DiegoMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $99Avg. price ~ $222Tickets Available: 573View Tickets - Jan2820277:30 PMThuOPERABest ValueSeattle Opera: El Ultimo Sueno de Frida y DiegoMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $75Avg. price ~ $192Tickets Available: 768View Tickets - Jan3020277:30 PMSatOPERAWeekend EventSeattle Opera: El Ultimo Sueno de Frida y DiegoMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $99Avg. price ~ $217Tickets Available: 657View Tickets - Mar0520277:30 PMFriOPERASeattle Opera: Lakme In ConcertSeattle Opera: Lakme In ConcertMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $101Avg. price ~ $195Tickets Available: 385View Tickets - Mar0720272:00 PMSunOPERAWeekend EventSeattle Opera: Lakme In ConcertSeattle Opera: Lakme In ConcertMcCaw Hall • 2,900 seatsMcCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
From $101Avg. price ~ $223Tickets Available: 469View Tickets
Seattle Opera FAQ
What should I wear to the opera in Seattle?
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.