Festival Under the Stars FAQ’s
Opera Naples Festival Under the Stars is an outdoor winter opera festival featuring vocal performances, fully staged operas (two with full orchestra) and the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples International Voice Competition. Performances take place at the Wang Opera Center and Baker Park in Naples, Florida.
The Wang Opera Center (home of Opera Naples) is just one mile from downtown Naples, at 2408 Linwood Avenue, Naples, FL 34112. Baker Park is located at 50 Riverside Circle, Naples, FL 34102, along the Gordon River and is also close to downtown Naples.
Festival performances at Baker Park are scheduled for March 11–15, 2026, with evening performances beginning at 7:00 p.m. The festival at Baker Park includes performances of Puccini’s Turandot, Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, and the final round of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Opera Naples International Voice Competition.
Yes. Baker Park offers limited, free on-site parking, but patrons are encouraged to arrive well in advance of performance start time for the best parking availability.
There are several nearby parking lots just to the west and north of Baker Park as well as across the street on Goodlette-Frank at the Neighborhood Health Clinic. Patrons may also park in the City of Naples public parking garage located on 12th Street South, just south of 1st Avenue South and ride the complimentary shuttle to Baker Park. We HIGHLY suggest you review the Parking Map prior to arrival and call us in advance with any questions.
Uber and Lyft all operate throughout the downtown Naples area and are encouraged. See GPS directions above for the best destination address.
Baker Park Parking Map
Tickets can be purchased online here through the Opera Naples website or by contacting the Opera Naples box office at (239) 844-SING. Guests may select specific dates and seating sections, as well as VIP table options right at the stage that include a complimentary reception from 6-7pm.
Subject to availability, multi-performance savings are available directly with the box office as follows: 10% off for 3 performances, and 20% off for 5+ performances. To purchase, please call (239) 844-SING.
Operas are performed in their original language (Italian) with English subtitles on a large screen so audiences can follow every moment of the story.
Printed programs will be provided at the performance. A digital version will available via a QR code at the festival—look for signage upon entering.
Box Office opens at 6pm for entry to all Baker Park performances, in advance of each performance at 7pm. We recommend arriving at least 30-45 before the performance to allow time for parking, check-in, and seating.
NO ADMISSION PRIOR TO 6pm at Baker Park.
VIP receptions are 6-7pm in the Sugden-Gomez Center pavilion. A drop off and VIP check-in is in the west side of the pavilion. We suggest VIP attendees arrive 5:45pm to 6:00pm to have time to park and enjoy the reception. For parking options, please see the Parking Map.
We recommend “elegant casual” or “festive outdoor” attire. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably for an evening outdoors in Southwest Florida, including a light layer for cooler breezes. Closed-toed shoes are recommended, and high heels are discouraged, due to the grassy setting and uneven outdoor terrain.
All seating is reserved and provided, via high-backed lawn chairs. Please do not bring your own seating.
Small seat cushions or blankets are welcome if they do not obstruct aisles or block sightlines for other guests. “Opera Naples” blankets may also be available at concessions for purchase.
You may choose to bring insect repellent, sunblock (sunset is roughly 7:30pm), a warm hat or opera glasses to better enjoy your experience.
Baker Park features paved walkways, accessible routes, and permanent facilities that support guests with mobility needs. Handicapped parking is available in both the public and City of Naples 1st Avenue South parking garage. A convenient drop-off circle is located upon entry to Baker Park near the main festival entrance. Please try to limit the drop-off time; no parking is permitted at the circle. Guests have access to accessible restrooms located in Baker Park’s permanent facilities, all accessible via paved sidewalks.
Guests who require accessible seating or have specific needs are encouraged to contact the Box Office in advance for assistance. Lawn chairs for ticketed patrons on aisles can be removed to provide space for wheelchairs. Please advise the Box Office prior to the evening’s performance.
In the event of severe weather, Opera Naples will follow established safety protocols and may delay, pause, or reschedule a performance if necessary. Guests will receive updated information via email, text (if opted in), and online announcements.
Large umbrellas, tents, and pop-up shade structures are not permitted in the seating area, as they block views and can be unsafe in windy conditions. Small rain ponchos or jackets are recommended if possible drizzles are forecast.
Winfield Catering will have multiple concession areas selling water, sodas, wine by glass, high-end bottled wine, liquor cocktails, snacks (Popcorn, Cookies, Nuts) and Prosciutto Crudo on Semolina Bread. The concession booths will also have collectible 2026 Opera Naples gear! Be sure to check out the beverage cups, T-shirts and blankets. Guests must present valid ID for service. Offerings may vary by evening.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted within the individual seating area.
We recommend fine dining establishments such as Shula’s Steak House (North Naples), DeRomos and the Boathouse or The Syren Oyster & Cocktail Bar (both downtown Naples and on the water).
To avoid entering downtown, we suggest Rebecca’s Wine Bar and Restaurant (on Bayshore Drive), or the numerous establishments in Bayfront or Tin City, both located at the crux of S. Goodlette-Frank Road and U.S. 41.
Closest options to Baker Park can be found in the Design District such as Grappino, The Warren, Unidos Restaurant and Mini-Bar (bar-fare, closest option, walkable to the park).
VIP tables include enhanced views due to proximity to the stage, and a pre-performance reception from 6-7pm in the Sugden-Gomez Center pavilion with complimentary beverages and wines.
Yes. Families are welcome at festival performances, and many guests enjoy introducing children and teens to opera in this relaxed outdoor setting. Parents should note that some operas include mature themes, such as allusions (sung in Italian) to death, suicide or execution. None of the 2026 performances contain any explicit sexual themes or content, making them suitable for a general audience of all ages.
All guests attending evening performances require a ticket, regardless of age. Student pricing is available by calling the Box Office at (239) 844-SING.
Yes. Opera Naples presents a free Family & Community Day at Baker Park March 7, 2026, beginning at 10am, featuring interactive activities, bounce house, face-painting and a live operetta performance (for kids!) at 12pm.
For the comfort and safety of all guests, pets are not permitted in the reserved seating and audience areas during performances, except for registered and trained service animals, in accordance with City of Naples park regulations.
Prohibited items include weapons, illegal substances, drones, umbrellas in the seating section, coolers, laser pointers, and other items that could disrupt the performance or jeopardize guest safety.
Please check posted guidelines or ask a staff member or usher before leaving the venue area. As a reminder, all seating is reserved and must be ticketed.
Yes! Opera Naples relies on volunteers to help welcome guests and support festival operations. Interested individuals can learn more and apply through the Volunteer section of our website volunteer page.
For the latest information, please visit our website at Connect - Opera Naples, to sign up, and follow Opera Naples on social media. Ticket holders will also receive “Know Before You Go” updates, as well as important performance and weather updates by email.
For ticketing, seating, or accessibility questions, please contact the Opera Naples Box Office. Contact information and box office hours are listed at the bottom of our website’s home page at Home - Opera Naples.