What to Expect
First time attending? Curious to know what might be in store? Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
What Exactly am i seeing?
Learn more about our 2024 Summer Festival here.
What Should I Wear?
You may be wondering, "Do I have to wear a tux or ball gown? Is there a dress code? Will I feel under-dressed? Will I feel overdressed?"
When people picture a night at the opera, they often envision ball gowns, top hats, diamonds, and fur coats. While a night at the opera is a great opportunity to get fancy, there is no dress code! On most nights, you’ll see cocktail dresses, jeans, khakis and polo shirts, and coats and ties. Wear what you like—be comfortable!
When should I arrive?
The doors open 75 minutes prior to the start of every Cincinnati Opera performance. This is to allow ample time for parking, exploring Music Hall, enjoying a light snack or pre-show cocktail. In addition, an hour before each performance, Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, presents Opera Insights, an opportunity to learn more about the opera's history, music, and our production. Admission is FREE to all ticket holders. No reservations required!
What can I bring into Music Hall?
Similar to safety measures at major performing arts venues, arenas, and stadiums locally and across the country, all persons entering Music Hall will walk through a metal detector (magnetometer) and or be screened with a hand-held metal detector, to search for prohibited items such as weapons, alcohol, etc. Oversized bags (over 18” x 18” x 8”), luggage, and backpacks will not be permitted inside the venues. Purses and other small personal bags are allowed after a thorough inspection. For a complete list of prohibited items click her.
Where do i Pick Up My Tickets?
Tickets may be picked up at “Will Call” in the Music Hall box office, located at 1241 Elm Street (south entrance) starting 90 minutes before the scheduled performance. We recommend arriving early to retrieve your tickets. You may also pick up your tickets before the performance date at the Cincinnati Opera box office located at 1243 Elm Street (north entrance), Mon.-Fri., noon-5:00 p.m.
You can avoid Will Call lines or planning a special trip to the box office by requesting print-at-home tickets. Tickets will be emailed to you and may be printed and presented or displayed on your phone upon entry.
If you have misplaced your tickets, replacement tickets are available at no charge. Contact the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742, Monday through Friday (and on the day of the performance) from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Additionally the box office opens 90 minutes prior to the start of the performance.
What if I Arrive Late?
First and foremost, we understand that life can become hectic and, on rare occasions, you may arrive after the start of the performance. Our late seating policy is at the discretion of the front-of-house managers, and you may be permitted into the auditorium shortly after the start of the first act when there’s an appropriate moment. The P&G Founders Room, an audience lounge off the main lobby, features seating and a video monitor so you may watch the performance in comfort until it's time to enter the auditorium.