Opera at The Bay: The Merry Widow

The Bay

Sarasota Opera and The Bay partner again to present a FREE series of recorded opera screenings from Sarasota Opera's 2026 Winter Festival.

The Oval at The Bay

Arts & Entertainment

Who said you can't do it all for free? Enjoy a concert in the park, take in a movie under the stars or get your feet moving to whatever type of dance suits your fancy.

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Opera at The Bay

Signature Artists at The Bay Series

One of the many aspects that makes Sarasota special is its incredible collection of Arts & Culture offerings. Join some of the finest artists in the area as they perform in the park at The Bay.

For a limited time only, these exclusive in-park screenings on the stadium-quality LED screen will feature professionally recorded versions of each opera performed inside the historic Sarasota Opera House during the recently-completed season.So bring your friends and family to the park to watch the excitement and vibrance of opera within the beauty of this “One Park for All” along Sarasota Bay. Use this as an opportunity to introduce your friends, kids and grandkids to this captivating genre of performing artistry.Come as you are... no experience required.

About The Merry WidowMoney, mischief and matchmaking in the 1905 Parisian society. Franz Lehár’s sparkling operetta unfolds amid money, mischief, and matchmaking in 1905 Parisian high society. The wealthy widow Hanna Glawari becomes the focus of eager aristocratic suitors, but when her past love unexpectedly reappears, comedic complications and elegant ballrooms intertwine with some of operetta’s most unforgettable melodies.<a href="https://www.sarasotaopera.org/merry-widow-digital-content-guide" title="https://www.sarasotaopera.org/merry-widow-digital-content-guide" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Click here for a digital guide about this famous opera</a>

Special Notes You'll Want to Know:<ul><li>Arrive by 6:50 PM for a fast, 5-minute Opera "Primer" led by a member of the Sarasota Opera team—an essential preview of the plot, characters, and standout arias, plus insider tips and fun facts to enhance your screening experience.</li><li>This opera will be shown without intermissions.</li></ul>

Register to Win!Register for and attend this event to be entered into a raffle to win a set of free tickets to an upcoming opera performance during the 2026/27 Opera Festival.

Other Opera at The Bay Events (click on each to learn more)<ul><li>Sat, April 18 | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opera-at-the-bay-la-boheme-tickets-1984897364449?aff=oddtdtcreator" title="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opera-at-the-bay-la-boheme-tickets-1984897364449?aff=oddtdtcreator">La bohème</a></li><li>Sat, May 2 | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opera-at-the-bay-the-merry-widow-tickets-1984899684388?aff=oddtdtcreator" title="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opera-at-the-bay-the-merry-widow-tickets-1984899684388?aff=oddtdtcreator">Il trovatore</a></li></ul>

Buon appetito!Come Hungry and Thirsty! Enjoy watching opera with delicious food and beverage from local favorite - <a href="https://www.thebaysarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Wolfies-menu.pdf" title="https://www.thebaysarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Wolfies-menu.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Original Wolfie's Restaurant </a>- and <a href="https://www.thebaysarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Nest-Food-Menu-Oct-2024-FINAL-for-Website.pdf" title="https://www.thebaysarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Nest-Food-Menu-Oct-2024-FINAL-for-Website.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Nest Café</a>.

About <a href="https://www.sarasotaopera.org/" title="https://www.sarasotaopera.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sarasota Opera</a>Sarasota Opera produces impassioned opera performances true to the vision of the composer, to entertain, enrich, educate, and inspire a life-long love of opera in our diverse and growing communities.This is Sarasota Opera’s 67th Season of bringing world-class opera to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Tips for an enjoyable visit:PLEASE BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIR TO ENSURE A COMFORTABLE SEAT.<ul><li>The Bay park address is 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota FL 34236</li><li>Free parking is located around the site and all parking lots remain open — along Blvd of the Arts and in front of the Van Wezel, Municipal Auditorium and Blue Pagoda. Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.</li><li>Construction of the new Town Square (located between the Municipal Auditorium and Art Center) is underway and affects pedestrian routes between the parking lot along N. Tamiami Trail and venues west of Van Wezel Way (incl. The Bay park, Van Wezel, and Holley Hall). Signs are posted to direct you between these locations. Please allow extra time to walk from and to your vehicle. <a href="https://www.thebaysarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Bay-Site-Parking-Map-Jan-Oct-2026.pdf" title="https://www.thebaysarasota.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Bay-Site-Parking-Map-Jan-Oct-2026.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Click here</a> to view recommended pedestrian routes. <a href="https://www.thebaysarasota.org/park-features-phase-2/" title="https://www.thebaysarasota.org/park-features-phase-2/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Click here</a> to learn more about Phase 2 of The Bay.</li><li>Some events attract large crowds: Arrive early, be kind, and please be patient.</li><li>All pets must be non-aggressive and on a leash at all times. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets.</li><li>Please report any risky or unsafe behavior to the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police 24 hours a day (941) 316-1199.</li></ul>NOTE: In the event of inclement weather, this event will be CANCELLED. Notices will be communicated via The Bay website calendar, Eventbrite, Facebook and Instagram up to one hour before start time as unpredictable Florida weather changes quickly.

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Opera at The Bay: The Merry Widow

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Opera at The Bay: The Merry Widow

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