New York City Travel

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. New York City Travel

Met in the Park Event Guide

The Metropolitan Opera performs for free throughout the five boroughs

By Heather Cross, About.com

Metropolitan Opera in the Parks

Metropolitan Opera in the Parks

Heather Klein
2009 Met in the Park Schedule

Every year, Met in the Park offers New Yorkers and visitors alike the opportunity to experience a free, live opera performance in New York City's parks. While this offers an opportunity for the uninitiated to get a taste of opera, more importantly it's an opportunity to gather with friends and enjoy drinks, snacks and conversation with an operatic background. The closer you sit to the bandshell, the more seriously the audience takes the performance, so gauge your positioning appropriately.

Performances begin at 8 p.m., so if you want seating close to the bandshell, plan to arrive about 2 hours early -- if you're less particular, and depending on the size of your group, you can arrive up until the show begins. Pick up a Playbill (distributed free at entrances) so you can follow along with the story.

Things to Bring:

  • Food and drink (alcohol is generally tolerated, but there are police around, so keep it low-key)
  • Candles (it gets dark as the night goes on and it can be difficult to see your companions)
  • Jacket or Sweater (after the sun sets, the temperature can drop and you'll be happy to have it)
  • Bug spray to keep mosquitos away (citronella candles can also do double duty)
  • Balloons are a good way to help you find your friends (cell phones work too) [Please dispose of your balloons in the trash -- releasing them into the air is littering and can be harmful to wildlife.]
  • Blankets to sit on (a plastic garbage bag makes a great liner between your blanket/beach towel and the moist ground)

2009 Met in the Park Schedule

Explore New York City Travel

About.com Special Features

New York City Travel

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. New York City Travel
  4. Holidays & Events in NYC
  5. Summer in NYC
  6. Summer Concerts in NYC
  7. Metropolitan Opera in the Parks: Summer Outdoor Concert in Central Park Met Opera

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.