New York City Opera’s “Opera Goes to Hollywood” at Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances.

If you’re looking for a classic New York City summer experience, you can’t do much better than catching the New York City Opera’s “Opera Goes to Hollywood” at Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances 2025. This free, open-air event brings the drama and glamour of opera to the heart of Manhattan—no tux required, just bring a blanket and your favorite snacks.

What’s the Vibe?

Picture this: the sun is setting over Midtown, the lawn is buzzing with locals and visitors sprawled out on blankets, and the unmistakable sounds of world-class opera start floating through the air. Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances, presented by Bank of America, are all about making high-quality arts accessible to everyone, and “Opera Goes to Hollywood” is a perfect example. It’s casual, it’s festive, and it’s totally free—just show up, grab a spot, and soak in the music.

Opera Meets the Movies

This isn’t your grandma’s opera night (unless your grandma is super cool). “Opera Goes to Hollywood” is a mashup of iconic opera moments that have been featured in classic films. Think the lush romance of La bohème from Moonstruck, the soaring drama of La traviata from Pretty Woman, and the unforgettable “Lucia di Lammermoor” aria from The Fifth Element—all performed live by some of the best voices in the city.

The program is packed with full arias, duets, and orchestral selections. You’ll hear music from movies like Philadelphia (Andrea Chénier), The Shawshank Redemption (The Marriage of Figaro), and more. The cast features standout soloists like violinist Alexander Markov, soprano Yunah Lee, tenor Berj Karazian, and many others, all backed by the New York City Opera Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Maestro Constantine Orbelian.

How to Picnic at Bryant Park

Blankets & Chairs: Bryant Park lends out hundreds of free blankets (first come, first served), or you can bring your own—just skip the waterproof tarps and yoga mats to protect the lawn. Prefer a chair? Grab one from the park and set up anywhere except the main “blanket zone”.

Food & Drinks: Pack your own picnic or sample eats from the food tents lining the east side of the lawn. The lineup is curated by Hester Street Fair, so you can expect a rotating selection of food from all five boroughs—think everything from artisanal bites to classic NYC street food.

Arrive Early: The lawn opens at 5 PM, and performances start at sunset. Space fills up fast, so get there early for the best spot.

When & Where

Opera Goes to Hollywood: Thursday, June 26 & Friday, June 27, 2025, 7:00–8:15 PM

Location: Bryant Park Lawn, Midtown Manhattan

Admission: Free! Just show up and enjoy.

So grab your friends, your picnic basket, and maybe a bottle of something bubbly, and get ready for an only-in-New-York night where opera meets the movies under the stars.