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opera at the beach
Live from the LA Opera Stage to the Big Screen at
the Santa Monica Pier
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Pre-show activities begin at 4:00pm
Broadcast begins at 6:00pm
Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401
She captivates. They unravel. That’s where the danger begins. Gather your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic, and come experience the music and drama of Carmen under the stars. A fleeting romance unleashes a storm of passion, jealousy, and a deadly love triangle in this brand-new production packed with Spanish Gothic flair, plus fan-favorite tunes like the Toreador Song and the Habanera.
This event is free to attend and open to all ages.
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Event Details
Arrive early to enjoy fun pre-show activities, including:
- Explore your artsy side and make family friendly crafts with LA Opera Connects
- Enjoy free balloon art and face-painting
- Experience live performances by local artists before the show starts
- Pick up some free LA Opera merchandise, spin the prize wheel, and enter a drawing for a luxury gift basket
- Stop by our food vendors and other booths for preshow treats and fun
- and more!
What to Bring: Bring your own blankets, low lawn seats, and cushions. Don't forget your sweaters and jackets. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.
What Not to Bring: Large coolers, canopies, tents, or sun umbrellas. Sorry, no pets.
Beach Parking Lot: 1550 Appian Way, Santa Monica, CA 90401. For parking info and rates click here.
**There will be a bag check at the event entrance.
More about Carmen
Carmen is desirable, defiant, and driven. She thinks nothing of charming a soldier to escape a spot of trouble—never imagining that he would abandon his childhood sweetheart and desert his post to follow her. But Don José is a jealous lover, and as Carmen begins a new relationship with the bullfighter Escamillo, his passion turns dark—and deadly.
Bizet's masterpiece arrives onstage in a brand-new production drenched in Spanish Gothic splendor, created by director/designer Thaddeus Strassberger. Domingo Hindoyan opens his inaugural season as Music Director with one of the world's most iconic scores.
Running time: approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
The simulcast will be sung in French with English and Spanish subtitles.
Want to attend the performance in-person at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion?
Buy tickets here
LA Opera's Opera at the Beach is made possible by generous support from
Los Angeles County and
LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District
Special thanks to
City of Santa Monica and
Staff of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation