2026 Opera in the Park Portland

Photo courtesy of The Weekend Photographer

Prepare for an enchanting evening of music and drama at Opera in the Park Portland.

Opera in the Park Portland is dedicated to bringing world-class opera to our community free of charge. The annual event has become a beloved tradition in the Portland area. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, audiences of all ages are invited to join an evening of cultural enrichment and artistic expression.

With a full orchestra and lively narration, the concert-style performances make opera open to everyone. Whether you’re lounging on a blanket with loved ones or enjoying a picnic with friends, Opera in the Park offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of opera in a relaxed and informal setting.

Since its inception, Opera in the Park has introduced thousands of Portlanders to the world of opera and cultivated a growing community of loyal fans. 

Here are the details about the 2026 event. 

2026 Opera in the Park Portland

Opera in the Park presents the Oregon premiere of Cruzar la Cara de la Luna (To Cross the Face of The Moon), the world’s first mariachi opera. The opera will be presented twice, at two Portland parks. This event is free to attend.

Since its premiere in 2010, this work reflects the richness and diversity of contemporary cultural expressions. The performance will be in concert format, with a full orchestra, choir and seven guest soloists. The music is by Jose “Pepe” Martinez, with lyrics by Martinez and Leonard Foglia. 

Here is the plot:

Crossing the Face of the Moon tells a profoundly human and timeless story about migration, cultural identity, and family ties within the Mexican-American community. The story begins in present-day Texas, where Laurentino Velásquez, a man at the end of his life, converses with his adult son. Through his memories, we learn the story of a man who left his wife and son in Mexico when he emigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities. As the play unfolds, the audience accompanies three generations of the Velásquez family on a journey marked by distance, memory, sacrifice, and a sense of belonging. Performed in both Spanish and English, and accompanied by a score that masterfully blends operatic tradition with mariachi music, this seventy-minute work invites reflection on the meaning of home, family, and cultural identity.

Pack your picnic baskets, grab your lawn chairs and join an evening of passion, drama and unforgettable music. 

This event will be presented twice:

• Friday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Shute Park, 750 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro.
• Sunday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Peninsula Park Rose Garden, 6225 N Albina Ave. in Portland.

For more information and updates, visit Opera in the Park’s website.

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