We regret to inform you that there is no late seating for any performance of The Dallas Opera. This is a courtesy to both the singers and other members of the audience. If you should happen to arrive after the opera has begun, you can watch the performance on a closed-circuit television monitor, located in Hamon Hall, until first intermission. In order to get the most out of your opera experience, it is really important to arrive prior to curtain time. Evening performances typically begin at 7:30 PM and matinées at 2:00 PM, but sometimes earlier if the opera is long. For details, check your tickets or consult the specific performance’s page on our website.

Business attire is the norm for opera, but anything goes, from jeans to your favorite evening gown! You’ll see more formal attire on opening night and at Saturday night performances; the mid-week performance and Sunday matinees tend to be a bit more casual. However, the rule of thumb is simple: Dress for the experience you want to have. If it makes you feel like a million bucks, wear it; after all, for some people, part of the fun is dressing up!

Congratulate yourself! You’ll be cool, calm and collected when the curtain goes up. The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talks take place in Hamon Hall one hour prior to each performance (except for the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of The Magic Flute). People-watching is a traditional part of opera-going!

Most operas last an entire afternoon or evening. While a variety of food and drinks are served at the Winspear, it’s a good idea to eat beforehand, if you have the time. For more substantial fare, we can recommend several local restaurants that have given outstanding support to The Dallas Opera: Salum on Cole Ave; Musume and Flora Street Cafe directly across Flora from the Winspear Opera House; and Jorge’s in One Arts Plaza, The Pyramid Room at Fairmont Dallas in the Arts District, Savor Restaurant in Klyde Warren Park and the Center Cafe in the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Yes, indeed! Whether you’re coming from far North Dallas or the other side of the Trinity River, you can arrive at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House by DART rail, exiting at the Pearl Street DART station located just a few short blocks from the Grand Portico.

Limited underground parking beneath the Winspear is available in the Lexus Red Garage. At TDO performances, self parking is $15 and Valet parking is $25. Reserved parking is available as a benefit to our Inner Circle members. Limited handicap parking spaces are also available for the $15 self-parking rate during performances. Parking is also available at One Arts Plaza, just a short walk away from the Winspear. Prices range from $5-$15 per vehicle.

For more information and a parking map, see Directions and Parking.