Get ready to experience world-class opera under the stars as The Metropolitan Opera’s (30 Lincoln Center Plaza) beloved Summer HD Festival returns. From Friday, August 22, through Monday, September 1, the facade of the opera house will come alive with a giant screen showcasing eleven nights of magnificent performances, absolutely free. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience the power and beauty of opera and film in a unique, open-air setting.
The festival kicks off with a cinematic flourish. On August 22, the Met, in a special collaboration with Film at Lincoln Center and Netflix, will present a screening of the acclaimed film Maestro, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, which tells the story of the legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. The following ten evenings feature a spectacular lineup from the Met’s acclaimed Live in HD series.
This year’s schedule promises something for every taste. The program is rich with highlights from the 2024-25 season, including Verdi’s sweeping epic, Aida, and Strauss’s captivating Salome. You can also catch Offenbach’s fantastical Les Contes d’Hoffmann and Puccini’s timeless classic Tosca. For those intrigued by contemporary works, don’t miss Jeanine Tesori’s powerful new opera, Grounded, which offers a compelling and modern narrative.
Attending is as simple as it gets. Over 2,500 free seats will be available nightly in the plaza on a first-come, first-served basis—no tickets needed. Just find a seat and settle in for an evening of brilliant music and drama. These screenings showcase today’s most renowned opera stars, offering an up-close look at their extraordinary talents. The festival is a wonderful way to connect with the arts and with your neighbors.
So mark your calendars and gather your friends and family. The Met’s Summer HD Festival is a highlight of the season, perfect for lifelong opera fans and anyone looking for a beautiful way to spend a summer night. For more details on the full lineup and start times, visit the official Summer HD Festival webpage.
To make your evening even more enjoyable, consider grabbing dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants in Lincoln Square or picking up some delicious takeout to enjoy al fresco while waiting for the show to begin. You can find a list of local eateries and more in our Neighborhood Guide.
Photo Credit: The Metropolitan Opera
