June 27 - August 2, 2026

As we celebrate the America 250 / Colorado 150 anniversary this year, the festival features an exceptional lineup that celebrates both artistic excellence and significant milestones in opera and Colorado history.

The Marriage of Figaro:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s beloved The Marriage of Figaro, where the composer’s masterful score propels a tale of desire and deception as wedding plans spark romantic chaos among masters and servants alike. This timeless comedy demonstrates Mozart’s unparalleled genius for weaving complex human emotions into sublime musical storytelling.

The Ballad of Baby Doe:
In a special double celebration, Central City Opera will present an original production of The Ballad of Baby Doe, marking both Colorado’s 150th birthday and the 70th anniversary of the opera’s world premiere on Central City’s historic stage. This epic love story, set against the backdrop of the Colorado frontier, remains one of America’s most significant operatic achievements and a perfect tribute to the state’s sesquicentennial.

Master Class:
The festival also features Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning drama Master Class, representing a return to the original roots of the Central City Opera festival where plays were commonly presented alongside more traditional operatic fare. The play transforms a simple voice lesson with legendary soprano Maria Callas into an unforgettable evening of drama, music, and revelation, featuring arias by Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi, and Vincenzo Bellini.

CCO in Concert:
Rounding out the 94th festival is the return of CCO in Concert, on the evenings of July 10 and 11, featuring the Central City Opera Orchestra and festival singers in an extravaganza of operatic favorites.

Central City Opera, founded in 1932, continues to be recognized as one of America’s premier summer opera festivals, attracting world-class artists and opera enthusiasts to the historic mining town of Central City, Colorado. The company’s commitment to both classical repertoire and American opera has made it a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural landscape.

Learn about festival shows and events, and purchase your tickets and subscriptions!