Community Celebrates 2025 Opening Weekend at the Santa Fe Opera
Photo Gallery: Celebrating Opening Weekend at the Santa Fe Opera
On June 27 and 28, months of hard work, rehearsal and rigorous planning came to fruition for the Opening Weekend of the Santa Fe Opera 2025 Festival Season. While cast, crew and staff have been feverishly preparing for the success of this year’s season for quite some time, the weekend finally welcomed our community in to celebrate another summer of open-air opera unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you prefer to tailgate with rich recipes and great company, or go all out for opera attire with your own expression, we at the SFO welcome you to join us!
Read on for a recap of Opening Weekend, and view our Audience Experience PHOTO GALLERY featuring some of the opera magic on display!
Tailgating Your Way
One of the most time-honored traditions at the SFO is parking lot tailgating. With an incredible sunset view of the Jemez Mountains and ample breeze to cool off, the party always starts in the parking lot as guests enjoy food and fellowship before the show. From themed menus inspired by the opera onstage that evening, to intricate decorations and displays, SFO guests come together to celebrate the occasion of the opera.
The classic tailgate tradition also offers opportunities for audience members to connect with each other over shared interests. Some may be local to Santa Fe, while others might have traveled great distances to attend, but the positive atmosphere and strength of community unites all who celebrate.
From Bolos to Ball Gowns
Just as the vibrant setting of the historic Crosby Theatre presents its own unique beauty, the audiences who flock to the opera similarly show off their individual style. Across a diverse span of generations and cultures, SFO audiences did not disappoint with their Opening Weekend outfits.
Some may be influenced by Western style and the roots of New Mexico, opting for boots and bolos with stylish flair. Others may gravitate towards various types of formalwear, from suits and tails to gorgeous gowns. The most beautiful expressions of the weekend came from guests feeling welcome and comfortable to attend as they are, and share their most confident selves with others as they enjoy an evening of art and music.
Shaping Shared Memories
As the community came together to celebrate the opening of the 2025 Festival Season, many did so with loved ones and those who make traditions like a night at the opera special. Some families in attendance have done so for generations, while other groups were first-timers.
To both familiar faces and warmly-welcomed newcomers, we at the SFO wish you a happy opening, and hope to see you this summer at the opera!
Opening Weekend Audience Portraits
Photography by Bronwen Sharp for the Santa Fe Opera
