Presented in partnership with the Water Works Park Foundation and Iowa PBS, the event invites longtime opera fans and curious newcomers alike to experience one of the world’s most beloved operas in an outdoor setting.

First performed in Paris in 1875, Carmen features some of the most recognizable music in opera. This twisting tale of romance, intrigue, and obsession follows the free-spirited Carmen, who lives boldly in her pursuit of freedom. Sparks fly when she encounters the soldier Don José, but their passionate affair takes a dangerous turn when the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo catches Carmen’s eye.

 

Iowa PBS recorded the performance live at the Blank Performing Arts Center during DMMO’s 2023

Festival Season. Originally produced for statewide broadcast, “Des Moines Metro Opera Presents

Carmen” received an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® Award for Outstanding Program in Entertainment: Long Form Content. The two-and-a-half-hour presentation also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with members of the cast and creative team.

Carmen is sung in French with English captions. Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics. Prior to the screening, there will be a variety of food trucks with delicious treats, the Des Moines Biergarten, and a pre-screening lecture about this world-famous opera beginning at 6:00 pm. Admission is free. Advance reservations are encouraged at dmmo.org/operainthepark, but tickets are not required to attend. The free community event is made possible by the support of the Burnett Family Foundation Cultural Series at Water Works Park.

What: A free outdoor screening of “Des Moines Metro Opera Presents Carmen”

When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:30 pm

Where: Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, Des Moines Run time: Approximately two and a half hours

Language: Sung in French with English captions Admission: Free

More information: www.dmmo.org/operainthepark

 

The Water Works Park Foundation connects the Des Moines community to nature and one another through meaningful experiences at Water Works Park. Encompassing 1,500 acres of rivers and woodlands near downtown Des Moines, Water Works Park provides a setting for outdoor recreation, educational opportunities and cultural events. Opera In the Park is made possible by the Burnett Family Foundation Cultural Series. Learn more at waterworkspark.org.

 

 

 

The 2027 Festival Season, running July 2–25, features a new production of Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, a new production and company premiere of Philip Glass’s Orphée, and a revival of the company’s 2017 production of Britten’s Billy Budd.

High-resolution imagery and additional items may be found in the PRESS KIT.

 

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