When hundreds of people gather to listen to music at Max-Joseph-Platz in Munich, sitting on picnic blankets, cushions or simply on the ground, it creates a very special atmosphere: casual, rapt and joyful.
The Münchner Opernfestspiele (Munich Opera Festival) will take place from June 18 to July 31, 2026. The festival has organised “Opera for All“ every year since 1990. A current opera production by the Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) is broadcast live from the Nationaltheater (theatre) on a large screen, usually on Max-Joseph-Platz (square) or Marstallplatz (square). Admission is free, tickets are not required.
“Opera for All“ gives a wide audience access to classical music and an opera experience, even without a visit to the opera house. The event is aimed at young and old. Both those interested in opera and people coming into contact with classical music for the first time are very welcome. The square is open to the public and you are welcome to bring your own seating such as picnic blankets.
And so it will be in 2026: On July 4, 2026 opera aficionados equipped with picnic baskets and blankets will make their way to Max-Joseph-Platz in front of the Nationaltheater, where Richard Wagner's opera “Die Walküre“ will be broadcast live from the building at 5 pm. With the production of “Die Walküre“, which will premiere on June 25, 2026 as part of the Munich Opera Festival, star director Tobias Kratzer and the General Music Director of the Staatsoper, Vladimir Jurowski, are building on their successful collaboration on the Rheingold production in 2024.
In addition to the opera broadcast in summer, the “Opera for All“: BMW Classics Concert takes place once a year. Unlike the summer event, it is usually held in the autumn at different venues, this year on September 16, 2026 at BMW Park.
With changing venues in different regions of Bavaria, the “Opera for All“: BMW Classics Concert enables people beyond Munich to experience the Bayerische Staatsoper live.
Tickets for the paid programme of the Munich Opera Festival 2026 with music theatre, ballet and concerts are available here. The processing of ticket orders for the 2026 Opera Festival began on February 1, 2026. If demand exceeds the number of tickets available, the decision will be made by drawing lots.
