Washington National Opera (WNO) kicks off its 70th anniversary season with Opera in the Outfield on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. The free community event presented by Mars features a screening of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Pre-show arts & crafts plus live performances begin at 4:50 p.m. with a bonus family opera screening of Elephant and Piggie presents Slopera, a Bite-Sized Opera, at 5:30 p.m.
“Opera in the Outfield is one of our most cherished Washington National Opera traditions,” said WNO General Director Timothy O’Leary. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary this season, we’re proud to continue this free, welcoming event that brings thousands together to experience world-class opera in an iconic venue for DC and our country — Nationals Park. So, gather your family and friends, bring your blanket to sit on the field, or grab a seat in the stands!”
“Opera in the Outfield is a joyful tradition that brings our community together to enjoy fun activities and a world-class performance under the stars for free,” adds Zambello, Artistic Director. “This year’s screening of Porgy and Bess, one of the great masterpieces of American opera, is especially meaningful as we look back on seven decades of telling powerful stories on stage. We’re grateful to Mars for their continued support that makes this special event possible.”
“Mars has been a proud partner of the Washington National Opera for over 16 years,” said Darin Fernandez, Vice President, Sponsorships and Sports Marketing at Mars. “We are honored to help play a small role in keeping the time-honored tradition of celebrating the arts, bringing joy and moments of happiness to families throughout the community.”
Set in Charleston’s Catfish Row, Porgy and Bess follows the love story of the disabled Porgy and the troubled but beautiful Bess, trying to break free from a cycle of addiction and abuse. Featuring timeless songs like “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” the opera blends classical traditions with jazz, blues, and spirituals in a uniquely American score. The cast features Reginald Smith, Jr., Alyson Cambridge, Viviana Goodwin, and Denyce Graves, and conductor Kwamé Ryan in his WNO debut.
Free seating is available in the stands; limited field seating opens at 4:30 p.m. on a first-come basis. The event is fully accessible, rain or shine. More details at OperaintheOutfield.org.
SEE ALSO:
WNO’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ at Kennedy Center is filled with uplifting life (DC Theater Arts review by Susan Galbreath, May 26, 2025)
PRE-SHOW FAMILY FUN (4:30–6:30 PM)
- Photo Opportunities – Pose with WNO costume designs and props from past and upcoming shows.
- Balloon Twisters – Watch artists create imaginative balloon animals for kids and adults alike.
- Arts & Crafts – Contribute to a life-sized “70” art installation to be displayed during WNO’s season and create stamp art inspired by scenes from Porgy and Bess.
- Instrument Petting Zoo – Meet WNO Opera Orchestra musicians and try real orchestral instruments.
- Mars & American Heritage Booth – Sample Mars chocolates and take part in the “Guess the Number of M&Ms” game—winner receives a Mars gift basket!
- Meet the M&Ms – Snap a photo with Red and Yellow M&M characters strolling the park.
- Live Show (begins 4:50 PM) – Semilla Cultural in advance of WNO’s West Side Story (May 2026).
- Live Show (begins 5:15 PM) – Washington Revels Jubilee Voices honors the Gullah Geechee culture in Porgy and Bess.
- Bonus Family Show (starts at 5:30 PM) – Elephant and Piggie’s “Slopera” by Mo Willems & Carlos Simon: a fun, all-ages mini opera to warm up the evening.
ABOUT WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA
Founded in 1956, the Washington National Opera (WNO), an affiliate of the Kennedy Center, is one of America’s top opera companies, known for presenting both classic and innovative works. Led by General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, WNO commissions new American operas and engages audiences through youth programs, community events, and free performances like Opera in the Outfield. Highlights include major premieres such as Turandot with a new ending, Blue, and the company’s first full Ring Cycle. WNO also nurtures the next generation of talent through its Cafritz Young Artists program and other education and outreach initiatives.
