SWAN LAKE PRE-PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP
We look forward to seeing you at Swan Lake. Below are some helpful tips to make the most out of your experience before, during, and after a performance. The curtain goes up on time. We encourage you to arrive early. Doors open one hour prior to curtain. Please plan to arrive at least one hour early to account for parking and traffic delays due to other events happening in the area. Consider enjoying a pre-performance meal in Hayes Valley to ensure a stress-free performance.

GETTING HERE
The War Memorial Opera House is located at 301 Van Ness Avenue, at the corner of Grove Street in the San Francisco Civic Center neighborhood. The War Memorial Opera House is BARTable—the nearest BART station is conveniently located at Civic Center Station, a 10-minute walk from the Opera House. We encourage you to take public transit, but the Opera House is close to several nearby parking garages.
Walking Groups to Civic Center Bart/Muni and Civic Center Garage (evening performances only): We offer two walking groups led by Civic Center Ambassadors identified by their orange jackets. Groups will meet at the front steps the main entrance 15 minutes after the performance ends.

OPERA HOUSE DINING
Whether you’re looking for a pre-performance meal, a festive glass of champagne at intermission, or a light snack, Global Gourmet Catering, the Opera House’s exclusive food and beverage services provider, has you covered. Come early, relax, and take in the ambiance of San Francisco’s beloved Opera House.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Hayes Valley is just steps away from the Opera House with plenty of great dining spots and boutique stores. These are a few of our favorites.
INSIDER TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE
VISIT THE SHOP
Visit the main Ballet Shop on the Mezzanine level of the Opera House pre-show and during intermission or visit our kiosk in the Main Lobby. You can also shop online at our Ballet Shop.
AVOID LINES AT THE INTERMISSION
Pre-order drinks before curtain. Visit the bar closest to your seating section and order your intermission drink from the bartender. Your drink will be waiting for you on the bar at the start of intermission.
LATE SEATING POLICY
The curtain goes up on time. Late seating and re-entry aren’t allowed while a performance is in progress. We sympathize with latecomers, but for the safety of the performers and other patrons, you’ll be asked to stand and wait for a break in the action or watch on a monitor in one of our viewing areas.
VIEWING AREA
Viewing areas are available to watch the live performance from a monitor when you need to step out of the auditorium for a break without missing any of the action onstage. Monitors are located on the Lower Lounge Level Bar, North Box Restaurant, and Dress Circle Lobby (north).
More questions? Check out our FAQ page for answers.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF SWAN LAKE
A Lesson in Becoming a Corps de Ballet Member
A Lesson in Becoming a Corps de Ballet Member
Meet the guest star on stage in Swan Lake
Meet the guest star on stage in Swan Lake
High drama. Gorgeous music. Ballet’s most iconic roles.
High drama. Gorgeous music. Ballet’s most iconic roles.
Hear Principal Oboe Laura Griffiths play three excerpts from the ballet’s iconic oboe moments in this episode of Musicians’ Insight.
Hear Principal Oboe Laura Griffiths play three excerpts from the ballet’s iconic oboe moments in this episode of Musicians’ Insight.
Finding a dancer’s perfect fit is a science and an art, where safety and comfort are key and the result stays true to the designer’s vision.
Finding a dancer’s perfect fit is a science and an art, where safety and comfort are key and the result stays true to the designer’s vision.