Washington National Opera: Opera in the Outfield® Porgy and Bess 8/23
Join Washington National Opera at Nationals Park for a free broadcast of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess! Here’s your chance to see the acclaimed production.
Nationals Park
Join Washington National Opera at Nationals Park for a free broadcast of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess!
Here’s your chance to see the acclaimed production.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for family-friendly fun, including Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera by Mo Willems and Carlos Simon airing at 5:30 p.m.
The screening of Porgy and Bess starts at 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Aug. 23, 2025 6:30p.m.
Program
Head to Nationals Park where another evening of free, outdoor fun with Washington National Opera
awaits you!
4:30 p.m.: Gates open early for tons of family-friendly activities, including balloon twisters, crafts, and live entertainment
4:45 p.m.: Delight in a live performance by Semilla Cultural as they sing, dance, and play Puerto Rican musical genres of Bomba and Plena in celebration of WNO's upcoming production of West Side Story
5:10 p.m.: Experience Jubilee Voices singing songs from the Georgia Sea Islands—reflecting the Gullah Geechee culture of the fictional "Catfish Row" in Porgy and Bess
5:30 p.m.: Join a screening of Elephant & Piggie’s Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera by Mo Willems and Carlos Simon
Video performance is approximately 20 minutes. Recommended for all ages.
6:30 p.m.: Settle in for a broadcast of Porgy and Bess
Video performance is approximately 108 minutes.
No tickets or reservations required! Limited free seating is available on the outfield grass—or head to the ballpark stands for plenty of seating. Arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy entertainment and activities!
Porgy and Bess
It’s “summertime, and the livin’ is easy” in Catfish Row, a working-class fishing town in South Carolina. When a murder shakes the community and tempts Bess to return to her drug-filled past, Porgy becomes her unlikely refuge. As a hurricane descends and Bess’ violent old flame returns, she’ll find herself torn between Porgy’s steadfast love and the demons that tempt her.
Artistic Director Francesca Zambello’s adaptation of Gershwin’s landmark “folk opera” returns after playing to critical acclaim across renowned opera stages. Often considered the first great American opera, Porgy and Bess melds jazz, gospel, and folk styles. A new generation of talented singers assembles to take on Gershwin’s beloved music, from the gentle duet “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” to the instantly recognizable “Summertime” lullaby.
Porgy and Bess contains mature themes. Parental discretion is advised.
Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera
SLOPERA! A Bite-Sized Opera is by Mo Willems and Carlos Simon and is based on Mo Willems’ book I Really Like Slop! Elephant and Piggie are best friends, but what happens to besties when they find out they might not be able to share everything together? Do friends have to like all the same things?
Accessibility
Accessible seating is available throughout the park. To request a wheelchair please visit our Guest Services location at Center Field Plaza or speak with our Guest Experience Staff members.
This event will be captioned.
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) may be signed out free of charge from Guest Services located at the Center Field Plaza. A valid driver’s license will be held until the device is returned.
Directions and Parking
Stadium Information
Nationals Park is located at 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.
Parking is available in Garage C for $25/car. You may enter the garage at First Street SE. Learn more about garage parking here.
Please Note: There is a DC United game taking place on August 23. Opera in the Outfield attendees should park in Garage C to receive the event parking rate. Parking in other garages may result in a higher parking fee.
Metro Information
Take Metro’s Green Line to Navy Yard-Ballpark station. It’s just a half block from Nationals Park. And remember, Metro has more than 57,000 parking spaces at its stations.
- Please check WMATA for information on Metrorail and Metrobus service.
- Please check the WMATA status page before planning your journey to Nationals Park.
Click here for more information about taking Metro to Nationals Park or call (202) 637-7000.
Field Rules and Restrictions:
- No chairs or items that can be used to sit in or as a seat other than cushions.
- No coolers or large picnic baskets
- No strollers
- No umbrellas
- No canopies
- Fabric blankets only. No tarps, hard sided, or plastic materials to be put on the grass.
- No baseball equipment or activity such as cleats, balls, sliding, diving, jumping into walls.
- Additional Ball Park information.
Opera in the Outfield Sponsors
Mars, IncorporatedMars Incorporated
Lugano, The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Prince Charitable Trusts
Season Sponsors
WNO Season Sponsor
General Dynamics
Official Airline of the WNO Season
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
Jacqueline B. Mars
Mrs. Eugene B. Casey
The Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts
Chevron, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and its National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs program, Support for Porgy and Bess generously provided by Robert and Lynn Downing