Mayor Lurie Announces Free Opera Performances in Crane Cove Park

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced that San Francisco Opera’s fourth season of Bohème Out of the Box will launch in Crane Cove Park on April 11 and 12 as part of a series of outdoor performances throughout the region. The performances will include a First Act workshop put on by SF Opera before the shows where families and children will be invited to participate in free activities.  

The performance in Crane Cove Park continues Mayor Lurie’s work to make San Francisco a vibrant arts and culture destination. In January, the mayor announced a major step forward in his work to advance San Francisco’s creative economy with the launch of a search for San Francisco’s new executive director of arts and culture. In his first year in office, he launched SF LIVE, a citywide show guide and online events calendar to drive ticket sales for live arts venues and SF Music Week, which returns this week, to strengthen San Francisco’s position as a vital music hub. This summer, he launched a free downtown concert series, celebrated the “Summer of Music” that drew tens of thousands and generated over $150 million in local economic impact, and kicked off the “Winter of Music.”

“From our neighborhood parks to our downtown stages, arts and culture are fueling San Francisco’s economic recovery,” said Mayor Lurie. “San Francisco Opera at Crane Cove Park will bring live performances outdoors and to our neighborhoods—driving foot traffic at local businesses and drawing people to one of our beloved parks. I’m thrilled to welcome Bohème Out of the Box to San Francisco.” 

Bohème Out of the Box will continue throughout the month of April with additional performances in Emeryville, Oakland, Woodside, and Concord. Following events across the Bay Area, San Francisco Opera’s full 2025-2026 season will continue this summer at the War Memorial Opera House. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the city and the Port of San Francisco to bring Bohème Out of the Box to Crane Cove this spring,” said Matthew Shilvock, San Francisco Opera General Director. “There is something wonderfully synergistic about bringing our converted shipping-container stage to the port, connecting opera to San Francisco’s spectacular waterfront, and welcoming local audiences to experience this heartbreakingly romantic story in a new context.” 

The very first opera to be presented by San Francisco Opera 103 years ago, La Bohème will be performed on the mobile stage in an intimate one-hour version. The show will be performed in Italian by San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows and guest artists with piano accompaniment. Live English translations will be available online via personal mobile devices. 

Performances will be held on the lawn at Crane Cove Park, a central spot for recreation in the Dogpatch neighborhood where visitors can also explore an assortment of eateries, local art galleries, and converted warehouse spaces. The park includes a beach, kayak rentals, and a recently opened playground for a family day of opera and outdoor fun. The performance will be presented in partnership with the Port of San Francisco.  

“We are delighted to host two days of Bohème Out of the Box this spring,” said Michael Martin, Port of San Francisco Acting Executive Director. “Seeing this timeless story set amid the natural waterfront beauty of Crane Cove Park will be a special treat for families and adds to the expanding mix of experiences that continue to make Crane Cove one of San Francisco’s most dynamic public spaces.”