(Photo: Drew Altizer Photography)

San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Opera Guild will present “Opera Ball” on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.

The evening includes a cocktail reception, dinner, and after-party at San Francisco City Hall, along with the opening night performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra” at the War Memorial Opera House.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception in the Beaux Arts rotunda of City Hall, redesigned by event stylist J. Riccardo Benavides. A dinner from McCalls Catering & Events follows, after which guests cross to the War Memorial Opera House for the performance. An after party at City Hall closes the evening, with music from DJ heyLove, The Cosmo Alleycats, and Big Crush.

This year introduces a new Buffet Dinner Soirée option alongside the traditional Opera Ball format.

“‘Opera Ball’ is more than the opening night of the opera season, it is one of the Bay Area’s defining fall galas. On Sept. 12, ‘Opera Ball’ guests will step into a Genoese palazzo inside City Hall, inspired by Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, complete with smoky Negronis, abundant antipasti and lemon tiramisu,” Co-chairs Sydney Leung and Jennifer Walske said, per an official press release. “Most importantly, every ticket supports our house of creativity, San Francisco Opera, and brings the transformative power of music education to K through 12 students throughout the Bay Area through San Francisco Opera Guild.”

“Opera Ball” is chaired by Sydney Leung and Jennifer Walske, and proceeds support the artistic and education programming of both organizations. This year’s edition is dedicated to Diane B. Wilsey, marking her 20th year as Opening Weekend Grand Sponsor.