April 26. 2026
April 26. 2026
There are two arrival times: 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.
Currently the 11:00 a.m. time is at capacity, but please join us at noon!
Each visit is designed as a 90-minute experience. No matter which arrival time you select, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy every activity. All festivities conclude at 2:00 p.m.
Step right up and join us for Explore Your Lyric, where the magic of the opera house meets the wonder of the big top.
Venture beyond the footlights and into the center ring for a parade of discovery and delight. Bring the whole family and experience a behind-the-scenes spectacle filled with engaging activities and whimsical surprises, including:
This event is for everyone! Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
View the full list of activities below or download the event map here.
11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Enjoy a live, family-friendly opera — Katie: The Strongest of the Strong. Inspired by the true story of Katie Sandwina, a circus strongwoman who — beyond earning the title “the strongest woman in the world" also helped to lead the women’s suffrage movement in the early 1900s. This shorter version of this opera is 25 minutes.
Located in the Ardis Krainik Theatre.
11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 1:15 p.m.
Lyric's General Director, John Mangum will give 20 minute tours of the opera house where you can walk and talk with him while he answers questions and shares highlights about the historic building.
Located on the Grand Foyer.
11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Chat with Lyric’s Music Director, Enrique Mazzola, and learn what it’s like to be a world-renowned conductor.
Located in the first floor lobby.
11:15 a.m., 12:00 p.m.,12:45 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
What is the heavy lifting of bringing a story from the page to the stage? Storytellers, Paige Dirkes-Jacks and Brianna Murray, will read from Katie: The Strongest of the Strong guiding the group through the story exploring ways to bring a story to life.
Two 30-minute sessions per age group
Located in the Malott Room on the second floor.
11:45 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:45 p.m.
A special opportunity to interact with and learn more about the Lyric Opera Orchestra! A peek in the pit is a birds-eye view of the orchestra pit, a first-hand discussion with orchestra members, and an opportunity to see their instruments up close.
Located in the Ardis Krainik Theatre.
11:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 12:45 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Find out what it really takes to perform under the big top from juggling to stilt-walking from actual circus performers. Each session will be 20 minutes.
Located backstage of the Ardis Krainik Theater.
11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Explore the art of set design and scene painting with Lyric's tech staff, and make your own art to take home with artist Analena Schiller. Discover how visual storytelling brings opera sets to life! Presentations are 20 minutes.
Located in the second floor mezzanine.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dance your heart out to DJ Jawon in our historic opera house and learn about sound mixing with Lyric tech staff.
Located in the first floor lobby.
11:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Step into the world of opera fashion! Check out stunning Lyric costumes, then strike a pose at our photo booth. Wardrobe staff will be on hand to share the artistry behind designing and accessorizing for the stage.
Located on the third floor.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Explore sketches of makeup designs from past Lyric productions, then stop by our face painting stations hosted by Lyric’s own makeup artists! Discover the creative skills behind designing and applying makeup for the opera stage.
Located in the Graham Room on the second floor.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Learn about the history of how Lyric Opera of Chicago began and discover the people who envisioned a world-class opera company, bringing the heart and dedication needed to create the place where Chicago sings. Curated by members of Lyric's Chapters who will share their memories and inspire you think about what you might create.
For example, our 2025/26 Opera Pathfinders co-hort will also showcase their design projects from this year inspired by the opera Hansel and Gretel.
Located on the fourth floor.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bring a sculpture to life with balloons. Twist and stretch your imagination with balloon artist Karroll Hoffman.
Located on the third floor.
Header photo: Todd Rosenberg, Kyle Flubacker