Welcome to Woodland Opera House State Historic Park in Woodland, California. This is a beautifully restored 19th-century theater. It pulses with live performances, local history, and community spirit. It is located right at the heart of downtown.
What Makes This Park Unique
Woodland Opera House is one of only four fully functioning 19th-century opera houses in California. Originally built in 1885 and rebuilt in 1896 after a devastating fire, it blends historic charm, architectural elegance, and modern comforts—including central heating, air conditioning, ADA accessibility, and theatrical technology—while standing as a vibrant cultural hub for the region.
Top Activities and Amenities
State Park & Historic Opera House
Designated a California State Historic Park, this theater remains a living testament to the golden age of performance, seamlessly weaving heritage preservation with contemporary productions.
Live Performances & Art Exhibits
The Opera House presents five mainstage productions each season (September through June), ranging from musicals to dramas, plus music, comedy, and family-friendly community events—including youth theater, student matinees, and the Summer Melodrama Program.
Guided Tours & Educational Programs
Tours of the historic building are available by appointment for individuals and groups, offering a peek behind the stage and into the Opera House’s storied past. The venue also hosts robust educational programming—school outreach, youth productions, dance and performance classes—designed to inspire and engage audiences of all ages.
Gift Shop & Concessions
A mid-level lounge and will-call area doubles as an intermission lounge offering snacks and drinks during performances. While there’s no formal gift shop, these areas provide memorabilia and refreshments to enjoy.
Restrooms & Accessibility Features
The opera house includes accessible seating (main floor) and assistive listening devices for performances. Accessible entry via elevator and front-transfer restrooms offer thoughtful support for visitors with mobility needs.
Parking Facilities & Location
Located at Main and Second Street in downtown Woodland, the Opera House is surrounded by abundant off-street parking. Accessible and handicap-designated parking is available adjacent to the building, with convenient street parking during evenings and weekends.
Community Events & Rental Spaces
Beyond performances, the Opera House hosts community gatherings, guest artist programs, and even private rentals like weddings or civic functions in its historic and elegant spaces.
Volunteering & Engagement
The Opera House thrives through community involvement. Volunteers help with tours, education programs, production assistance, and preserving the legacy of this treasured venue.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Fees: Individual performance tickets and season subscriptions are available. School matinee pricing is discounted for K–12 classes.
- Parking & Access: Plenty of off-street and street parking nearby. Accessible parking and level pathways lead to the entrance.
- Guided Tours: Available by appointment—call the box office to arrange.
- Attendance Notes: Late seating is held until appropriate breaks; age advisories are noted for family care.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair seating on the main floor, assistive listening devices, and elevator access are standard features.
- Concessions: Snacks and beverages served during shows at the intermission lounge. Comfortable attire recommended as temp control varies.
- Reservations: Online ticketing is available. No annual day-use passes accepted at this venue.
- Pets: Only service animals allowed on the property.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Plan your visit for opening night of a mainstage production—there’s nothing like stepping into the elegantly restored auditorium as the lights dim and the historic stage comes alive. In summer, send your curious young performers to the Youth Theatre Camp in August for an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience. Post-show, explore Woodland’s historic downtown for artisanal coffee, charming shops, or an alfresco dinner under the glow of Main Street lights. It’s a blend of culture, community, and historic delight all in one unforgettable outing.