Arias Aloft: Chromatic
Sunday, July 12, 2026 (Rain date: Monday, July 13)
Sunday, July 19, 2026 (Rain date: Monday, July 20)
6–7:30 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
Join us for a magical evening of opera and circus where soaring voices meet sky-high acrobatics in an unforgettable open-air spectacle.
Circus 617 and Opera Untapped combine two thrilling art forms set against the blooming backdrop of New England Botanic Garden during this captivating experience. Featuring vocal and aerial acrobatics performed by some of Boston’s leading circus artists and classical singers, this performance showcases opera, musical theater, and cabaret classics paired with breathtaking original circus acts.
Set among the summer blooms and stunning landscapes of the Garden, this year’s program, Chromatic, is inspired by the vibrant colors of the natural world, drawing audiences into a living landscape of music and movement.
This event takes place in our Lawn Garden. Chairs and benches will not be available. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or lawn chairs.
A selection of food and drinks will be available for purchase during the event. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden. Menu coming soon.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The performance begins at 6:00 p.m.
TICKETING
Tickets must be reserved in advance. General admission discounts and passes do not apply to this special event. All ticket sales are final.
Registration coming soon.
Member Adult: $26; Member Youth (age 4-12): $8
Adult: $36; Youth (age 4-12): $12
Children 3 and under: Free (must still register)
ABOUT ARIAS ALOFT 2026
Circus 617 is a collective dedicated to highlighting Boston-area circus artists in new works of contemporary circus. Circus 617 productions meld the spectacular, expressive physicality of circus with theatrical and musical methods of storytelling. Learn more about Circus 617’s projects, including touring productions and recurring performance series, at www.circus617.com.
Opera Untapped is a nonprofit organization that produces and presents accessible, relevant opera and vocal music performances in public and non–traditional spaces. With a strong track record of innovative programming and multidisciplinary collaboration, the organization activates opera as a community-centered storytelling art form. Learn more at www.operauntapped.com.
Circus Artists: Rachel Barringer, Mandy Hackman, Alexis Hedrick, Caroline Wright
Opera Artists: Allyson Bennett, Mary Kray, Kathryn McKellar, Erin Merceruio-Nelson, David Rivera Bozon, and Lindsay Albert
Creative Directors: Kathryn McKellar and Ellen Waylonis
FAQs
Arias Aloft is a collaborative performance between Circus 617 and Opera Untapped, featuring a cast of circus artists and opera singers performing in a unique outdoor setting. The show blends breathtaking aerial choreography with live vocal performances of famous opera arias and beloved cabaret classics. Visitors will experience original circus acts set to live music, along with captivating vocal-only performances.
This event takes place in our Lawn Garden, which is a flat, mown grassy area. The performance begins at 6:00 p.m. and concludes around 7:30 p.m., with a 15-minute intermission about halfway through the show.
Doors and concessions open at 5:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 6 p.m. Please plan to arrive no earlier than 5:30 p.m. and no later than 6 p.m. if you do not want to miss any part of the show.
New England Botanic Garden will be closed from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you arrive early, please wait in your vehicle until doors open at 5:30 p.m.
If you are visiting during general admission hours but have tickets to Arias Aloft that evening, we ask that you please exit the property and return at the time listed on your event ticket.
Seating is not provided, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or lawn chairs if they would like a seat. Seating space is on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival and there will be a limited front-row section designated for picnic blankets. This event is intended to be a picnic-style format where visitors can enjoy watching the performance in a casual setting with food and drink.
A selection of food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Menu coming soon. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own picnics. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden.
No, the Garden Shop will not be open during this event.
Arias Aloft takes place in our Lawn Garden. Our other outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during this evening.
While we love our furry, four-legged friends, pets are not permitted during special after-hours events like Arias Aloft. Service animals are welcome throughout the property during all open hours.
In the case of inclement weather, we may decide to reschedule the event to the designated rain date. If so, you will be notified by email as soon as possible and all tickets will be automatically transferred. Refunded will not be issued.
If the event is rescheduled to the rain date due to inclement weather, all tickets will be automatically transferred, and refunds will not be issued.
Please plan to arrive between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. After parking your vehicle, proceed up the path into the Visitors Center. Please have your ticket/confirmation email printed or available to show on your phone for our front desk staff to check you in.
We have a large, well-lit parking lot on site. There is no charge for parking.
Accessible parking is located closest to the building in the first parking lot on the right. You can learn more about accessibility at the Garden here.
If you choose to use Uber, Lyft, or another taxi service, please note that our entry gate on French Drive will close automatically for arriving vehicles at the end of the event. Please plan to be picked up before the property closes at 7:45 p.m. We recommend scheduling rideshares in advance.