TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Lobster Palooza 2026
Supporting Music Education in Our City
July 11, 2026 | 6 PM
The Basile Opera Center
Our Last “BIG” Lobster! In July 2026, to kick off our 52nd Season and honor the influential legacies of the James Family’s & Larry Bird’s leadership, the Opera will host our 16th annual Lobster Palooza celebration “back home again” at the Basile Opera Center, the permanent home of Indianapolis Opera! Join us to celebrate summer, connect with friends, and make new memories in the heart of the historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood with honorary hosts, Garry & Louise Fredericksen, alongside Angela Brown & leading artists of Indy Opera. Featuring thrilling carnival entertainment, live opera singing, valet parking, an open bar, and a delicious lobster (or beef tenderloin) dinner, this fun-filled summer event will be an evening to remember!
$195 per person
$1,560 per 8-top table
$1,560 per 8-top table
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EVENT CO-SPONSORS
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MEDIA SPONSOR
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SEAFOOD SPONSOR
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COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR
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FUND-A-NEED SPONSOR
Betsy Smith &
James Ganey |
PRINT SPONSOR
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WINE PARTNER
Garry & Louise
Fredericksen |
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BEER PARTNER
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SPECIALTY COCKTAILS
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DECORATOR
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VALET CONCIERGE
Goldstar Management, LLC
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LOBSTER BIB DONOR
Avon, IN
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Fund-A-Need!
The Fund-a-Need Initiative launched at Lobster Palooza was created to raise funds to bring educational programming to underserved & underfunded schools & libraries free-of-charge. Indianapolis Opera is committed to serving our community through our educational outreach programming.
Every year, the Opera creates an original children's opera to share with the youngest members of our Hoosier community, along with their teachers and families. These operas include a detailed curriculum guide and are a part of our "Sing Me A Story" series, which brings musical opportunities to elementary school children of every culture and background. Often inspired by fairy tales and fables, each children's opera has a relevant moral at the center of its story. In these outreach events, children are not only exposed to the thrill of live opera singing, but they are also given the opportunity to learn about important topics like bullying, acceptance, overcoming fears, and making new friends.
Many schools still face unprecedented challenges and reduced budgets, especially in areas of music education, and with the funds raised, we will be able to bring educational programming to nearly 40 schools free-of-charge, omitting that financial barrier.
Every year, the Opera creates an original children's opera to share with the youngest members of our Hoosier community, along with their teachers and families. These operas include a detailed curriculum guide and are a part of our "Sing Me A Story" series, which brings musical opportunities to elementary school children of every culture and background. Often inspired by fairy tales and fables, each children's opera has a relevant moral at the center of its story. In these outreach events, children are not only exposed to the thrill of live opera singing, but they are also given the opportunity to learn about important topics like bullying, acceptance, overcoming fears, and making new friends.
Many schools still face unprecedented challenges and reduced budgets, especially in areas of music education, and with the funds raised, we will be able to bring educational programming to nearly 40 schools free-of-charge, omitting that financial barrier.
Location: Basile Opera Center
Address: 4011 North Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46205
Address: 4011 North Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46205
