The Betsy Hotel Brings Opera to the People with Free Monthly “Opera on the Terrace” Series in South Beach
At a time when opera is often perceived as an elitist or inaccessible art form, The Betsy Hotel is striking a new chord. The family-owned and operated Michelin Key property on Ocean Drive is redefining what’s possible in South Beach with its celebrated Opera on the Terrace series—free, open to the public, and now in its 11th year.
Held on the fourth Saturday of every month, these 30-minute pop-up performances transform the hotel’s iconic front terrace into a cultural stage facing vibrant Ocean Drive. In partnership with the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF), the series showcases a rotating cast of MMF alumni and rising stars, performing classic opera solos, Broadway hits, and timeless standards for the community to enjoy.
“In a neighborhood better known for nightlife, The Betsy is creating moments of magic that are free, inclusive, and rooted in Miami Beach’s rich cultural identity”. “Our Opera on the Terrace series brings world-class artistry to one of America’s most iconic streets and makes it accessible to everyone.”
The series has become a beloved community staple. The artists—many of whom go on to perform on international stages—bring world-class vocals to Miami Beach’s streets, captivating audiences with their talent and passion.
The Betsy’s commitment to the arts extends far beyond opera. Guests and locals can also enjoy live jazz nine times a week in the hotel’s famed Piano Bar, without a cover charge or drink minimum. Performances feature award-winning musicians from around the globe and are held Sunday through Thursday from 6–11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m.–midnight, and during weekend brunch from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. A full schedule of performances is available on the hotel’s entertainment calendar.
For more information about Opera on the Terrace and The Betsy Hotel’s ongoing arts programming, please visit www.thebetsyhotel.com.
ABOUT THE BETSY
The Betsy is a 130-room family owned and operated independent luxury oceanfront boutique resort located within the South Beach Art Deco District. The celebrated resort opened in March 2009 following a complete restoration of the historic Betsy Ross hotel and later underwent a groundbreaking expansion in December 2016, merging with the former Art Deco Carlton Hotel. The hotel is home to two food and beverage outlets helmed by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel – LT Steak & Seafood, and The Alley as well as The Piano Bar, which is widely regarded for live jazz. The hotel also boasts a 3,200 square foot rooftop complex with swimming pool, property library and nearly 25,000 square feet of special event space. Known widely as a world-leading literary hotel, The Betsy offers jazz nine times a week, classical music pop-ups, major art exhibitions, poetry readings, and a renowned artist residency program which has hosted more than 1,000 writers (and other creatives). Public art includes “The Betsy Orb,” an egg-shaped architectural masterpiece that also serves as a functional bridge connecting the hotel’s two buildings and “The Betsy Poetry Rail,” an installation of poetry etched into metal by water jets, celebrating 12 poets that shaped Miami history and culture. Betsy’s hospitality motto is Expect no more. This is Happiness. – words penned by poet Hyam Plutzik (1911-62), a three-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, and the father of owner Jonathan Plutzik whose literary legacy inspires Betsy hospitality.
