The Bastrop Opera House at 711 Spring St. has been part of downtown since 1889, and it is still a working stage. Coming up is the musical Annie, which the Opera House lists from Dec. 4 to Dec. 20, 2026.
How did the Opera House get started?
The Texas Historical Commission’s directory tells the story. Merchants P. Otto Elzner and S.D. Green agreed to build it in 1889 at a reported cost of $15,000. It went up behind Elzner’s store off Main Street, on the site of an old stable, and it copied the opera house in Taylor.
The first public event was a military ball on Oct. 1, 1889, with more than 60 couples.
What has the building been since then?
Quite a few things:
- After 1910: a motion picture theater, which ran through World War II
- Late 1950s and early 1960s: known as the “Teen Tower”
- 1979: Bastrop Opera House, Inc. was chartered, when the building was at risk of being sold for unpaid taxes
The building is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and the Texas Historical Commission.
What is changing at the Opera House?
Community Impact reported in November 2025 that work had begun on a two-phase, $2.6 million expansion. It renovates the building next door and adds more than 5,000 square feet. The first phase includes dedicated space for youth programs, more rehearsal room and a place for community gatherings. The Opera House’s Our Next Act campaign now lists a total goal of $2.8 million. Its plans for the building next door include a flexible rehearsal hall, more youth program space and a black box theater.
How can you see a show?
- Annie: Dec. 4 to Dec. 20, 2026. Check your ticket for the exact time.
- Next up: the season list shows Come From Away from Jan. 22 to Feb. 14, 2027.
- Tickets: sold through the Opera House website. Everyone needs a ticket regardless of age, and children under 3 are not admitted.
- Questions: Explore Bastrop County lists the phone number as (512) 200-3826.
The building is also a stop on the downtown Bastrop walking tour. For more ideas, see our Things to Do guide.
Please confirm show dates and times with the Opera House before you go.
Have a question about this? Ask locals in our Moving to Bastrop Facebook group.
Frequently asked questions
- When was the Bastrop Opera House built?
- It was built in 1889. The Texas Historical Commission's directory says merchants P. Otto Elzner and S.D. Green agreed to build it that year at a reported cost of $15,000.
- Where is the Bastrop Opera House?
- It is at 711 Spring St. in Bastrop.
- Is Annie playing at the Bastrop Opera House?
- Yes. The Opera House lists Annie from Dec. 4 to Dec. 20, 2026. Check your ticket for the exact time.
- Can kids go to shows at the Bastrop Opera House?
- Everyone needs a ticket regardless of age, and the Opera House says children under 3 are not admitted.
- Is the Bastrop Opera House expanding?
- Community Impact reported in November 2025 that construction had begun on a two-phase, $2.6 million expansion adding more than 5,000 square feet.
Sources
- Texas Time Travel: Bastrop Opera House
- Community Impact: Bastrop Opera House celebrates start of $2.6M expansion
- Bastrop Opera House: Annie
- Bastrop Opera House: Our Next Act
- Bastrop Opera House
- Explore Bastrop County: Musical Annie
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
