Now that you have tickets lined up for Central City Opera’s 2021 Festival at Hudson Gardens, you’re probably starting to think about what to bring with you to make your #OperaInTheGardens experience the most comfortable. If you’re seated in the B or C sections, a low profile chair (no more than 37 inches high) should be at the top of your list! We know that many Coloradans already have their favorite portable seating option ready to go for outdoor summer activities. But in case yours is too tall, it’s time for a replacement or if you’re just looking to add a new option to your collection, we’re here with a variety of suggestions for your opera-going enjoyment!
Prices are accurate as of the time of publication. 
1. A lightweight and breathable option that’ll keep you cool even during the sunniest matinee.
Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair
Price: $42.99 on Amazon.com (comes in four colors)
Comfortable, Compact, Capable. The Cascade Mountain Camping Chair is just 9 inches off the ground, making it easy to stretch out your legs, lean back and enjoy the show. Weighing just under 7 pounds and equipped with a handy bag and shoulder strap, this chair is portable without sacrificing durability.
Promising Review: “Love this item! I used to loathe my backache after sitting without support for a prolonged time until I came across this chair. It’s a total space saver too! Folds up nicely and tucked away when not needed.”
2. A compact, adventurer-approved reclining seat that will take you from the amphitheater to the mountaintop.
Crazy Creek Chair
Price: $56.53 on Amazon.com
Crazy Creek Chairs are well-known favorites of adventurers everywhere. Convenient handles and slim, folding profile make this 1.5 pound beauty the perfect take-everywhere option. You’ll never be stuck seatless again, whether you’re scaling a mountain, trekking to the beach or getting lost in the music at Hudson Gardens with us this summer. This one will go wherever inspiration takes you!
Promising Review: “Have been using these in my family since I was a kid, can’t imagine camping without them. They are also excellent to take in the boat as they are great for flotation. If you have not used one before, they are surprisingly and amazingly comfortable and supportive. I like that the newer models have the carrier and handles and some other quality-of-life improvements.
3. A classic outdoor chair with extra storage space, PLUS tons of color and pattern options.
ONIVA - a Picnic Time Brand Portable Folding Sports Chair
Price: from $63.98 on Amazon.com
If you tend to spread out, the ONIVA Folding Chair is for you. It’s still a lightweight, durable option at 10.5 pounds, but this chair is absolutely decked out with a fold-out side table, insulated holders for your drinks and pockets galore for anything you might need, from sunscreen to opera glasses. You won’t even have to bring a purse! In addition, this brand is built to last; the company offers a lifetime guarantee. Don’t forget to peruse the list of color and pattern options.
Promising Review: “I have used these chairs for years. I am a big guy, 310 pounds, and it handles me solidly and comfortably. They also have superior customer service…I just purchased 2 more of these chairs. I’m not aware of a better outdoor folding chair you can get. They aren’t cheap but they last.”
4. A plush option with a detachable pillow that’ll have you feeling like you’re in orchestra seats at the Met. 
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair
Price: $97.95 from REI
We’ll all miss being in the Opera House this season, but with cushy options like the Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair, you’ll hardly realize you’re outside the comfort of a theater! According to the description, this ~4 pound seat sits a little higher than the others at 12.5 inches off the ground and claims to eliminate tension zones and provide comfort for a wider range of bodies. It’s also furnished with a detachable pillow and convenient mesh side pockets. Note that the set-up process for this chair is a little different than one might expect, or so say the reviewers, but they also insist that it’s quick and easy with the instructions in hand!
Promising Review: “This chair is AMAZING, I bought it because like to lounge and have my head supported. I carry this chair wherever I go, it’s a little pricey but worth it. I highly recommend it. I’m 220 lbs 6’2″ and this is perfect.”
5. Get cozy with your date on this portable loveseat.
Coleman 2000019354 Quattro Lax Double Quad Chair
Price: $69.99 on Amazon.com
Few operaphiles can resist a great love story. Live out your own romance, tucked into this unique Double Quad Chair with the one you love. The music will be incredible, and if you come for an evening show, you’ll even catch the sunset over the stage! The Quad is enthusiastically reviewer-approved for comfort, which bodes well for 90-minute performances sans-intermission with us this summer. It is on the heavier side of our recommendations at 10.5 pounds, but what can we say, relationships are all about compromise. (Don’t worry, each side gets its own cupholder, so you won’t have to share everything.)
Promising Review: “This chair is so awesome and has become my husband and my favorite camping chair. It’s super roomy, and extremely comfortable. We went on our first camping trip of the season last week, and we got to try out this beauty for the first time. We brought this chair, 2 separate chairs, and a laying down chair. We didn’t use any chair but this one. Every night we’d light the fire and just snuggle up next to each other. Something you can’t do in a regular camping chair. The chair is exceptionally well made, and I can’t express enough how insanely comfortable it is. You need to buy it! You won’t regret it.”
What else should you bring to Hudson Gardens this summer? Take a look at the FAQ page for our recommendations.