Going to a Met in the Parks performance takes minimal planning — you call your friends, choose an opera, and decide where to meet. And with this handy guide, you’re sure to get the most out of your experience of opera under the stars.

You’ll want a blanket (or two), food and utensils, and bug spray. Seasoned Met in the Parks-goers often bring a few extras, such as balloons to help locate their friends in the crowd, candles for ambience (or a citronella one for mosquitoes), and plastic bags to keep blankets from getting damp on wet ground. At this time of year, a sweater or jacket is a must after the sun goes down.

To get prime seats for the Central Park performances, it’s best to arrive at least two hours before show time. Some people make the opening-night concert a day-long event, staking out a spot in the morning to ensure a view of the stage. With the amplified sound system, though, it’s fine to be sitting further back, where the sound—and people-watching—is just as good. In general, the closer you are to the stage, the more seriously the audience takes the performance, so position accordingly. (If you want to immerse yourself in the performance, get as close as possible; if you want to catch up with friends, move back.) Parks concerts in the other city boroughs are generally less crowded.

For the first two evenings, in Central Park, the stage is located at the north end of the Great Lawn (mid-park from 79th to 85th Streets). From the west, the best park entrances are 81st or 85th/86th Streets; from the east, 79th or 84th Streets (just south or north of the Met museum). Free Playbill programs are distributed at every entry point. For directions to other sites or for rain dates, call (212) 362-6000.

It’s a relaxed atmosphere, but some unwritten rules apply; you’ll want to limit cell-phone use and littering to avoid dirty looks. Parks performances end earlier than most operas—around 10:30pm — so you’ll have plenty of time for a nightcap after the show.