It says something about Wichita's culture that thousands of people show up to hear opera.

This is proven year after year with multiple events by Wichita Grand Opera, including the outdoor performances it is planning for the annual celebration at Bradley Fair shopping center on Saturday.

WGO ends its season every year with Opera on the Lake at Bradley Fair, a performance where thousands of people have shown up in past years, throwing down blankets or setting up lawn chairs around Bradley Fair's lake and environs, hearing classical opera and much more.

The performance starts at 7 p.m. It is free.

Featured guest soloists are Michael Nansel, Suzanne Hendrix and Wichitans Dustin Peterson, Catherine Bartomeo, Patrick Greene, Mary Ellen Swords, Paul Smith and Tim Wilgers.

The audience will hear selections from the 2010-2011 season and other well-known melodies.

Included will be highlights from Donizetti's romantic comedy, "Daughter of the Regiment," and from "West Side Story."

There will also be selections from operas including "Lakme," "The Pearl Fishers," "The Merry Widow," "Il Trovatore" and "La Traviata."

Since 2003, Opera on the Lake has become a big event on Wichita's arts calendar.

If you go

Opera on the Lake

What: Outdoor concert featuring opera arias and much more

Where: Fountain plaza at Bradley Fair shopping center, Rock Road at 21st Street

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

How much: Admission is free. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Free parking at Bradley Fair. For more information, visit www.wichitagrandopera.org or call 316-262-8054.