J.D. Rivers’ Children’s Garden at Theodore Wirth Park sets the perfect stage for Tales of Hoffmann: A Picnic Operetta at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29. The garden is located at Glenwood Ave. and Washburn in Theodore Wirth Park.

Hoffmann is a globetrotting poet following his romantic whims across Europe encountering fantastical adventures with robots, evil magicians and ghosts. The performance by Mixed Precipitation performance initiative is perfect for opera lovers, gardeners, kids and “foodies,” as locally-sourced food samplings from the garden are prepared fresh and served to translate the events of the story.

Reservations are encouraged due to limited seating. Please call 612-619-2112. The operetta is free, but donations are appreciated. ASL services are provided. The presentation at J. D. Rivers’ is one of 12 selected community gardens in the Twin Cities. This performance is supported by grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the St. Louis Park Arts and Culture Grant and the Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation, in partnership with MPRB Environmental Education Division. For more information visit www.mixedprecipitation.wordpress.com.