A blessing is being held at 6am today as the building, which has undergone a $10.3 million restoration and redevelopment project, is welcomed back into use.
There will be an opportunity for people to look around the Opera House for an hour after the blessing.
In his report to a council meeting on Tuesday, Mr Ross said the project was a "fabulous achievement" for the community.
Given recent events in the world economy, had the decision not been made to go ahead with the project, he could only presume the "grand old lady" would have had a very bleak future.
The success of the project would be reflected in the activity occurring in the building over the next few years.
He was delighted to hear forward bookings were looking stronger for the Opera House than for similar facilities in Dunedin.
Tomorrow, there will be street entertainment outside the Opera House between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, with a gala showcase starting at 8pm.
Based on the model of a Royal Variety Performance, it will include Dancing With The Stars runner-up Shane Cortese and his band Class of '58, Fuse Circus, comedian Irene Pink, singer Leigh Wilson and performances by the Oamaru Operatic Society, Oamaru Choral Society and the Savage Club.
On Sunday, there will be church services with guest speaker Rob Harley at 10am (general service) and 7pm (youth service); theatre tours between 2pm and 4pm; the Inky kid's party at 2pm; high tea at 4pm and the Great Community Debate at 7.30pm.
