Oklahoma City, OK, August 17, 2026 | Oklahoma City Ballet will present the seventh annual Ballet Under the Stars on Friday, September 11, at 7:00 p.m. The event will be held at Scissortail Park’s Love’s Travel Stops Stage & Great Lawn in downtown Oklahoma City. Featuring excerpts from classical ballet and modern dance, the evening will include short works performed by Oklahoma City Ballet’s professional dancers, OU School of Dance students, and students from the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School.
Thanks to the support of presenting sponsors Express Employment International, Braum’s, and OK Let’s Dance, an initiative of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, Ballet Under the Stars is FREE and requires no ticket or reservation to attend.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to Ballet Under the Stars to get a great spot on the lawn and to take part in family-friendly activities starting at 5:30 p.m. From 5:30-6:30 p.m., attendees can watch dancers warm-up on stage, take photos with dancers, and participate in a family dance class at 6:30 p.m. for all ages and abilities.
"Ballet Under the Stars is one of the most important nights on our calendar,” said Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Artistic Director. “We bring the company out of the theater and into the community, free and under open sky, so that anyone, whether they've been coming to the ballet for decades or have never set foot in a theater, can experience an amazing night of dance. For a lot of folks, it's their very first encounter with ballet, that access matters. Art shouldn't only live behind a ticket price but should be alive and available to all."
Beyond featuring a dynamic mix of dance styles, Ballet Under the Stars shines a light on Oklahoma City Ballet's year-round outreach programs. Highlights this year include a performance by members of Golden Swans, a free community class designed for senior dancers.
This year’s Ballet Under the Stars features exciting previews of the upcoming 2026/27 season, including excerpts from Don Quixote and Rodeo, alongside new works by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, such as the fan favorite continuation, Playlist 3. The evening will also showcase performances by talented dancers from Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School and the OU School of Dance.
“We’re delighted to mark seven straight years of Ballet Under the Stars,” shared Dana McCrory, Executive Director of Oklahoma City Ballet. “The incredible community turnout is deeply inspiring to our dancers, students, and staff. This vibrant, family-friendly event is our small way of expressing gratitude for all the support our community gives us.”
Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs. Some concessions and food trucks will be available at the park. Scissortail Park is located at 300 SW 7th Street in downtown Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Ballet will begin its official season at the Civic Center in October with SHORTS, three iconic ballets in one night. Single tickets to all productions are available for purchase on September 8. Oklahoma City Ballet is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of the community to help fulfill its mission. Visit Oklahoma City Ballet’s website okcballet.org, or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages (@okcballet) to learn more.