Gala – Ballet in the Park Stuttgart 2026

Open-Air Ballet at the Eckensee

"Ballett im Park" is the open-air event of the Stuttgart Ballet. Since 2007, the Upper Schlossgarten has been transformed into an open-air stage every summer – directly on the Eckensee, in front of the Opera House, in the heart of Stuttgart's city park. What began as a live broadcast of performances from the Opera House onto a screen in the park has now become an independent open-air performance by the company and the John Cranko School.

20th Anniversary 2026

The 2026 edition marks the 20th anniversary of Ballett im Park. Two days, two programs: Saturday evening with the grand gala of the company, Sunday morning with the matinee of the John Cranko School. Both events are free of charge – a tribute to the Stuttgart audience that has supported the ballet for decades.

Saturday, July 25 – Company Gala

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, the grand gala will take place. The program includes excerpts from the classical repertoire of the Stuttgart Ballet (John Cranko, Marius Petipa, Maurice Béjart) and contemporary works from the current choreography leadership. Ensemble dancers as well as soloists will perform. Host: Sonia Santiago, former soloist of the Stuttgart Ballet and popular host of the "Ballett im Park" series.

Sunday, July 26 – John Cranko School Matinee

On Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the morning, the John Cranko School matinee will be held. The Stuttgart Ballet School, one of the most renowned training institutions for the classical dance tradition worldwide, will present performances by its students – from beginner classes to the final year of training. A charming, often touching event that connects the audience with the rising talent of the Stuttgart Ballet.

Eckensee – The Unique Open-Air Stage

The Eckensee is a small body of water lined with trees in the Upper Schlossgarten – directly in front of the Stuttgart Opera House. The open-air stage is set up between the Opera House and the lake, with the audience sitting on the lawn around it. Bring a picnic blanket, take off your shoes, and watch the ballet under the open sky – one of Stuttgart's most atmospheric open-air events.

Stuttgart Ballet as an Institution

Since John Cranko took over in the 1960s, the Stuttgart Ballet has been one of the most internationally renowned companies in the classical and neoclassical tradition. With works like "Onegin," "Romeo and Juliet," and "The Taming of the Shrew," Cranko shaped the company's repertoire – establishing a tradition that is now carried on by Tamas Detrich (Director) and his ensemble.