Ballet Under The Stars

September 21st 2025

Presented by City of Spartanburg, Chapman Cultural Center,

SC Arts Commission and WSPA/TV

Join us on Sunday evening, September 21st from 5:00-7:00 pm in Barnet Park as we kick off our 2025/26 season! This free family-friendly event features crafts, dancing, facepainting, and balloon creations for children of all ages.

Beginning at 6:30 pm on the Zimmerli Amphitheatre stage, enjoy performances by West African Dancers, our Center for Dance Education students, and excerpts from our 24/25 and 25/26 seasons by Ballet Spartanburg Company dancers.

Fabulous food trucks will also be at the park. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic. “Ballet Under The Stars” invites Spartanburg and beyond to enjoy classical and contemporary dance in a unique outdoor setting, complete with a stage, lighting, costumes, and we hope no rain. (Rain Date TBD) This event will take place in the heart of the cultural district in Barnet Park - for families and friends to enjoy an evening together!

What You Need to Know Before Coming to Ballet Under The Stars

1. Mark your calendar for Sept. 21 at Barnet Park for Ballet Under The Stars. Save the date, and share the information with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, church, mahjong groups, book clubs and everyone you know! This event is free and open to the public.

2. Please register for the event. We need an estimated attendance so we that have enough food trucks on site for our guests – and enough free activities available for children.

3. Share The Ride with Friends. Parking will be in the Chapman Cultural Center's two parking lots. The parking garage located next to The George (160 East Saint John Street) will offer free parking. The First Baptist of Spartanburg parking spaces may not be used for this event.

4. Arrive early. “Ballet Under The Stars” is from 5:00-7:00 pm. You will want to arrive early and reserve your spot in your favorite section of the park. You can sit up close in front of the stage! We are expecting a great crowd, so give yourself plenty of time to park, get situated on the green, visit the food trucks, and take advantage of the activities at the park before the performance begins.

5. Bring a folding chair or blanket. For those of you who would prefer a comfortable and relaxed “theater” experience, we recommend bringing folding chairs. Bring a picnic blanket for the kids - but adults may want to snuggle into their favorite chair for the evening.

6. Food is welcome (and encouraged)! We have two delightful food trucks to serve you, but you may want to pack your own picnic basket with snacks and drinks. (Speaking of drinks - No alcohol is allowed at this event.) Sky Cream is one of the food trucks – they will WOW children (and adults) with ice cream, funnel cakes, cotton candy and more.

7. Restrooms are available at the Park. Barnet Park has clean restrooms on site in nice, well-maintained buildings.

8. Get acquainted with Ballet Spartanburg. Stop by the Ballet Spartanburg information table to find out more about our 60^th Anniversary Season, The Nutcracker’s 35^th Anniversary performance at Twichell Auditorium, and Center for Dance Education classes for children and adults (including our free West African Dance class and our free Parkinson’s Dance classes). Ask about upcoming children’s events: Trick-or-Treat at the Ballet and Land of Sweets - A Nutcracker Party. We have upcoming events and performances for all ages!