New York City Ballet at SPAC
Save the Date!
July 8-11, 2026
New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with a roster of spectacular dancers and an unparalleled repertory. The Company, founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Jerome Robbins joined NYCB the following year and, with Balanchine, helped to build the astounding repertory and firmly establish the Company in New York. The New York City Ballet performed at the opening ceremony for Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 1966 and returns each year for their summer residency.
A Summer Tradition
Whether you’re a lifelong dance lover or curious to attend the ballet for the first time, there’s something for everyone during New York City Ballet’s season at SPAC!
Family Nights
Come early, bring a picnic and enjoy some quality time together. Enjoy pre-show lawn games, activities & crafts, face painting, free Stewart’s ice cream, and more! Family Nights begin at 5:30PM and are free to ticketed attendees.
Beloved Masterpieces
Enjoy some of the best-loved works in New York City Ballet’s repertoire by famed choreographers Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Swan Lake, Coppélia, Firebird, Serenade, and many more!
Educational Events
Join New York City Ballet for exciting free SPAC Education events! Enroll in one of our ballet workshops for kids, teens, or adults to learn from the best dancers in the world. Local children are also invited to audition to perform alongside the company on the SPAC stage.
The Perfect Summer Outing
Bring your own picnic and chairs to enjoy a matinee on the SPAC lawn, take in an evening performance under the stars, or secure your seat inside the amphitheater — the choice is yours! Soak up the health benefits of the arts in our stunning natural setting and relaxed atmosphere.
Exciting Premieres
New York City Ballet has a long tradition of debuting new pieces at SPAC, including Coppélia, which was commissioned by SPAC and held its world premiere here in 1974. Now, see the latest works from celebrated contemporary choreographers, including resident choreographer Justin Peck.
Experiences & Activities
Need help deciding which performances to attend? Join us for themed nights such as Date Night or Style Night, exclusive after parties with the performers, and additional activities to make it an unforgettable night out at the ballet.
Dine with Us
Enjoy Arts Dining in the Hall of Springs prior to your event, stop by our concessions for fun fare, or bring your own picnic!
A Historic Legacy
Saratoga Performing Arts Center was built to be the summer home of The New York City Ballet. The company performed at SPAC’s opening ceremony in 1966 and returns each year for its summer residency.
Ways to Save
Check back following our 2026 season announcements to see all the ways you can save on a New York City Ballet performance!
SPAC Event Ground Rules
Applicable for SPAC-produced events only, including Saratoga Jazz Festival, New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and other special events.
Permitted Items
- Food, beverages, and disposable utensils (compostable, plastic, reusable, etc.)
- Blankets and breathable ground coverings
- Umbrellas
- Please note: Only personal-sized umbrellas will be permitted on the amphitheater lawn.
- Lawn Chairs
- Please note: Lawn chairs must not exceed 43” in height when opened. Lawn chairs on the center amphitheater lawn must not exceed 26″ in height when opened.
- Tents
- Please note: Tents of any size will NOT be permitted on the Amphitheater lawn or are immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage.
*Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day*
Items Not Permitted
- Metal utensils
- Plastic tarps
- Lawn chairs over 43” in height when opened
- Tents are prohibited from the Amphitheater lawn as well as the area immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage
- Grills, cooking equipment, or any flame that uses a liquid, gas, or gel accelerant
- Laser pointers
- Drones
- Professional audio or video recording equipment
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc.
- Pets (except ADA approved service animals)
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Weapons of any kind
*Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day*
Ground Rules
- Security Procedure – To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for SPAC visitors and staff, all bags will be inspected, and all personnel will be searched via metal detectors. Bags include but are not limited to coolers, baskets, tote bags, purses, diaper bags, strollers, and other containers. Any item that is not permitted to come onto the SPAC grounds should be disposed of or returned to your vehicle.
- Smoking is permitted on the SPAC grounds in designated areas only. Please ensure that all cigarette butts are disposed of properly.
- Guests are welcome to bring items such as blankets and umbrellas but please consider others around you. If your items are disruptive to others, you may be asked to remove them.
- Reentry is permitted for SPAC-produced events. Guests must obtain a reentry wristband from staff at the gates prior to exiting the venue.
- SPAC has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and citizenship. Harassment includes but is not limited to stalking, verbal or physical intimidation, offensive verbal comments, physical assault and/or battery, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome physical attention. If you are made to feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please immediately report any concerns to SPAC staff or security personnel so appropriate action can be taken.
House Rules for Classical Performances
Applicable inside the amphitheater for New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra events.
- Beverages are permitted in the amphitheater, but food is not.
- As a courtesy to the performers and the audience, guests arriving after the performances begin will not be seated until the earliest appropriate opportunity in the performance at the discretion of the House Staff.
- Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the start of the program. Texting and making calls in the theater is not allowed. Should an emergency arise in which you must use a mobile device, we ask that you step outside of the theater to avoid disturbing other guests.
- Video, photography, audio, or cell phone recording during performances is prohibited.
All SPAC ground rules are subject to change. By entering the SPAC grounds, guests agree to abide by the rules listed above. Management reserves the right to modify these rules or can request to see the contents of any belongings brought on property at their discretion. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the utmost levels of safety and convenience for our guests and staff.
Thank You to our 2025 New York City Ballet Sponsors
New York City Ballet’s 2025 residency is made possible in part by support from The Adirondack Trust Company
“Kids in Free” presented by Fenimore Asset Management
