The Stuttgart Ballet and Porsche continue their successful partnership and reflect on Ballet in the Park

Discover how Ballet in the Park was the perfect expression of the Porsche x The Stuttgart Ballet partnership

September 18, 2026 | 3 min read

John Cranko’s Swan Lake, The Stuttgart Ballet gala_hero desktop

Following the 20th anniversary edition of Ballet in the Park, Porsche and the Stuttgart Ballet are looking ahead to the 2026-2027 ballet season and the next chapter in their long-standing partnership

Ballet photo copyright: Roman Novitzky/Stuttgarter Ballett

The Stuttgart Ballet and Porsche: the facts behind an enduring cultural partnership

• How long has Porsche partnered with the Stuttgart Ballet? The relationship between Porsche and the Stuttgart Ballet began in 2012 and has promoted many performances and events in that time

• What is Ballet in the Park? Ballet in the Park is a free public event, held annually, from the Stuttgart Ballet which screens performances from inside the Stuttgart Opera House onto a large video screen in Stuttgart’s Oberer Schlossgarten

• When does the 2026-2027 Stuttgart Ballet season begin? The new season for the Stuttgart Ballet begins in September 2026 with four performances of Onegin, created by the former Stuttgart Ballet director John Cranko, and continues with a range of performances throughout the season

For fans of ballet, the beginning of the season means one thing: the curtain is rising at their local theatre as it hosts their favourite classics. At the Stuttgart Opera House, the centrepiece for September 2026 is Onegin, which was originally created for the Stuttgart Ballet in 1965 by its legendary former director, John Cranko.

But alongside the velvet-upholstered seats, ruby runners, black ties and gorgeous dresses there are memories of a few weeks prior – when crowds gathered with picnic blankets and foldable chairs for a celebration of dance, art and community that was familiar and yet very different.

This was the open-air Ballet in the Park event, held over the weekend of 25 and 26 July, in Stuttgart’s Oberer Schlossgarten.

And that’s precisely the charm of Ballet in the Park – one that makes a beloved art form accessible to the public by bringing it into the heart of the city. Looking back at Ballet in the Park and then forward to the opening of the new season, it’s easy to see why the former has become such a beloved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. It fosters connections and immerses viewers in the atmosphere of both theatre and park, marking a celebratory close to the Stuttgart Ballet’s season.

Ballet in the Park at Oberer Schlossgarten, Stuttgart Opera House — Porsche has partnered with the Stuttgart Ballet since 2012 and has proudly presented the popular Ballet in the Park event ever since. In 2026 the open-air cultural highlight celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of making ballet accessible to a wider audience Photo: Porsche

What is Ballet in the Park?

What began in 2007 as a live broadcast of a ballet performance has grown into a cultural highlight for thousands of visitors each year. In 2026, Ballet in the Park celebrated its 20th anniversary. Since 2012, Porsche has been a proud partner of the Stuttgart Ballet and presenting partner of the event, helping bring 14 free open-air editions to audiences across the region.

Years of work and dedication are required to ensure it runs smoothly. However, neither Porsche nor the Stuttgart Ballet mind; they are committed to making art and culture accessible to as many people as possible.

This is what makes Ballet in the Park so much more than just an event: it is a place of cultural and personal exchange, connection, learning, growth and inspiration from both the past and the future. It is also a visible expression of the values that underpin the partnership between Porsche and the Stuttgart Ballet: excellence, team spirit, cultural participation and a shared commitment to their home city.

Ballet in the Park 2026 audience watching ballet in Oberer Schlossgarten in Stuttgart — The Stuttgart’s Ballet in the Park 2026 was a celebration of art, culture and inclusive community, making ballet available to everybody Photo: Porsche

The Stuttgart Ballet and Porsche: a partnership rooted in passion and excellence

For Vera Schalwig – Member of the Executive Board, Human Resources and Social Affairs, Porsche AG – this passionate desire to serve the community is one reason why the partnership feels so natural. “Cultural engagement succeeds when it moves people, brings them together, and leaves a lasting impression,” she says. “The collaboration is grounded in shared values: precision, trust, passion, discipline and the perfect interplay of many people.”

The 20th anniversary edition of Ballet in the Park followed a two-part programme. On the Saturday, the focus was on a gala with the Stuttgart Ballet featuring highlights from former Ballet in the Park events, while on Sunday, the John Cranko School’s matinee performance took centre stage. Visitors also had the chance to check out the exhibition of Porsche cars on display, featuring the new Cayenne Electric and a 911 GT3 S/C, as well as participate in several giveaways.

With more than 8,000 visitors, it was a busy weekend – and the perfect way to transition into the 2026-27 ballet season and the many cultural highlights it will provide.

• Find out about Turbo for Dreams: an initiative between Porsche Korea and Stuttgart Ballet

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