Your Guide to Starry Nights
Everything You Need to Know about SF Ballet at Stanford this Summer
Thinking of going to San Francisco Ballet’s performances at Stanford Live on August 3 & 4? Here’s all you need to know to have a wonderful evening under the stars.
Returning to Stanford University’s Frost Amphitheater following successful runs in 2021 and 2022, we’re presenting a program featuring two standout hits from our next@90 festival and virtuoso selections from recent SF Ballet Galas.
What’s onstage
Each performance begins at 8 pm with Yuri Possokhov’s, Violin Concerto, a ballet that features Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score and shows off the steely technique and emotional breadth of our dancers. It was met with standing ovations and rave reviews, a fan favorite from last season’s next@90 Festival. Following an intermission is a series of selections from recent SF Ballet galas that span classical to contemporary works, including Tomasson’s Swan Lake, Wheeldon’s Cinderella, Forsythe’s Blake Works I, and Balanchine’s bright and energetic Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux. After a second intermission, the evening closes with Danielle Rowe’s MADCAP, dubbed a “triumph” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Rowe’s love of storytelling and theatrics is on broad display as she masterfully dissects the anatomy of a clown paired with a score by Swedish indie rocker Par Hägström.
Live music for Violin Concerto, Swan Lake, Cinderella, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, and MADCAP will be performed by musicians from the Grammy Award–winning San Francisco Ballet Orchestra under the direction of Martin West.
Where
Performances are held at the Frost Amphitheater, an outdoor venue on Stanford University’s beautiful campus. Frost provides the best of both worlds—an incredible open-air theater where you can watch beautiful ballet and enjoy snacks or a picnic al fresco, AND one that is accessible from public transport. Frost also has free parking. There is no guarantee that there will be free parking spots available.
How Much?
Tickets begin at $40.
Bites & Drinks
What is a summer evening under the stars without good food? You can bring your own picnic (click here to learn more about Stanford Live’s food and drink policy), or order anything from water, beer, and cocktails to cheese or charcuterie plates from your seat using your phone!

Safety
Both SF Ballet and Stanford Live are committed to keeping you safe. You can learn more about what you can and cannot bring into the amphitheater, as well as the venue’s health and safety guidelines on the Stanford Live website.
Have other questions? Check out Stanford Live’s FAQ page for more information.
Starry Nights runs for two nights only—on August 3 & 4 at 8 pm.
Learn more about Starry Nights
Header Image: Stanford Live in Frost Amphitheater // © Peter Prato