July 13, 2026
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns to Assiniboine Park for beloved summer tradition, Ballet in the Park
Free outdoor performances from July 28-30 feature acclaimed works by George Balanchine and Dwight Rhoden
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) invites audiences to experience the power, beauty, and connection of live performance at Ballet in the Park. Presented by Manitoba Liquor Marts, the annual series returns July 28–30 at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park.
A treasured Winnipeg summer tradition, Ballet in the Park offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s premier ballet companies in a free open-air performance. For three evenings, families, friends, and dance lovers of all ages can gather under the prairie sky for an unforgettable celebration of movement, music, and community.
As the RWB continues an exciting new chapter under Artistic Director Christopher Stowell, Ballet in the Park offers audiences an early look at the vision behind his first fully programmed season with the Company. This year’s program features works by internationally acclaimed choreographers, showcasing the athleticism, emotion, and technical brilliance of the RWB Company dancers.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
BALLET IN THE PARK DRESS REHEARSAL
Members of the media are invited to attend the Ballet in the Park dress rehearsal with interview, photo and video opportunities available.
Date: Monday, July 27, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park
RSVP: Jane Pike, jane@jppr.ca
Onsite contact: Quinn Cove, qcove@rwb.org
The 2026 program opens with excerpts from Odyssey, a dynamic contemporary work by one of today’s most influential voices in dance, choreographer Dwight Rhoden. Following its highly successful world premiere with the RWB earlier this year, Odyssey returns through selected movements that capture Rhoden’s signature blend of innovation, athleticism, and expressive storytelling.
The evening continues with a concert version of George Balanchine’s Who Cares?, set to the iconic music of George Gershwin. Filled with sophistication, wit, and the unmistakable rhythms of Gershwin’s music, Who Cares? pairs the elegance of classical ballet with the spirit of American jazz. Created by one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, the work reflects Balanchine’s enduring impact on the evolution of ballet.
Audiences will also enjoy a performance by students from the RWB School Recreational Division, featuring REBELS, a Junior Hip Hop Dance Ensemble work choreographed by Ella Rumak.
Ballet in the Park begins each evening with pre-show activities, including family-friendly programming, face painting, food trucks, merchandise, and a complimentary Creative Movement class for children before the performance.
Event Schedule:
6:00 p.m. – Pre-show activities begin
6:30 p.m. – Free Creative Movement class
7:00 p.m. – Performance begins
8:00 p.m. – Performance concludes
Admission is free and no ticket or registration is required. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, water, and anything else they may need to enjoy an evening outdoors.
The RWB is committed to creating a welcoming and accessible experience for all guests. This year’s Ballet in the Park includes an expanded accessible seating area and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for speeches, announcements, and lyrics.
As an outdoor performance, Ballet in the Park may be impacted by weather conditions. Guests are encouraged to check RWB’s official channels for updates. In the event of inclement weather, performances may be cancelled to ensure the safety and well-being of the dancers, artists, crew, and audience members.
About the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet teaches, creates, and performs, enriching lives through the power of exceptional dance. With a legacy spanning more than 85 years, the RWB is recognized for its versatility, technical excellence, and commitment to artistic quality. Under the artistic leadership of Christopher Stowell, the Company continues to build on its classical foundation while presenting a wide range of works for audiences in Winnipeg and beyond.
In addition to its renowned Company, the RWB is home to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, which includes the Professional Division, an internationally acclaimed training ground for aspiring professional dancers and educators, and the Recreational Division, Winnipeg’s largest dance school, welcoming students of all ages, levels, and interests. Explore the season in the 2026-27 RWB Media Kit.
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Media inquiries
Jane Pike
JPPR on behalf of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
jane@jppr.ca