Ballet Under the Stars, the annual free series of outdoor performances, will make its way back to Glendale this week.

Ballet Arizona has scheduled four dates for its upcoming season, starting with a Thursday, Sept. 8 performance in Fountain Hills before returning to the West Valley the next night.

Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave., a Glendale staple that dates back to 1886, will welcome a performance at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9. The event drew more than 1,200 ballet fans in 2021.

Ballet Under the Stars features a unique outdoor setting complete with a stage, lighting and costumes. Organizers estimate the shows cost Ballet Arizona an average of $40,000 to $50,000 per event, but admission is free to residents.

The Glendale Arts Commission voted unanimously to commit $10,000 to support the event.

Those attending are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and to sit back and enjoy a varied program, ranging from classical to contemporary.

As this is an outdoor performance, masks are not required for patrons.

After the Glendale show, performances will follow in Phoenix at Steele Indian School Park (Sept. 10) and in Goodyear at the Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater (Sept. 11).

Ballet Arizona will open its 37th season with “Contemporary Moves,” from Sept. 22-25, at Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, which will feature an evening of diverse short ballets, similar to a collection of short stories.

Visit balletaz.org.