On stage at Stephens Auditorium in Ames: The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Stephens Auditorium, Ames
About this event
At Stephens Auditorium in Ames on Saturday, December 12, 2026: The Nutcracker.
This classic holiday fairy tale has come alive on stage at Stephens Auditorium each December since 1981. This annual Stephens Auditorium production features choreography by Iowa Youth Ballet choreographers with guest principal dancers choreographing their roles as Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. More than 150 local dancers from surrounding central Iowa communities participate with guest principal dancers performing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. The Nutcracker Ballet tells the story of a young girl, a heroic prince, and the fantastic dream they share. From the opening party scene to the last tinkling notes of Tchaikovskys famous score, a festive holiday spirit permeates the entire performance.
Event details
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Time
- 1:00 PM local time
- Venue
- Stephens Auditorium
- Address
- Iowa State Center, Ames, IA 50011, United States
- Price
- Price not announced yet
- Category
- Dance
- Organiser
- VENUWORKS CORPORATE
Venue & getting there
Iowa State Center, Ames, IA 50011
Hotels near Stephens Auditorium
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Your visit to Stephens Auditorium
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Starts
- 1:00 PM
- Staying nearby
- 1 hotel within walking distance; the closest is Hotel Memorial Union (1 km)
Every upcoming The Nutcracker date
- The Nutcracker Performed by The United European Ballet CompanyTemple Theatre, Saginaw
- The NutcrackerVaillant Live, Derby
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas BalletMusic Hall At Cleveland Public Auditorium, Cleveland
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas BalletBob Hope Theatre, Stockton
- The NutcrackerMarion Cultural and Civic Center, Marion
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas BalletChabot College Performing Arts Center, Hayward
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas BalletSan Jose Center for Performing Arts, San Jose
- The NutcrackerMcKnight Center for the Performing Arts Center, Stillwater
- The NutcrackerThe Madison Center for the Arts, Phoenix
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas BalletAustin Auditorium At Lasells Stewart Cen, Corvallis
- Montgomery Ballet Presents The NutcrackerMontgomery Performing Arts Centre, Montgomery
- World Ballet Company - The NutcrackerCoMMA Performing Arts Center, Morganton
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas BalletDpac, Durham
- World Ballet Company: The NutcrackerChuck Mathena Center, Princeton
- Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater - The NutcrackerPalace Theatre, Manchester
- Lake Area Ballet Theatre - The Nutcracker (Sensory-Inclusive Performance)Lake Charles Event Center - Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles
- Grand Kyiv Ballet - The Nutcracker - Symphony of LightsHarris Theater, Chicago
- World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker with a Live OrchestraCrown Theatre, Fayetteville
- The NutcrackerUNCG Auditorium, Greensboro
- Lake Area Ballet Theatre - The NutcrackerLake Charles Event Center - Rosa Hart Theatre, Lake Charles
Also at Stephens Auditorium that week
Good to know
When is “The Nutcracker”?
The Nutcracker takes place on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM local time.
Where is “The Nutcracker” held?
Venue: Stephens Auditorium, Iowa State Center, Ames, IA 50011, United States.
How much are tickets for “The Nutcracker”?
Prices have not been published yet. Follow the ticket link for the latest information from the official seller.
Where can I buy tickets for “The Nutcracker”?
Tickets are sold by Ticketmaster. The ticket button on this page takes you straight to the official listing, with live availability and the final price.
Where else is The Nutcracker performing?
The Nutcracker also has 412 more dates coming up, for example Saginaw (Nov 5, 2026), Derby (7 Nov 2026) and Cleveland (Nov 8, 2026).
