"Stars and Stripes" was performed at special occasions, including Nelson Rockefeller's inauguration as Governor of New York. In 1964, the New York City Ballet performed "Stars and Stripes" at the opening of the New York State Theater. In 1981, following the end of the Iran hostage crisis, Balanchine had the New York City Ballet to perform the finale of "Stars and Stripes" as a surprise encore at the New York State Theater, with the dancers wearing yellow ribbons. In 1984, the Dance Theatre of Harlem performed the finale of "Stars and Stripes" at the Olympics closing ceremony in Los Angeles.