Shakespeare in the Park 2024

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© Tammy Shell

Among the hundreds of great free summer events is a New York favorite—the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park, a series of classical Shakespearian productions in Central Park. What can be better than enjoying Hamlet, Cymbeline, or Romeo and Juliette performed under the starry night sky of New York? The events are held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, rain or shine.

However, the Delacorte Theater is under construction and undergoing until 2025. So, Free Shakespeare in the Park 2024 will take place in the New York communities. Famous actors like Maryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Al Pacino, Kevin Kline, and many others took part in past performances.

Festival Dates, Hours & Tickets

Shakespeare in the Park runs from the last days of May through mid-to-late August. Performances take place Tuesday through Sunday at 8 pm, with a few exceptions in the schedule. The tickets are usually distributed on the day of the show in front of the Delacorte. But, since the shows are free, be ready to see long lines. Only the most patient ones will get to see the excellent show with a great view of New Yo​r​k City in the background.

The first week of performances tends to be less crowded before the reviews and word of mouth have increased the audience. You have a better chance of getting a nice seat without much effort when bad weather is in the forecast. The shows will continue in the rain, and tickets are not exchangeable. If the conditions are really bad, they may take a break and resume after the downpour is over. Take into account that visitors cannot open umbrellas during the performances. So bring a poncho or a raincoat.

2024 Festival Program

This year's festival program consists of Comedy of Errors, directed by Rebecca Martínez. It is a bilingual musical adaptation featuring contemporary rhythms from across Latin America, which will run May 28-June 30 in Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Kenny Leon, will run throughout late June, July, and August in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx.

Furthermore, the Free Shakespeare Movies at Home will last throughout May and June with free access to streaming Much Ado About Nothing (2019), Merry Wives (2021), Richard III (2022), and the premiere of Hamlet (2023), recorded live from The Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Guests can also join a Public Theater Block Party on July 28 on Lafayette Street and Astor Place, featuring live performances, activities, and giveaways.