Summer Shakespeare 2025

The Merry Wives of Windsor
Directed by Beki Baker

Thursdays-Sundays, August 21-September 21
and Labor Day Monday, September 1
The Yard at ONEC1TY (8 City Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209)

*ASL Interpreted Performance TBA

Nightly Schedule:
5:15 pm - Gates Open
5:30 pm - Insight Lecture Series
6:00 pm - Pre-Show Concert Series
7:00 pm - Performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor

Cost: Pay-What-You-Will ($10 suggested donation)

“Wives may be merry, and yet honest too.”

The Merry Wives of Windsor is an uproarious tale of mischief and double-dealing where women get the last laugh! When the ever-scheming Sir John Falstaff tries to cure his money troubles by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants, he doesn’t count on Mistress Page and Mistress Ford comparing notes - and plotting their hilarious revenge. Packed with disguises, surprises, and plenty of dunkings, this Shakespearean comedy celebrates marriage, playful revenge, and the everlasting friendship between two brilliant women who refuse to be fooled.

Summer Shakespeare FAQ

Purchase Royal and Noble Packages - coming soon!

Get up-to-the-minute updates on weather and show information on our social media channels:

Insight Lecture from OneC1TY terrace 2.JPEG

Seating Options

PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL
Bring your own blanket or chair and claim a spot in our general admission areas. Limited bleacher seating is also available on a first-come, first-serve basis. FREE - suggested donation $10/person.
PRO TIP: Come early to enjoy our free Insight Lecture Series and Pre-Show Concert to ensure the best seats!
GROUNDLING SEATING (new this year!)
A nod to the original Groundlings who stood closest to the stage at Shakespeare’s Globe, these reserved seats put you right in the heart of the action with a low-profile chair (just 5" off the ground) in the last row of the blanket section. $30/person – Includes a reserved low chair.
NOBLE SEATING
Noble Seats include a reserved seat in the reserved seating section behind the blanket area, complete with a comfortable camp chair with tray table. No need to bring a thing! $50/person – reserved chair with tray in the reserved seating section.
ROYAL PACKAGES
Feel like royalty with the best seats in the house! Royal Packages include a reserved seat in the front rows of the reserved seating section, premium reserved parking, a gourmet picnic boxed dinner, and a shoutout from the stage for your birthday, anniversary, or special occasion (just let us know!). $100/person – Includes premium reserved seating, dinner, reserved parking, and optional onstage shout-out.

Purchase a Noble Seat or Royal Package - coming soon!

GROUNDLING SEATING - low profile chair (appx. 5” off the ground)

NOBLE AND ROYAL SEATING - camp chair with side tray

Accessible seating and assistive listening devices are available. For more information and accommodations, please contact Finance and Operations Director Robert Marigza-Yeo at robert@nashvilleshakes.org, or by calling 615-255-2273.

Pay-What-You-Will (or As You Like It)

Since our first year performing in the park in 1988, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival has committed to providing accessible arts experiences by championing the pay-what-you-will model. Admission is free, but if you’re able, we invite you to donate and help keep the magic alive:

Donate $10 per person (suggested amount) supports our mission to make theatre accessible, educational, and fun for all.
Donate $20 per person says thanks for free parking, on-site restrooms, and family-friendly fun.
Donate $35 per person helps pay the 40+ local artists and technicians who bring the show to life.
Donate of $50 per person pays it forward so someone else can attend for free.

Pay-what-you-will is about community. We trust you to give what you can, and every dollar helps ensure the Festival remains open to all. Every dollar makes a difference!

PRO TIP! Donate online before the show for quicker entry. Just show your receipt at the gate!

Donate before the show - coming soon!

Pre-Show Entertainment

Want to learn more about The Merry Wives of Windsor before watching the performance? Join local scholars and luminaries at 5:30 pm for a free, engaging 30-minute deep dive into the play’s characters, themes, and more.

Insight Lecture Series Speakers - to be announced

Arrive early for The Merry Wives of Windsor and enjoy our pre-show concert series! Grab a great spot on the lawn and experience live entertainment starting at 6:00 pm featuring a diverse slate of local artists.

Pre-Show Concert Lineup - to be announced

Food Truck Schedule - to be announced

Show Information

Thursday, August 21 at 7:00 pm
Friday, August 22 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 23 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, August 24 at 7:00 pm
Thursday, August 28 at 7:00 pm
Friday, August 29 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 30 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, August 31 at 7:00 pm
Monday, September 1 at 7:00 pm (Labor Day)
Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 pm
Friday, September 5 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 6 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 7 at 7:00 pm

Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 pm
Friday, September 12 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 13 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 14 at 7:00 pm
Thursday, September 18 at 7:00 pm
Friday, September 19 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 21 at 7:00 pm
To be announced.
To be announced.