What is Shakespeare in the Park?

Shakespeare in the Park is the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s flagship program and a longstanding Nashville tradition! Held annually since 1988, Shakespeare in the Park is a pay-what-you-will, donation-based event that features professional outdoor productions of Shakespeare’s plays. For decades, hundreds of thousands of community members have enjoyed experiencing theatre under the stars in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

What if I am new to Shakespeare? Will I “get” it?

Don’t worry — many people find Shakespeare much easier to understand when you see it live! These plays were written to be performed, and our talented actors bring the stories to life with expressions, movement, and emotion that make the meaning clear. You don’t need to know every word to enjoy the story, and we promise you’ll connect with the humor, drama, and timeless themes. We invite you to come and experience for yourself - you might be surprised!

Where is Shakespeare in the Park located?

Shakespeare in the Park is performed at the Centennial Park Bandshell. It is on the side of the park bordering 25th Avenue N near the lake and walking trail.

Centennial Park is very centrally located and easy to access by car, walking, or public transit. You can visit the WeGo website to learn more about how it can be accessed via bus.

There will be lots of signs and banners pointing you in the right direction! There will be a controlled entrance into the seating area and plenty of volunteers on hand to help you find the best seating and to help you with any questions.

What should I bring?

Shakespeare in the Park is a lovely way for family and friends to enjoy each other. Many guests bring a blanket or lawn chair, although limited bleacher seating is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Blankets are permitted closest to the stage, with lawn chairs placed farther back so everyone can enjoy a clear view.

You are welcome to bring your own food, or purchase dinner and snacks from our rotating lineup of food trucks. Food and beverage options vary by date, so be sure to check the Nightly Food and Drink Schedule before your visit. You may also want to bring bug spray and a light layer for later in the evening. And your $20 per person suggested donation (please)! All vendors and the Festival accept credit cards.

Will alcoholic beverages be available?

Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on select performance nights. Canned beer, wine, and cocktails will be available on most evenings, with the following exceptions:

Thursday, August 20 and Thursday, August 27: Canned beer only
Thursdays, September 3, September 10, and September 17: No alcohol service

Water and soda will be available every night. All alcoholic beverages are served in cans, and guests purchasing alcohol must be 21 or older and present a valid ID. Visit our Nightly Food and Drink Schedule to see what will be available on the evening you plan to attend.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes! Dogs on leashes are welcome!

Is the show appropriate for children?

Yes! A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a playful, family-friendly production filled with magic, music, comedy, and plenty of theatrical mischief. Like many Shakespeare comedies, it includes some mild romantic humor and playful innuendo. Parents and caregivers are welcome to review our content advisory for additional details (spoilers ahead!).

Where should I set up when I arrive?

In order to ensure the best view for everyone in the audience, we have designated the section of grass immediately in front of the stage for people wishing to sit on blankets; the next area back is for lawn and beach chairs; and finally bleachers are available toward the back of the arena. Please be mindful when picking your seat to prevent blocking the view of those sitting behind you.

How much does it cost to see the show?

Thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsors, the Tennessee Arts Commission, Ingram Charities, and other members of the community, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival has presented its Shakespeare in the Park productions pay-what-you-will to the public for over 35 years! In order to produce Shakespeare in the Park, The Nashville Shakespeare Festival must raise nearly $400,000 annually, and contributions by individuals are vitally important. Therefore there is a suggested donation of $20 per person. Please give what you can.

Can I pay to reserve seats?

Yes! While Shakespeare in the Park remains pay-what-you-will, reserved seating options are available for guests who would like to guarantee a spot and enjoy a few extra comforts. We offer Groundling Seating, Noble Seating, and Royal Packages, with options ranging from low-profile chairs near the front of the blanket section to premium reserved seating with dinner and parking included.

Reserved seating is optional, but it is a great way to support Shakespeare in the Park while making your evening a little easier. More information on reserved seating options can be found here.

What is the Royal Package?

A Royal Package is a complete night out at the theatre. Patrons will enjoy prime, reserved parking, VIP check-in, a catered picnic-style meal, and premium reserved seating in comfortable chairs just behind the blanket area in front of the stage. The package is $100 per person and 36 Royal Packages are available per night. All proceeds from the Royal Package support our educational and community engagement programming. You can purchase a Royal Package here!

What about rain?

Summer weather in Nashville can be quite unpredictable, and a late afternoon rain can lead to a cool evening performance, so we will not cancel a show on account of rain until the last possible minute. NSF’s stage manager will make the decision to cancel a show when she sees that the weather threatens the safety of our audience, cast, or crew. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for up-to-the-minute reports.

What about restrooms?

Well-maintained portable restrooms will be conveniently accessible at Shakespeare in the Park and serviced regularly throughout the run to ensure a clean and comfortable experience for all guests.

What if I need assistance with seating, parking, or have other accessibility needs?

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival is committed to making all of its productions accessible to everyone in the community. Reserved parking and seating is available for audience members who use mobility aids, specific areas will be reserved near the aisles for accessible/wheelchair seating, and assistive listening devices and printed scripts are available for the hard-of-hearing. We also have an ASL-interpreted performance. Advance notice of your needs will help us to assist you. Please contact Robert Marigza-Yeo robert@nashvilleshakes.org. On-site, please see the House Manager for help with these or other special needs you may have.