One of our favorite things about summer in NYC is all the free programming that takes over–from outdoor movies and concerts to free yoga at Bryant Park. And perhaps one of the most beloved free summer events in NYC is Shakespeare in the Park, and it’s returning this August for its 63rd season.
If the annual Shakespeare in the Park isn’t on your summer bucket list, you’re definitely going to want to change that. Especially since this summer it’s returning to Delacorte Theater! Here’s everything you need to know:
What is Shakespeare in the Park?
A tradition for more than half a century, Shakespeare in the Park was created by the late Joseph Papp in 1962 to bring free, large-scale performances of works by William Shakespeare to Central Park’s Delacorte Theater for New Yorkers and tourists alike to enjoy.
Where is Shakespeare in the Park?
Last year’s season was a bit unconventional as Shakespeare in the Park had to find new venues while the Delacorte Theater underwent a historic revitalization. Thankfully, the Delacorte Theater will officially reopen this summer, just in time to host the series for another fabulous season!
How to get to Delacorte Theater:
The Central Park entrances closest to Delacorte Theater are at 81st Street and Central Park West or 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.
The theater is easily accessible from the B, C, and 6 subway lines, as well as from the M2, M3, M4, M10, and M79 bus lines. Once in the Park, follow the footpath to the Delacorte Theater. For those traveling by car, please note that there are no parking facilities in the Park.
What are the dates of the 2025 season of Shakespeare in the Park?
This year, Shakespeare in the Park will run from Thursday, August 7th through Sunday, September 14th, 2025.
What production will Shakespeare in the Park perform this summer?
For the 2025 season season, Shakespeare in the Park will perform The Twelfth Night.
The play follows twins, Sebastian and Viola, separated after a shipwreck and all that ensues thereafter. Tony Award nominee, Saheem Ali, will direct the production while the cast will include Bill Camp, Khris Davis, Junior Nyong’o, Lupita Nyong’o, Daphne Rubin-Vega, and Moses Sumney, Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Sandra Oh. See the casting announcement below:
Is Shakespeare in the Park free?
Yes, one of our favorite things about Shakespeare in the Park is that it’s totally free to enjoy!
How to get Shakespeare in the Park tickets in NYC:
According to the Public Theater’s website, there are multiple in-person distribution points for free tickets in addition to the return of TodayTix as the official digital lottery partner. For free distribution, you can score tickets as outlined below:
- In-person distribution in Central Park
- In-person lottery at The Public Theater
- In-person distribution in the boroughs
- Digital lottery with TodayTix
- In-person standby line in Central Park
Learn more about the 2025 season of Shakespeare in the Park here.