Shakespeare in the Park: Outdoor theater around NYC this summer

Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park is a New York tradition—as is open-air Shakespeare throughout the city.

By By Time Out contributors, edited by David Cote Tue Jun 18 2013

Shakespeare in the Park opens another season of the Bard's greats performed in open air at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Created by the late Joseph Papp and presented by the Public, Shakespeare in the Park has endured not just because it's a night of free theater in New York's backyard, but because it's a night of great performances by some of the most talented actors of our day, including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Oliver Platt, Blythe Danner, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington.

So loved is Shakespeare in the Park that it has spawned several other companies around the city to mount their own Shakespeare events alfresco, where you'll find performances everywhere from parking lots to community gardens and, of course, other parks. For any theater lover in New York, Shakespeare outdoors is indeed a midsummer night's dream.

This summer, Shakespeare in the Park presents two classic comedies: The Comedy of Errors and a new musical adaptation of Love's Labour's Lost.

When is Shakespeare in the Park?
The Comedy of Errors runs through June 30. Love's Labour's Lost runs July 23 to August 18.

Where is Shakespeare in the Park?
Although you'll find free, outdoor Shakespeare in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco, nothing beats the Public's offering for historical resonance and amazing casts. The easiest way to get to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park is to enter at 81st Street and Central Park West. Subway: B, C to 81st St–Museum of Natural History.

Click here for details on getting free tickets.

Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte

The Comedy of Errors

Critics choice
Free

Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Hamish Linklater play two pairs of identical twins who end up in double jeopardy, in this classic farce.

Delacorte Theater Central Park, at 81st St
Thu Jun 20 - Sun Jun 30

More info

Love's Labour's Lost

Free

Alex Timbers and Michael Friedman, the team behind the historical mindblower Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, reunite for a zany musical version of Shakespeare's comedy.

Delacorte Theater Central Park, at 81st St
Tue Jul 23 - Sun Aug 18

More info

Shakespeare tickets: How to get free tickets to the Delacorte

Free

Getting your hands on free tickets for Shakespeare in the Park is no mean feat; follow our tips to increase your chances of bagging Shakespeare tickets.

Shakespeare in the summer

With the Public’s Shakespeare in the Park underway, we present a rundown of the many companies taking on the Bard this season.

Shakespeare in the Park announces its season

Double your fun with Shakespeare farce about twins and a new musical based on a classic.

Public Theater

Price band: 1/4

Oskar Eustis is artistic director of this local institution dedicated to the work of new American playwrights but also known for Shakespeare in the Park.