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A cherished New York City tradition returns to the heart of Manhattan next week. On Friday, May 22, The Public Theater officially kicks off its summer season of Free Shakespeare in the Park with the highly anticipated first preview of Romeo & Juliet.
Marking the first time the Bard’s ultimate tragedy has graced the Delacorte Theater stage in nearly 20 years, this production arrives with a revitalized energy. Directed by Saheem Ali, the staging offers a bold linguistic twist: while the warring world of the Montagues and Capulets operates in English, the star-crossed lovers share their private scenes in Spanish—a secret language reserved solely for their romance. Set in a border town where ideological violence spills into the streets, the production promises a visceral, contemporary resonance.
This year's season opener marks the grand reopening of the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater. To celebrate, The Public is hosting a massive kickoff event on Saturday, May 30, featuring family-friendly festivities, concessions, a pop-up from Wonder and meet-and-greets with the theater’s unofficial mascot, Romeo the Raccoon.
While Romeo & Juliet (running through June 28) is the crown jewel of the early summer, it's just one part of a massive new citywide initiative called Shakespeare for the City. Expanding far beyond the borders of Central Park, the 2026 program includes:
- As You Like It: A touring production by the Mobile Unit, directed by Emma Rosa Went, which will bring the comedy to parks and plazas across all five boroughs throughout June.
- The Winter’s Tale: Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan returns to the Delacorte to direct this haunting romance, beginning July 25.
- Summer Fridays at The Delacorte: Explore revitalized theater on select Fridays (June 5 & 19; August 7, 14 & 21) with self-guided tours, photo ops, family programming and a pet-friendly atmosphere from 12 to 4pm. Picnics follow from 6 to 8pm with music, giveaways and special guests.
- Public Works’ Public Record: An experimental North American premiere that involves the creation of a live album onstage, described as an act of "collective hope and resistance."
- Songs from Bark of Millions: A spectacular three-day musical finale by Taylor Mac and Matt Ray to close the season in September.
Ticketing options have expanded this year as well. Find more info on how to get tickets on The Public website.
More than six million people have enjoyed free world-class theater under the stars since the program's inception. Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of it this year.