The complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park in NYC

Every summer, the Public Theater produces a beloved NYC democratic tradition and one of the best free things to do in NYC: Shakespeare in the Park, presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. There’s nothing quite like hearing the Bard’s immortal words performed outside in New York, with a backdrop of natural splendor and the Belvedere Castle looming in the background like the world’s most impressive set decoration. Unfortunately, the Delacorte is closed for much-needed renovations in 2024—which means that Shakespeare in the Park is on hiatus this year. Even so, there are several ways you can enjoy related activities while you wait for next season's grand return.

What is Shakespeare in the Park?

Created by the late Joseph Papp in 1962, the Public Theater's series offers free, large-scale productions of works by William Shakespeare (as well as the occasional musical or non-Shakespearean drama). The productions often feature some of the most talented actors of our day. Past casts have included including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington.

What is being performed this season?

Shakespeare in the Park is on pause in 2024 while renovations are taking place on the Delacorte Theater. However, the Public is tiding audiences over with a number of other Shakespeare-related programs. Principal among them is the free, traveling Mobile Unit production of The Comedy of Errors, which is being performed in multiple outdoor spaces throughout New York City, six days a week through June 30. The Public is also offering free outdoor screenings throughout the summer of its terrific 2019 production of Much Ado About Nothing, which was filmed for PBS's Great Performances. And if you don't feel like going out, you can stream that Much Ado production—or other recent SITP shows Merry Wives, Richard III and Hamlet—from home through June 30. You can find more information here about the schedules for these offerings. 

When is Shakespeare in the Park?

There is no season of Shakespeare in the Park this year, but it is schedule to return in 2025. 

How can I get tickets?

When Shakespeare in the Park is taking place as usual—which, again, is not happening this year—free tickets are distributed on the day of the show, both in person and via digital lottery. For tickets to the 2024 Mobile Unit production of The Comedy of Errors, just show up at the performance location and you should be fine; chair seating is limited, though, so if you don't want to stand or bring your own seating, you can arrive as early as two hours in advance of show time. (Ordinarily, there are six different ways to get tickets, and you can check out our complete instructions on how to get free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park for a full guide to the rules that apply to SITP productions. )

How do I get there?

The easiest way to get to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park is to enter at 81st Street and Central Park West. Take the B or C train to 81st St–Museum of Natural History.

 

What COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at Shakespeare in the Park?

Masks are welcome but not required. 

Are there other productions of Shakespeare in New York parks?

Indeed there are, all over the city. For details, check out our guide to free outdoor theater in the summer.