Shakespeare in the Park in New York
Shakespeare in the Park in New York is a set of Shakespeare plays performed in Central Park every summer. Going to see these plays is a summer tradition loved by many New Yorkers. The aim is to make theatre accessible and enjoyable for everyone. You sit in an outside theatre in the beautiful Central Park. It’s usually still light when the play starts and it slowly gets darker as the evening proceeds. It’s truly a nice experience.
Currently closed due to renovations, the Delacorte Theater in Central Park will reopen in the summer of 2025
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Shakespeare plays
Every year, usually two plays are played during Shakespeare in the Park. This is not your classic Shakespearean play; most productions are brought into a contemporary context. What makes the plays even more exciting is that there is often a celebrity actor in the cast. Previous years have seen Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington and Anne Hathaway in starring roles. *The plays are not classical portrayals, but you’ll see Shakespeare with a modern twist. These evenings conjure a very special atmosphere: you enjoy the sunset in the fresh air, with the cricket-sounds in the background.
Tickets
Tickets for Shakespeare in the Park are free but unfortunately, there are never enough and the only way to get free tickets, is to stand in line in the park. This will take hours. Luckily you can now also buy tickets, which guarantees you a reserved seat. I admit, the tickets are not cheap but I think this is a nice experience for the summer in New York. When you choose to buy tickets for Shakespeare in the Park, you also help support the event.
Didn’t manage to get Shakespeare in the Park tickets? Then see the list of Broadway shows in New York for other great shows.
Show information
- Location: Central Park, Delacorte Theater
- Dates: during the Summer months
- Entrance: Enter the park either at 81st Street and Central Park West or 79th Street and Fifth Avenue
- Extra: You can bring food and drinks with you, as long as they fit under your seat and are not stored in glass containers
