Free Shakespeare in the Park 2026

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Emma Goldschmidt

outside the delacorte theater

Free Shakespeare in the Park returns with two productions in 2026, presented by The Public Theater.

Free Shakespeare in the Park has been a New York City summer tradition for more than 60 years, bringing free outdoor theater to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park each summer. The 2026 season features two productions from The Public Theater at the newly renovated Delacorte.

Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet, directed by Saheem Ali, runs May 22 through June 28. Ra'Mya Latiah Aikens plays Juliet and Daniel Bravo Hernández plays Romeo, joined by Okieriete Onaodowan, Deirdre O'Connell, Francis Jue, and Ariyan Kassam. The Montagues and Capulets are at war, and Romeo and Juliet are caught between family loyalty and each other. In this production, Romeo and Juliet speak to one another in Spanish while the rest of the play unfolds in English. This is the first Romeo and Juliet at the Delacorte in nearly 20 years.

The Winter's Tale

The Winter's Tale, directed by Tony winner Daniel Sullivan, runs July 25 through August 23. Raúl Esparza plays Leontes and Lily Rabe plays Hermione, joined by Chuck Cooper, Isabela Ferrer, and Katie Griffith. The King of Sicilia, consumed by jealousy, tears his family apart and exiles his newborn daughter, who grows up in Bohemia as Perdita and falls in love with a prince in disguise. Sixteen years later, honesty and unexpected love open the door to forgiveness.

Tickets are free, but advance planning is recommended. Learn more about ticket distribution methods, lotteries, and standby options in our complete guide to Free Shakespeare in the Park tickets.

Also at the Delacorte This Summer

Summer Friday Event

On August 14, the theater hosts a Summer Friday event: gates open at noon for a look inside the newly renovated Delacorte, followed by a free pre-show picnic with live music on Turtle Pond Lawn from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Public Work's Public Record

Public Works' Public Record runs September 4 through 8. Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring and directed by Emily Lim, the production brings more than 100 New Yorkers from all five boroughs onto the Delacorte stage to record a live album in real time.

The Public Forum Series

The Public Forum series returns on select Monday evenings, bringing artists, thinkers, and public voices to the Delacorte for free conversations on love, democracy, immigration, and the future of American culture. Confirmed dates include June 15, June 22, June 29, August 10, and August 17.

Full details for all three are at publictheater.org.