Shakespeare in the Park in New York
Shakespeare in the Park in New York is a run of Shakespeare plays performed in Central Park each 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 outdoor 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 a really nice experience.
Romeo & Juliet can be seen at the Delacorte Theater from 22 May to 28 June, and The Winter's Tale from 25 July to 23 August.
Eric's Index
Shakespeare plays
Every year, usually two plays are performed 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.
Shakespeare in the Park 2026 Schedule
In 2026, the Shakespeare plays Romeo & Juliet and The Winter’s Tale can be seen in Central Park. Every night, except on Mondays, at 20:00, the play of William Shakespeare is performed in the Delacorte Theater. This year’s stars are, amongst others, Jessica Pimentel and Jason Manuel Olazábal.
How to get tickets?
Tickets for Shakespeare in the Park are free, but unfortunately, there are never enough, and one of the ways to get the free tickets is to stand in line in the park. This will take hours. There is also an online lottery, but you won’t be guaranteed a seat.
Luckily you can now also buy tickets, which guarantees you a reserved seat. You can do this by becoming a member when making a donation of $300 or more. 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 do this, 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