Free Shakespeare in the Park
July 25, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Venue The Revitalized Delacorte Theater
Written by William Shakespeare
Choreography by Mimi Lieber
Directed by Daniel Sullivan
Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan returns to Free Shakespeare in the Park with a spellbinding new production of THE WINTER’S TALE. When the King of Sicilia becomes convinced his pregnant wife has been unfaithful, the royal baby is smuggled to the coast of Bohemia where an old shepherd finds her and renames her Perdita. Sixteen years later, Perdita falls in love with another young shepherd, Doricles, who turns out to be a prince in disguise. Honesty is a fool and true love the only answer in this mysterious, romantic tale of defiance and destiny.
Free Shakespeare in the Park is part of The Public’s annual summer celebration of Shakespeare for the City. Free. For All. Forever.


HOW TO GET TICKETS
Public Theater members looking to reserve seats, please log in to reserve your seat before selecting your performance date.
NOTE: The calendar below shows the performance schedule. The word “UNAVAILABLE” is associated with each performance only because booking advanced reserved seating is only for Public Theater members.
If you are not a member, there are FIVE ways to access free tickets on the day of each performance. Learn more.
There are multiple in-person distribution points for free day-of tickets, as well as the return of TodayTix as the official digital lottery partner.
Additionally, Nordstrom NYC will host two ticket lotteries at their flagship store during THE WINTER'S TALE on July 28 and August 18.
Throughout the summer, a limited number of vouchers for that night’s performance will be distributed at a location in one of the five boroughs beginning at 12PM. Vouchers will be redeemed at The Delacorte Theater for tickets.
Navigate your way there with our Borough Distribution 2026 Google map here. For detailed directions to each location, read through the instructions here.
Dates and locations are subject to change.
Please enter your promo code prior to choosing your date/seats
Sign in to access your benefits, or join in today. Make sure you're signed up for Team Public emails to stay informed about what's on at The Public.
Summer Fridays @ The Delacorte
Spend your Summer Friday @ The Delacorte. On August 7, 14 & 21, we're opening up the gates for you! Join us from 12-4PM to take a peek inside the theater. From 6-8PM, join us on Turtle Pond Lawn, just East of The Delacorte for a pre-show picnic with live music. Bring a blanket, a snack, and enjoy.
Make a Gift & Reserve a Seat
Reserved seats are a benefit included with membership at the Supporter Plus, Young Partner, and Partner levels.
Consider becoming a member to enjoy access to reserved seats for our 2026 Season of Free Shakespeare in the Park, expanded ticket access to our current and upcoming Astor Place Season, and a wide range of year‑round benefits.
To learn more, please contact [email protected] or 212.967.7555.
Accessibility
Learn more about Accessibility Services for People with Disabilities. If you have additional questions, need assistance, or an accommodation, please feel free to speak to a member of our staff at any point during your visit or contact us at [email protected].
Saturday Jul 25 | 8:00 PM
Sunday Jul 26 | 8:00 PM
Tuesday Jul 28 | 8:00 PM
Wednesday Jul 29 | 8:00 PM
Thursday Jul 30 | 8:00 PM
Friday Jul 31 | 8:00 PM
Saturday Aug 1 | 8:00 PM
Sunday Aug 2 | 8:00 PM
Tuesday Aug 4 | 8:00 PM
Wednesday Aug 5 | 8:00 PM
Thursday Aug 6 | 8:00 PM
Friday Aug 7 | 8:00 PM
Summer Friday
Saturday Aug 8 | 8:00 PM
Sunday Aug 9 | 8:00 PM
Tuesday Aug 11 | 8:00 PM
Wednesday Aug 12 | 8:00 PM
Thursday Aug 13 | 8:00 PM
Friday Aug 14 | 8:00 PM
Summer Friday
Saturday Aug 15 | 8:00 PM
Sunday Aug 16 | 8:00 PM
Tuesday Aug 18 | 8:00 PM
Wednesday Aug 19 | 8:00 PM
Thursday Aug 20 | 8:00 PM
Friday Aug 21 | 8:00 PM
Summer Friday
Saturday Aug 22 | 8:00 PM
Sunday Aug 23 | 8:00 PM
Closing Night Benefit. Details to come.