The mission of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival is to educate and entertain the Mid-South community through professional Shakespearean experiences. The Festival employs Nashville's most talented theatre artists to create unique and relevant productions and programs that stimulate the minds and enrich the lives of students and adults throughout Middle Tennessee.
Since 1988, The Festival has produced its Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park every summer in Centennial Park. Since 1992, The Festival has offered year-round outreach to schools and the community through in-classroom workshops, performances for students and experiences for young actors. Since 2008, The Festival has performed its Annual Winter Shakespeare Production at the Troutt Theater, offering both public performances and student matinees.
General Admission FREE (Suggested donation $10 per person). No ticket required. Seating is first-come, first served.
$75 Royal Package includes premium reserved seating, catered gourmet picnic, reserved parking, and more!
6:00 Food vendors open6:00 “Talking Shakespeare” featuring Shakespeare scholars from local universities6:30 Pre-show Entertainment featuring live Nashville musicians and entertainers7:30 Performance
View our Season Calendar for nightly vendors, speakers, and pre-show entertainment.
ARRIVE EARLY FOR BEST SEATING & PARKING! Bring your own blanket or lawn chair for comfort. Benches and bleachers are available in the rear of the house.
COME EARLY IN THE RUN! The first three weekends are ideal for maximum picnic space and "leg-room." The final two weekends will be PACKED!
Sign Language Interpreted Performance: August 19 & September 2, 2017
For accessibility accommodations, contact Robert Marigza: robert@nashvilleshakes.org.
Centennial Park BandshellCentennial Park2600 West End AvenueNashville, TN 37203
From I-440, take West End Avenue going east (towards downtown)Travel 1 mile, and Centennial Park will be on the left.Turn LEFT into the main entrance.Follow park guide signs to the to the Bandshell.
Park in any designated parking area in Centennial Park or on surrounding streets.
Also at Centennial Sportsplex across 25th Avenue from the Bandshell.