It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Costfree
- AddressMiddle of Central Park, New York, NY 10024
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Watching Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater is one of the most iconic things to do in NYC in summer, and it’s completely free. I still remember the first time I saw a production there, the sun dipped behind the trees, the lights came on, and suddenly we were in another world.
Produced by The Public Theater, the shows run most of the summer and rotate between Shakespeare classics and modern interpretations. Even if you’re not a Shakespeare fan, the setting alone makes it worth it. The theater is outdoors, tucked inside Central Park with Belvedere Castle in the background. You can hear crickets between monologues.
Tickets are free, but I always recommend checking their digital lottery in advance or lining up early if you want to experience it the old-school way.
If you’re visiting NYC in summer and looking for something cultural, local, and memorable, this a perfect evening plan. It’s theater, it’s community, and it’s one of the few places in New York where time really slows down.
If you’re visiting it make sure you don’t miss Shakespeare in the Park! The event is hosted by The Public Theater, an organization that has performed Shakespeare’s plays for over 60 years, for free! You’ll find the plays being performed at the 1,800-seat Delacorte Theater in Central Park. For tickets, you’ll have to arrive at theater the day of the performance, but they’re a hot commodity.
There’s some serious, professional-level production value going into the performances. You’ll quickly understand why folks are so eager to get in line for tickets. Plus, the shows are enjoyable for audiences of all ages and interests.
Shakespeare in the Park is one of the most popular things to do in it so you’re going to want to show up early. Or you can always attempt to win digital lottery tickets. Stand-by tickets are distributed at noon every day there is a performance.
More info on how to get tickets, as well as what to expect can be found here.
Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park is a New York summer institution that has been running since 1962. The productions are free, the theater is beautiful, the casting is often extraordinary (this is where you might see a major film actor doing Shakespeare for scale), and getting tickets requires either waiting in the morning line at the Delacorte or navigating the online lottery, both of which are worth doing.
The physical tickets are distributed starting at 12pm on the day of performance. The line starts hours earlier. Bring something to do, or bring someone to talk to, and make a morning of it in the park. Even if you do not get tickets, the morning in Central Park is worthwhile.