SHAKESPEARE FOR THE CITY
FREE. FOR ALL. FOREVER.
We’re thrilled to announce 2026 programming for the annual SHAKESPEARE FOR THE CITY festival presented by Citizens—a summer-long celebration of free theater lighting up all of New York City!
Mobile Unit will kick off this summer with the touring production of AS YOU LIKE IT beginning May 2026, bringing the magic of Shakespeare to all five boroughs. Shortly after, the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater will light up with Free Shakespeare in the Park's ROMEO AND JULIET and THE WINTER'S TALE, as well as a Public Works production (to be announced soon) to bookend the summer. We're proud to announce that The Delacorte will be welcoming more audiences than ever with Monday evenings hosting the revival of the Public Forum series which blends performance, conversation, and culture.
Every performance is completely free and open to all! Join us in celebrating the joy, power, and human connection of live theater all summer long! Citizen joins lead sponsor, the Jerome L. Greene Foundation, in support of Free Shakespeare in the Park.
Mobile Unit's AS YOU LIKE IT
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Emma Rosa Went
Free tour across all five boroughs
May 2026
Bringing free Shakespeare to parks and correctional facilities across the city, The Public’s acclaimed Mobile Unit will tour in 2026 with a joyful new production of AS YOU LIKE IT. When Duke Frederick exiles her father, Rosalind and her cousin Celia flee to the forest. Disguised as a young man, Rosalind encounters the heart-sick Orlando, who is desperately seeking none other than Rosalind. While the two young lovers role-play their way back into each other's arms, the forest of Arden is abuzz with lovelorn shepherds, pining jesters, and battling brothers. True lovers, strange capers, and fools in the forest go heart-in-heart in Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, directed by Emma Rosa Went.
Free Shakespeare in the Park's ROMEO AND JULIET
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Saheem Ali
The Delacorte Theater
May 2026
The Public’s Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali brings Shakespeare’s legendary star-crossed lovers to Central Park. Never was there a story of more woe, or romance, than the Bard’s tale of two lovers from warring families. In rapture at first sight, Romeo and Juliet defy their families’ bitter hatred and the bloodshed on the streets of Verona, determined to consecrate their passion with a secret marriage. Don’t miss this ravishing new production, essential viewing for any lover of Shakespeare, theater, and love itself.
Free Shakespeare in the Park's THE WINTER'S TALE
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Daniel Sullivan
The Delacorte Theater
July 2026
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.