Shakespeare in the Park NYC is one of those rare New York City experiences that lives up to every version of itself you’ve ever imagined.
I’ve been going to Free Shakespeare in the Park since around 2009, a few years after I moved to the city at 18 to study acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
In fact, for the better part of 17 years, Shakespeare in the Park has been one of my most beloved summer traditions in a city full of them.
I’ve seen nearly every production since, missing only a handful over the years, usually the ones where a major celebrity in the cast made tickets nearly impossible to score, or the rare summer when dates simply didn’t align. But those misses are the exception.
My ritual is always the same (unless there’s a heatwave like this year).
A picnic on the lawn before the show, a bottle of rosé, good company, and then two hours of world-class theater under the open sky with Belvedere Castle glowing in the background and the Manhattan skyline doing what only the city skyline can do at dusk.
After the show, a slow walk home to the Upper East Side, dissecting every scene with whoever was lucky enough to get my coveted plus one that summer.
The Delacorte is, without question, my favorite theater in the city. And I’ve seen a lot of theaters.
This summer feels particularly special. I’m got to see The Winter’s Tale on August 9th as a guest of The Public Theater, which means for the first time in nearly two decades of trying my luck with the lottery and the standby line, I actually know I have a seat ahead of time…and the novelty of that hasn’t worn off!
It also happens to be a summer when the stars aligned quite literally: the cast of The Winter’s Tale features two of Broadway’s most exciting actors, both about to head into major new shows this fall. If you’ve been on the fence about making the trek to Central Park this summer, let me be very direct: go. Here’s everything you need to know.
Last Updated: August 13th, 2026, after seeing the August 9th performance of The Winter’s Tale. Performance dates, ticket procedures, and cast information are current as of this writing. Always confirm details on The Public Theater’s official website before traveling.
As seen in The New York Post: this guide was recently featured as a go-to resource for free things to do in New York City. Read the feature here.
Skip Ahead
The 2026 Shakespeare in the Park Season
The Winter’s Tale runs July 25 through August 23, 2026, and this is the one I saw the show on August 9th. Directed by Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan, with choreography by Mimi Lieber, this is Shakespeare’s late romance, a play that starts as a tragedy and transforms into something altogether more hopeful by the end.
The story follows Leontes, the King of Sicilia, whose sudden, unfounded jealousy tears his family apart. His pregnant wife Hermione is accused of adultery, their newborn daughter is abandoned, and his young son dies of grief.
It’s genuinely devastating in the first half. But the play jumps forward sixteen years, and what follows is one of Shakespeare’s most extraordinary acts of reconciliation, redemption, and the kind of theatrical magic that reminds you why live performance exists.
It’s a play that rewards patience. If you’ve never seen it before, go in without reading too much and let it surprise you.
Performances: Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with select matinees. Always check The Public Theater’s official website for the schedule before traveling since performance times can vary and outdoor shows are subject to weather cancellations.
Admission: Free, but you need a ticket. More on how to get one below.
Why This Season’s Cast Is Especially Special
THE WINTER’S TALE
Jul 28, 2026 – August 23, 2026
Written by William Shakespeare
Choreography by Mimi Lieber
Directed by Daniel Sullivan
The cast of THE WINTER’S TALE includes Heschel Bay (Ensemble), Teagle F. Bougere (Camillo),
Chuck Cooper (Old Shepherd), Peter Douskalis (Musician), Matthew Eby (Mamillius/Time/Ensemble),
Raúl Esparza (Leontes), Isabela Ferrer (Perdita), Katie Griffith (Mopsa/Ensemble), Alex Hernandez
(Cleomenes/Ensemble), Michael Khalid Karadsheh (Young Shepherd), Denise Kolodja (Ensemble),
Daniel Kyri (Florizel), Aubie Merrylees (Archidamus/Ensemble), Jennifer Mogbock (Emilia/Ensemble),
Gilbert Owuor (Polixenes), Violeta Picayo (Ensemble), Lily Rabe (Hermione), Bianca Rogoff
(Ensemble), Matt E. Russell (Dion/Ensemble), Steven Skybell (Antigonus/Autolycus), Michael Thanh
Tran (Ensemble), and Jackson Whitman (Ensemble).
Part of what makes Shakespeare in the Park so extraordinary is the caliber of artists The Public Theater attracts, and the 2026 season of The Winter’s Tale is a genuinely exceptional example of that.
The bottom line: This is a cast worth seeing not just because they’re extraordinary in this production, but also because in a few months they’ll both be on Broadway in major new shows. Catching them at the Delacorte this summer, for free, under the open sky, feels like the kind of thing you’ll tell people about later, especially when the entire production is just absolutely stunning.
Raúl Esparza as Leontes
If you know Raúl Esparza from his years on Broadway, you already know what you’re in for. The man is one of the most technically gifted actors working in American theater today, and Leontes is one of Shakespeare’s most complex roles, a man who destroys everything he loves in the grip of a jealousy he can’t explain and can’t control.
It’s the kind of part that requires an actor who can make you simultaneously despise and pity a character, and Esparza does it perfectly. Raúl Esparza as Leontes is mastery.
There is simply no other word. From his very first scene he commands the stage with the kind of quiet authority that makes everyone around him stand taller. Leontes is one of Shakespeare’s most treacherous roles, a man whose jealousy appears fully formed and without warning, consuming everything he loves before he can stop himself.
Esparza makes you feel every molecule of that unraveling. You cannot look away. You wouldn’t even if you could.
What makes this casting even more exciting is what comes next for him: Esparza heads to Broadway this fall in Galileo, a brand new rock musical about Galileo Galilei, with previews beginning November 10th at the Shubert Theatre.
A friend who saw an out-of-town production has been telling me I need to get tickets immediately. Consider this your warning.
Lily Rabe as Hermione
Lily Rabe as Hermione is a powerhouse from her first moment to her last. Hermione is a woman of extraordinary grace and dignity who is publicly humiliated, imprisoned, and presumed dead, and who must somehow hold her audience’s love and sympathy through all of it. Rabe has that quality in everything she does, a stillness and intelligence that makes you lean forward rather than back.
But the true stand-out moment, that will live rent-free in my mind, is her monologue in the unjust public trial in Act 3, Scene 2. It’s the kind of theater that makes the air in a room change.
The entire Delacorte went silent, not the polite quiet of an attentive audience but the stunned silence of people witnessing something they weren’t quite prepared for.
She was absolutely extraordinary, and truly a treat to watch as she navigated such an iconic monologue. It is the kind of performance you find yourself trying to describe to people afterward and realizing language is insufficient.
She’s also heading to Broadway this fall in Other Desert Cities, running October 18, 2026 through January 17, 2027 at the Hudson Theatre. If you’re a theater fan planning a fall New York trip, you now have two very good reasons to book it.
What I Thought of The Winter’s Tale
Some evenings in New York remind you exactly why you never fully leave.
As we collected our tickets and wandered through Shakespeare’s Garden, tucked just behind the Delacorte (and criminally overlooked by most visitors), our evening became something more than a theater night: we stumbled upon a proposal happening right there amongst the flowers.
Two people, Shakespeare’s Garden, and just minutes before The Winter’s Tale.
Truly an iconic New York moment, and a beautiful reminder of how magic really is just around every corner in this city.
Then the show began. And I promptly forgot about everything else.
Daniel Sullivan has returned to Shakespeare in the Park alongside Lily Rabe and Raul Esparza, and delivered something genuinely rarefied.
The sound design between scenes stopped me cold, in the best possible way. Even strolling through the park an evening after, I caught a bit of it walking by, and it hits just as much sitting outside.
Also, pro trip, if you’re unable to score a ticket, go listen from the benches (a habit of mine for the summers I don’t score tickets, or the show’s good enough to listen to again).
The set design is also stunning, working beautifully within the open air of the Delacorte without ever competing with it. Truly one of my favorite sets I’ve seen over my years of going to Shakespeare in the Park.
And let’s not forget the lighting, which is extraordinary, especially as the venue moves from dusk into evening, and the costumes are beautiful throughout. Every element of this creative team is working in complete service of the text, and the result is a production that feels both intimate and epic, which at the Delacorte is no small feat.
As for the performances, where to even begin. Esparza’s Leontes is mastery from his very first scene, a man whose jealousy appears fully formed and without warning, and he makes you feel every molecule of that unraveling without ever letting you look away.
Rabe’s Hermione is a powerhouse throughout, but it’s her monologue that stops the room cold, the entire Delacorte going silent in a way that only happens when something genuinely extraordinary is unfolding on stage. She was absolutely extraordinary and truly a treat to watch from beginning to end.
And, the performance that genuinely surprised me in the best possible way was Marsha Stephanie Blake as Paulina, the production’s fierce moral center, playing her with a ferocity and wit that made every entrance feel like an event. There’s something almost witchy and magnetic about her, building throughout the evening to those final scenes where she becomes nothing short of extraordinary.
Last, it’s worth noting Isabela Ferrer brings a natural radiance to Perdita that feels completely unforced, with Steven Skybell as Autolycus arriving exactly when the audience needs him most, brightening the second act with a roguish charisma that gives everyone permission to finally breathe and laugh.
My best friend Ana was seeing Shakespeare in the Park for the first time and came in a little nervous, and not sure she’d be able to follow it. By intermission she was completely undone by it, in the best possible way, especially by Rabe’s performance and the set design.
And as we left, turned to me specifically to comment on how extraordinary the casting was, particularly Ferrer alongside Rabe’s Hermione. When a first-timer notices the casting, you know it’s something special.
Sullivan’s direction makes this play feel genuinely accessible without ever condescending to it.
So, if Shakespeare has felt intimidating, this is the production that will change that entirely.
It’s also worth noting. this was also my first time seeing The Winter’s Tale performed (I’d read it years ago), and what a place and what a production to see it for the first time.
The verdict: this is one of the most stunning productions I’ve seen at the Delacorte in nearly two decades of going. Do not miss it!
The Practical Reality of 3.5 Hours Outdoors
Since the show is about 3.5 hours long, and outdoors, it’s smart to plan your evening right. This how we did ours during a heatwave in the city.
My plus one, and best friend, Ana and I met on the Upper East Side, and immediately decided to skip a tradition Central Park picnic as the city was still sweltering through a proper August heatwave.
We had dinner at Gina La Fornarina, a charming Italian spot steps from the park that we stumbled upon, and kept it light: guacamole, a watermelon feta salad, and water in quantities that bordered on medicinal.
From there, iced matchas from Fellini Coffee (Lex and 89th) in hand, we strolled into Central Park as dusk was finally, mercifully, doing its job.
The light in Central Park at that hour in August is something I will never stop being grateful for, it was golden, soft, and the kind that makes the city, and the park, feel like it’s showing off.
It’s also worth noting, we were dressing for survival, not occasion. A wise choice, as it turned out.
Given the heatwave, Ana and I dressed accordingly. I wore a new lightweight dress from Mango I picked up specifically for the occasion, my Longchamp bag since I always have approximately a million things with me (plus it fits the Playbill), and my ballet flats.
Ana went for Reformation silk shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals. Both outfits worked beautifully. Breathable, comfortable, and easy to move in for a long evening outdoors. We were genuinely glad we hadn’t overthought it.
That said, Ana did get some bites on her legs at the end of the night, while I was fine. So maybe veer towards longer lightweight options to keep covered.
The show runs approximately 3.5 hours across two intermissions, and it flies, until that precise moment somewhere around the three hour mark where you become acutely aware of the Delacorte’s seats, which is all a part of the charm of this theater.
The great news, is now seat pads are available at the merch table if you need them, though honestly I think dressing right makes more difference than you’d think, when it comes to overall comfort.
The key is wearing something lightweight enough that you’re not overheating but substantial enough that the metal seat doesn’t become the main character of your evening.
Also, the raccoon merchandise at the merch table is genuinely adorable, a nod to the Delacorte’s unofficial mascots, who have been known to wander onstage mid-performance over the years to the absolute delight of everyone present (it’s a goal of mine to be at a performance where they show up).
When the second intermission hits, move immediately to the bathrooms. This is not a suggestion, and I’m, not kidding when I say people will run. I gave my friend Ana this warning, and she thought I was exaggerating until she witnessed it herself.
The Arnold Palmer at concessions is worth getting. As a theater person I always get mine without ice to avoid noise during the show, and I was lucky enough to have an aisle seat with enough room to slide my cup underneath.
Legroom at the Delacorte is limited, which makes bringing anything in genuinely tricky, especially if you’re already juggling a bag. In fact, my friend knocked hers over during the show, as did several others throughout the show. The ice situation and the legroom situation is precarious. You’ve been warned.
That said, it’s all worth, especially this year, as walked out into a warm August night, the Manhattan skyline doing what it always does, Ana turned to me and said she couldn’t believe how much she loved it, and we immediately spent the next ten blocks raving about it.
That’s Shakespeare in the Park. That’s what it does.
If you can get a ticket before August 23rd, go. The lottery opens at midnight. I’ll stop talking now.
How to Get Free Tickets to Shakespeare in the Park
This is the part everyone stresses about, and I understand why. Free tickets to one of the best theater experiences in New York City, with no purchase required, sounds too good to be true. It isn’t, but you do need a plan.
After nearly two decades of navigating this system, here’s what you need to know.
Before anything else, set up a free Public Theater Patron ID on The Public Theater’s registration page. You’ll need it for almost every ticket method below, and you don’t want to be scrambling to create one while standing in line in Central Park. Do this before the day of the show.
Once you have your ID, you have a few options.
The TodayTix Digital Lottery
This is my preferred method and the most convenient option for most people. Open the TodayTix app and search for “Free Shakespeare in the Park” starting at 12:01 a.m. on the day of the performance. Enter for one or two tickets, then wait.
Winners are notified between noon and 3 p.m. If you win, you have 30 minutes to confirm. Your tickets must then be picked up at the Delacorte Theater ticket office between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. with valid ID. Don’t be late for pickup, unclaimed tickets expire at 7:30 p.m. and there are no exceptions.
A few things worth knowing from experience: enable your TodayTix notifications before the day of, keep your email address accurate, and don’t enter twice thinking it’ll improve your odds since duplicate entries can be canceled.
The lottery also has separate options for general admission, seniors 65 and older, and wheelchair-accessible seating, so check that you’re entering for the right option.
Besides offering great prices, TodayTix also offers rushes and lotteries helping you score amazing deals on last minute tickets to some of the hottest shows in town!
Same-Day In-Person Ticket Distribution
If the lottery doesn’t come through, you can try in-person distribution at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park at noon on public performance days. You can snag up to two tickets while supplies last, but seats are assigned randomly and your group may not sit together.
There’s also a limited in-person lottery at The Public Theater’s downtown home at 425 Lafayette Street. Entries open at 11 a.m. and the lottery takes place at noon. If you win, your voucher must be exchanged at the Delacorte ticket office between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Borough distributions also take place across all five boroughs on select dates. It’s smart to check The Public Theater’s official distribution calendar before making
You’ll need a Public Theater Patron ID for in-person distributions, the in-person lottery, and the standby line. Create or confirm yours on The Public Theater’s website before you travel.
The Standby Line
If all else fails, there’s the standby line. Staff begin monitoring it at 6 p.m. at the Delacorte Theater, and tickets may become available anytime after that through the start of the performance, depending on no-shows and returned tickets.
You can receive up to two standby tickets, subject to availability, and the line can close at management’s discretion.
Standby is genuinely unpredictable, which is part of its charm and its frustration. I’ve never had the energy to try it, but I’ve seen people get in easily and I’ve seen the line shut down with no tickets available, while I’ve been picnicking before the show.
So, just go in knowing it might not work out, and have a backup plan nearby, which honestly isn’t hard given you’re in Central Park on a summer evening.
The Honest Truth About Tickets
Free Shakespeare in the Park tickets are genuinely available to anyone willing to put in the effort, but they require planning, flexibility, and sometimes a little luck.
The lottery is your best bet for a guaranteed outcome. The standby line is your best bet for spontaneity.
And if none of it works out?
The lawn outside the Delacorte is one of the most beautiful spots in Central Park on a summer evening. The rosé still tastes just as good. Plus, if you sit close enough to the theater, you can still listen to the whole show.
Or, you can do what I love to do, and swing by the castle to glimpse a bit of the show. Though fair warning, there’s more of an echo up there, compared to sitting outside the theater on a bench.
How to Get to the Delacorte Theater
The Delacorte Theater sits inside Central Park near Central Park West and West 81st Street, which puts it squarely on the Upper West Side.
If you’re coming from the Upper East Side like I always do, the walk through the park itself is part of the experience, especially on a summer evening when the light is doing something extraordinary over the Great Lawn.
I like to enter just by the Met museum, and then walk around the Great Lawn towards the castle and theater, normally for a picnic before the show (though we skipped that because of the heat this summer).
Either way, once you’re close, you’ll start to see signs for Shakespeare in the Park.
By Subway
From the Upper West Side: The B and C trains stop at 81st Street–Museum of Natural History, right at Central Park West. From there it’s a short walk east into the park following the signs toward the Delacorte. This is the most direct route and the one I’d recommend if you’re coming from Midtown or further south on the West Side.
From the Upper East Side: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk west into the park. The walk through the park from the East Side entrance near 86th Street to the Delacorte takes about 15 minutes, and it’s genuinely one of the more pleasant commutes you’ll have in New York. If you’re timing it right, you’ll hit the park just as the evening light starts to soften.
From Midtown: The 1 train to 79th Street works, though the walk east to the park and then north to the Delacorte is longer than the B/C option. Check the MTA for current service alerts before you leave, especially for late-night return trips after the show.
Plan for More Time Than You Think
Whatever route you take, give yourself at least 30 to 45 minutes from the time you reach the neighborhood to actually getting to your seat.
The park paths can be confusing if you don’t know them, the entry lines move at their own pace, and on popular performance nights the walk from the park entrance to the theater can feel longer than expected, especially if you’re cutting it close.
I’ve been going for nearly two decades and I still build in extra time. There’s nothing worse than rushing through Central Park on a hot summer evening when you should be enjoying it (also another reason why I love going extra early to picnic, then there’s no rush to get there).
Getting Home After the Show
Late-night subway service can be unpredictable, so check the MTA app before you leave the theater. The B and C trains run limited service late at night, so you may find the 1 train at 79th Street or the 4/5/6 at 86th Street more reliable depending on where you’re headed.
If you’re on the Upper West or Upper East Side, the walk home through the park or along the park’s edge is genuinely lovely on a warm summer night, and it gives you time to decompress and talk through the show, which is my favorite part of the whole evening.
My friend Ana and I absolutely went to town raving about this year’s production of The Winter’s Tale. We chatted about it all the way from the theater to about 83rd and Lexington.
One thing worth mentioning: always stay aware of your surroundings on the late-night subway home after the show. If you’re heading back solo, consider traveling with a friend where possible, or treat yourself to a car home. Central Park at night is beautiful, but the subway late at night is the subway late at night. Stay smart and you’ll have a wonderful evening.
What to Bring to Shakespeare in the Park
The Picnic
If you take nothing else from this guide, take this: bring a picnic. Setting up on the lawn before the show with good food, good wine, and good company is one of the great New York summer pleasures, and it’s completely free beyond whatever you pack.
My setup is always the same. A blanket, a bottle of rosé, something easy to eat without making a mess, cheese, crackers, fruit, maybe a good sandwich from a nearby deli, and whatever snacks feel right for the evening. You don’t need to overthink it. The point is the ritual, not the food.
The lawn in front of the Delacorte opens before the performance, and arriving early enough to claim a good spot and settle in is part of what makes the evening feel special rather than rushed. Give yourself at least an hour before showtime if you want to picnic properly.
A few practical notes: glass bottles are technically not permitted in Central Park, so decant your wine into a plastic bottle or a nice travel vessel. And don’t bring anything you’d be upset about leaving behind since you’ll need to pack up everything before entering the theater.
What to Wear
The Delacorte is an outdoor theater, which means you’re dressing for a summer evening in Central Park, not a Broadway house. Comfort is the priority, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.
My approach: something that looks put together but moves easily. A linen set, a casual midi dress with a light layer, dark jeans with a polished top. The key is layers since even the warmest summer evenings in New York can turn cool once the sun goes down, especially if there’s a breeze coming off the park.
This year I wore the purple dress in the photo above to see The Winter’s Tale.
And, I shouldn’t forget to mention, shoes matter more than people think. You’ll be walking through the park, possibly standing in line, and sitting on outdoor seating for three and half hours for The Winter’s Tale.
Supportive flats, low boots, or clean sneakers work well. Save the heels for another night, trust me, you don’t want to fall in the park.
What to Pack
A few things worth possibly bringing:
- A light jacket or cardigan for after sunset
- A compact packable rain jacket if the forecast looks uncertain (they also sell them there)
- Bug spray, especially if you’re picnicking on the lawn
- A small soft-sided bag that fits easily under your seat
- Something soft to sit on, a folded blanket or a compact seat cushion works perfectly, it doubles as your picnic blanket and your bench padding during the show (don’t worry they also sell seat pads now as well)
That last point is worth emphasizing: the Delacorte’s outdoor seating is beautiful but the legroom is limited, and anything bulky at your feet will make for an uncomfortable two-plus hours.
Keep your bag small and soft-sided so it tucks easily without eating into the space your legs need. A folded blanket or soft cushion takes up no meaningful space in a tote and makes the difference between a good evening and a great one.
What Not to Bring
Large umbrellas that could block views behind you. Large backpacks or oversized bags that slow down security and take up precious legroom once you’re seated.
Anything you’d be stressed about having with you in a crowd. Keep it simple and you’ll enjoy yourself significantly more.
And just know, the merch stand has you covered if you need anything. They sell ponchos, seat pads, t-shirts, and of course, the iconic mascot of Shakespeare in the Park, a little stuffed raccoon.
Where to Eat and What to Pack: Your Pre-Show Picnic Guide
Shows start at 8pm, which means your ideal picnic window is around 6:30pm on the lawn. Plan your dinner reservation or food pickup for 5:30-6pm at the latest to give yourself enough time to get through the park, find a good spot, and settle in.
And always confirm the exact show time on The Public Theater’s website before you go since start times can vary. And, if you’re anything like me, and habitually overly positive about timing, leave extra early. This is one show you won’t want to miss a second of!
For a deeper dive into picnicking in Central Park, check out my complete guide to picnicking in Central Park.
Buy Concessions at the Delacorte
The easiest option? The concession stand right next to the Delacorte. We grabbed an Arnold Palmer and a Coke before the show and enjoyed them on the lawn, which was honestly the perfect low-effort alternative on a hot night. Just a word of warning: drinks in the theater are an adventure.
My friend knocked hers over during the show, and she was far from alone. Quite a few people around us had the same experience. Hold on to yours, or consider finishing it on the lawn before you head to your seat.
If you want something more substantial before the show, shows start at 8pm which means your ideal picnic window is around 6:30pm on the lawn.
It’s smart to plan your dinner reservation or food pickup for 5:30-6pm at the latest to give yourself enough time to get through the park, find a good spot, and settle in.
Always confirm the exact show time on The Public Theater’s official website before you go since start times can vary.
For a deeper dive into picnicking in Central Park, check out my complete guide to picnicking in Central Park.
Coming from the Upper East Side
On the night I attended, the heat made the idea of a picnic on the lawn feel slightly less appealing than usual, so we opted for dinner at Gina La Fornarina on East 91st Street instead, a charming Carnegie Hill Italian spot with gourmet pizzas, classic pastas, and the kind of neighborhood warmth that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
Because of the heat, we opted for the watermelon and feta salad and the chips and guac.
From there we strolled down the block to Fellini Coffee for a matcha to sip on the walk into the park, which honestly turned out to be the perfect pre-show ritual. Sometimes the heat makes the decision for you, and it works out beautifully.
For more favorites, keep reading!
For a sit-down dinner:
Flex Mussels on East 82nd Street is a great pre-show option. Fresh seafood, excellent fries, and a lively atmosphere that won’t rush you out the door.
Sushi of Gari on East 78th Street opens at 5pm and is perfect for a lighter, refined dinner before a long show. Book ahead.
For picnic supplies to go (aim for 5:30-6pm pickup):
Le Botaniste on Lexington Avenue. Their plant-based bowls and salads travel beautifully and I would genuinely walk a significant distance for one before a summer evening in the park.
Zabar’s for cheese, charcuterie, crackers, and prepared foods that make a beautiful blanket spread.
Coming from the Upper West Side
Pomodoro Rosso on Columbus Avenue is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the city and deserves its own paragraph in this guide. I’ve been going for nearly 20 years, since I first moved to the city and the Upper West Side was my first neighborhood.
The pasta here is genuinely some of the best I’ve had in the city the kind that makes you wonder why you ever go anywhere else.
Plus, the street-side outdoor café is perfect for a warm summer evening, and sitting there with a glass of wine watching the Upper West Side walk by is one of those simple, perfect New York moments that never gets old. A true neighborhood gem that has never let me down.
Keep reading for other favorites to grab a bite or drink on the UWS.
For a sit-down dinner:
Café Luxembourg on West 70th Street. French-American bistro food, a classic setting, and the kind of pre-theater energy that feels exactly right for a Delacorte evening. Reserve a table.
Jacob’s Pickles on Amsterdam Avenue for something more casual and comfort-forward. Southern-inspired food, excellent biscuits, and a lively atmosphere.
The Milling Room on Columbus Avenue for seasonal American cooking in a spacious, relaxed setting.
Covacha on Columbus at 77th Street is a
Tavern on the Green is a classic for a reason, and since it’s inside the park, you won’t have far to walk after dinner finishes.
For picnic supplies to go:
Zabar’s on Broadway. Cheese, smoked fish, charcuterie, baked goods, prepared sandwiches. A Zabar’s picnic spread is a New York flex.
Le Botaniste on Columbus Avenue for beautiful bowls and salads that travel well.
Coming from Columbus Circle
For a sit-down dinner:
Bad Roman on the third floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle is a maximalist, playful Italian-American restaurant with stunning views of Central Park that’s become one of the buzziest spots in the neighborhood. Creative pastas, inventive cocktails, and a room that looks like nothing else in New York. My dad’s colleagues were seriously impressed on a recent visit. Dinner starts at 5pm, reserve ahead.
Nougatine at Jean-Georges opens for dinner at 5:30pm. I did a tasting menu lunch here years ago and it was genuinely one of the most divine meals I’ve had in this city. The floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Central Park South are alone worth the visit. More accessible than Jean-Georges upstairs but every bit as precise. Reserve well in advance.
Parm at Columbus Circle from the group behind Carbone. Casual Italian-American, great chicken parm, and a lively pre-show energy without the formality.
For picnic supplies to go:
Whole Foods Columbus Circle at 10 Columbus Circle. Fair warning: it can get absolutely chaotic on a summer evening. Worth it if you want easy prepackaged salads, sushi, or a hot food bar spread, just budget extra time and patience.
Turnstyle Underground Market at Columbus Circle for groups with different tastes, over a dozen food vendors in one underground space.
Where to Grab Your Wine for Your Picnic
Upper East Side: Yorkshire Wines & Spirits at 85th and First Avenue has been serving Yorkville for over 40 years. Vintage Grape Wines and Spirits on Third Avenue is another reliable option closer to the park.
Upper West Side: 67 Wine on Columbus Avenue is a neighborhood institution with genuinely knowledgeable staff. Columbus Ave Wine & Spirits at 730 Columbus has over 4,000 wines and 35 years of expertise. Amsterdam Wine Co. is another great option with regular tastings and a welcoming atmosphere.
Columbus Circle: Columbus Circle Wine & Spirits at 1802 Broadway has been a family-run destination for over 90 years and is practically right at the park entrance. They specifically stock plastic wine glasses and champagne flutes, genuinely useful when you’re heading into a park where glass isn’t permitted.
Midtown East: Ambassador Wines & Spirits and K&L Wine Merchants are both solid options if you’re coming from that direction.
The Picnic Pro Tips
- Always check current hours before you go since summer hours can vary
- Read my complete Central Park picnic guide for everything else you need to know
- Get a screw top, sparkling wine with a plastic stopper, or bring a bottle opener
- Bring cups, not just the bottle if you plan to bring some wine
- Glass is not permitted inside the Delacorte Theater
- Give yourself at least an hour on the lawn before the show. The picnic is not the preamble to the experience. The picnic IS the experience.
- Running late? Just go to the concession stand and buy your supplies there!
Beyond the Delacorte: More Public Theater and Broadway Experiences Worth Knowing
If Shakespeare in the Park has you excited about The Public Theater more broadly, you’re in good company.
I’ve been going to shows at in the park and downtown at The Public and Joe’s Pub for years, long before I ever thought of myself as a regular, and it’s genuinely one of the great cultural institutions in New York. Here’s what else is worth knowing about this season.
Joe’s Pub
Joe’s Pub is the intimate performance space tucked off the lobby of The Public Theater’s downtown home at 425 Lafayette Street in the East Village, and it’s one of my favorite places to see a show in the entire city.
The room is small, the acoustics are exceptional, the food and drink minimum is entirely manageable, and the caliber of performers who pass through is genuinely extraordinary.
I’ve been going for years (my first visit was 2007), including to friends’ shows like 2Scoops, the comedy act that has become a Joe’s Pub fixture and recently brought their characters back for a new run.
If you’ve never been to Joe’s Pub and you’re in New York, fix that.
John Mulaney is making a Joe’s Pub stop as part of his Mulaney Takes Manhattan nine-venue NYC tour in January 2027, and you better bet I’m already eyeing up catching up him at some point. Tickets are $110 with a two drink minimum, and given Mulaney’s history of working out new material in intimate settings, this is exactly the kind of show people talk about for years afterward. I’d say this one is well worth planning a January trip around if you’re not already in the city.
The programming consistently features Broadway talent, emerging artists, and one-of-a-kind cabaret performances you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Check The Public Theater’s Joe’s Pub calendar for current shows and grab tickets early since the room is small and sells out fast.
Galileo on Broadway This Fall
If you’re seeing The Winter’s Tale and fall in love with Raúl Esparza as Leontes, which I suspect you will, make a note to follow him to Broadway this fall. Galileo, a brand new rock musical about Galileo Galilei, begins previews November 10th at the Shubert Theatre with Esparza in the title role.
A friend who saw an out-of-town production has been telling me urgently that I need to get tickets immediately. I’m taking that advice, and passing it along to you. This is the kind of show that arrives with serious word of mouth already behind it, and the combination of Esparza’s voice and presence with a rock musical format is genuinely exciting.
Other Desert Cities on Broadway This Fall
Lily Rabe heads to Broadway this fall in Other Desert Cities, running October 18, 2026 through January 17, 2027 at the Hudson Theatre. If you see her as Hermione this summer and feel the way I expect you will about her performance, this is your chance to follow her to Broadway for what promises to be another extraordinary turn.
The two shows together, The Winter’s Tale at the Delacorte in August and Other Desert Cities on Broadway in the fall, make for a genuinely wonderful argument for planning a New York theater trip around this particular moment.
Public Works and Free Community Programs
Beyond the main stage and Joe’s Pub, The Public Theater runs a significant amount of free community programming through its Shakespeare for the City initiative.
This includes the Public Works’ Public Record running at the Delacorte September 4-8, bringing together over 100 community members, musicians, and dancers for a live album created during the performance.
Check The Public Theater’s official website for the full schedule since community programming dates and locations can change.
My History With Shakespeare in the Park
My Shakespeare in the Park story starts the way a lot of New York theater stories do: with a show I never actually got into.
It was around 2009, a few years after moving to New York at 18 to study acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Anne Hathaway was playing Viola in Twelfth Night at the Delacorte, and I tried everything to get tickets. I never did. But the attempt hooked me on the whole experience, the lottery, the lawn, the possibility of it, and I’ve been going back every summer since.
The consolation prize that year was seeing Hair when it transferred to Broadway after its Delacorte run, which turned out to be one of the most electric theater experiences of my early New York years. So I didn’t lose entirely.
I’ve seen nearly every production since. The ones I missed were almost always the celebrity-driven years when tickets were genuinely impossible to score no matter how early you entered the lottery, or the rare summers when dates simply didn’t align. Those misses are the exception.
For the better part of two decades, a summer evening at the Delacorte has been as reliably part of my New York as the first hot day in the park or the smell of the city in July.
The ritual has always been the same. A blanket on the lawn, a bottle of rosé, good food, and whoever was lucky enough to get my coveted plus one that summer. We’d arrive early, claim our spot, eat slowly, and let the city settle around us before the show began.
After the performance we’d walk home to the Upper East Side through the park or along its edge, talking through every scene, every performance choice, every moment that landed and every one that didn’t. Those walks are some of my favorite New York memories.
The Delacorte is, without question, my favorite theater in the city. I’ve seen shows at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Broadway houses from the Shubert to the Lyceum to the Belasco, and Joe’s Pub more times than I can count. None of them feel quite like the Delacorte on a summer evening, with Belvedere Castle catching the last of the light and the Manhattan skyline doing what only the Manhattan skyline can do at dusk.
My relationship with The Public Theater goes beyond the Delacorte too. I’ve seen productions at their downtown home at 425 Lafayette Street, including the original production of Suffs before it transferred to Broadway, and Girl From the North Country with its extraordinary Bob Dylan score, which I saw both at The Public and again on Broadway.
I saw Daniel Radcliffe in Privacy at The Public in 2016, a genuinely inventive show about technology and surveillance where the audience was encouraged to keep their phones on. I’ve been to Joe’s Pub for friends’ shows, for 2Scoops, for evenings that felt like they could only happen in New York.
This summer I got to see The Winter’s Tale as a guest of The Public Theater, which meant for the first time in nearly two decades of lottery entries and standby lines and hopeful early mornings in Central Park, I actually got to know I have a seat ahead of time. The novelty of that hasn’t worn off. I still can’t quite believe it.
The Legacy of Free Shakespeare in New York
Free Shakespeare in the Park has been running since 1956, which means it predates most of the institutions New Yorkers treat as permanent fixtures of the city.
Basically, Joseph Papp founded the Shakespeare Workshop in 1954 and established the free summer productions two years later with a radical idea: that Shakespeare belonged to everyone, not just to people who could afford a ticket.
The Delacorte Theater has been the program’s home since 1962, built specifically for outdoor performance in Central Park with the support of publisher George Delacorte. The open-air setting was intentional. Papp wanted you to watch professional actors perform Shakespeare with the city and the evening sky as part of the environment, not separate from it.
Sixty-plus years later that instinct still holds. There is genuinely nothing quite like watching a scene play out against a darkening sky with Belvedere Castle glowing behind the stage.
The list of artists who have performed at the Delacorte reads like a greatest hits of American theater and film: Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott, Annette Bening, John Lithgow.
And, more recently Peter Dinklage, Sandra Oh, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The festival has presented more than 160 productions and welcomed over six million audience members since it began.
What makes it extraordinary isn’t just the caliber of the work, it’s the access. The same production that would cost hundreds of dollars at a Broadway house is available to anyone willing to enter a lottery or show up in Central Park on the right morning.
That’s the whole point, and it has been since 1956. Joseph Papp built something that has outlasted him by decades and shows no signs of stopping.
The renovated Delacorte that reopened for the 2025 season is the latest chapter in that story. Better sightlines, improved accessibility, updated facilities, alongside the same open sky, Belvedere Castle and the city in the background, and the same feeling of watching something genuinely extraordinary for free in the middle of New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shakespeare in the Park NYC
How do I get free tickets to Shakespeare in the Park NYC?
Before anything else, set up a free Public Theater Patron ID on The Public Theater’s registration page since you’ll need it for almost every ticket method. Do this before the day of the show.
Once you have your ID, you have four options:
TodayTix digital lottery: The easiest option. Open the TodayTix app, search “Free Shakespeare in the Park,” and enter between midnight and noon on the day of the performance. Winners are notified between noon and 3pm and must pick up tickets at the Delacorte between 5:30 and 7:30pm with valid ID.
In-person distribution: Free tickets are distributed at the Delacorte Theater at noon on performance days, and at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street with a lottery at noon. Up to two tickets per person while supplies last.
Borough distribution sites: Limited tickets are distributed at locations across all five boroughs on select dates. Check The Public Theater’s official distribution calendar before traveling.
Standby line: Join the standby line at the Delacorte from 6pm for any remaining tickets. Unpredictable but worth trying if you’re already in the park.
Is Shakespeare in the Park free?
Yes, completely free. There’s no purchase required, and no suggested donation. However, you do need to secure a ticket through one of the official distribution methods since seating is limited, but the tickets themselves cost nothing.
And it’s best to avoid unofficial resellers since The Public Theater does not authorize third-party ticket sales for free Shakespeare productions.
When does The Winter’s Tale run in 2026?
July 25 through August 23, 2026 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Always confirm the exact show time and any weather-related cancellations on The Public Theater’s official website before traveling.
Who is in the cast of The Winter’s Tale 2026?
The production stars Raúl Esparza as Leontes and Lily Rabe as Hermione, directed by Tony Award-winner Daniel Sullivan.
Both are heading to Broadway this fall: Esparza in the new rock musical Galileo at the Shubert Theatre and Rabe in Other Desert Cities at the Hudson Theatre. Catch them at the Delacorte first, for free.
What should I wear to Shakespeare in the Park?
Comfortable layers are the key. Even warm summer evenings in Central Park turn cool after sunset, so bring a light jacket or cardigan.
Supportive flats, low boots, or clean sneakers work better than heels since you’ll be walking through the park. A small soft-sided bag is better than a large backpack for both security and legroom once you’re seated.
Can I bring a picnic to Shakespeare in the Park?
Yes, and you absolutely should. The lawn in front of the Delacorte opens before the performance and picnicking on the grass beforehand is one of the great New York summer rituals.
How early should I arrive?
Ticket pickup at the Delacorte opens 30 minutes before showtime, but I’d recommend arriving significantly earlier than that. If you’re picnicking, aim to be on the lawn by 6:30pm for an 8pm show.
Even if you’re skipping the picnic, getting to the park early gives you time to enjoy the walk through Central Park, find your bearings, and settle in without rushing. The park itself is half the experience on a summer evening, and arriving early enough to enjoy it is always worth it.
What subway should I take to the Delacorte Theater?
From the Upper West Side take the B or C train to 81st Street-Museum of Natural History and walk east into the park. From the Upper East Side take the 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street and walk west through the park.
Both walks take about 10-15 minutes, but it’s smart to give yourself a buffer, especially if you aren’t familiar with the park.
Check MTA alerts before you go, especially for late night return trips after the show, and most importantly stay aware of your surroundings late at night.
What is the Public Theater Patron ID?
A free account you create on The Public Theater’s website, required for in-person ticket distributions, the in-person lottery, and the standby line. Create yours before you travel so you’re not scrambling on the day of the performance.
Is Shakespeare in the Park accessible?
Yes. The Delacorte Theater offers wheelchair-accessible seating, ramp access, and limited-stair locations with dedicated distribution options.
American Sign Language interpretation, audio description, and captioned performances are available on select dates. Contact The Public Theater in advance since accessible inventory is limited.
What happens if it rains?
Check The Public Theater’s official website and social channels on the day of your performance for weather-related notices.
Outdoor performances may be delayed or cancelled due to severe weather. Sometimes they just play right through the rain, or just hold briefly. We had this happen at The Tempest a few years ago. Bring a compact umbrella to use in the park (never during the show) or packable rain jacket just in case.
