Free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Returns for 2026

See the full lineup of plays and events for this year's festival.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, a beloved annual event in Louisville, is set to return in 2026 with a full lineup of free Shakespearean plays and other festivities. The festival, which has been a staple in the city for decades, will feature classic works such as "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" along with a behind-the-scenes look at the production process.

Why it matters

The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is a cherished cultural institution that provides free access to high-quality theater performances, introducing Shakespeare's works to a wide audience in the Louisville community. The festival also highlights the city's vibrant arts scene and the impressive production capabilities of the Actors Theatre of Louisville.

The details

The 2026 Kentucky Shakespeare Festival will run from June through August, offering a variety of Shakespearean plays and other events. Attendees will have the opportunity to see classic works such as "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" performed by talented actors, as well as get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process at the Paul Owen Production Studio.

  • The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival will run from June through August 2026.
  • The festival has been a annual event in Louisville for decades.

The players

Kentucky Shakespeare Festival

A beloved annual event in Louisville that provides free access to Shakespearean plays and other theatrical performances.

Actors Theatre of Louisville

The production company that houses the more than 3,000 props and hundreds of costumes used in the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival and other productions.

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The takeaway

The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival's return in 2026 will once again bring the magic of live Shakespearean theater to the Louisville community, fostering appreciation for the arts and providing free access to high-quality cultural experiences.