Free Shakespeare Returns to Old Louisville's Central Park

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The 66th annual Kentucky Shakespeare Festival is returning to Old Louisville's Central Park from May 27 to August 9, 2026, with 55 free performances of plays including As You Like It, Antony and Cleopatra, and The Two Gentlemen of Verona, plus a Romeo and Juliet production by local high schoolers and a Shakespeare-inspired dance piece from Louisville Ballet.

Why it matters

The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival has been a beloved summer tradition in Louisville for decades, providing free access to the Bard's works and introducing new generations to live theater in the city's historic Central Park. The festival's return after the pandemic disruptions is seen as a positive sign for the community's cultural resurgence.

The details

The 66th annual Kentucky Shakespeare Festival will feature 55 free performances of three main stage productions - As You Like It, Antony and Cleopatra, and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. The festival will also include a Romeo and Juliet production by local high school students and a Shakespeare-inspired dance piece from the Louisville Ballet. In addition to the performances, the festival will feature food trucks and family activities.

• The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival will run from May 27 to August 9, 2026.
• The festival will feature 55 free performances over this 11-week period.