Free Shakespeare In The Parks Returns To Montana

The touring company is bringing two classic plays to communities across the state this summer.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:40pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast colors, conceptually representing the classic Shakespeare plays being performed in Montana's parks.The annual return of free, outdoor Shakespeare performances brings the community together under Montana's Big Sky.Bozeman Today

Montana's Shakespeare in the Parks tour is back for its 54th season, offering free outdoor theater performances of The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing in communities across the state. The tour will kick off in Bozeman on June 10 and run through June 20, with the plays being performed at the MSU duck pond.

Why it matters

Shakespeare in the Parks has been a beloved summer tradition in Montana for over half a century, bringing free, live theater to communities that may not otherwise have access to professional productions. The tour helps make the arts accessible to all Montanans, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural experiences under the Big Sky.

The details

The Merchant of Venice will be performed June 10 through 13 in Bozeman, followed by Much Ado About Nothing from June 17 through 20, also in Bozeman. The tour then travels to other towns and cities across the state, bringing the free performances to both large and small communities. Before the shows, the parks where they are held become gathering places for the local community to enjoy the warm summer weather together.

  • The Merchant of Venice will be performed June 10 through 13 in Bozeman.
  • Much Ado About Nothing will be performed June 17 through 20 in Bozeman.
  • The full statewide tour schedule can be found on the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks website.

The players

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

A touring theater company that has been bringing free outdoor performances of Shakespeare's plays to communities across Montana for the past 54 years.

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What’s next

Residents can check the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks website for the full tour schedule to find when the performances will be coming to their local community.

The takeaway

Shakespeare in the Parks has become a beloved summer tradition that makes the arts accessible to all Montanans, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural experiences across the state.