Welcome! We’re so glad you’re curious about Shakespeare in the Park (SitP) in Milwaukee. Every summer, Optimist Theatre brings free, professional productions of Shakespeare’s plays to Milwaukee’s parks and other public green spaces. It’s our way of making great theatre accessible to everyone – no tickets, no gates, no barriers.
Our 2025 season features 12 afternoons of performances across six weekends with shows on Saturdays and Sundays from July 12 through August 17. You’ll find us in parks and public green spaces throughout the city.
An overview of what you can expect:
- 💺 Bring a chair (or blanket) – seating isn’t provided, so make yourself comfy!
- Pack a picnic or grab snacks – light concessions may be available – bulletins as they happen 🍎
- ☀️ All shows are outdoors and free – come and go as you like
- Great for all ages – families, date days, friend hangouts, solo adventures 👫
- 🎭 Fun, approachable Shakespeare – the stories are clear, the energy high and 100% Shakespeare
Just show up, settle in, and enjoy.
A Day at Shakespeare in the Park
The same basic schedule applies every day and at all show locations. You’re welcome to drop in for anything that strikes your fance at anytime or stay the whole day. Interested in knowing more about the shows and activities? Follow the More links.
1:00 PM
- Audience seating area opens — claim your spot with a lawn chair or blanket
- Concessions open (subject to availability)
- The PLAY’s the Thing tent opens with drop-in games like Shakespeare in the Park’s original “The Bard Game”
2:00 PM
- Much Ado About Nothing – Puppet Edition
A 60-minute performance full of wit, puppets, and quick changes – click here for more about the shows
3:15 PM
- The PLAY’s the Thing takes the stage with special events, demo’s, workshops and more – click here for more information
4:10 PM
- Early Music Now performance
Live Renaissance-era music, 30–35 minutes
5:00 PM
- The Taming of the Shrew
A 50-minute Shakespeare comedy featuring a small-but-mighty cast – click here for more about the shows
Click any park name below to visit its detailed info page:
- Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum – Sunday, August 3
- Grant Park – Sunday, July 27
- Humboldt Park – Saturday, July 19
- Kern Park – Saturday, August 9 (New Location!)
- Lake Park – Saturday, August 2 (New Location Within the Park!)Washington Park
- Lincoln Park – Sunday, August 10
- Mitchell Park – Saturday, July 26
- Sherman Park – Sunday, July 20
- Washington Park – Sunday, July 13
- Wisconsin Avenue Park – Sunday, August 17 (Closing Day! New Location!)
- Wisconsin Lutheran College – Saturday, July 12 (Opening Day!)
- Plus – Saturday, August 16 is held open to reschedule any park we had cancel due to inclement weather.
Please note: Dates and times are subject to change, and occasionally events may be cancelled. Please check the event website to confirm the latest details.
