Tips for Seeing New York City’s Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park is one of New York City’s most iconic summer events. The Public Theater’s annual summer season takes place at the Delacorte Theater in Manhattan’s Central Park. Tickets are free for all performances. This is good news for your wallet, but not for a guaranteed seat.

Tickets are available through three methods: borough distribution, online or in person. On select days, tickets are distributed in New York City’s five boroughs from 12–2 p.m. at a designated location while supplies last. Sign up online to enter the random lottery between 12 a.m.–12 p.m. on performance days. You will receive an email if you win. Tickets are handed out at 12 p.m. on performance days on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Delacorte Theater. Show times vary, so be sure to check the calendar. Two ticket vouchers are issued per person.

Performances vary year to year. Big stars have graced the stage including Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice, Anne Hathaway in Twelfth Night and Annette Bening in King Lear in recent years.

Some helpful hints for in-person tickets:

• It’s inevitable; be prepared to wait. Other than taking brief bathroom breaks or grabbing food from a nearby vendor, you must stay in line. You cannot save a spot for a friend to join later, or replace someone in line.
• Plan to arrive around 8 a.m. to ensure a prime spot.
• Bring entertainment. Wait times are long, so bring a book, snacks, your iPad and games to play with friends to help pass the time.
• If it works for your schedule, aim to see a weeknight performance. Weekend shows are consistently more popular.
• Try your luck with standby. If you cannot make it for the 12 p.m. distribution, wait for standby tickets. Arrive at the Delacorte Theater around 5:30 p.m. Staff distributes tickets if/when they become available.
• Take advantage of bad weather. Performances are only canceled if there is severe weather (thunder and lightening). If you don’t mind some raindrops, plan to attend an inclement weather performance, as these shows tend to have fewer attendees.