Attend the Nashville Summer Shakespeare Festival

Shake up the end of your summer fun by adding the Summer Shakespeare Festival to your weekend calendar. The event returns for its 35th season Thursdays-Sundays beginning Aug. 31-Sept. 24.

The Yard at oneC1TY with the arched metal Summer Shakespeare stage and a tower with a Nashville Shakespeare Festival banner.

From date night to catching up with friends, we’re adding Summer Shakespeare to our calendars for some cost-effective fun.

Photo by NASHtoday

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To go or not to go... is that even a question? The 35th annual Summer Shakespeare Festival is back — Thursdays through Sundays from Aug. 31 to Sept. 24 at The Yard at oneC1TY (plus, Monday, Sept. 4 for Labor Day).

This year’s production is sure to bring the crowd, so here are our pro tips for getting the most out of your experience.

Overarching concept

Director Denice Hicks’ interpretation of Shakespeare’s original “Much Ado About Nothing” will follow the themes of “young love, scandal, deception, and witty banter” in 1973 Nashville.

Beyond the production

Vendors open and the Insight Lecture Series starts on the terrace at 5:30 p.m. Secure your snacks + drinks from the food trucks and then find your seat. Pro tip: Yazoo Brewing Co. will be serving a limited edition “Shake’s Beer.”

Pre-show entertainment, beginning with Domipastrami - The Blacrobat on Aug. 31, kicks off at 6 p.m. each evening and features local and regional talent before the play at 7 p.m. See the full lineup.

How to watch

  • Free: Bring your own blanket or chair (a $10 donation is suggested).
  • $40: A Noble Seat is a reserved chair in the second or third row.
  • $100: The VIP Royal Package includes reserved parking, a gourmet picnic dinner, and seating in the first or second row.

Pro tip: oneC1TY offers free parking in the underground garage beneath Pastaria and Sump Coffee — this is where VIP Royal Package ticket holders will park. There are additional paid lots and street parking available.

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