Going to see a Shakespeare play in the park has become a beloved summer Southern California tradition. So get out that picnic blanket and low-back beach chair, and prepare to head out for a bit of the Bard. For free. And here’s where you can do it in 2026.
This company founded in 1998 typically stages two plays each summer, but budget cuts this year required them to pare it down to one. So the company picked “Macbeth,” which certainly has every element required for drama. “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” All shows start at 7 p.m. Admission and parking are free, but you can help support the company by buying a “Bard’s Bites” meal at some locations, which includes reserved seating, or giving a donation. Learn more: shakespearebythesea.org
- June 26-27 — Long Beach: Recreation Park Bandshell on two nights. Location: 701-939 Federation Drive. Bench seating. (Bard’s Bites available)
- July 2 — Rossmoor: At Rush Park, 3021 Blume Drive.
- July 3 — Encino: Sepulveda Garden Center, 16633 Magnolia Blvd.
- July 8-9 — Hermosa Beach: Valley Park, 2521 Valley Drive. Grassy hillside with ocean breezes.
- July 10-11 — San Pedro: Point Fermin Park. Historic bandshell. 807 Paseo Del Mar. Ocean views. It can get chilly. (Bard’s Bites available)
- July 12 — Rancho Palos Verdes: Hesse Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd. Rancho Palos Verdes.
- July 16-17 — Manhattan Beach: Polliwog Park at the Lakeview amphitheatre. 1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
- July 18-19 — South Pasadena: Garfield Park, 1000 Park Ave.
- July 22 — Beverly Hills: Roxbury Park, 471 S. Roxbury Drive.
- July 23 — Aliso Viejo: Soka University campus green, 1 University Drive.
- July 24 — Redondo Beach: Veterans Park (note: park is oceanfront by the pier and can get chilly;arrive early to find parking), 309 Esplanade. (Bard’s Bites available)
- July 25 — Redondo Beach: Dominguez Park, 200 Flagler Lane. (Bard’s Bites available)
Independent Shakespeare Company at Griffith Park
This year’s season runs June 24-Sept. 6, with shows starting at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays (except July 4) at the Dell at the top of the Old Zoo in Griffith Park. Give yourself time to park and walk up. Front seating is for blankets only; low back chairs allowed farther back. All seating is first come, first served but organizers ask you to sign up in advance so they know how many people want to come (not mandatory). On rare occasions, the area might be full. There’s a preshow if you come early. This is theater in the round. If you want to splurge, $60 will buy you an elevated, reserved chair. No dogs, alcohol or smoking are permitted. No food or drink will be for sale. indieshakes.org/free-shakespeare-2026
- June 24-July 26: “Coriolanus” (no performance July 4)
- Aug. 5-Sept. 6: “The Comedy of Errors”
Dana Point Shakespeare Festival in the Park
- July 10-11: The Bard returns to beautiful Sea Terrace Park this year for two nights, with “The Comedy of Errors” performed from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday. Bring a blanket or low-back chair. The event is free and all ages. Donations are appreciated. On Saturday only, enjoy live music, food trucks, an artisan village, beer and wine for purchase. The show starts at 8 p.m. You can support co-sponsor Jack’s Restaurant by ordering a picnic dinner to go from at 24462 Del Prado. Call 949-489-1903 or visit jacksdp.com. Setup at the park allowed starting at 2 p.m. Location: Sea Terrace Park, 33418 Pacific Coast Hwy #100, Dana Point. Reserve your spot here (or just show up): eventbrite.com/e/dana-point-shakespeare-festival-presents-the-comedy-of-errors-registration-1982608443224
Loyola Marymount University’s Shakespeare on the Bluff
These student performances are free and open to everyone outdoors on the LMU Drollinger Family Stage. Shows typically last 90-100 minutes. Bring a blanket, low chairs and a picnic. Parking is free after 8 p.m. and on weekends at Drollinger Parking Plaza (Lot L) on LMU’s campus. Before 8 p.m. weekdays, pay for your parking via the kiosks. Additional information and campus maps at lmu.edu/shakespeare. 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles.
- June 11-13: “The Comedy of Errors” plays for three nights. Doors open at 6 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. Reservations are requested (but not mandatory) at eventbrite.com/e/the-comedy-of-errorslmus-shakespeare-on-the-bluff-tickets-1984436270304
- July 9-11: “Hamlet” for three nights. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. Reservations are requested (but not mandatory) at eventbrite.com/e/hamletlmus-shakespeare-on-the-bluff-tickets-1984436379631
Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival
- July 31-Aug. 2: “Coriolanus” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, July 31, at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. The show is free but registration is required in advance at eventbrite.com/e/coriolanus-presented-by-santa-clarita-shakespeare-2026-festival-tickets-1987656619455 The MAIN, 24266 Main St. Santa Clarita
New Swan Shakespeare Festival at UC Irvine
- July 7-Aug. 30: While not free, the New Swan Shakespeare Festival at UC Irvine will stage “Romeo & Juliet” and “The Merry Wives of Windsor Cove” (a musical adaptation set in a 1950s SoCal surf town) in a miniature Elizabethan space, with professionals and students participating. Tickets cost $28-$115. newswanshakespeare.com