San Francisco parks regularly host free events, and this September, a popular series of free live theater performances is back for its 44th season. Shakespeare in the Park will return to McLaren Park and Sue Bierman Park for another exciting series of performances featuring local performers. Here’s what to know.
Shakespeare in the Park 2026
The 44th year of free Shakespeare in the Park returns to San Francisco starting on September 5. This year’s show is the iconic drama, Antony and Cleopatra. The free performance will last 90 minutes in the outdoor venues, and it is the festival’s first performance of the play.
Check out the San Francisco schedule here:
McLaren Park, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater
- Saturday, September 5 at 2:00 pm (Preview)
- Sunday, September 6 at 2:00 pm (Preview)
- Monday (Labor Day), September 7 at 2:00 pm (Opening)
- Saturday, September 12 at 2:00 pm
- Sunday, September 13 at 2:00 pm
Sue Bierman Park
- Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 pm (Preview)
- Sunday, September 20 at 2:00 pm (Opening)
- Saturday, September 26 at 2:00 pm
- Sunday, September 27 at 2:00 pm
The festival will come to San Francisco in September, but you can catch performances in the Bay Area this August as well. You can see the show at the Memorial Park Amphitheater in Cupertino until August 9, or head to Red Morton Park in Redwood City on August 15 through August 30.
The free performances are hosted by the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, which first started in 1983. The nonprofit organization aims to make Shakespeare’s work accessible and enjoyable, and the free performances are a wonderful way to experience the iconic plays. The organization offers educational workshops, along with day camps and after-school programs.