Outdoor Shakespeare (and other outdoor performances) Near Puget Sound

The original edition of this post about Seattle Shakespeare in the Park productions (and other outdoor theater) was one of the first on Pacific Northwest and Beyond because I LOVE outdoor theater in the Summer. Packing a picnic and a blanket and watching free Shakespeare performances on the grass is a great way to spend a summer evening.

However, I took the post down in 2020 amid COVID-19, with all of the event cancellations.

It then returned in 2021 as some productions started returning. We’re happy to see that we can expect more Shakespeare in the Park in 2022.

But we’re retiring our events calendar and so we’ll be working on updating this post in the near future to accommodate the change in structure. Thanks.

Upcoming Seattle Shakespeare in the Park Productions and Other Puget Sound Area Outdoor Theater Events

More About Seattle Shakespeare in the Park Productions and Other Puget Sound Area Outdoor Theater Events

Sigh no more!  Summer is coming.  I love being outdoors, and I love theater, so one of the many things I’m looking forward to this summer is attending some outdoor Seattle Shakespeare in the Park performances. Recently, I saw Seattle Shakespeare‘s (indoor) performance of Shakespeare in Love at the Cornish playhouse.  Sadly, “Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter” shall remain one of Shakespeare’s um…lost…plays, but outdoor performances of his published plays abound in our area, including that of Ethel’s lesser cousin, “Romeo and Juliet”.  And many of them are, blessedly, free. Seeing Shakespeare performed outdoors seems, somehow,  right. Performances for most troupes are during July and August to catch the good weather though, around here, we never quite know what to expect.  Remember to pack your own seating and some extra layers for evening performances.  I especially love the mid-afternoon performances on a sunny day — a perfect time to pack your festival blanket and a picnic.

Free Productions:

Put money in thy purse (but if you enjoy the show, consider a donation to the theater company).

Outdoor Theater Festival

This two-day outdoor theatre (mostly Shakespeare but with some other plays as well) festival is held annually in July in Volunteer Park. 

(NOTE: Canceled for 2021)

GreenStage

For 2021, GreenStage IS presenting A MidSummer Night’s Dream and a “Backyard Bard” (shortened) production of Twelfth Night and The Tempest.

Wooden O

Wooden O is the summer outdoor Shakespeare branch of Seattle Shakespeare Company.  Currently, they don’t have any plays listed on their agenda.

Island Shakespeare Festival

This one is in Langley on Whidbey Island; performances are pay what you will. At the time I’m writing this, they don’t have any productions on the schedule.

Last Leaf

They put on one hour versions of two plays every year. Currently, there aren’t any productions listed for 2021.

Not Free, But Affordable and Worth It:

Outdoor Theater at Chetzemoka Park in Port Townsend

The Key City Public Theatre in Port Townsend keeps it to one play. Tickets usually run somewhere around $29. At the time I last checked, nothing was on their schedule for 2021.

Bloedel Reserve

Methinks I am vexed that we do not have more outdoor Shakespeare options in Kitsap County where I live But if you just want outdoor theater in Kitsap, I highly recommend the Kitsap Forest Theater.  They put on two musicals every summer in their wonderful outdoor theater.

However, Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge is host to one annual Shakespeare production. (Note: nothing yet listed for 2021)

Jewel Box Theater

Poulsbo’s Jewel Box Theater often puts on a production in Raab Park — for 2021 nothing is yet listed

Shakespeare Northwest in Mount Vernon/Skagit Shakespeare Festival

The festival in Mount Vernon is an annual happening. However, nothing is currently listed for 2021.

Have a Western WA or Seattle Shakespeare in the Park or other outdoor theater event that should be listed here? Submit it to our calendar!

• Pin