William Shakespeare’s Hamlet | Shakes in the Park FREE Shakespeare in the Park 2024

July 12 - September 1, 2024

While grappling with the grief of his father’s murder, Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, is thrust into a web of deceit, betrayal, and impending war. Not only has his mother married his father’s brother, but his uncle is the murderer. This summer, become immersed in the intrigue of Shakespeare's Hamlet—a riveting blend of passion, ghosts, and royal drama that promises to heat up your summer nights with gripping intensity.

Admission to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare in the Park Tour is free and open to the public. There are no ticket or RSVPs required and all performances are general admission. For questions regarding a specific location's policies on outside food and drink, protocols, etc. please contact the venue directly.

Summer 2024

Dates subject to change. Check back closer to the performance date.

If you are interested in booking a performance at your park or outdoor venue contact us to inquire about cost and availability.

What is FREE Shakespeare in the Park?

Launched in 2007, CSC’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour is one of the nation’s largest summer Shakespeare offerings, both in geographic area covered and audience members served. As the only professional outdoor theatre opportunity in the Cincinnati region each summer, CSC's FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour attracts more than 10,000 patrons to 30+ area parks anywhere within a two-hour radius of Cincinnati visiting OH, KY, and IN. CSC’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour enhances the vibrancy of neighborhoods throughout the region by creating traveling arts programs that increase the affordability, availability, and accessibility of the arts outside the downtown core. The park tour is an annual tradition—the closest audiences can get to what it might have been like to watch Shakespeare’s plays as they were first performed at the open-air theaters in Southhampton—and the heart of CSC’s mission to bring Shakespeare to life for all.

How much does it cost?

Admission to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare in the Park Tour is free and open to the public.

Do I have to RSVP or reserve tickets in advance?

There are no ticket or RSVPs required and all performances are general admission.

How do I find out about cancellations due to weather, etc?

All updates are posted on our public social media channels Facebook and Instagram. We try our best to post as soon as we know that a show is cancelled for weather or another reason but often do not know very far in advance. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

I have a question about a specific park- who do I contact?

We work with dozens of unique and separate parks, venues, and organizations. Each one has slightly different polices and procedures for enjoying a performance in their space. For questions regarding a specific location's policies on outside food and drink, protocols, seating options, accessibility, etc. please contact the venue directly.

Do you offer Sign Language Interpreted performances and Live Audio Described performances?

Yes! The performances with these services are noted above in the schedule. With questions, contact us.

How can I support FREE Shakespeare in the Park?

Please consider making a donation online here. We are grateful for the support! With questions, contact us.

Where do I get additional information from CSC?

Contact our Box Office Monday-Friday 12-5pm for assistance at (513) 381-2273.

This season, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company embarks on PROJECT Hamlet, presenting a trio of productions that explore the timeless tragedy of "Hamlet." The series begins with a FREE production of "Hamlet" in the parks across the tri-state area, followed by the Cincinnati premiere of James Ijames' Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Fat Ham," which reimagines the story of "Hamlet" as a backyard BBQ in the South. The series concludes with the World Premiere of Lauren Gunderson's "A Room in the Castle" which is based on the women of "Hamlet." This play was commissioned by CSC and is presented in collaboration with the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC. Experience them all!

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet | Shakes in the Park FREE Shakespeare in the Park 2024

July 12 - September 1, 2024

Summer 2024

This program was financially assisted by the Eleanora C. U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank.

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