Louisville's 70-Year Free Shakespeare Fest Kicks Off 66th Season

The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Louisville is preparing for its 66th season, marking nearly seven decades of free outdoor theatrical performances. The highly anticipated event will run for 11 weeks, presenting a total of 55 performances across five distinct productions. This year's lineup includes beloved plays such as 'As You Like It,' 'Antony and Cleopatra,' and 'The Two Gentlemen of Verona,' offering a mix of romance, comedy, and tragedy.

Beyond the main stage, the festival cultivates a vibrant atmosphere with activities beginning at 6 p.m. nightly. Attendees can enjoy rotating food trucks, a themed bar, a gift shop, and pre-show entertainment starting at 7:15 p.m. For younger audiences, the Kids' Globe tent offers free interactive arts activities before each performance, enhancing the family-friendly experience. The company will also tour 'The Tempest' to over 40 parks in the Louisville area and Southern Indiana.

This year's season, commencing May 27 at the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater in Central Park, also features 'Romeo and Juliet' from the Globe Players professional training program and a special 'Shakespeare in Dance' presentation by the Louisville Ballet. Kentucky Shakespeare holds the distinction of being the longest-running non-ticketed Shakespeare festival in the United States, underscoring its commitment to making the arts accessible.