OPS Fest: Free Shakespeare in Portland Parks

Logo courtesy of OPS Fest

Watch free Shakespeare performances in Portland Parks during OPS Fest this summer. 

Original Practice Shakespeare Festival is celebrating its 16th season with 21 plays at 10 parks in the Portland metro area. The company will present a selection of Shakespeare’s most popular plays as well as a mix of overlooked classics.

Every summer, OPS Fest performs its repertory over the summer at locations throughout the city. The company of skilled, flexible actors will perform with occasional interruptions of songs, dances and sketches throughout.

Plan an evening out enjoying free entertainment in one of Portland’s beautiful outdoor spaces. 

More fun events in Portland parks:

Free Summer Movies in the Parks

Free Comedy in the Park at Laurelhurst Park

Hollywood Theatre’s Outdoor Movies in Oregon State Parks

Here’s where you can enjoy free Shakespeare performances this summer. 

OPS Fest: Free Shakespeare in Portland Parks

The 2024 OPS Fest season takes place on select nights from Friday, June 21 through Saturday, August 26.

Skilled, flexible actors will perform songs, dances and sketches throughout the event. The company uses the original practice techniques of Elizabethan England, including limited rehearsal, scrolls in hand, audience interaction and an onstage prompter.

You’re welcome to arrive during the hour before to watch the pregame song and dance and fight rehearsals. Children, picnics and leashed pups are welcome.

Pack your blankets, low-back chairs and snacks before you head to one of these upcoming events: 

2024 OPS Fest Schedule

Most shows begin at 7 p.m., with exception of a few events noted below. All events are free to attend. 

Friday, June 21

9 p.m. A Midsommer Nights Dreame 

Mt Tabor Summit, SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street in Portland

Friday, July 5

7 p.m. Merry Wives of Windsor

Cathedral Park, N Edison St. and Pittsburg Ave. in Portland

Saturday, July 6

7 p.m. King Lear

Cathedral Park, N Edison St. and Pittsburg Ave. in Portland

Friday, July 12

7 p.m. Henry V

Laurelhurst Park, SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd. and Stark St. in Portland

Saturday, July 13

7 p.m. Much Adoe About Nothing

Laurelhurst Park, SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd. and Stark St. in Portland

Friday, July 19

7 p.m. Julius Caesar

Irving Park, 707 NE Fremont St. in Portland

Saturday, July 20 

7 p.m. The Tempest

Irving Park, 707 NE Fremont St. in Portland

Friday, July 26

7 p.m. Cymbeline

Laurelhurst Park, SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd. and Stark St. in Portland

Saturday, July 27

7 p.m. A Midsommer Nights Dreame

Laurelhurst Park, SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd. and Stark St. in Portland

Sunday, July 28

7 p.m. Twelfe Night

Roehr Park, 350 Oswego Pointe Dr, Lake Oswego

Friday, August 2

7 p.m. Loves Labour’s Lost

Irving Park, 707 NE Fremont St. in Portland

Saturday, August 3

7 p.m. Hamlet

Irving Park, 707 NE Fremont St. in Portland

Thursday, August 8

6:30 p.m. Play TBD

TBD Park, Beaverton

Friday, August 9

7 p.m. Romeo and Juliet

George Rogers Park, 611 S State St, Lake Oswego

Saturday, August 10

7 p.m. Comedie of Errors

Veterans’ Park, 22547 SW Main St, Sherwood

Friday, August 16

7 p.m. As You Like It

Washington Park Amphitheater, 410 SW Kingston Ave. in Portland

Saturday, August 17 

7 p.m. Macbeth

Washington Park Amphitheater, 410 SW Kingston Ave. in Portland

Friday, August 23

7 p.m. The Winter’s Tale

Mount Tabor Amphitheater, SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street in Portland

Saturday, August 24

2 p.m. Apprentice Showcase!

Mount Tabor Amphitheater, SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street in Portland

Saturday, August 24

7 p.m. Henry IV, pt 1

Mount Tabor Amphitheater, SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street in Portland

Sunday, August 25

7 p.m. Two Gentlemen of Verona

The Homestead, Oregon City

For more information, visit OPS Fest’s website. 

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